Self Defense?

[Clint45]

This key. If its a fist fight, you kick thier ass with your fists and feet, then you
did not escalate and should not be charged with anything or if you do, good chance the charges will be dropped in a court of law.

A "shod foot" (shoes, boots) has been considered a "weapon" in many courts, and if you kick someone while they are down, resulting in substantial injury requiring hospitalization (fractures, broken teeth, etc), then you will probably get prosecuted and convicted if: the other guy was unarmed, you do not have significant injuries, and the attack did not occur in your home, place of business, or on your property. If you kick him while he is down and he walks away with nothing more than bruises, then you are correct that there is a good chances the charges may be dropped if he started it and there are witnesses or CCTV video of that.

[DD977GM2]

A "shod foot" (shoes, boots) has been considered a "weapon" in many courts, and if you kick someone while they are down, resulting in substantial injury requiring hospitalization (fractures, broken teeth, etc), then you will probably get prosecuted and convicted if: the other guy was unarmed, you do not have significant injuries, and the attack did not occur in your home, place of business, or on your property. If you kick him while he is down and he walks away with nothing more than bruises, then you are correct that there is a good chances the charges may be dropped if he started it and there are witnesses or CCTV video of that.

If you kicked their ass and they are done attacking you, why would you kick them when they are down?

The way I read the OP was if he kicked their ass and ceased hostilities, would he be arrested and charged.... well if you kicked their ass and didnt take a trashcan and huck it at them or kick them when they are down or curb them, you would be fine.

The what ifs can go on all day. When I have kicked someone's ass, I didnt stick around and wait for them to get up and come at me with vengeance or with a weapon.
When I have had my ass kicked, I didnt go after them for more of the abuse, I left. agian though YMMV.