What Are Possible Defenses to Assault Charges?
If a reasonable person would have felt it necessary to use force to avoid a danger of being hurt, and reasonable force was used, then there may be a viable self-defense argument. This also may apply when the person was defending someone else against the danger of physical harm. In other cases, the alleged assault may have been accidental, or the accuser may have misinterpreted the defendant’s actions. The defense of property may even be a viable defense to a charge of assault. Finally, mitigating circumstances could help reduce the defendant’s responsibility as well.
