I apologize. This article is not mine. I can not locate the source to give them full credit. I appreciate the information and have never seen another article like it. Again, my apologies.
Burn
Disclaimer: The listed information, details or story are by no means all-inclusive, nor is it intended to be complete information on the subject of defensive shootings, the defensive use of a firearm, or for self defense in general. This article does not represent any or all legal advice outside the legal representation of an attorney of choice. Consult a qualified attorney, versed on the subjects of self defense, gun rights and defensive shooting practices.
This article is the second in a three part article on ideas for After the Shooting is Over.
Note: I have the utmost respect and admiration for Law Enforcement Officers (LEO’s) in this country. They have a thankless job and they must deal with the worst of society. I think they are the best in the world and would hate to be without them.
6. Talking To Police-“No good can come from talking to the Police”
It is an unfortunate fact that not all police are helpful. Everything you say can, and usually will be used against you in a court of law. Even if you are in-the-right.
Advise the officers that the person attacked you or caused you to feel that you or someone else’s life was in imminent danger. Advise the officers or detectives that you were in fear of your life, based upon the actions of the attacker or intruder, and that you had no other alternative but to use deadly force in order to protect yourself or other’s lives.
Be careful of your responses or comments to LEO’s.
Once you have given some basic information about yourself and your fear factor of having been attacked or potentially being attacked by the suspects, say nothing more.
Advise the officers that you are now going to exercise your right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer.
Do not fall into the Q&A trap with officers or detectives. Remain silent, and again ask for your lawyer.
You may want to add that once you have spoken with your attorney, you might make additional statements, as per your attorney’s instructions.
Remain silent until you speak to your lawyers. Remain firm, but non-combative.
7. Know Your Rights – Exercising Your Options
Know what your legal and constitutional rights are.
Know your state laws for self-defense and for the use of firearms or other weapons.
Exercising your rights may be subject to interpretation by the media, law enforcement officers, the prosecutor’s office and even the grand jury.
Know the laws regarding search and seizure, your right to remain silent and others.
Know about your right to counsel (lawyers).
Exercise your rights, often.
8. Lawyer Up- A Professional Attorney versus an Ambulance or Media Chaser
Never make statements to the police without a lawyer.
With all due respect to the greater part of those in the legal profession, not all attorneys are ambulance or media chasers.
There are a great many attorneys out there who have a specialty in armed citizen encounters. Not all attorneys are experts in this area of legal representation or defense; therefore you should seek out the attorneys who are well versed in this type of defense.
If you do not have a lawyer, or do not know a lawyer, speak with an attorney (who might be on call) briefly, who can give you some legal advice until you can acquire one.
Hire an attorney who will best serve you and your case responsibly.
9. Emotional Aftermath – Your Stages of Emotion
Although many may suggest several more stages of emotion, and rightfully so, here are just a few that you may or may not encounter following a shooting event.
There are several stages of emotion following a shooting event. Whether you are a civilian or a trained professional, no two people will react to a shooting event the same.
Here are some emotions that you might encounter following a shooting event that you are involved in; Elation, Revulsion, Remorse, Self-Doubt, Acceptance and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Of all of the emotions listed above, self-doubt, when communicated to others or to the police, may put you in jail. Watch what you tell others.
Should you be in need of professional help, seek assistance from a medical professional as soon as the need becomes apparent, or under suggestion from someone close to you.
10. Dealing With The Media – The Social Aftermath
I view media, especially the main stream media, as either “The Good, The Bad, Or The Ugly”. Most, you will find, tends to fit into the latter when it comes to a defensive shooting event from an armed citizen.
You will find that many reporters will invade your space, your property, and may sometimes get in your face, or in the face of your family or friends.
Say nothing to them. Or if you do, remain calm and ask them to remove themselves from your property, or your face. Do not go “on-the-air” answering their questions.
Ask your family and friends not to talk to the media. Ask the media to respect yours and your family’s privacy.
If there is no story, no interviews for the media, then they will leave in search of another story to report.
Do not ever threaten them. I assure you it will end up on every news station. If you continue to get calls on your phone from the media, file a harassment report with the police.
Call the police if they are persistent. Say nothing to them, and just hang up.
Also, watch what you comment on, or respond to on your Facebook, Twitter, email or any other social media or online forum.
Next article will deal with the personal and legal aftermath.
Semper Paratus
Burn
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