&gt; If someone breaks into your home, in most states self defense would be a slam-dunk defense against a murder charge. Even if acquited of murder, the burglar&#x27;s family can sue you for wrongful death - the evidentiary bar for wrongful death is much lower than for murder.<p>In some states you will be immune from civil action if you win your criminal case on self defense. Florida, for example [1].<p>If no criminal case is brought in Florida, and you are sued civilly and prove self defense in the civil trial, the court is required to award you attorney fees, court costs, compensation for loss of income, and expenses incurred for your defense.<p>[1] <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.leg.state.fl.us&#x2F;statutes&#x2F;index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;Search_String&amp;URL=0700-0799&#x2F;0776&#x2F;Sections&#x2F;0776.032.html" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.leg.state.fl.us&#x2F;statutes&#x2F;index.cfm?App_mode=Displ...</a>