Article on Self-Defense Shooting

C

CAPTAIN MIKE

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Over the years, I've noticed dozens of Close-Quarter tactical courses put almost all of their emphasis on situational awareness, recognizing a true threat, and deployment of the sidearm in self-defense. These are all good, and there are many fine courses out there that help prepare the firearms owners for self-defense. Many of the techniques and strategies they teach are practical and down-to-earth. However, there's a need for more in-depth training on the post-shooting sequence of events.

As an attorney and firearms instructor, I was frustrated that there wasn't sufficient material out there on the 'Now What?' aspect. So a friend who's a police officer and fellow firearms instructor and I organized a thought-provoking article for Concealed Carry magazine. I get requests for it from time to time, and thought that as a courtesy I'd offer it to my fellow Firing Line Forum members.

If you'd like a copy, simply e-mail me at EagleFiveZero@gmail.com and I'll be happy to send it out your way. I hope you'll find it helpful.
 
Here is another article (in 2 parts) written by a lawyer on the PoliceOne website called "When the smoke clears: Your legal first aid after a shooting"

http://www.policeone.com/officer-shootings/articles/1660863/

Obviously it is written for LEO's, but there is a lot of good information for us "civilians" out there.

The topics covered are:
1. Very briefly debrief your supervisor.
2. Call your lawyer as soon as possible.
3. Get checked out medically.
4. Avoid voluntarily giving a detailed statement immediately.
5. Watch who you talk to.
6. Rest to improve your memory.
7. Revisit the event.
8. Have your attorney help with your statement.
9. Don’t sweat lawsuit injustices.
10. Lobby and train now for “that day.

Scott
 
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Bottom line, the most important thing you must do when involved in any shooting is to keep your mouth shut until you have had the opportunity to speak with a competent attorney and review any statements with him/her.
 
Excellent post idea. I'm a law student and new gun owner, and it hasn't dawned on me until now that, certainly, there would be legal ramifications to shooting an intruder in self-defense. Glad to think of these things, hope I never have to put the information to use!
 
I'm a law student and new gun owner, and it hasn't dawned on me until now that, certainly, there would be legal ramifications to shooting an intruder in self-defense.
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You put a bullet in someone, for whatever reason, wounding them or perhaps even killing them, and only now does it occur to you that this could have legal implications? And you want to be a lawyer? Did you think the Chief of Police or the Sherrif would shake your hand and thank you for taking another criminal off the streets? Did you think the mayor was going to give you a medal?

I know some of the states that have "castle laws" state that if you are found to be justified in shooting an intruder on your property, the "victim" (if he lives) or his family (if you placed your shot well) can not turn around and file a civil suit against you and I applaud that, but this is only after the criminal phase of the proceedings.

Unless your wear OD, when you put bullet in someone, the issues only begin.

Scott
 
Let me rephrase that.

Of COURSE I know there would be legal ramifications, but what I meant was that the tips (revisiting the event, resting to improve memory, avoiding giving a statement - even a well-meaning one - until speaking with an attorney, etc.) are things that I wouldn't necessarily think of when preparing for a SD scenario.

I have a feeling that most people are quite literally shell shocked if a SD incident takes place, and if one hasn't thought of these tips, they risk jeopardizing their own legal defense or an investigation against the hypothetical intruder.

Which is why this post was created in the first place, as a reminder of all the different facets of preparation. I simply meant that I think this type of information is valuable and should be made a part of everyone's crisis plan.
 
Whew, well OK I feel better now! And I totally agree that some CCW holders do not consider "the big picture" when it comes to using their weapon. The article I referenced was written for LEO's who are trained for this and if they need reminding from time to time, it is certainly good advice for civilians.

Good luck in law school!

Scott
 
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