Self-defense is a natural instinct — but in California, acting in self-defense is only legal when very specific conditions are met. If you use force to protect yourself or others in Los Angeles, it’s essential to understand the legal limits. Otherwise, you could find yourself facing criminal charges, even if you believe you did the right thing.
Let’s break down what counts as legal self-defense under California law — and when you might need a criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights.
What Is Considered Self-Defense in California?
Under California law, self-defense means using reasonable force to protect yourself, someone else, or, in limited situations, your property from imminent harm.
You are legally allowed to defend yourself if:
- You reasonably believed you or someone else was in imminent danger of being harmed,
- You reasonably believed that the use of force was necessary to stop that danger, and
- You used no more force than necessary to prevent the harm.
This legal standard applies to both non-lethal and, in some cases, deadly force — but the burden is on you to show your actions were justified.
Understanding ‘Imminent Danger’
California courts interpret “imminent” to mean the threat must be immediate and unavoidable. For example:
Someone lunges at you with a knife — you react in self-defense.
Someone threatens to “come back tomorrow” — that’s not imminent.
Verbal threats alone usually don’t justify self-defense unless they are paired with an act that makes the threat immediate and credible.
How Much Force Can You Legally Use?
California law requires that the force used must match the threat. You can’t use more force than is necessary.
Examples:
- If someone shoves you, punching them repeatedly could be considered excessive.
- If someone pulls a gun on you, using deadly force in return may be justified.
Using a firearm in self-defense in California triggers even more legal scrutiny, especially in Los Angeles. To justify it, you must show you had a reasonable fear of death or serious injury and that deadly force was your only option.
Can You Defend Someone Else?
Yes. California law allows for defense of others. If you witness someone being assaulted or threatened, you can intervene if:
- The person you’re protecting is in imminent danger, and
- You use only as much force as necessary to stop the threat.
But be careful: If it turns out the person you were defending wasn’t actually in danger, or if you misjudged the situation, you could still face charges.
Self-Defense and Property Protection
Unlike in some other states, you cannot use deadly force to protect property alone in California. For instance:
- You may use reasonable, non-deadly force to stop someone from stealing or damaging your belongings.
- But using a weapon to defend your car or wallet (without any threat to your safety) could get you arrested.
Stand Your Ground vs. Duty to Retreat
California follows the Stand Your Ground principle through court decisions, not specific legislation. This means:
- You are not legally required to retreat if you are lawfully in a location and face a threat.
- You can stand your ground and use necessary force if you are not the aggressor and are in imminent danger.
This applies at home, in public, or at work — but you still must prove the use of force was reasonable under the circumstances.
What Is the Castle Doctrine?
Under California’s Castle Doctrine (Penal Code Section 198.5), if someone unlawfully enters your home, you are presumed to have a reasonable fear of harm.
This gives you broader rights to use force — even deadly force — without retreating. But it only applies in your home, not outside (like in your driveway or street).
What About ‘Imperfect’ Self-Defense?
California law recognizes imperfect self-defense, which occurs when:
- You honestly believed force was necessary,
- But that belief was unreasonable by legal standards.
This doesn’t excuse the act, but it can reduce murder charges to voluntary manslaughter.
When to Call a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Even if you acted in good faith, police and prosecutors may not see it that way. Self-defense cases are rarely clear-cut. If you’re being investigated or charged after defending yourself:
- Do not speak to police without an attorney.
- Do not assume your actions will be seen as justified.
Call the Law Offices of Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners at (213) 481-6811 for a free consultation. We defend clients across Los Angeles in all types of violent crime cases — including self-defense