texasjeep44 wrote:...then you tell the cop what the other guy did that caused you to be in fear of your life or others life, and that you had no option but to use deadly force.
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If you are taken in for questioning, you need to let your lawyer explain what he thinks needs to be added to your story if anything.
If you had to use deadly force, I would highly recommend that you follow the advice of experts regarding what to tell the police. These are copied and pasted from frequent online conversations on the topic:
Don't Talk to Cops, Part 1
Personal Defense's Massad Ayoob - what to do after a self defense shooting:
Hoping and Assuming you survived...
1. Call 911
2. Officer this person attacked me, I will sign the complaint,
3. Officer here is the evidence (knife, gun, ball bat, whatever).
4. Officer these are the witnesses.
5. Officer you will have my full cooperation in 24 hrs after I see my attorney.
An alternative:
The advice I got from a former LEO now lawyer who holds Use Of Deadly Force seminars was:
1. Call 9-1-1. Ask for an ambulance and police. Asking for an ambulance first then police shows the human side of you.
2. Tell the operator "I shot a man that was trying to hurt me". The key words are shot (not killed, off'ed, smoked, etc), man (not a teenager, child, mo-[abbreviated profanity deleted], etc).
3. Give your location and describe yourself. Most likely your description will be relayed to the first responding police officer. It would be to your advantage if the officer has an idea of who is the "good guy".
4. Do not answer the operator's questions for details. You are being recorded so you have to be brief. Say that you are really busy right now but you are willing to stay on the line until police arrive.
5. Speak clearly. This projects the image of being in control and not panic.
6. Do not have your pistol in your hand when the officer arrives. Holster it when you see the car approach. Keep your hands visible from this point forward.
7. Give the officer a brief non-emotional description of the events. Give enough to make the initial police report. He/she needs basic information to decide if you are free to leave, getting a free ride to the police station for more questions, or getting the handcuffs.
8. Avoid giving out too much information. Your emotions will come out and may work against you. Say that you are trying your hardest not to throw up right now and would rather answer questions later. Police officers who have been involved in a shooting will sympathize with this. If you did #7 well, this should not be a problem.
9. Others. Don't argue with witnesses. Don't act aggressively even if you're angry. Move slowly.