{"id":143638,"date":"2021-04-01T12:47:26","date_gmt":"2021-04-01T16:47:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=143638"},"modified":"2021-04-01T12:47:26","modified_gmt":"2023-09-07T10:14:31","slug":"avoid-talking-yourself-into-handcuffs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/avoid-talking-yourself-into-handcuffs\/","title":{"rendered":"Avoid Talking Yourself Into Handcuffs: What Not to Say After a Self-Defense Incident"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Avoid
(Photo: U.S. LawShield)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Do you know how to avoid talking your way into handcuffs? Or worse, jail time? Do you have a plan in place for the moments immediately following a self-defense incident? Do you know what to say and what not <\/em>to say?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Self-defense incidents don\u2019t typically happen during regular business hours. And they never happen in the way you might expect. Take the following story, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

David witnessed a crazed man speeding out of a Lowe\u2019s parking lot, driving straight toward uniformed police officers as they drew their weapons. He heard shots fired and felt the need to act to ensure the safety of the police officers. David drew his firearm and discharged a single round, which struck the driver in the arm. The attacker was soon apprehended\u2014but David\u2019s story was far from over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To David\u2019s surprise, after the attacker was placed into custody, the officers began investigating David for a potential crime. Fortunately, David was prepared; he was a U.S. LawShield member.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

David promptly called the U.S. LawShield emergency hotline, and an Independent Program Attorney was immediately able to assist him, establishing that essential attorney-client privilege. David\u2019s conversation with the Independent Program Attorney was privileged and confidential. This privilege is crucial, because it means no one can force you to divulge the contents of your conversation or use it against you in court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acting in justified defense of a third party didn\u2019t stop the police from investigating David or the prosecutors from presenting the case to a grand jury. While the grand jury ultimately no-billed David\u2019s case, we should not forget the valuable takeaway from his story: Even if you are acting in justified self-defense, you may still have to defend yourself against criminal charges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might have done everything right during the situation, but what you do and say to the police and 911 operators could make a difference between spending the night at home or in jail. Think My Cousin Vinny<\/a><\/em>. And if you haven\u2019t seen this movie, the opening scene is worth your time to show what we\u2019re talking about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what should\u2014and shouldn\u2019t\u2014you say?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First off, call 911\u2014especially if you or someone else is injured and needs immediate medical attention. But remember, all<\/em> 911 calls are recorded. Anything you say can be used against you. So, be brief; don\u2019t give the operator a detailed description of the incident or the events leading up to it. Don\u2019t use words like \u201cshot\u201d or \u201ckilled.\u201d Don\u2019t mention your weapon. Just tell the operator:<\/p>\n\n\n\n