by John Boch
(GSL) – There are a number of companies that offer legal defense programs or “carry” insurance for everyday Americans. A dozen or more, in fact, with new ones popping up all the time.
Some call their products insurance and are regulated as such. Others navigate the space not as insurance, but they still provide essentially the same service: they cover your legal defense costs (and frequently expert witness costs) in the aftermath of a use-of-force incident.
If you’re involved in an incident and acted more or less to the standard by which you’ll be judged, these programs will take care of paying for top notch legal representation. It doesn’t matter if you used your car as a weapon, or a firearm or fists.
I’ve taken dozens of calls over the years from folks who have used force in some capacity for self-defense – most involving a firearm. Few are handled perfectly by the good guy (or gal) but the law doesn’t demand “perfect,” just “reasonable.” Having a good attorney will help you articulate how your actions were reasonable and prudent to prosecutors, and more importantly, to a jury if it comes to that.
Our advice: research the companies and find one (or more) that fits your needs. We strongly recommend everyone carry a policy, even if you don’t have a carry license or don’t carry a gun everyday. Given some of these radical leftist prosecutors in certain jurisdictions, this should be a no-brainer for prudent people. Especially if you ever travel to those locales (and not all of them are Cook County, either).
Again there are lots of companies.. We at Guns Save Life would recommend three of the bunch but that’s not to say another wouldn’t better serve your needs. Do the research.
Fair disclosure: we aren’t paid for these recommendations. Our recommendations and referrals aren’t for sale. In fact, in the past month we were approached by a company with “an opportunity” to promote their products for a commission. “C’mon. I’ll buy you lunch and tell you all about it.” We shut that, ahem, “stuff” down – hard.
All of the groups we like (listed below) have great educational resources available. After all, it’s in their best interests to keep you educated so you keep yourself on the right side of the law.
In no particular order:
Armed Citizen’s Legal Defense Network ($150 for first year, $105 renewals… additional household members are $70 annually). You can bring your own attorney (even a high-priced nationally-known firm like David McDermott’s which bills at $650/hour) or they can recommend one which is extra helpful if your incident happens while travelling. Nationwide coverage. They pay $25,000 out of the gate and if their team views your actions as legitimate self-defense, they have a couple of million to take care lawyers and expert witnesses… both for criminal and civil cases. With a decent attorney, usually that first $25,000 helps make things go away even before charges are filed. Save $25 off your first year: Mention GSL or John Boch and they’ll take $25 off your first year’s membership and they’ll treat you like family.
US Law Shield ($130/year plus add-ons and $20 set up fee). Some know this as “Texas Law Shield” because that’s where they started. They have their own attorney Michael Johnson who handles cases for their Illinois customers. I’ve interfaced with him as a US Law Shield subscriber as well as in my capacity as an instructor, professional writer and GSL’s Executive Director. He’s good. He’s experienced. USLS has add-ons including a couple of extra dollars a month for national coverage. Another for minor children that they call “bully protection.” If your kid uses force in self-defense and Johnny Law gets involved in any capacity, Michael Johnson will jump in to represent them. Most teens don’t have their own attorney on speed dial. When my kids get older and have some Krav Maga under their belt, they will have Mr. Johnson’s number just in case. GSL members get the set up fee waived and two extra months if you pay for a year’s coverage.
US Concealed Carry Association ($300-$500/year). You bring your own attorney or they can recommend one. Nationwide coverage automatically. I call USCCA the “concierge” service. They cover a ton of stuff, including a lot of ancillary expenses one might incur. Extra slickly-produced educational materials. If an extra couple hundred bucks each year isn’t an issue, strongly consider USCCA. Pro-tip: DO NOT give them your primary email address at any point in the process. They will spam the crap out of it – relentlessly. If you sign up with group sales, your GSL membership card will get you 15% off… which more than pays for your GSL membership!
Again, find one that works for you and sign up. Today.
Unless you have a hundred grand sitting in a checking account just waiting to write a $60,000 retainer to a competent and experienced criminal defense law firm. With follow up checks for the expert witnesses.
Seriously. SIGN UP with someone today. It doesn’t matter which to us. Just get protected. It’s the smart and prudent thing to do, particularly in this day and age of media- and politics-driven prosecutions.
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