First, don’t act like a guilty man or woman. When the first words out of your mouth are, “I want my lawyer,” you have done a surprisingly good imitation of a street-wise criminal. What is any self-respecting cop supposed to think? Dead body + gun + “I want my lawyer” = jail. If, on the other hand, the officer hears, “My life was threatened, I had to shoot,” he forms a slightly different picture. In addition, if he first learned of the incident by a call from you to 9-1-1, and at that time you indicated that you were the victim of a robbery (or whatever crime caused you to believe your life was in danger) then he forms a different picture of the call before he even gets there.
Source: You Have the Right to Remain Silent
This is a very important article. I am tired of seeing videos and posts around the web where total idiots tell you upfront to say nothing other than “I want my lawyer” and shut down. I am still amazed that people who will spend thousands of dollars in firearm training, will go cheap and relay on a free video by some unknown person.
The legal battle requires a different set of tactics. You can go macho, thump your chest and more likely end up behind bars or you can play smart and set yourself for as little as future legal problem as you can by acting smart. It comes included in the whole “Don’t Play Stupid Games” package.
Howdy Miguel,
One guy I’m willing to listen to is Masaad Ayoob who has some expertise on the subject. His advice,
Five Points of a Shooting Aftermath
1. “Officer this man/woman attacked me”
2. “I will sign the complaint”
3. Point out evidence. Evidence being handgun, spent casing, knife, deadly object
4. Point out witnesses there. i.e. security cameras, people etc.
5. “Officer you will have my full cooperation within 24 hrs after speaking with an Attorney”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCZXZMYyRl4
I second that.
Ayoob is one of the premiere experts on firearms, self defense, self defense law, etc… His books on the subject are second to none.
Mr. Ayoob is NOT AND NEVER WAS A LAW OFFICER LAWYER OR JUDGE. He knows nothing about LAW. He IS a 100% cop advocate and badge licker/ sucker who will claim with his hand to god that no “officer” has ever been wrong about ANYTHING: EVER. His is the last advice I would EVER take. NEVER NEVER NEVER TALK TO COPS! for any reason. If detained DEMAND A LAWYER THEN SHUT UP. Cops are the enemy of the innocent. They are there to hurt you. THEY ARE NOT YOUR FREIND OR ALLY. EVEYTHING YOU SAY OR DO WILL BE USED TO HARM YOU.
So, you shoot somebody in self-defense at your home and you don’t even cal 911?
What do you do with the body? Or what if the bad guy did not die? What do you with him? Toss him outside? Finish him off?
Inquiring minds want to know.
(we leave Mas’ character assassination for later)
Uuummm with a little research you find that Mr Ayoob IS in fact a cop. New Hampshire. He maybe retired by now but his articles and advice are spot on. USCCA is another good source of what to do and they say the same things. Anyone who thinks they can shoot someone in self defense and cover it up,or hide it is an idiot. My own lawyer told me the same thing, point out the who what wheres and state you will cooperate in 24 hours after speaking with leagal counsel.
IANAL. My Opinion
Your spouse and older children should understand the basics too. You do not want their words to convict you.
If you are injured, no matter how slight?
Go to the Hospital ER or your doctor immediately. Get it documented.
A. I am too hurt, scared, and upset to talk to the officer beyond what I said at the scene.
B. Emphasize your symptoms! Any pain, dizziness, visible injuries, tell admitting, tell the nurse, tell the doctor, tell the other nurse. Tell them how scared you were, how you feared for your life, how terrible it was. DO NOT BE MACHO! Tears and emotion after the fact are expected. Get it in the medical records.
C. Ask about the other victims, and assailants. You are not a murderous psychopath. Iwas in fear of my life, but I had to Stop them (emphasize stop, not shoot or kill them). They made me so fearful, I thought I was going to die. I had to stop them.
D. Get your lawyer to meet you there ASAP.
E. Officer, Detective, I am so hurt, scared, and upset. I just cannot talk to you right now. I feared for my, and my loved ones lives.
Common sense… Each situation is totally different. But make the first call to 911. Don’t assume somebody else is going to…