Stabbing someone in self defense?

Question

I'm a weak kid, I had cancer about a little over a year ago and I have not fully recovered from the chemo. There is someone I feel threatened by, he's a friend but has made the statement twice that he would have no problem beating the tar out of me.

Since I can't defend myself physically I'm going to start carrying a pocket knife with me, if he was to attack me and I stab him because I have no other option is that illegal? Could I go to jail for it if it was self defense?

I'm 18, so I'm not sure. I would not stab him to kill him, but if he was to try to attack me I would have no problem pulling it out and sticking him in the leg or thigh.

Answer 1

Get something legal, like a stun gun or pepper spray. Or tell the cops that this kid is threatening you. He's not your friend if you're afraid he could attack you. Knives are usually illegal, and they can sometimes pin charges on you even if it was self defense, especially if there are complications in the injury such as infection, or a nicked artery. Stun guns and pepper spray hurt like crazy, but have very little chance of being lethal. They'll definitely do the job, and you won't get into trouble for it.

Answer 2

well if you are stating that you are going to stab someone, regardless if it is in self-defense, it is now pre-meditated murder. Hope you dint really have to do it and them find these questions.  

Answer 3

Get pepper spray. It's legal and considered non-lethal. Give the bully a good shot in the eyes and face and see how bad he is. Find some real friends. Anyone that would pick on a cancer survivor is a  little punk.

Answer 4

i been in this situation before and i didn't get any jail time, but if there is a witness that he attack you first then you will get off, or have a good lawyer, but if there isn't a witness you will be charge as assault or battery which is worse, and you are 18 so you will get a least 3-9 months in the county depending on how serious it is, but if its your first violation you might get probation, or little time in jail like 1-2 months of jail...

Answer 5

Yes, you may.  You are not licensed to be carrying a concealed weapon, and even though you have/had cancer, the Police will not look at that as a legitimate  excuse.

If you are truly in fear of your safety, I would report it to the police right away.  Your "friend" can be charged with harassment, or even threatening, or assault.

The only weapon you can use for self defense is your fists, and feet.  You could be charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

Contact your Police Department and ask them to assist you.

Also, this punk is no friend.  No friend would say that, and mean it.

And, I am happy that you have recovered from you cancer, and it only gets better from here.

Good luck, stay safe.

Answer 6

Because you are young you will go to jail right off the bat and if you cannot prove with a self paid lawyer that it was self defense you will be charged with felonious assault.  

Answer 7

SO YOUR THE SAME KID who wrote 'HOW DO I DEFEND MYSELF', once again ask if you stab someone in the line of SELF DEFENSE. No this is obviously not self defense gesture, stabbing someone with a kitchen knife for example because he is bullying you is not an act of self defense but retaliation gesture and you may end up in jail or correction facilities since you are still young.

Carrying a pocket knife is illegal in some States I presume. So instead of protecting yourself you ended up in some jail for carrying concealed weapon. IF A PERSON attack you it doesn't mean you have to bring out your knife and stab him what if you kill him that is not self defense. IN THE EYES OF THE LAW, it means you are not prudent or wise in your behavior, if it is a lion or a tiger yes you can definitely bring out the knife and stab the animal because tigers and lions really attack people in order to eat them. But I doubt the person who will attack you will EAT you alive, do they? There is a big difference between animals and people. Animals do not think like we do.

YOU HAVE OTHER OPTION, you can reason out don't you? We are blessed with a mouth to open it and rational brain to think. So opening it and reasoning out with the guy is better than stabbing him with a knife. NO JUDGE will give you that reason of self defense if you stab the guy who attack you. There must be the element of imminent danger. If the guy has nothing in his hands only fist then stabbing him amount to assault. You could end up in jail. BEFORE YOU ACT YOU MUST USE YOUR COMMON SENSE TOO. That is why we have brains.

YOU ALREADY TOLD us you are in some self defense routine so why not use it properly even if you are the weakest guy in town, you still can l**k these guys if you know how without weapon, never seen the movie KARATE KID yet? It is a series from karate kid one to three, take the cue from there. And the movie KUNG FU, take the peebles from the hand if you do then it is time for you to leave......

Answer 8

first, stop hanging with him he is not your friend.

Second, the law states that "Use of force is justified when a person reasonably believes that it is necessary for the defense of oneself or another against the immediate use of unlawful force. However, a person must use no more force than appears reasonably necessary in the circumstances"- translate to you can reasonably use force equal or lessor of the aggressor. of course size, shape, weapons and history are factors considered. but be aware you will be arrested. if you assault someone you will still be arrested. Its not technically not the cops jobs to decide whether you will go to jail or not, this job belongs to the courts.

So to ultimately answer your question yes you can go to jail. Will you be found guilty and go to prison is actually the real question you should be asking. But you wont find an answer on this board!! Only the courts can answer that for you

Answer 9

YOU NEED TO REPORT IT TO THE POLICE JUST FOR PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES. I WOULD CARRY A KNIFE FOR SELF DEFENSE. AND FOR THE RECORD THAT GUY IS NO FRIEND.

I HOPE THAT YOU RECOVER FROM YOUR ILLNESS.