I had no idea this was such a serious charge. First off I've never been in trouble with the law before. It seems I will be charged with the same thing very soon. The only thing is, I didn't use any weapons and never had any formal martial arts training. Does breaking someone jaw count as malicious assault? Basicall, I invited the man to my home because he had nowhere else to go for the night and he ends up trying to fight me. Now, if he throws the first punch, and I only hit him once to neutralize him, throw him out, then call the police on him cause I think he might do something stupid, does this count as self defense? I haven't been arrested but I have been threatened more than once that this will go through. Until it actually does, I'm very inclined to just stay indoors till the whole thing blows over. Is that a smart thing to do. I know this situation seems very one sided in the fact that I was totally innocent but not the point where I hit him. I hit as hard as I could because I have never been in a fight as an adult and had no idea how much force someone could carry in thier fists. However, being threatened for my safety in my own home I know there is a legitimate defense. I really don't know what to expect but from what I've read so far on these forums I guess I'll get a lawyer when I need to and build my case with him from there. It just seems like the victims in most of these charges are the ones being charged and the offender has right to claim anything for the sake of claiming. Protect the offender? If these people weren't out commiting crimes in the first place then the types of things that happen to them during those crimes woulnd'nt of happened. Is it right to go into someone's house and try to beat them up? Then try to put them in jail cause you could'nt?