1980Maico440

FWIW-
check around, there are specialists in this area (check with local CCW instructors or the NRA rep).
IMO many do not require a retainer, unless the sh$t hits the fan. Its a comfort to know you have a skilled practitioner lined up BEFORE you need one. Then, if it comes to representation vs money, I have no physical possesions I would not sell for retaining my liberty if it comes to that. Think about MITCHELLCT s post and others here where a good shoot goes bad AFTER the shoot. It isnt just what you say/not say, its all the way down the line. Criminal court is just the first stop. You may end up being sued in another court for damages.
Then think about how many lawyers are out there that are NOT skilled in this area of the law or have solid case law experience and contacts, experts etc. I dont know about you, but the boyscouts always taught us to "be prepared". Sheez, afterall, you hang out here, read all the magazines, read post after post, practice with your weapon (you do practice, right?), eagerly study load information, try different weapons, etc etc (have a stash of holsetrs and arms that just didnt cut it... (:-)) and then make a decision to potentially utilize deadly force/weapon and yet you dont take the time to seek beforehand a decent attorney?
Just my $0.02 That does not make sense my friend.

__________________

I won't stop racing when I get old, I will get old when I stop racing

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goab

I'm of the school of thought that says, "We need a lawyer that's on our side when we need it."
I also think that the situaton will be the base of the need of a lawyer. One of three things. A simple draw and dude runs or he surrenders. Two, shots fired without a fatality or three, shots fired and death. If a shot is fired I'm gonna have legal council not for the criminal side but the civil. Folks are sue happy in our world - even the bad guys.
Prepaid Legal seems to be an option for me. For less than $20 a months you got some legal insurance for anything you need...

I've got a good one in line but curious what you all thought.

Good points. Keep it going.

MitchellCT

RE: Retainers - Not needed until you want to hire the guy. Retainers buy a block of time and that is priced depending on the situation.

Shooting someone after they took a slice at you is one thing.

If that someone happens to be a 14 year old (5'10", 235 lbs...but 14 yo...) then it's something else.

Doing either in your front yard...v doing it in a park...

Doing it in County A were it's open season on thugs v. County B were they don't cotton to people shooting other people at all...

You won't know how much the lawyers time is worth till you get their, so therefore paying a $1,500 retainer could buy you 10 hours at $150/hr...15 hours at $100/hr...or 3 hours at $500/hr.

Rob P.

What you NEED to think about is PRE-draw cover(your butt)age.

IOW, what do you need to do NOW to protect you in the event of "IF I ever have to. . ."

Go talk to your homeowners insurance agent. Get an umbrella policy to cover you in the event of a shooting. The policy will cover your legal fees and representation. It will also cover damages in the event you are found liable in a civil matter up to the policy limits. No homeowner? Go talk to your renters insurance agent. Or your auto insurance agent.

If nothing available otherwise, go talk to the NRA. They have policies for this type of thing.

BTW, "prepaid legal" isn't going to be much assistance. You will be hard pressed to find a "prepaid legal" attorney who will take the case. Which means you will be out there hunting for a lawyer after paying for your "prepaid legal" anyway. Nor does it cover damages. Which could potentially be in the millions.

havegunjoe

But I think you have the scenario in reverse order. I'd explain through a lawyer first. Once it's out of your mouth you can't take it back. You can easily get the name of a good lawyer and have it in your cell phone. You don't need to pay them in advance of anything. Maybe a visit so they know who you are but that shouldn't cost anything. I have two that I have emailed, never visited.

__________________
DEMOCRACY IS TWO WOLVES AND A LAMB VOTING ON WHAT TO HAVE FOR LUNCH. LIBERTY IS A WELL ARMED LAMB CONTESTING THE VOTE.

Certified Instructor for Minnesota Carry Permit
NRA Pistol and Personal Protection Insrtuctor
Utah Permit Certified Instructor

OLDPUPPYMAX

Attorneys, cops, charges, holding cells--what's important is being alive to face the aftermath of the gunfight. I'll take that over being dead and declared "innocent!"

bae

I married an attorney. :-)

Rcher

After 911 and lock jaw (keeping my mouth shut). I will then call an attorney. I have a couple of friends who are business attorneys and can recommend if need be.

__________________
>>---->

Keep it Concealed: "The Element of Surprise is Far Superior than the Target of Fate".

Rob P.

I find this sort of post irresponsible.

What you are saying, is that if you are ever in a shooting situation, you will take whatever comes along afterwards just because you are glad to have survived. In the meantime you will do nothing to protect yourself except troll around on internet forums.

Well, bankruptcy no longer fully discharges your debts. That means when/if you are found civilly liable you will likely lose your home and your finances as well as starting to pay monthly for the rest of your life to those who sued you as well as your attorney. Did you know that defense in a civil suit can cost over $100,000? No money? No problem, defend yourself. If you can. And, your spouse can be held liable for YOUR debts as well through your marriage if you live in a community property state. Kiss your family harmony goodbye in any event.

Criminal prosecution is slightly different. Yes, you can get a public defender appointed in your case if you can't afford an attorney. Our jails and prisons are full of folks who went that route. Here's the real kicker. Just because you were criminally prosecuted doesn't mean that you can't be civilly sued. And juries just love to vote against folks who are in prison at the time.

Insurance is cheap. If you carry, you should have some.

10thmtn

I have this printed in my wallet. I'm also a member of the Armed Citizens' Legal Defense Network.
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Dear Officer: If I have given this to you, I have unfortunately had to do what was necessary to defend innocent life. I am willing to sign a criminal complaint against the perpetrators(s). I will point out witnesses and evidence.

As you may have experienced yourself, this is a stressful and traumatic experience for me. Therefore, I wish to make no further statements until I have contacted an attorney and composed myself. I also do not consent to any searches. I will cooperate fully once I have consulted with an attorney and calmed down. As a lawfully armed citizen, I ask for the same courtesy that you would show a fellow officer who was involved in a similar situation.

Thank-you. Printed on_____________

__________________
The People ARE the Militia, and have a DUTY (not just a right) to be both armed and proficient in the use of said arms.
Ex-Army officer; Hurricane Andrew Relief, FL, 1992; Operation Restore Hope, Somalia, 1993
NRA Life Member; Range Safety Officer
Glock 26, CT Laserguard, Smartcarry