Trusted Legal Representation for Self-Defense Cases in Los Angeles
Self-defense is a fundamental right protected under California law, allowing individuals to use reasonable force to protect themselves, others, or their property when faced with imminent danger. However, even when self-defense is legally justified, misunderstandings of the law can lead to serious criminal charges, including assault, battery, manslaughter, or even murder.
At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we know that being accused of a violent crime when you were acting in self-defense is a frightening and overwhelming experience. With over 20 years of criminal defense experience, our team has successfully defended clients in Los Angeles and throughout California against a wide range of violent crime charges, including homicide, aggravated assault, and domestic violence. We understand the complexities of self-defense cases and how to build a compelling argument to ensure your side of the story is heard.
Our approach is simple: we evaluate every detail of your case, from the circumstances surrounding the incident to the evidence presented by the prosecution, to craft a personalized and strategic defense. Whether you acted to protect yourself, your loved ones, or your home, we’ll fight tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected and that you are treated fairly by the justice system. If you’ve been charged in a self-defense case, don’t face the legal system alone. Contact our office at (310) 448-1529 today to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you take the first step toward protecting your rights and your future.
Understanding Self-Defense Laws in California
The law allows you to defend yourself or others when faced with an immediate threat of harm. If you reasonably believe you are in imminent danger of injury or death, you have the right to use force to protect yourself. This right applies to a variety of situations, such as physical confrontations, home intrusions, or other scenarios where your safety is directly at risk.
It is important to note, however, that this right does not grant unlimited permission to use force. The force used must be proportional to the threat faced. Deadly force, for example, is only permitted when it is reasonably necessary to prevent serious bodily injury or death. Misusing or overestimating the need for force in these situations can lead to criminal charges, such as assault or manslaughter.
The complexities of self-defense laws require a precise understanding of what constitutes reasonable actions. Missteps can result in severe legal consequences, which is why having the right guidance is essential.
Key Elements of Self-Defense in California
Under California law, your actions may be considered lawful self-defense if they meet the following criteria:
- Immediate Threat of Harm: You reasonably believed that you or someone else was in imminent danger of being injured, unlawfully touched, or killed. The threat must be immediate—future or vague threats are not sufficient.
- Necessary Use of Force: You believed that immediate action, including the use of force, was required to prevent harm. The law recognizes that hesitation in life-threatening situations can increase the risk of injury or death.
- Proportionate Force: The level of force you used was reasonable and no greater than what was necessary to prevent the threat. For example, responding to a non-lethal attack with deadly force may be considered excessive under California law.
If these elements are met, self-defense may provide complete legal protection against criminal charges. However, failing to meet one or more of these criteria could result in a charge being upheld or reduced, such as from murder to manslaughter under an “imperfect” self-defense claim.
The Castle Doctrine and Defending Your Home
The Castle Doctrine, outlined under Penal Code 198.5, offers specific protections to homeowners who use force to defend themselves within their residence. This doctrine permits the use of deadly force, but only when the homeowner reasonably believes the intruder poses an immediate threat of death or serious bodily harm. Importantly, these protections are limited to situations where personal safety is at risk—they do not extend to protecting property alone. For example, if an unarmed intruder enters your home without showing any threatening behavior, using deadly force could result in criminal charges, such as manslaughter or assault with a deadly weapon.
Self-defense claims extend beyond the home and may apply in various scenarios. In cases of home invasions, homeowners may justifiably use force to protect themselves and their families if their safety is immediately threatened. Similarly, in public altercations, responding to an unprovoked physical attack with reasonable force may qualify as self-defense. California law also allows individuals to protect others from imminent harm, provided the actions taken are proportionate to the threat.
While self-defense laws provide strong legal protections, asserting this defense can be challenging in court. Prosecutors often scrutinize whether your belief in the danger was reasonable and whether the force used was proportional. Without skilled legal representation, even justified actions can lead to severe consequences, making it crucial to navigate these cases with the guidance of an experienced attorney.
How We Can Help
Every self-defense case is unique. We’ll conduct an in-depth review of the facts surrounding your case, including the events leading up to the incident, the actions you took, and the circumstances you faced. This evaluation helps us identify the most effective defense strategies tailored to your situation. Building a strong defense requires more than just your account of the incident. We’ll work to uncover critical evidence, such as surveillance footage, medical reports, or police records, that supports your claim. Additionally, we’ll interview witnesses to provide corroborating statements that strengthen your defense.
In complex cases, we may work with forensic experts, psychologists, or use other professional resources to reconstruct the events and establish the reasonableness of your actions. This expertise can play a crucial role in demonstrating that your belief in the threat was justified. If your case goes to trial, we’ll advocate for you at every stage, presenting compelling arguments that highlight the immediate threat you faced and the necessity of your actions. We’ll challenge the prosecution’s evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and ensure the jury understands your right to self-defense under the law.
In many cases, Attorney Hashemi can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or even have the case dismissed entirely. Our team will explore all available options to resolve your case favorably without unnecessary courtroom battles.
Proven Results in Self-Defense Cases
Attempted Murder Charges Dismissed
When our client was charged with attempted murder after acting in self-defense, the odds seemed stacked against them. Concerns were raised about whether the force used was proportional to the threat faced. Attorney Hashemi filed a PC 995 motion to challenge the charges head-on. After presenting compelling evidence and legal arguments, the court agreed, dismissing all charges and clearing our client’s name completely.
Major Felony Charges Dropped in Riverside
Facing accusations of robbery, assault with a firearm, extortion, and criminal threats, our client was staring at the possibility of a 15-year prison sentence. Attorney Hashemi conducted a meticulous year-long investigation to uncover evidence that justified our client’s actions under self-defense laws. This effort convinced the District Attorney to dismiss all charges, ensuring our client’s freedom and future were fully protected.
Felony Battery Charges Thrown Out
A client facing felony battery charges with serious bodily injury risked up to four years in prison. During the preliminary hearing, Attorney Hashemi effectively argued that the client acted in self-defense or defense of another individual. The court dismissed the charges entirely, sparing the client from criminal penalties and restoring their peace of mind.
Murder Charge Reduced with a Strategic Defense
In one of our most challenging cases, a client charged with murder under Penal Code 187(a) faced a potential life sentence. Attorney Hashemi built a powerful defense based on the concept of imperfect self-defense. After extensive negotiation and evidence presentation, the murder charge was dismissed, and the client pled to voluntary manslaughter, resulting in a drastically reduced six-year sentence.
Self-defense cases often involve complex legal questions about proportionality, necessity, and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Prosecutors aggressively challenge these defenses, making it critical to have an experienced attorney who can present your side with skill and precision. If you acted to protect yourself or others, Attorney Hashemi can help you fight for justice and protect your future.

