Avoiding a criminal charge but still being able to protect yourself is what long body, solid metal flashlights were created for.
Here is what I carry:
http://www.canadia....html#.VbDJ4_lViko This one is a bit pricey, but absolutely perfect for our hobby. Rechargeable, ultra-bright, and has a beam width setting that I almost entirely leave on wide. It lights an entire room from one side to the other with a uniform, giant circle. No need for light painting and I find that it often does the same job as a camera speedlite.