Mobile, AL asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Alabama

Q: In the state of Alabama, if you touch someone's property such as keys, is it justifiable for that person to hit you?

You are asking your child's other parent a question about where they are taking your child and they are ignoring you so to prevent them from taking the child you grab their keys. After doing so they push you into a window, twist your arm and punch you. Are they legally justified?

1 Lawyer Answer
Samuel G McKerall
Samuel G McKerall
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Gulf Shores, AL

A: Of course not!!! But you already know that. You are being abused. See a lawyer. As an alternative, consider going to the County courthouse and swearing out a warrant against him for Protection from Abuse. (PFA) The Circuit or District Court Clerks will probably help you fill out the form. This is free. The sheriff will then go and find him and give him a piece of paper telling him to stay away from you, and will set an early date for him to appear in court. You have to be there too. The judge will then decide what happens next.

This can be dangerous, as in rare cases the man will ignore the piece of paper and will seek to harm you. You know him, so you should be able to assess whether this will be a concern for you.

Good luck, A lawyer would possibly be better than starting a PFA action. You must be the judge of that,

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