Immediately After an Encounter with a Burglar

Immediately After an Encounter Part III

 

If you have shot someone who was attempting to rob you, there are some simple and basic steps to take. First, after you have contacted the police, it is advisable to contact an attorney. Once both are done, sit back and clear your mind so that you can recall exactly what happened. Upon the arrival of the police, be prepared to show proper identification and they are obligated to advise you of your rights before you answer any questions. Remember...before you answer any questions, they must advise you of your rights. It is also advisable to exercise your constitutional rights to say nothing until your attorney arrives. This is one of the rights that the police will explain to you, so you are doing nothing wrong by not speaking to them.

 

After being advised of your rights, make a brief statement. Something similar to this:  

 

"The reason I shot this person, is that he tried to rob me and it put me in fear of my life. I had to shoot him. I would love to talk to you further, about everything that has happened, but I want my lawyer to be present when I do that."

 

You then stop talking until you are with your attorney.

 

The police however may take a different view, so you must expect, and be prepared for,  being handcuffed immediately and taken to jail. All because you exercised your rights. These same rights as just outlined by police. But.....it is part of the process. Remember, the police are only doing their job. The best possible answer after your brief verbal statment, is that your response be nothing more, than you wish to speak to an attorney.

 

Remember, you are doing nothing wrong by not speaking with the police immediately. There is a reason for this. The most glaring fact, is that the reason it is inadvisable for you to speak to the police at this stage, is that you are still under the effects of adrenaline. In this state, you could say anything. You could get the facts wrong or worse, mixed up. When your adrenaline is pumped, you are at an emotional high and may even use inappropriate language in front of the police. This state  produces emotions that may may also distort the facts. 

 

Just remember, at this state, anything you say or do....IS admissible in a court of law.

 

Tomorrow, the final installment in this series. Thanks for reading and I'll see you on the trail---