LEGALITIES & CONSEQUENCES OF FIRING A GUN

  Feb 14th 2017

What Happens After You Fire Your Weapon

Most gun owners are well trained and knowledgeable about their weapon and how to safely operate it. However, there is still a lack of understanding about the post-shooting process and the legal consequences that follow. You have to be prepared and informed to protect yourself from the ramifications of the law. Six Maritime, a provider of firearms training courses in Gainesville, FL, offers information on what happens after a self-defense shooting and how you can prepare for it.

Assess the Situation & Call 911

If you were in a threatening situation and deemed it necessary to shoot your attacker because there was no other choice, you will probably be in a panic. No matter how much you prepare, shooting a person will be a traumatic experience but it is important to try and regain your composure. Make sure that your attacker is no longer a threat and check for any other surrounding dangers. Once the area is secure call 911 immediately. Some important points to keep in mind when calling 911 are:

• Give your exact location as soon as possible so that help can reach you in case connection is lost.
• Ask for both police and medical assistance.
• Tell the operator who you are and how you are dressed. Describe your attacker and any weapons he/she might’ve had.
• Tell the Operator that you are, and will remain, armed until the police arrive for your safety. Once they arrive you will set your weapon down.
• Stay on the line with 911 if they request but give no further statements or admissions.

Waiting For & Arrival of First Responders

While waiting for officials to arrive it is crucial that you do not flee the scene or tamper with any potential evidence. Doing so could put you at risk of appearing guilty. As soon as officers arrive, place your weapon on the ground where it is visible to them, direct them towards the attacker, and keep your arms up and away from your body. At this point, law enforcement officers will secure the scene, collect evidence and ask questions. Be respectful and compliant but don’t say too much until you have an attorney. While the police are there to help, they don’t know if you are guilty of a crime or a victim of it. It is likely that the officers will handcuff you, place you in a cruiser, or even jail you. Remain calm and comply, it takes time to get everything sorted out after a shooting.

Legal Repercussions

Before you answer any questions ask for a lawyer and remain silent. Having a lawyer present before answering the investigators is crucial even if you are innocent. It will help protect you, ease your stress and make sure that everything is recorded properly. Then, prepare for legal repercussions. The most likely scenario is that you will be sued by either the attacker or the attacker’s family. This process will be extensive, lengthy and sometimes expensive even if your actions were justified.

CCW Classes in Gainesville, FL

Unfortunately, many firearms training courses and CCW classes don’t cover what happens after you shoot somebody in self-defense and that can pose a danger to your freedom. It is important to be educated so that you can make the most informed decision before shooting someone and know how to handle the aftermath if it is deemed necessary. Contact Six Maritime for firearms training courses so that you may be better prepared and informed.