Self Defense legal assistance programs

[oldjarhead]

I recently obtained my Texas Concealed Handgun License. I am shopping for one of the self defense legal assistance programs, in case I am ever involved in incident, where I am forced to use my handgun to defend myself. I have briefly looked at:

www.texaslawshield.com
www.ccwsafe.com
www.armedcitizensnetwork.org
www.secondcalldefense.com

I am interested in hearing from any forum members who belong or have actually had to use one of these programs in a self defense incident. I want to pick a good one. Thanks.

[RRP]

I'll be watching this thread. I've looked at some of these myself, and I am interested in obtaining feedback from others who are/have purchased these services.

[Armybrat]

I've got an "umbrella" insurance policy. Dunno if it would cover a self defense civil suit, but Texas Castle Law is supposed to prevent those.... or so I thought.

[RRP]

I've got an "umbrella" insurance policy. Dunno if it would cover a self defense civil suit, but Texas Castle Law is supposed to prevent those.... or so I thought.

This may answer your question: http://www.secondcalldefense.org/self-defense-protection/5-self-defense-myths#Umbrella

[Longitude Zero]

None of those listed have really been financially tested. I know the principals behind ccwsafe and I would not recommend any of them until AFTER they are tested for real. From what I understand an insurance policy would pay nothing since self defense is considered an intentional tort.

[marcinstl]

you may or may not need one of those organizations. you really do need a local lawyer that handles stuff like this. find a lawyer(ask around at gun stores, ranges, ask a cop). get a local lawyer that knows the cops, prosecutor and judges, a lawyer that has a reputation for fixing problems. meet with this lawyer and get the basics on what to do. if you shoot somebody, follow the lawyers direction to the letter. keep the gun ready, extra magazines, keep the cellphone charged and the lawyer on speed dial.

[DavidS]

you may or may not need one of those organizations. you really do need a local lawyer that handles stuff like this. find a lawyer(ask around at gun stores, ranges, ask a cop). get a local lawyer that knows the cops, prosecutor and judges, a lawyer that has a reputation for fixing problems. meet with this lawyer and get the basics on what to do. if you shoot somebody, follow the lawyers direction to the letter. keep the gun ready, extra magazines, keep the cellphone charged and the lawyer on speed dial.
Pretty much what our instructor told us. Don't find a good guy lawyer, find a real a$$hole criminal lawyer that will get the job done. I keep his card on me at all times.

[jocko]

good ol COMMON SENSE prevals all of the above, Ur gonna need a lawyer no doubt but if u did wrong, a lawyer is only gonna take ur money for he knows ur gonna loose.

[mr surveyor]

oldjarhead

check your pm's

jd

[muggsy]

I'm 68 years old how much time can I possibly do? And where are they going to house me, in the geriatric ward? :)

[ltxi]

Potential use of force issues aside, it's always a good idea to have a good lawyer on tap. When you suddenly need one isn't he time to go looking. And get one who knows his limitations and has a good network owith specialists for referral if necessary.

[marcinstl]

I'm 68 years old how much time can I possibly do? And where are they going to house me, in the geriatric ward? :)

years ago, on a financial board, a group of old timers were talking about what to do if the market went south and the money was gone. finally agreed that the best plan was to commit a non-violent federal crime and go to white collar jail. a federal prison hospital facility is about the top of the line for healthcare and accommodations. for the best food, get the kosher diet or if it's upscale go for the mediterranean menu. good news, you can keep the computer. bad news, no .380 . hey, it's better and cheaper than a nursing home.

[knkali]

I bought CCWsafe. Seemed to offer the most coverage at the time I was shopping. Worth it? Hope I never find out. For what I blow on a dinner out with my bride in one night, I have bought "hope".

[RevRay]

I recently obtained my Texas Concealed Handgun License. I am shopping for one of the self defense legal assistance programs, in case I am ever involved in incident, where I am forced to use my handgun to defend myself. I have briefly looked at:

www.texaslawshield.com (http://www.texaslawshield.com)
www.ccwsafe.com (http://www.ccwsafe.com)
www.armedcitizensnetwork.org (http://www.armedcitizensnetwork.org)
www.secondcalldefense.com (http://www.secondcalldefense.com)

I am interested in hearing from any forum members who belong or have actually had to use one of these programs in a self defense incident. I want to pick a good one. Thanks.

You left one off the list ... https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/

[muggsy]

You left one off the list ... https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/

That was the one recommended by my CCW instructor. I figured that he got a kickback from them. ;)

[Bill K]

Even if it is a "clean" shoot with respect to your actions it is in my opinion very beneficial, even if not necessary, to have good counsel working for you ASAP.

[marcinstl]

DavidS wrote, "....... find a real a$$hole criminal lawyer that will get the job done." waah! that's right in the 10 ring.
(a lawyer, after several drinks, proclaimed to the folks in the saloon, "there is no justice, only billable hours". laughter and applause followed, they were all lawyers. )
(if your lawyer has a good relationship with the prosecutor and police, he(or she) might be able to make suggestions in how the incident report is written and edited, all of these people can help each other and get you home for dinner. if the lawyer has to rescue you at the cop shop, make sure you didn't confess to something stupid, get everything mopped up and FIXED, so you can go home, what's that, 2-3 hours at $150-$200/hr.? if that's a problem-- don't carry.

[Armybrat]

I'm 68 years old how much time can I possibly do? And where are they going to house me, in the geriatric ward? :)

Hey sonny, I just turned 70 a couple days ago.

[Longitude Zero]

I bought CCWsafe. Seemed to offer the most coverage at the time I was shopping. Worth it? Hope I never find out. For what I blow on a dinner out with my bride in one night, I have bought "hope".

Agreed.

[C_Class]

Armed Citizen's Legal defense Network has an excellent article comparing the various types of Self-Defense Insurance plans on the market.

http://www.armedcitizensnetwork.org/buyersguide

Should help you out...

[Esco]

I have been thinking of getting one of those services lately, but reading all the fine print wears you out.......

I carry concealed and couldn't afford a legal defense if I shot someone, especially if the family filed civil charges..
and people tell me its not worth the risk to carry if I cannot afford to defend myself in court, but I say its better to be broke than dead lol

but having peace of mind for about $100 a year is more than reasonable to me, IF it is what they claim it to be.
they definitely are making a killing off of the memberships... there are way more paying members than people needing a defense in court.
so unless they are crooks it should be worth it. (IF)
But I have been waiting till one of them has been put to the test personally.

[knkali]

Many plans out there will only pay/reimburse if you were not convicted.....face it, you might be convicted of a lesser charge so they are off the hook. Also are you being reimbursed? If so you need your own money upfront. CCW Safe seemed to answer these scenarios well for me. Furthermore, CCW Safe answered the questions regarding an appeal and expert witness costs. The other plans did not. Lastly, CCW Safe is not insurance so they are not held to the fiscal responsibilities that the insurance industry is. In short, they might not have the $$ to do anything if you should need them. Until someone needs them, we will really never know.

[Garo]

I have joined http://www.armedcitizensnetwork.org/ after much research. They have top names in the country on their advisory board and their defense fund is approaching some pretty big numbers. They deserve a close look.

[knkali]

I have joined http://www.armedcitizensnetwork.org/ after much research. They have top names in the country on their advisory board and their defense fund is approaching some pretty big numbers. They deserve a close look.

I expected a lot more from them given their big name supporters.
Seems like you only get a 10K deposit and they arrange for your council. Then your are "eligible" for further grants if applicable. That word "eligible" bothered me. Nothing about appeals mentioned. I could be very wrong here since I power read the link.

[Garo]

I expected a lot more from them given their big name supporters.
Seems like you only get a 10K deposit and they arrange for your council. Then your are "eligible" for further grants if applicable. That word "eligible" bothered me. Nothing about appeals mentioned. I could be very wrong here since I power read the link.

They are very careful about defending someone that has committed a crime. They are in support of educated, reasonable ,and responsible law abiding citizens that carry concealed weapons, and open carry too I believe. It would be best to read what they offer.

I consider it to be a very good deal. They require you to complete a course of study which consists of 8 dvd's and a book. The course is absolutely top notch, and would be very expensive by itself. Probably worth much more than the cost to join.

There is a webpage on their site that compares the different plans available out there. Very helpful. Armed Citizens Network may not be for everybody, but I like it.

[knkali]

They are very careful about defending someone that has committed a crime. They are in support of educated, reasonable ,and responsible law abiding citizens that carry concealed weapons, and open carry too I believe. It would be best to read what they offer.

I consider it to be a very good deal. They require you to complete a course of study which consists of 8 dvd's and a book. The course is absolutely top notch, and would be very expensive by itself. Probably worth much more than the cost to join.
You have to like it...that is all that matters. I hope you never need it amigo.

There is a webpage on their site that compares the different plans available out there. Very helpful. Armed Citizens Network may not be for everybody, but I like it.

You have to like it...that is all that matters. I hope you never need it amigo.

[TheTman]

I've been a member off and on of the group at https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/ . Fortunately I never had to use their services. You do get a nice magazine every month with armed citizen stories, cc tips, gear reviews, news and editorials. They game me nothing to complain about. My membership lapsed a couple months ago, and I never got around to renewing it. Had too many things going on that were sucking up all my extra cash. I may renew after I recover from Christmas. My homeowners insurance provides some coverage, but it's kind of limited to what they will pay for attorneys. It's nice to know you have extra money available should you need it.