Most of us would probably say "I'll do what I have to do to protect myself, family and friends." But very few think of the aftermath, and consequences, of taking a life or severly injuring an attacker. When strapping on a firearm for self-protection, we must understand, and be prepared for, the ramifications of injuring or killing an attacker. Coping with the emotions, the media storm, Investigations, Charges and Lawsuits, Interaction with Attorneys and more are things we don't fully consider, but must before we wear a weapon. Are you truly prepared to take a life?
Self-Defense Insurance is available to help deal with the legal and financial impact after a self-defense action.
It is common advice amongst lawyers and judges that when first confronted by the police after a self-defense shooting, you should saynothing, because anything you say "can and will be used against you" in a court of law. The latter part is true, of course, but the fact of the matter is, if you are tried for an alleged criminal act associated with your use of deadly force in self defense, you are likely going to have to testify in court anyway.
What NOT To Do After You Shoot An Intruder(Video) What To Do After a Shooting:
[Video 1][Video 2][Video 3] Sample Self-Defense-Post-Incident-Response Card
Reasonable Man Doctrine/Standard: NOTE: Protection of property, alone, is not self defense. Protection of life is self-defense. Likewise, intentionally putting oneself in harms way (voluntarily placing oneself in legal jeopardy) to protect the property of others is not considered self-defense. Refer to the following information on the legal aspects of self-defense.
ACLDN members recognize that an individual may not carry much weight against the legal system. The Network's strength, its experts and the fund amassed from 25% of all membership dues, provides vastly more power to protect your legal rights and legal survival.
P.S.: Your Homeowner Insurance Policy may cover you if you are protecting your life or property on/in your property (check with your insurance agent). That may not be the case "outside your home/property" in your resident state, so a self-defense insurance plan may be something that will give you more protection.
Don't let them enter your premisis; DO NOT CONSENT TO A SEARCH unless they have an official warrant (read it first). The proper response if they don't have a warrant is "I'm sorry, I am not willing to do/answer that at this current time. I would like to consult with my attorney first."
DO NOT discuss any details of your firearms collection or any recent purchases. See above response if they ask.
DO NOT discuss the contents of your home, people living in your home or any firearms-related activity. See above response if they ask.
If they have a warrant, DO NOT obstruct their search but DO NOT make any statements (keep your mouth shut) during the course of the search.
If they have a warrant and they confiscate any of your property, DO NOT SIGN ATF Form 3400.1 (Consent to Forfeiture or Destruction of Propertyand Waiver of Notice)
It is OK to sign ATF Form 3400.23 after your examine it (and edit if necessary) as an accurate inventory of items they seize.