You have the right to defend yourself if your life is in danger. However, sometimes such circumstances might land you in a life-changing position.
Misunderstandings, conflicting opinions and blatant lies could leave you facing charges of domestic violence. Having a clear distinction between self-defense and domestic violence can help you protect your rights.
Excessive force
When confronted with a violent situation, your first instinct is probably to defend yourself. If someone is threatening you, fighting back might literally save your life. However, using excessive force beyond submission can jeopardize your innocence.
Domestic violence can take on many forms, not just physical. Emotional abuse, psychological abuse and even sexual abuse all fall under domestic violence. Participating in such conduct could result in life-changing consequences for you including ruined relationships, lost opportunities and jarring legal repercussions.
Temper management
Perhaps your situation was a combination of self-defense and domestic assault. Recognizing that you want to improve your response in high-stress situations can benefit you in the future. According to The Mayo Clinic, seeking professional help might introduce you to strategies to manage your anger. Knowing how to better control your emotional response could improve your interactions with others and help you control any violent tendencies you might have.
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your arrest, a strong defense can help you minimize the impact your actions have on the rest of your life. Resolving to right any wrongs can help you repair your reputation and prevent the risks of a similar situation from happening again. Domestic violence does not have to be the reason you receive judgment for the rest of your life.
