Yes. Self-defense is a recognized affirmative defense to assault charges in Rhode Island. To assert self-defense successfully, you must show that you reasonably believed force was necessary to defend yourself or another person from imminent harm, that the force used was proportional to the threat, and that you were not the initial aggressor. Rhode Island does not have a "stand your ground" law like some other states; the law generally requires retreat when safely possible before using force, unless you are in your own home (Castle Doctrine applies). Self-defense cases turn heavily on the specific facts and credible witness testimony.
