Skip to main content

Posted on September 6, 2016 by in Don West

The Next Fight- Police Search After Shooting

Don West, National Trial Counsel for CCW Safe, continues with The Next Fight, talking about being searched after a self defense incident. He talks about search warrants, consent to search, and the legality of search. Should you consent to search? Don recommends almost never, however, there is one search that he would recommend cooperating with. If a blood or breath test is requested, and you know that you have not had any drugs and alcohol, it would be a good idea to consent. In fact, just as you would want photographs documenting any injuries that you might have incurred during a self defense incident, it could be equally important to document the fact that you weren’t under the influence of anything, and it might even be a good idea to request a test if not asked by law enforcement.

Don West

Don West, National Trial Counsel for CCW Safe, continues with The Next Fight, talking about being searched after a self defense incident.  He talks about search warrants, consent to search, and the legality of search.   Should you consent to search?  Don recommends almost never, however, there is one search that he would recommend cooperating with.  If a blood or breath test is requested, and you know that you have not had any drugs and alcohol, it would be a good idea to consent.  In fact, just as you would want photographs documenting any injuries that you might have incurred during a self defense incident, it could be equally important to document the fact that you weren’t under the influence of anything, and it might even be a good idea to request a test if not asked by law enforcement.

Don served as co-counsel in the highly publicized George Zimmerman/Trayvon Martin case and has extensive experience defending serious felony cases and has successfully tried several self-defense cases involving the use of a firearm in defending against an unlawful attack.  After Mr. Zimmerman’s acquittal, Mr. West continued to represent Mr. Zimmerman in the federal civil rights investigation until in 2015 the Department of Justice announced that no charges would be filed.

He holds the prestigious AV Preeminent rating by Martindale Hubbell, a 10.0 rating by Avvo, has been awarded Superlawyer status by Thomson Reuters, Top 100 by National Trial Lawyers, is recognized by Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine, Orlando’s Top Lawyers and has been board certified as a criminal trial specialist by the Florida Bar since 1987.    In addition, he has held director positions with the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Mr. West has presented around the country to legal organizations, law students and legal professionals on various aspects of the Zimmerman trial, including self defense law, forensic evidence in firearm cases and stand your ground issues. He has appeared on all the major media outlets in connection with the Zimmerman case or other high profile cases he’s handled.

Welcome to The Next Fight!