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When Self-Defense is Not a NJ Defense

By Lependorf & Silverstein

Contrary to popular belief, self-defense does not necessarily give citizens the right to retaliate against others or the right to use guns when attacked with a knife. In fact, misunderstanding the law of self-defense can cause a person to go to jail for an assault charge, or worse, for murder. Under New Jersey?s Criminal Code 2C: 3-4, a person is justified in using force for self-protection when defending ?their well-being and the well-being of others from intruders and attackers.? Self-defense can be used against the unlawful use of force by another if the person believes that they are in danger of immediate bodily harm or death, but a person using self-defense cannot exceed the level of force with which the attacker has threatened the defender...continue to full post

Full post as published by New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog on August 10, 2010 (boomark / email).