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From the law enforcement side of things, let me chime in with my advice. I would see nothing wrong with having an attorney on retainer but most cops think of only two people that do this. We get told by rich people and criminals to talk with their attorneys. In either case, it just stops me from the immediate investigation sometimes. I will not ask direct questions any longer but will continue with other facets until I can get the attorney. I am sure that you will get the old "why do you need an attorney if you have nothing to hide" from a lot of cops if this ever does go down.

I don't know if you need to actually pay the retainer, or just have a working relationship with the attorney. I know of a couple who have handled cases for me or a friend in the past that I could call if I needed one. This is probably a decent working solution for me. If I needed one of them, I am sure they would handle it and bail me out too.

This brings up an important point that most people who have not been arrested do not know. A lawyer can post bond for his clients without going to a bail bondsman. And since he gets the money back (actually he has prearranged it and pays no real cash out) when you show up, there is little or no fee for this. In other words, you pay the legal bills but get to save on the bond fee the bail bondman charges. If you have never been in these situations, you may know about bondsmen, and not know about this advantage.

As for the last question posted, how do you find a good, experienced lawyer for this? The best way is through word of mouth. Check with your friends on who they recommend. Check with the TSRA and NRA. Check with the local police union (they have had a lot of experience with defensive shootings in a slightly different context). Then meet with the attorney and talk to him. See how you feel personally. This is someone you will need to trust with your life, literally. You have to make sure you can work with him.