Q: I injured a person who was trying to enter forcefully into my apartment.
I am pregnant female and lives in an apartment complex. Someone tried to enter forcefully into my apartment and in self defence I injured him with a knife and called the police. He was arrested on scene and police told me that he is under the influence of drugs. Police took him to the hospital and I will get a subpoena from court. What can be the consequences? Can i represent myself without attorney in the court ? Thank you
A: You are not being charged as far as I can tell. The subpoena is so you will come and testify on behalf of the State in their case to prove the intruder guilty of a crime. You are a witness (and victim) of the crime. You do not need a lawyer. The prosecutor will call you to the stand to tell the judge or jury what happened and to identify the defendant as the person you saw trying to forcefully enter your home. Most cases don’t actually reach trial. If the defendant doesn’t have a defense, he may plead guilty. Then you would not have to testify. But I see no basis to retain a lawyer, unless the intruder attempts to sue you for stabbing him. But you have an excellent defense to that claim if it is filed. I would not be too concerned. Keep in contact with the prosecutor’s office, so you know when the trial will be or if the defendant pleads out.
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