What Is Considered “Reasonable Force”?

In a self-defense case, “reasonable force” refers to the minimum amount of force necessary to prevent harm—nothing more. Courts determine whether force was reasonable by considering what a typical person in the same situation would have believed and done.

For example:

• If someone throws a punch, responding with a single punch or blocking the attack may be considered reasonable.
• If an attacker threatens you with a deadly weapon, using a firearm or another weapon to defend yourself may be justified.
• If the threat has been neutralized but force continues—such as repeatedly striking an already incapacitated attacker—it may be deemed excessive and not protected under self-defense laws.

California courts distinguish between defensive force and retaliatory or excessive aggression. If prosecutors argue that you went beyond what was necessary to protect yourself, they may challenge your self-defense claim.

Courts evaluate whether force was “reasonable” based on various factors, including:

• The size and strength of both parties – A smaller, weaker individual using more force to defend against a larger, stronger attacker may be considered justified.
• Prior threats or history of violence – If the aggressor had previously threatened or harmed the defendant, the use of force might be viewed as more reasonable.
• The presence of a weapon – Using force against an unarmed person may be scrutinized differently than responding to a deadly weapon.
• Physical or mental disabilities – If the defendant has a medical condition or disability that affects their ability to escape or defend themselves, it could justify a greater use of force.

Under California law, courts analyze self-defense cases based on what a reasonable person in the same situation would have believed and done. The stronger the evidence supporting a genuine fear of harm, the more likely the court will find the force used was justified.

Can Deadly Force Be Considered Reasonable?

class=”yoast-text-mark”>data-start=”130″ data-end=”279″>In some situations, using deadly force may be legally justified—but only when absolutely necessary. The law allows deadly force in self-defense if:

• You had a reasonable belief that you or someone else was in immediate danger of being killed or suffering serious bodily injury.
• The force you used was proportional to the threat and no more than necessary to stop the danger.

Prosecutors may challenge a self-defense claim by arguing that non-lethal options—such as retreating or using lesser force—were available. However, California’s Stand Your Ground law states that you are not legally required to retreat if you are in a place where you have a right to be.

Case Example: People v. Humphrey (1996)
In People v. Humphrey, the California Supreme Court ruled that a battered woman’s past experiences of domestic violence were relevant in determining whether her belief in the need for deadly force was reasonable. The court acknowledged that previous abuse could make a person more aware of imminent threats, even if no immediate attack was occurring. This case set a precedent for how courts evaluate self-defense claims, particularly for individuals who have experienced repeated violence.

When evaluating a self-defense claim, courts assess whether the actions taken align with California self-defense laws and whether the level of reasonable force used was justified based on the circumstances.

What If You Were Defending Someone Else?

If you reasonably believed another person was in imminent danger of harm, you had the legal right to use reasonable force to protect them. This principle, known as the defense of others doctrine, follows the same legal standards as self-defense. However, the force used must be proportionate to the threat, meaning you cannot use more force than necessary to stop the danger.

Example of Defense of Others

Imagine you are at a restaurant when you see someone aggressively threatening another diner with a knife. If you genuinely believe the victim is about to be stabbed, you may be legally justified in using physical force—even deadly force if necessary—to prevent the attack.

However, if you see two people arguing without any physical violence, stepping in and punching one of them could be seen as excessive force, making it difficult to claim self-defense.

Just like in self-defense cases, prosecutors may challenge your actions by arguing that:

• The person you were defending was not actually in immediate danger.
• You had other options besides using force.
• The force you used went beyond what was necessary to stop the threat.

What If You Made a Mistake About the Threat?

California law allows for imperfect self-defense, which applies when someone genuinely but unreasonably believes that using deadly force is necessary to protect themselves.

In these cases:

• The charge may be reduced (e.g., from murder to voluntary manslaughter) if the person honestly believed they were in imminent danger.
• However, imperfect self-defense does not result in full acquittal—it only reduces the severity of the charges.

This defense recognizes that while the person acted out of fear, their belief that deadly force was necessary was not reasonable under the circumstances. If proven, it can significantly impact the outcome of a case.

What If You Are Facing Criminal Charges for Acting in Self-Defense?

If you have been arrested or charged after using force to protect yourself or someone else, the prosecution may argue that your actions were excessive or unnecessary. Even if you acted in genuine fear for your safety, law enforcement and prosecutors may still pursue charges, claiming that the force used was not justified under California law.

A strong legal defense can challenge these accusations by demonstrating that you acted reasonably under the circumstances. This may involve presenting witness testimony, security footage, expert analysis, or other evidence to prove that your response was necessary to prevent harm. Because self-defense cases are complex, having an experienced criminal defense attorney is crucial in ensuring that your rights are protected.

Contact a Los Angeles Self-Defense Attorney Today

If you are facing criminal charges after acting in self-defense, taking immediate legal action is essential. California self-defense laws allow individuals to use reasonable force when protecting themselves or others, but prosecutors often challenge these claims—arguing that the force used was excessive or unnecessary. The right legal representation can be the difference between a conviction and a case dismissal.

Attorney Hashemi is a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney with over 20 years of experience successfully defending clients in self-defense cases. He understands how prosecutors build these cases and knows how to push back—challenging weak evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and demonstrating why your actions were legally justified. His strategic approach has led to dismissals, reduced charges, and acquittals for clients who used force to protect themselves or others.

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