1. Imminent Danger:
Demonstrate that you were faced with an immediate and imminent threat of serious bodily harm or death. This may involve providing evidence that the attacker had a weapon, made threatening gestures, or had previously demonstrated a propensity for violence.
2. Proportionality:
Show that the force used to defend yourself was proportional to the threat you faced. This means using no more force than necessary to protect yourself. For example, if someone is attacking you with their fists, you may be justified in using your hands to defend yourself but not in using a deadly weapon.
3. Absence of Aggression:
Prove that you did not provoke the attack or initiate the confrontation. If you were the aggressor, your claim of self-defense may be weakened or negated.
4. Reasonable Belief of Danger:
Demonstrate that you had a reasonable belief that you were in danger, even if your belief turned out to be mistaken. This may involve providing evidence of prior threats, past acts of violence by the attacker, or the attacker’s appearance or demeanor.
5. Lack of Alternative:
Show that you had no other reasonable option to protect yourself other than using force. This may involve proving that you attempted to retreat or de-escalate the situation before resorting to self-defense.