It is an unfortunate fact that some of us will be required at some point to use force – even deadly force – in response to a criminal attack. How you respond after use of such force can make the difference between ultimate exoneration and criminal conviction.

If you are required to use force that results in serious harm to or death of another human being, you will not feel well. You will have experienced a tremendous rush of adrenaline and may be physically ill from its dissipation. You may have been injured in the confrontation. When the police begin to question you about the confrontation, tell them (if it is true) that you feel ill and are injured. Do not walk through the scene with the police or explain what happened. Regardless of how you feel, tell the police that you were in fear and that you want a lawyer before making any statement. Do not feel uncomfortable about making this statement. When a police officer is involved in an on-duty shooting, he does not make any statement or give any account of events until he has spoken to his lawyer.

Nothing you say will keep you from jail if the police wish to arrest you, and an ill-considered statement may force them to arrest you. Call my office as soon as possible. I will visit you in jail if necessary and will help you decide what if any statement to give.