Self Defense & Guns: Pratical Suggestions

When dealing with Self Defense & Guns, here are some pratical suggestions from a legal perspective.  General Gun Safety – Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction; Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot; Always keep the firearm unloaded until ready to shoot[1]

Do not use a firearm in self-defense unless you absolutely must. It is a tool of last resort.  “Use” in this context means “display”, “brandish”, or otherwise letting others know you are armed.  If you can safely avoid a confrontation, do so.

Understand the laws in your jurisdiction. Understand the rules of engagement for legal self-defense, when and where you may possess your firearm, and how to properly transport your firearm. Do not assume the law and your common-sense mirror each other

Post-Use Fundamentals: Always call 911 if you ever “display”, “brandish”, discharge, or otherwise “use” your firearm.  Remain at the scene if it is safe to do so.  DO NOT answer the police dispatcher’s detailed questions. Only provide enough information to enable the police to arrive, and to keep you from being mistakenly shot as the perpetrator. Less is more.  Remember that the call is recorded.

DO NOT assume the police will view you as the victim, or that they will know how to deal with someone that is trained in self-defense, or post-incident threat management

DO EXACTLY what the police say in a polite and respectful manner, even if they are wrong

DO NOT SPEAK WITH THE POLICE under any circumstances.  Never explain what happened.  Even unimportant details could come back to haunt you.  Resist promises of leniency or immediate release if you talk. There will always be an opportunity to speak with the police / explain your side of the story after consulting with counsel.  The police are allowed to lie to you during questioning.

ASSERT YOUR RIGHTS to remain silent and speak with counsel.

These fundamentals for Self Defense & Guns are vital.  If you or a loved one have a self-defense or gun case in any part of Michigan, or any other type of criminal case throughout the state, including Detroit, Grand Rapids, Saginaw, Flint, Monroe, Pontiac, or Kalamazoo, contact an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney today.

[1] See National Rifle Association’s Rules of Gun Safety. http://training.nra.org/nra-gun-safety-rules.aspx. However, for effective self-defense, the firearm must be loaded at all times.