Some Better Advice?

Better than that worn out “I was in fear for my life”.

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Good catch. Thanks.

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"I was in fear for my life” sounds like “I’ll be back” told by Arnold Schwarzenegger :face_with_raised_eyebrow:
It shouldn’t be statement copied from my membership card…it sounds suspicious right away. It’s better to ask for attorney and say no more words.

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If ever in that spot. I think I will stay silent and let my attorney talk for me when he gets there

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Not to mention the worn out “can I take you to dinner”?
“Can I feed that emaciated body of yours, you look starved”?
When he pointed the big gun at my face, I was seriously in fear for my life.
How about the good old, “ that guy broke into my home, that’s his weapon, lawyer! Of course, officer, my name is Scott52, lawyer”! In some rare cases, my name is ( insert real name ), lawyer, can I get an ambulance?

In some cases I understand that COMPLETE silence is a form of guilt.

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In Massad Ayhoob’s book Deadly Force he included Chapter 9, Debunking Myths of Armed Self Defense. He specifically addressed the “I was in fear for my life” myth as NOT being a magic phrase that keeps you out of legal trouble. A good read.
While the debate will go on forever within both the legal and self defense communities over “say nothing to the police” versus “say just enough to the police,” I am a supporter of Ayoob’s Five Point Checklist (Deadly Force, 2d ed, Ch 12, After the Shooting), and teach that option in my classes.

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In the frame of mind I am in now I think I would say “I was trying to save my own or someone else’s life” (depending on the situation). After that I would probably say “I will tell you the rest of the story once I am debriefed and my lawyer is present ”.
Praise and thanks to @Elza1 for giving us the opportunity to practice and share what we would say not that I wish anyone gets the opportunity to use it.

That’s the same bible that quotes Brandon on the double barrel shotgun warning shot myth!

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I’m not quite sure if you are insulting me or not.

I am merely wanting ALL of us to think of what to say or not to say. It is also important that those who may be with you also NOT SAY ANYTHING as that can be used against you as well.

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@Elza1 I’m not quite sure if you are insulting me or not.
Not. I was saying although it is important to practice what we are going to say, I hope no one ever has to use it for real.

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Please site a case where refusal to speak to the police was successfully used against the defendant at court.

Makes sense to me. It’s the same way I’ve been taught what to say when calling 9-1-1.

“They [attacked me] and I had to defend myself.”

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I think it’s more of when a prosecuting attorney looks at the police report they will not choose to prosecute if it clearly looks like a case of self defense.

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Well, the Kyle Rittenhouse case is a counter-example; the prosecutor tried to indicate a 5th Amendment silence claim indicated guilt. The jury saw through it.

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How bought
“ HOMINA HOMINA HOMINA “

by the time they look it up you will have your USCCA Attorney.

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And failed. Case dismissed. :blush:

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Robert, the LEO will follow what the DA says,as in my case the LEO all said the brandishing was a bad charge and if nothing else it was election time and the Da was wanting convictions and would settle for a plea deal and thanks to USCCA they provided the representation for me and the Da met with both and he did drop the charges ,said the Jury would rule for self defense,when both of us would only settle for complete exoneration,in a case that truely was self defense. The LEO did treat me very good and put me in with the Trusties the one nite I spent locked,even the judge was partial and there was no bail and was released to next morning,but it is up to the DA,the LEO has to follow what the Da wants, and it took 3 months before I could leave for Texas

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Often people get hung out to dry because of what they say when they call 9-1-1. That is when your stress level is still very high. In my wallet, between my DL and CCP I have a card with the following information:

Call 911 as soon as possible; tell the operator ONLY the following :
“My name is ________”
“My location is ________”
“I have been the victim of a crime”
“I need emergency services (police / EMS / fire department)”
Give a general description of what you are wearing to avoid any confusion by police when they arrive (as “I’m a 5′ 9″ male wearing a white shirt and blue jeans”).
Essential logistical information (such as “I am holding the criminal at gunpoint in my living room”). Give as little information as possible.
Confirm address/location before hanging up.
DO NOT ENGAGE IN CONVERSATION WITH THE OPERATOR!!!
Hang up the phone.

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AND tell those with you to NOT talk to the police but wait for the lawyer as well… What THEY say can be used against you, too!!!

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