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Posted on November 25, 2016 by in Uncategorized

The Reality of Coverage After a Self Defense Shooting

Many companies either don’t understand what type of coverage is needed after a self-defense incident or distract you by bundling their coverage with a focus on the wrong things. The reality of a self-defense incident, especially one that involves a lethal use of force is there will always be a thorough criminal investigation. Making sure you have enough coverage and the right coverage is crucial. When a company bundles their coverage, you need to take time to see if they are actually covering the real costs and not just focusing on the things that rarely happen.

Today, we have all seen how quickly the facts regarding a shooting can be twisted. Just look at Zimmerman or Ferguson if you want a clear example of how a shooting can be misrepresented. What has been portrayed and repeated isn’t accurate, but over time reality is replaced with propaganda. Sadly, this is also true for many companies providing legal protection for citizens involved in self-defense incidents. Many companies either don’t understand what type of coverage is needed after a self-defense incident or distract you by bundling their coverage with a focus on the wrong things. The reality of a self-defense incident, especially one that involves a lethal use of force is there will always be a thorough criminal investigation. Making sure you have enough coverage and the right coverage is crucial. When a company bundles their coverage, you need to take time to see if they are actually covering the real costs and not just focusing on the things that rarely happen. Civil lawsuits are rare if your use of force is found to be justified by law enforcement. Many states actually indemnify you from civil lawsuits if your use of force is found to be justified. When you really need protection is when you are found guilty of a charge or take a plea. What many companies don’t tell you is their coverage stops immediately after you are found guilty or take a plea. These same companies claim you will have no “out of pocket expense” with their coverage, but that just isn’t true. So rather than debate the issues, let’s describe what you will actually need after a lethal use of force, which results in criminal charges.

Your bond could easily be set between $250,000 to $1,000,000. That means you will need 10% for the bail bond agent. Many companies offer $2,500 to $10,000 for bail bond. That means you will have an out of pocket expense for bail bond unless you have CCW Safe, which provides bond coverage plans from $$25,000 to $100,000.
Your retainer for an attorney will easily be in the six figures. That means you could need $200,000 for a retainer. Many companies offer total criminal cover of $50,000 to $100,000. You could have an out of pocket expense to retain an attorney after being charged after a lethal use of force unless you have CCW Safe which doesn’t place a limit on your criminal defense.
You will need to immediately hire an investigator to start your defense. CCW Safe is currently defending a member on a 1st degree murder charge and has already spent over $50,000 on the investigator alone. Some companies don’t cover investigators or place a limit on your criminal defense. If you already spent your entire coverage limit on a retainer, you will have an out of pocket expense unless you have CCW Safe which doesn’t place a limit on your criminal defense.
You will need expert witnesses, jury consultants, trial exhibits and discovery work. This can easily exceed $100,000. Many companies don’t cover this or place a limit on your criminal defense. If you already spent your entire coverage limit on a retainer, you will have an out of pocket expense unless you have CCW Safe which doesn’t place a limit on your criminal defense.
At some point, you might decide to take a plea deal or you might be found guilty. What many companies don’t tell you is their coverage stops immediately if you take a plea or are found guilty. This means you will be on your own unless you have CCW Safe which continues your coverage even if you are found guilty or take a plea.
CCW Safe is the only company based on the police union model. CCW Safe covers all your expenses upfront after a self-defense incident – from the 1st moment. From incident to interviews to grand jury to arrest, it doesn’t matter because CCW Safe truly covers all your out of pocket expenses. So please don’t get distracted by companies that try to pressure you into buying their coverage through pressure sales or claiming that they are the only company that cover all your expenses upfront, but then place limits on your criminal defense. Take your time and do your research. Getting less coverage for more money isn’t just a bad deal, it can cost you your freedom.