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When can I use my firearm for self defense? |
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Written by Administrator
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Monday, 29 November 1999 16:00 |
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That is a complicated question, but generally the use of deadly force is only justified if you have "reasonable belief that you are in imminent danger of great bodily injury or death" from an attacker. That means that threats to do something to you later don't count, nor do threats of non serious injuries justify deadly force. In general, California requires that the force used be "reasonable," and that usually means the minimum amount necessary to neutralize that threat. Threatening to use a firearm unreasonably, even with no intention to actually do so, could result in you being charged with brandishing a firearm. "Brandishing" carries a minimum three (3) month jail sentence and may result in forfeiting your right to possess a firearm for ten years. |
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Last Updated on Monday, 16 February 2009 14:03 |
