Yup. I am an attorney. It is not unusual to have your defendant testify when self defense is interposed as your defense. Defendant’s state of mind at the time is critical. The defendant is the only one that can testify to his state of mind. You should have to appraise whether your defendant is up to the task. And this kid is stellar.
And too, self defense is an affirmative defense. Defendant has burden of production and persausion.
You would’ve put him on stand?
Furthermore, a defense attorney cannot BLOCK his client from testifying for himself period. If he wants to testify he has that right.