Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington
Self defense laws in washington state
If a victim of an assault takes the attackers baseball bat away during the conflict, and proceeds to beat the attacker to death with the bat, is it considered self defense?
Asked on 7/15/07, 11:36 pm
1 Answer from Attorneys
James J. White, attorney
Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC
Re: Self defense laws in washington state
Perhaps. You are allowed to use reasonable force. Part of what determines the reasonableness of the force is the force used against you. It would depend on the particulars of the case. If the assailant is disarmed and disabled it would not be allowable to proceed to kill him. However, if, in the heat of the moment, the strikes to the assailant, intended to disable, accidently resulted in death, then you have a self-defense case. Contact me directly if you need representation.
At your service,
Answered on 7/16/07, 1:03 am