Michigan self defense question

[Heat571]

Hello I am a regular citizen of Michigan with a question regarding self defense with a flashlight. If I for example was leaving a bar or some other establishment and was attacked, Is it legal for me to defend myself with a MagLite flashlight if I was being attacked by a person or persons who were obviously trying to physically harm me? What would the consequences be if i did strike them in self defense with the flashlight? Please let me know I am looking for ways to legally protect myself in such situations.

Thanks Sincerely

Heat571

[Legoate]

In almost every state, if not all, a person is allowed to use the amount of force that is considered reasonable to protect themselves.

However, the reasonableness standard is going to be judged by any officer that arrives on scene after force is used.

Things are complicated when a weapon- especially something that can be considered a deadly weapon is involved. A maglite can fall under the definition of "baton" or "club" in many states when it is used as a weapon. A "baton" can be a felony to possess and use.

All that nonsense being said... if you are carrying a maglite for protection when leaving a bar, you are asking for trouble. First off, there is a good chance you will get pummeled as soon as you start trying to use some sort of weapon, but secondly people leaving bars tend to have a decreased level of common sense which may cause them to use levels of force that would not be considered reasonable.

A reasonable and prudent person would avoid going out to clubs where they needed a weapon for protection.

[Roger Dat]

+1!!!!

[Citicop]

If a flashlight is big enough to use effectively for self defense, it is going to get REALLY old carrying it around.

Where would you keep it? What makes you think that the bouncers are going to let you into the club with what is, effectively, a weapon?

Most people don't go to a club alone. If you get in a fight and whip out a maglite, then his buddies are going to get involved in a hurry. Two, three, or four on one won't turn out well for you, even with an improvised weapon.

Using a weapon against an unarmed person looks, legally, like you are escalating the situation. Barring other factors (the guy is built like a tank, while you are 5'1 for example) it is more likely that you will get charged if you use a weapon in a bar fight.

-Citicop.

[sparty]

A reasonable and prudent person would avoid going out to clubs where they needed a weapon for protection.

^^^What he said.^^^ Why would you put yourself in that kind of situation to begin with?