Rhode Island law recognizes the right to use reasonable force to defend yourself or others from imminent physical harm. To successfully assert self-defense, you generally must show that you had a reasonable belief that force was necessary to prevent imminent harm, that you used no more force than was reasonably necessary under the circumstances, and that you were not the initial aggressor. Self-defense is a complete defense to assault and battery charges — meaning if it is successfully established, you cannot be convicted.
