Pepper spray question...

[JasonsLan]

I have a question regarding pepper spray that I have not been able to find an answer to anywhere on google.. (might be an off the wall question but here goes)

If you're involved in an altercation that you're afraid might turn physical, is it okay to pull out your pepper spray to inform the other party that you have it, (as a deterrent, not use it, just show it) ?

I just don't want to have something happen in the future and get in trouble over something that sounds like it would be alright (seems to be a gray area for me)

What would be your advice as a professional that deals with these kinds of situations?

[icu650]

IMO
You need to make sure you can maintain possession of the spray after warning your attacker that you have it. It does you no good, now that you elevated the situation, to loose your advantage to the aggressor. If you feel you are in imminent danger of physical injury just use it and don't try to scare him.
I would check with your local state and local laws concerning possession of pepper spray before carrying it.

[JasonsLan]

ahhh, good to know, I'm in Idaho, and know that it is legal to carry and use. I just want to make sure if I pull it and don't use it, that I won't get in trouble. I do know if they come at me, and I do use it, that I'm in my legal right. Just want to be on the safe side, I don't want to get charged as the aggressor when I'm just defending myself.

[G35 Mass]

ahhh, good to know, I'm in Idaho, and know that it is legal to carry and use. I just want to make sure if I pull it and don't use it, that I won't get in trouble. I do know if they come at me, and I do use it, that I'm in my legal right. Just want to be on the safe side, I don't want to get charged as the aggressor when I'm just defending myself.

If justified, the threat of force falls under self defense.