A man claimed self-defense after stabbing another man with a pair of scissors during a haircut on Tuesday. Claiming self-defense can work only in cases where you can prove that there was an immediate threat to your person in that situation.

According to an article in WPTV News, a man was getting a haircut at an apartment in Stamford, Conn., when he grabbed scissors and slashed another man in the back. The man, David Davis, 21 was arrested soon afterward. Officers with a police dog found him in a nearby apartment.

The mug shot clearly shows he had not finished his haircut before fleeing the scene.

According to the article, authorities say the victim approached Davis in what Davis called “an aggressive manner.” Davis told investigators he picked up the scissors in self-defense.

Davis is being held on a $5,000 bond.

Florida Assault Laws

It is considered assault even when a person threatens physical violence against another person. Or, a person attempts physical violence against another person. It is considered aggravated assault if the person committing physical violence used an object or a weapon of any kind.

In Florida, assault charges vary depending on the crime. It can either be a misdemeanor or a felony resulting in anywhere from 60 days in jail and a $500 fine to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Florida Assault Defense

Once a criminal defense lawyer understands your case and your position, he can help you build a strong defense that can get all or most of your charges dropped. One common method of defense is claiming self-defense.

In self-defense, you are legally allowed to use a reasonable (logical) amount of force if you feel as if you are in immediate danger of physical harm. If you are fending off an attacker and absolutely felt the need to use force to protect yourself, then you can claim self-defense on assault charges.

Any criminal defense lawyer will tell you that you have to prove there was an immediate threat in order to claim self-defense. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will help you build your case around you being forced to defend yourself.