2007-03-01 15:25:45 · 7 answers · asked by anonymous 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
If the person presses charges against you, then yes, you are in trouble. You can't claim self defense or that you were defending your gf because you hit him several hours earlier....so you and/or your gf were not in immediate danger. Just try to relax and see how this goes. If the person who hit her was a guy, then he might be too embarrassed to call the cops. If the person does press charges, I'd get a lawyer ASAP.
2007-03-01 15:56:11 · answer #1 · answered by iloveeeyore 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can be arrested and charged for battery if the police and the DA feel there is enough evidence to do so. It doesn't matter that this person previously struck your girlfriend (legally in this case) because several hours passed before you hit him. By law, this is a "cooling off period".
BTW: When I say "legally in this case", I'm not referring to the battery of your girlfriend -- there is nothing legal about that. I'm talking about her battery as a pre-cursor to your hitting him.
2007-03-01 23:33:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he files charges, or files a tort action against you than yes probably. But you have the right to counter sue, or file a appellate and become the respondent, therefore stating your case as to why you hit him, you can claim self defense for a person who was unable to defend for them self.
2007-03-01 23:33:15 · answer #3 · answered by beygrl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if this is the right thing to do, but contact the local cops NOW, explain to them what happened, and they might suggest filing against that person first. It won't have to be active unless the other party files a complaint.
2007-03-02 00:25:19 · answer #4 · answered by johN p. aka-Hey you. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let's break it down legally. At the time you hit him, you were not acting to prevent him from immediately hitting you and you were not acting to prevent him from immediately hitting someone else. So, not self defense and not defense of others.
That means you intentionally hit him, probably without his consent. That's assault and battery.
Whether he files criminal charges, and/or whether he files a civil lawsuit for damages, is entirely up to him.
2007-03-01 23:35:26 · answer #5 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
how old are you, and how old is he?
are there any visible marks that suggest the strike?
were there witnesses?
is he pressing charges of assault?
There isn't enough information to make an accurate decision on what will happen.
For the record, I personally think he deserved a lot more than a single punch...
2007-03-01 23:31:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he is hurt and claims a lawsuit, then you can be charged for battery. But if he takes it like a man, then no.
In reality, you defending your girl was a good thing.
2007-03-01 23:29:05 · answer #7 · answered by iubball85 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋