Use of Force

Under United States law you are allowed to use only the force necessary in defending yourself. Do some research on the self-defense laws of the State you live in. You cannot cripple or maim someone for pushing you. If you use more force than is necessary you could find yourself facing jail or prison time. Even if someone is trying to kill you, you should attempt to use only the force necessary to incapacitate your attacker without killing him, unless you have absolutely no choice. After you have incapacitated an attacker you should seek the most immediate avenue of escape, not to evade the police, but to evade the attacker once he regains his senses. If it comes to having no choice but to kill an attacker, you must be able to articulate to a Judge every detail that lead up to the event, you must be able to prove that you had, at the time, reasonable fear that your life was in mortal danger, and if anyone witnessed the altercation who could collaborate your account you should bring them with you to court. Be honest with the Judge and don't stretch the truth, don't try to make a simple aggressive shove look like an attempt to kill you.