What Is Considered to be Excessive Force?
There are specific instances in which force may be a natural and necessary response in order to protect one’s safety, rights, or property. In fact, there are several different situations in which force is an appropriate response, as described by Florida state statutes. Excessive force accusations are not simply limited to police brutality cases but also concern matters like using force to defend others or using force to prevent escape.
If you are involved in a case that requires a detailed understanding of the proper use of force, you need an experienced legal advisor who can help you determine what force was proper and if any force was excessive or criminal. Please contact the West Palm Beach criminal defense attorneys at Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. by calling 561-353-2800 today.
Use of Force
A person can legally use force to defend themselves in the state of Florida if probable or imminent threat of unlawful force is going to be used towards them. This regulation exempts the use of deadly force unless the person reasonably believes that deadly force is necessary to protect their own life.
A person may also legally use force, and even deadly force in certain circumstances, to protect their home and any persons who are living in that home or who are under the legal guardianship of individuals in that home. A person can use force to defend their home if someone illegally enters it.
Also, law enforcement officers may use reasonable force within the scope of normal practices to investigate a violation of the law. However, deadly force cannot be used towards a law enforcement officer if they are using justifiable force to make an arrest.
Contact Us
It is important for citizens to know their rights to defend themselves against harm. If you believe that your use of defensive force was within the limits of the law, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer to help strengthen your defense. Please contact the West Palm Beach criminal defense attorneys at Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. by calling 561-353-2800 today.
