You’ve just become a victim of a violent crime. You survived by shooting your attacker and now seconds later, what do you do?
Many firearm trainers will tell you to call 911, telling them you were attacked (robbed, raped,kidnapped, carjacked or faced an attacked by a greater force or by multiple thugs). I say this is usually a terrible idea.
First, whatever you say to the 911 operator is NOT protected under your Fifth Amendment protections and is always recorded.
Rather than get you police help the operator will ask you unlimited trick questions hoping to hear your admission to shooting, giving police a huge piece of the probable cause needed to arrest you.
Today, violent crime trends are different. You are more likely to be attacked by multiple criminals working together than by a single thug. It can happened at ATM, supermarket parking lot, gas station or for that matter anywhere. This is not about somebody invading your home, which is much more rare.
Today the actual scenes of shootings are nearly all loaded with empty shell casings, because criminals like police have switched to semi automatic pistols firing lots of shots. You can often see these crime scenes on television news all the time and the shell casings are laying all over the place. In the past, most shootings only involved two or even three shots. Those days are gone.
We are living in a time of police defunding, where some prosecutors, politicians and the media love making victims out of monstrous career criminals like George Floyd. That makes my advice more important than ever.
Many people will hate you, your gun rights and that you overcame a violent attack by use of deadly force. They can be counted on playing the Race Card whenever possible.
What do you do now? Because of your sudden trauma you are going to be in the worst possible emotional state to be saying anything at all. Having been there personally, I can promise you that you are going to be a bit confused as to time, space and important details of what just happened.
First, of because of the extremely high potential that your attacker or attackers, may even have more accomplices nearby, perhaps in a nearby automobile, quickly get away from the scene. If at all possible retrieve any weapons the left at the scene for your’s and the public’s safety. These weapons will most definitely disappear if you don’t. They may well contain DNA evidence belonging the thugs that will later protect you. It’s very rare that usable fingerprints are ever recovered from guns.
If you shot someone during this altercation he’s going to need medical help. You’re not qualified to pronounce death so never suggest that’s the case! It’s important that you make an attempt to notify emergency services that there is a bleeding man or men that need help. If you can, persuade someone else to make the call, that’s the best.
If you make the call and they begin to ask you those tricky questions you can tell them quickly, you don’t have time to answer questions, implore to them they’ve got to help these men now! Give them the location and END THE CALL. Never answer when they call back! It will be difficult for prosecutors to criticize your call in a courtroom. You are the one that simply set the priorities rather than accept theirs. Never be hesitant or cagey when taking to 911 operators because that will never be well received by a jury.
If and when you’re contacted by police, they can lie to you and trick you to defending or even, over-defending your actions with exaggerations. You MUST only identify yourself and give them four simple words, “I want a lawyer.”
You now need a criminal lawyer that understands self-defense and the function of firearms. They will all claim they know even when they don’t have a clue.
Never forget that most all lawyers are bookworms that have zero combat, military or police experience. Get the name and contact information for your chosen lawyer now.
If you can, give any seized weapons to your lawyer. He or she should know what to do with them. Don’t overlook lady lawyers, many can actually own a courtroom.
Obtaining CCW insurance is very tricky! Make sure your policy covers your bail and actual criminal defense. Read all of the details carefully! Some of these outfits are deceptive and just want your money.
Legal defense is always very expensive and lawyers will demand everything upfront. Their fees could easily exceed the value of your home.
You definitely want me investigating on your behalf immediately, at the scene of the event. Whenever possible, I will grab footage from nearby surveillance cameras, find witnesses, especially the ones that the police don’t want to talk to. I will locate and preserve evidence missed by police. Mostly shootings take place at night, and I will be looking at and photographing the scene in broad daylight having a better advantage.
It will take perhaps as much as three, four or even many more months for prosecutors to turn over police reports and crime lab testing results. Your lawyer needs that information and material NOW, not later.
The worst case scenario is that cops arrest you and you’re actually forced to stand trial. If you keep you mouth shut you will have a much greater chance of sleeping in your own bed and never facing charges in a courtroom.
Please! Never forget that conflict avoidance is always the best defense. Keep, your temper and middle finger in your pocket. Treat your fellow earthlings with kindness whenever possible. However if you must protect yourself or loved ones do that decisively and effectively. Always follow your tactical training.
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