Our client was charged with homicide after a confrontation with two individuals who had stolen his work van. After locating the vehicle using a tracking device, our client attempted to recover it on his own after law enforcement declined to assist. During the encounter, one individual entered the driver’s seat while the other physically attacked our client. A violent struggle ensued, during which our client was stabbed and fought back using a knife he found inside the vehicle. One of the assailants later died from her injuries, exposing our client to a murder prosecution and a life-altering prison sentence.
Our defense team conducted an extensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and meticulously analyzed the physical evidence and witness statements. Applying our thorough understanding of California self-defense law, we demonstrated that our client was the victim of a violent assault, had sustained stab wounds himself, and used force only while defending himself during a rapidly escalating attack. We aggressively advocated that the evidence established lawful defense under California law, which justifies the use of deadly force when necessary to defend oneself or prevent the commission of a forcible and atrocious felony.
After reviewing the evidence and our legal arguments, the prosecution dismissed the case. By establishing that our client’s actions fell within the protections of California’s self-defense laws, we prevented a wrongful prosecution and protected our client from the devastating consequences of a homicide conviction.