May 18, 2005
"I'm OK; I'm waiting for my attorney"
This article written by Burt Springer is geared toward a LEO involved in a shooting incident, but it offers good advice that should be followed by ANYONE who has been put in the unenviable position of having had to utilize deadly force in self protection.
While Mr. Springer is correct in stating that:
"Remember, society does not like police shootings and you must expect to go through the steps society and your department dictates if you shoot someone."
As true as that is, society likes civilian shootings even less, and the common citizen doesn't have the support system that a LEO has after a shooting incident.
If you are involved in a shooting incident, the best thing you can do is KEEP your big trap SHUT. Retain counsel as soon as you possibly can, BEFORE answering any questions. When you are being questioned (with your legal counel present), keep your answers to the point, and don't elaborate. Do NOT offer any opinions and don't offer any information not specifically asked for in the questions put to you. Remember always that these people are not your friends.
Most investigators are fair and just trying to dispassionatly ascertain the the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident, but you can never be sure if you might have been unlucky enough to draw one of the "civilians have no right to protect themselves" GFW types, always assume that you have.
Tell the truth, and tell it like it was as simply as possible.
LISTEN to your attorney and follow his advice, that's what your paying him for.