At Byron Pugh Legal, we provide strong, focused criminal defense for people facing serious charges across Middle Tennessee. Our team brings experience from both sides of the courtroom, which helps us build smart strategies for our clients. We treat every case with respect, and we fight to protect your rights at every stage of the process. Whether you’re dealing with assault, DUI, drug charges, or another criminal matter, our team is here to stand with you and work toward the best possible result.
Self-defense is a legal right, but in Tennessee, that right has strict limits. If you’ve been involved in an assault, understanding when the law allows the use of physical force can decide whether you’re seen as a victim or the accused. From sudden attacks in public spaces to violent encounters at home, knowing how the law defines and applies self-defense is key.
In this blog, we explain how self-defense works under Tennessee law, when it applies, when it doesn’t, and why working with an experienced Nashville criminal defense lawyer is important if you’ve been charged after defending yourself.
What is Self-Defense Under Tennessee Law?
Understanding how Tennessee defines self-defense is critical for any defendant accused of assault or other violent crimes. This section explains the legal meaning and boundaries of using force to protect oneself or others.
Legal Definition of Self-Defense in Tennessee
Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-11-611, self-defense is the use of force when a person reasonably believes it is immediately necessary to protect against another’s unlawful force. This applies when the person is not engaged in criminal conduct and has the legal right to be in that location. In many assault cases, this defense may apply if the defendant acted to prevent harm.
Use of Force Versus Deadly Force
Tennessee law separates general force from deadly force. A person may use physical force to protect themselves, but deadly force is only allowed if they believe there is a threat of death, serious bodily injury, sexual assault, or a similar violent act. The use of a weapon or firearm must meet this higher legal standard to qualify as self-defense.
When the Law Allows Force to Be Used
The law allows someone to defend themselves if they did not provoke the incident, are not committing a crime, and face a real threat. For example, if a person is attacked in a city park, near a government building, or even at Nashville International Airport, and they meet these conditions, they may be protected under self-defense laws.
The “Reasonable Belief” Requirement
A key part of a self-defense claim is that the person believed force was necessary. That belief must be reasonable from the perspective of someone in the same situation. If a person uses force in response to a perceived threat, and the court finds that belief was not reasonable, the self-defense claim may fail—even if the person felt afraid.
Legal Protection and Limits
Self-defense has strict limits. It does not cover actions taken out of anger, revenge, or to continue a fight after the threat has passed. If force was used in connection with another unlawful act, the court is less likely to accept the defense. Even in situations where the person felt danger, using excessive force can still lead to charges or a guilty verdict.
When Can You Use Physical Force to Defend Yourself or Others?
Tennessee law sets clear rules for when a person can use force to protect themselves or someone else from harm. This section explains those situations and the limits involved.
Immediate Threat of Unlawful Force
A person may use physical force if they face an immediate threat of harm. The threat must involve unlawful force from another person. This means the danger must be real and happening now, not something that might occur in the future. For example, if someone attacks you without warning in a park or on the street in Nashville, the law may allow you to respond with force.
Protecting Another Person
The law also allows you to use force to protect someone else if they are being attacked. You must reasonably believe that the other person is in danger and needs help. The same rules apply as if you were defending yourself. If the person you are helping was the aggressor or involved in a criminal act, self-defense may not apply.
Defense of Property
Tennessee law gives limited protection when defending property. You can use physical force to stop someone from unlawfully entering your home or taking your belongings. However, deadly force is only allowed if you believe the intruder intends to cause serious harm. Simply protecting items or land does not justify deadly force under the law.
No Duty to Retreat in Some Places
Tennessee follows a version of the Stand Your Ground principle. If you are in a place where you have a legal right to be, you do not have to retreat before using force. This applies in your home, workplace, vehicle, or a public place like a parking lot or Nashville International Airport. But if you started the fight or are involved in a crime, this protection does not apply.
Cannot Use Force During Criminal Conduct
You cannot claim self-defense if you are committing a crime when the incident occurs. For example, if someone is committing a robbery or assault, they cannot legally use force to defend themselves during that act. The law does not protect people who use force in connection with their own unlawful acts.
Practical Tips: What to Do if You’ve Acted in Self-Defense
After using force to protect yourself or someone else, your actions in the minutes and hours that follow are critical. These steps can affect how the court, police, and others view your case.
Call the Police Immediately
After the incident, contact the police right away. Report what happened and tell them you acted in self-defense. Be clear, calm, and stick to the facts. Do not leave the scene unless staying puts you in danger. Leaving can make it look like you were trying to avoid responsibility.
Do Not Make Public Statements
Avoid posting on social media or talking publicly about the incident. Anything you say can be used as evidence. The government or opposing party may use your words to suggest guilt or to attack your version of events. Stay quiet and let your attorney speak on your behalf.
Collect and Preserve Evidence
If possible, gather evidence that supports your self-defense claim. This can include photos of injuries, contact information for witnesses, and video footage from security cameras. The more proof you have, the easier it is to show the danger you faced was real.
Write Down What Happened
As soon as you can, write a detailed account of what happened. Include the location, time, names of people involved, and what you believed at the moment you used force. Include if the other person was armed or making threats. This can help your defense later if the case goes to court.
Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney
Speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Nashville as soon as possible. At Byron Pugh Legal, our team knows how to build a defense in assault and self-defense cases. We understand Tennessee’s laws and how to challenge claims made by the accused, victim, or police. Having a strong legal strategy can protect your rights and keep you out of jail.
Contact an Experienced Nashville Criminal Defense Lawyer Today!
If you’ve been arrested or charged after defending yourself, you need a legal team that understands Tennessee’s self-defense laws and how to apply them in real cases. At Byron Pugh Legal, our experienced Nashville criminal defense attorneys are ready to review the facts, build your defense, and stand with you in court.
Contact us at 615-255-9595 for a free case consultation today!
