Armed Citizens Can Step On Legal Land Mines If They Aren’t Careful Following Self-Defense Shootings

Firearms instructors and criminal defence lawyers warn that armed people who shoot in self-defence can damage their legal position by speaking too freely to police before they have had time to compose themselves. They say inaccurate or volunteered details may make a justified use of force harder to defend and could lead to criminal charges.

Their advice differs on how much to say: instructor Massad Ayoob recommends a brief statement identifying the attacker, evidence and witnesses, followed by no detailed answers. Attorney Andrew Marcantel advises against volunteering information, saying clients’ recorded statements have undermined otherwise defensible cases. Both stress that stress can affect a person’s memory and account of events.