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How many carry and have a lawyer handy? Anyone know a good lawyer and care to pass on the info? I'v been thinking that if I were to ever get into a situation I had to use my defensive weapon to neutralize a threat, I should have a lawyers info handy. I'm sure some of you do and some are like "Hmmm, that's probably not a bad idea"................Thoughts??

My theory is, just don't know a lawyer, have them as good friends.

Jungle Work

+1

Where do you live? Someone here might be able to give you a name in your area.

At "2:00 AM"
You don't need a lawyer
You do need a bail bondsman
The next day, after you get out of jail, there will be plenty of time to search for a criminal defense attorney.




You remember in the movies where they read you your rights?
"... You have the right to remain silent ..."
It is best to keep your mouth closed,
until you have gotten the advice of your attorney.





What is the correct answer to the question:

"Do you understand these rights as I have read them to you?"

"No! I need to speak to my Lawyer."



Grown men with a Doctorate of Jurisprudence that have been practicing the law all their adult lives,
still argue over those rights.
How could you a mere mortal, understand all of your rights?

I think that the poster made a good point; the time to look for an attorney is now, when you can think clearly, ask many people for advice, and take your time on the decision.

I am good friends with many lawyers. However, I do not personally know any criminal defense attorneys. Thus, I have neglected this area myself. Sure, I can call around for references, but I would rather be doing that now then from jail.

Thank you for raising this excellent issue.

I'n in Plano....DFW area. I shoot IDPA with a few......guess it's time to introduce myself

age_ranger wrote:I'n in Plano....DFW area. I shoot IDPA with a few......guess it's time to introduce myself

That might be a wise move. Grab a card for me too.

I have an excellent one around the Houston that has handled MANY self defense cases.

One of my CHL class teachers is a current LEO. This discussion came up of course about what you do if you have to shoot someone in self defense. He was saying that you'd be better off telling the police what happened than tell them "I'd rather have my attorney present."

Personally...I dunno. I'd much rather be in the presence of my lawyer if I was answering ANY questions. He was saying from a cop's perspective that it looks really questionable if you say you want your lawyer there. I'm not worried about the police at that point...I'm worried about the court. I do understand his point and if it was inside of my house I would probably tell them exactly what happened. If it was a situation on a sidewalk where I was being held up for my wallet by gang bangers, I'd have to deal with that at the time because I don't know what route I would take.

I would imagine that most people that shoot someone in self defense probably tell the cops exactly what happened and are still no billed. If it's a clear cut case and you make sure to tell the police that you "were in fear of your life" and that really was the case...then you're probably fine. I don't have my lawyer's number on speed dial, but it probably isn't a bad idea. After personally being arrested though...you'd better memorize it. You probably won't have access to your cell phone.

I've also thought about this, as we all probably have.
I agree that refusing to talk to the first responders without a lawyer would probably not sit well.
I think the discussion here in other threads has given me enough information about what is safe to say, and when to shut up. A brief description of what happened is almost unavoidable, followed by "I'm pretty shook up. I'll be happy to discuss this at length with you after I've had a chance to settle down." Then call that lawyer and schedule a joint interview with LEO.

Someone here posted a reference to a Mr. Montserratt in Dallas. I don't know the guy, but I put the phone number in my wallet. What I'm wondering is what happens when you call that number at 2 AM with a corpse on the floor. Do you get a recording? Is someone on call to take such calls?
I need to find that out.

after an 'incident' you will likely be in shock, adrenaline high or whatever, a most dangerous time to make ANY statements... many police departments require a 24-48 hour 'cooling off' period for their officers before they will allow them to make a statement. this period allows the officer to calm down, clear his head and remember the facts and get his story straight..

don't you deserve the same??

A very good point.
Might be handy to know your local PDs policy.

Rex

not to mention a cigarette or four!
I smoked half a pack talkin' to the Dallas PoPo one night!

para driver wrote:after an 'incident' you will likely be in shock, adrenaline high or whatever, a most dangerous time to make ANY statements... many police departments require a 24-48 hour 'cooling off' period for their officers before they will allow them to make a statement. this period allows the officer to calm down, clear his head and remember the facts and get his story straight..

don't you deserve the same??

My CHL instructor is current DPD officer. supervisory level- his comment for immediate first responder comment is: " I was in fear of my life and I want to talk with my attorney- period- repeat as often as necessary."
If the officer states, "well, if you are telling the truth- you have nothing to worry about."
Just remind the officer who said that ....that they are also the ones who will refuse to make a comment without the union rep and legal consel right next to them in similar situations! Unquote