The Next Fight- Calling 911 After a Self Defense Shooting

Don West, National Trial Counsel for CCW Safe, continues with The Next Fight talking about making a 911 call after a self defense shooting. 911 should be called as soon as possible after an incident, and remember that the call will most likely be recorded and will most likely be used later if needed. What you say and how you say it may significantly affect your case should you face prosecution. During a call, identify yourself as a victim and that you were forced to act in self defense, and ask for help. Don’t let any anger carry over when talking to the police, and after providing basic, preliminary information, you should not give details, as you will most likely be confused, and probably won’t clearly remember exactly what happened at this time. The more you say while working through this trauma that you have just been involved in, you may inadvertently say something that you are not clear on, and may say something that may be challenged later. Lastly, if you have someone else with you, a family member or friend, you may have them call 911 on your behalf.

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Don West, National Trial Counsel for CCW Safe, continues with The Next Fight talking about making a 911 call after a self defense shooting.  911 should be called as soon as possible after an incident, and remember that the call will most likely be recorded and will most likely be used later if needed.    What you say and how you say it may significantly affect your case should you face prosecution.  During a call, identify yourself as a victim and that you were forced to act in self defense, and ask for help.   Don’t let any anger carry over when talking to the police, and after providing basic, preliminary information, you should not give details, as you will most likely be confused, and probably won’t clearly remember exactly what happened at this time.  The more you say while working through this trauma that you have just been involved in, you may inadvertently say something that you are not clear on, and may say something that may be challenged later.  Lastly, if you have someone else with you, a family member or friend, you may have them call 911 on your behalf.

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!