Legal Degrees of Assault | The John Hallett Podcast #90

Legal Degrees of Assault: Know the Line Before You Cross It

Summary:

In this episode, John and Josh tackle one of the most misunderstood—but legally crucial—topics in self-defense: the degrees of assault. They break down how slight changes in a confrontation can escalate your legal exposure from a slap to a felony. Whether you’re carrying a firearm, training in martial arts, or just trying to protect your family, knowing these distinctions can keep you out of jail.

“That pillow didn’t justify the rock. You’ve got to match force with force—and be able to explain it.”

🔍 What You’ll Learn

• The difference between simple assault, assault with injury, assault with a deadly weapon, and aggravated assault
• Why context and perception matter just as much as physical actions
• How your response to a threat may legally shift depending on distance, timing, and escalation
• The risk of under-responding or overreacting in a fast-moving confrontation
• How weapons of opportunity—even a pen or curb—can change the legal equation

⚖️ Real-World Scenarios Discussed:

• The pool party case where a brandished firearm went from unjustified to self-defense
• The risk of reacting to a perceived threat too quickly—or too slowly
• Interpreting weird behaviors (like someone approaching while cleaning a knife)
• What counts as a deadly weapon (hint: it’s more than just knives and guns)
• Why jury perception and the “reasonable person” standard matter more than you think

💡 Memorable Quotes

• “Even weirdos with knives can be a deadly threat—you better be ready.”
• “You can’t hit someone with a rock because they hit you with a pillow.”
• “Words plus threats plus action equals assault.”
• “Learn this stuff in class before you're forced to apply it on the street.”

👥 Who This Is For

• Concealed carry permit holders
• Self-defense students and martial artists
• Parents protecting loved ones
• Anyone serious about legally sound personal protection

🛡️ Mentioned in This Episode

• Rocky Mountain Self Defense & Fitness
• ClearSky.Training – Online self-defense portal
• “Law of Self Defense” by Andrew Branca
• Upcoming Episodes:
• Visual & Auditory Reduction
• Failure Rates in Martial Arts Training
• What to Do After a Self-Defense Incident
• First Aid & Emergency Care for Defenders (Coming Soon)

📌 Subscribe & Share

• Listen On Spotify:
• https://open.spotify.com/show/6hDh7OscpVMKLLY8rCvgqs
• Listen On Apple Music:
• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-john-hallett-podcast/id1651930801
• Universal Link:
• https://redcircle.com/shows/a982e1e3-972c-4e9f-b369-6b29534df441

Support the show:

🛒 Shop.RMSDF.com | 🥋 Shop.ClearSky.Training

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