In self-defense cases, one of the most common statements people make is, "I feared for my life." But does simply saying those words automatically justify the use of force? Not necessarily. In this video, Senior Criminal Defense Attorney Joey Hamby breaks down why the phrase "I feared for my life" is often misunderstood and what legal standards must actually be met for that fear to be considered reasonable in a self-defense claim. Learn how courts, prosecutors, investigators, and juries evaluate whether a person's fear was genuine, objectively reasonable, and supported by the facts of the encounter. Joey Hamby explains the key factors that can determine whether a self-defense claim succeeds or fails, including the perceived threat, the actions of the other person, the totality of the circumstances, and why a person's subjective fear alone may no ...