Self Defense vs. Murder

An intruder breaks into your home with a gun, trying to rob you. When you find the robber, he points the gun at you, prompting you to draw your weapon and kill the intruder. Did you just commit murder?

When you kill someone in a justified situation, you may not have broken the law. If you have been accused of murder but believe you were acting in self defense, contact the experienced San Jose self defense lawyers of the Law Office of Daniel Jensen, LLP. at [phone-number] to discuss the facts of your case.

Was It Self Defense or Murder?

There are several factors that distinguish self defense from murder. Perhaps the most important factor is that murder is usually unprovoked; that is, an individual kills another individual without reasonable cause.

In self defense cases, an individual may kill another if he or she had reasonable cause. Typically, reasonable cause is defined as reasonable fear for physical safety or death. In other words, if you feel your life is in danger and most reasonable people would feel the same way in the same situation, you may have acted in self defense.

You should consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney if you have been accused of killing someone. If you did act in self defense, proving your actions could be the difference between your own life and death.

Contact Us

Murder is an extremely serious accusation. If you or someone you love has been accused of committing murder but were actually acting in self defense, the San Jose self defense attorneys of the Law Office of Daniel Jensen, LLP. may be able to help prove your case. Contact us at [phone-number] to discuss your defense options.