5 Myths About Self-Defense That Could Ruin Your Life in California
You thought you were defending your home. Protecting your family. Doing the right thing.
But now you’re in a jail cell…Charged with assault. Or worse.
Here are 5 dangerous self-defense myths that could destroy your future in California. And one of them? It’s believed by half of California gun owners… And has already led to murder convictions.
MYTH #1 – “I can shoot a trespasser on my property.”
Someone’s in your yard at midnight. They’re stealing your bike. You reach for your gun. But if that person isn’t threatening your life or someone else’s, you’re not protected if you fire your weapon at them.
The law only allows deadly force if you reasonably believe you or someone inside is about to suffer serious harm. Property isn’t enough.Your yard isn’t a battlefield. Your life has to be at risk. If not? That shot could cost you everything.
MYTH #2 – “If someone hits me, I can hit back harder.”
Someone shoves you during an argument. Tempers flare. You grab a weapon. That might feel like self-defense—but under California law, it’s likely excessive force. Your response has to match the threat. A shove doesn’t justify a stabbing. In the eyes of the law, escalation = incarceration.
MYTH #3 – “I can stand my ground anywhere.”
You’re in public. Someone’s aggressive. You “stand your ground.” You throw a punch. California doesn’t require you to retreat…But if there was a safe way out, and you chose violence? Your self-defense claim may collapse.
No one’s asking you to run—But if you could’ve walked away? The jury will want to know why you didn’t.
MYTH #4 – “I can use deadly force to protect my stuff.”
Someone grabs your bag. Smashes your car window. Can you respond with deadly force?Not in California. You can only use deadly force to protect a life—not property.Your stuff can be replaced. Your freedom? Not so much.
MYTH #5 – “I can still claim self-defense if I started the fight.”
You throw the first punch. Later, you claim self-defense. Not so fast. Under California law, the aggressor loses that right—unless you clearly tried to back off and the other person kept coming. Start the fight… and you better have proof you tried to end it. Self-defense isn’t just about instincts. It’s about knowing the law.
One wrong move, one bad assumption, and you could lose your job, your rights, your freedom.
And every hour you wait to get help? That’s one more hour the prosecution gets ahead of you. If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges involving self-defense—Don’t wait. Call Knight Law at 408-877-6177.
