Defense Attorney Reccomendations

[Sebastian the Ibis]

A couple of us were thread-jacking a column with comments about the importance of having a lawyer lined up ahead of time in case we ever had to use lethal force:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=356316

And it got me wondering, does anyone know of a good attorney that has handled self-defense cases in the Wilmington DE/ Philadelphia PA area? (preferably a former state prosecutor with 10 + years of local experience.) I may be moving there and I’ll need to put a new number in my phone.

 

[Sniper X]

1-800-GETMEOUT

Just kidding! Good luck, and remember, if ya have to shoot someone, report it YOURSELF IMMEDIATELY!

 

[Eric F]

seems like I came across a web site once that had lawyer listings for this subject but I can not find it right now!

 

[princewally]

Talk to a local group.

http://www.stategunrights.org/?filter=P

 

[gym]

I always carry my attorney's business card in my wallet, I once had a situation, and learned that weather you are right or wrong, you should call a laywer prior to giving any statement when involved in situation that had felony reprocussions, even if your attorney isn't a defense attorney, he or she will know who to call in that type of situation. Most lawyers are friends with other lawyers, and sometimes it will be of great value to find a local laywer who has dealings with the system in the immediate area that you are in.

 

[Remander]

I would not be overly focused on whether the atty had handled self-defense cases or was a gun guy. The biggest gun-guy-atty around here is walking malpractice. The other ones who are big gun guys are prosecutors, judges or other government lawyers. (See, they aren't all out to get us.).

I would ask around and find out which local criminal defense atty has the best rep and keep his/her name and number in mind. A truly quality defense atty is who I want whether I am the self-defender or an accused mugger.

The advice above to ask other attys is good advice. Most attys do not handle criminal defense. Nonetheless, if you know an atty who does anything from arbitration to zoning law, ask him or her who they would hire if they or a family member were arrested and charged with a serious crime.

Get a few opinions from attys, and if the same name comes up often, that's your lawyer. Save your pennies.

 

[JerryM]

To each his own, but I see no need for me to have a lawyer ahead of time. That would tend to indicate one was looking for trouble.
However, there is nothing wrong with learning the name(s) of one or more reliable and good attorneys.

Regards,
Jerry

 

[Sebastian the Ibis]

I have a right to an attorney just as much as a I have a right to a gun. If I am ever in a self-defense situation I'd like to have both readily accessible.

I understand the importance of calling the police prior to engaging an attacker if there is time and would do so. However if I did not have time to do so and had to resort immediately to the use of deadly force I would call my lawyer first.

Whatever you say to the 911 operator will be recorded and will be admissible against you. (I think, any lawyers care to comment?) If you are juiced up on adrenaline/fear/whatever from just taking someones life do you really want to be making quite possibly the most important statements of your life? Even if what you do is by the book and correct do you want to be the next Joe Horn on the nightly news?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=HhGP-8Uj7ac&feature=related

Thankfully I have never been in this situation, but I'd rather have a prosecutor/talking head news reporter say I called my lawyer before 911, than have them play a tape of me saying anything.

 

[serrano]

I keep these guys in my phone.

 

[gym]

You got it Sebastian, till you been there you have no idea, how biased the justice system is.

 

[cpileri]

in texas...Concealed Carry Legal Services

http://www.concealedcarrylegal.com/becomeAMember.cfm

maybe ask these guys if they know of a similar org in Florida. They are a prepaid, $120/year, service that provides you access if you ever need it.
Its a retainer, or 'lawyer insurance', and I am sure its mostly fre emoney for them since most ccw'ers are very non-criminal. But it makes me feel better with a number to call if I had to.
C-

 

[John828]

I'd say find an attorney now. Just like preparing mentally and playing through SD scenarioes until they become automatic, I think we should have a trusted defense attorney's card on hand with our CCW permit. If you're a shooter, someone at your club or range is going to know of a good attorney.

Statistically (and thankfully), if we are practicing good situational awareness, none of us will ever be in the position to need a lawyer; but, if it does ever happen, heaven forbid, the criminal side should be justified, but the civil suit is guaranteed to come. That's where an attorney is needed.