i know this probably sounds stupid but i called the cops after just out of shock of what i did. the guy then wanted to press charges for assault. why didn't it count on my side that he threatened me? not to forget that he called a friend up to come and beat me too. all i wanted was for him to leave me alone as i was minding my own business on my phone. by the way, i'm a female. were the cops sexist as well as not to take my side?
2006-11-22 09:23:26 · 14 answers · asked by lilsepi 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
YOUR DEFENCE SHOULD BE BASED ON THIS STATEMENT-YOUR HONOUR-I LASHED OUT IN THE HONEST BELEIF THAT I WAS ABOUT TO BE ATTACKED. I WAS A LONE FEMALE THIS IS ALL THE DEFENCE I HAVE TO OFFER!!. you will be fine-trust me.
2006-11-22 10:24:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as he is just talking, he is not breaking the law. He is not allowed to threaten you since that is harassment. You should have called the cops when he was harassing you. No, the cops were not being sexist, they were just following the law.
You can only use physical violence when your "life or limb" is in eminent danger. Even then you can only do what is necessary to stop the attack. If he physically attacks you, you can hit him until he stops. Once he stops hitting you, you have to stop hitting him. In this case, you might be able to have him arrested for harrassing you, but he could also have you arrested for assaulting him.
It may seem unfair, but think of it this way. If you were allowed to hit him for threatening you, then the next time you get into an argument with someone that person could hit you for saying something offensive.
2006-11-22 17:42:51 · answer #2 · answered by Gypsy Girl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should have called the police when this guy threatened you, because you were the one who perpetuated the violent act is why he has grounds for charging you.
You will be able to have your say in court, but next time use your cool, use your phone to call and try to get a restraining order against this person, if you can prove that he asked a friend to beat you up, do it prove it to the authorities.
The police were only doing their job, you have to know the law, being a woman doesn't protect you from becoming violent, remember sticks and stones may break your bones but words will never harm you.
Record the harrassments and report them next time. Good luck
2006-11-22 17:28:25 · answer #3 · answered by Neptune2bsure 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you can show (through witnesses or on security video) that you had reason to feel an immanent threat, they you can throw the first punch. But, you must be able to show that you acted reasonably and in self defense.
And frankly, if there is a sexual bias in the courts for assault cases, it is in your favor. Even if he presses charges and you are found guilty, the sentence will be much lighter than if you were a man, especially a man attacking a woman.
2006-11-22 17:38:07 · answer #4 · answered by Wundt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have the right to make a fist as long as it doesn't make contact with another human. You should call the police if you are afraid. Even if what he did was not illegal the police will talk to him and calm down the situation. In some states verbal abuse is a crime. In those states he would have been arrested for threatening you.
2006-11-22 17:30:40 · answer #5 · answered by dakota29575 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're not aloud to take the law into your own hands. He was guilty of verbal assault and threats, you should have called the cops on him, then you could be the one pressing charges.
2006-11-22 17:56:04 · answer #6 · answered by Chris J 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You had the opportunity to run away, you were not hit first,
Words only can not be used as a defense to use force against someone else.
( ok, it can be used in court as a defense, but you would be charged first)
You will have to prove because of thier size, thier numbers, that you had no other choice, ( you could not merley turn and run.
2006-11-22 21:26:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No they would have been if they took your side. You were on your phone. You could have hung p and called 911 when he threated you. Instead you chose to assult him. You are lucky no way you would have been found not guilty. Be careful he can press for charges for a full year.
2006-11-22 17:30:10 · answer #8 · answered by Sid B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Being mouthy is not illegal and the cops have no proof he said those threats. The PUNCH however, typically leaves evidence and throwing the first punch is almost never legal.
2006-11-22 17:25:52 · answer #9 · answered by kingstubborn 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The law says that you have the right to defend, but not to punish. And threatening or offensive speech is not an act that requires any physical act of defense. However, "threatening" is a crime in most states, and you have a right to file a complaint but not to take action yourself - that is deemed "punishment", not "defense".
2006-11-22 17:35:26 · answer #10 · answered by Pete 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, the cops were absolutely correct. YOU assaulted him physically! There is a big difference between words and physical acts. Shame on you for striking another person!
You committed domestic violence and should be treated as anyone else would be if they assaulted someone else.
2006-11-22 17:26:49 · answer #11 · answered by Starla_C 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋