Actions to Take After an Altercation

If you are involved in a self-defense altercation, take the following steps after the altercation has ended (if you are still alive and able):

• Ensure there is no longer a threat.
• Weapons. Secure any weapon the assailant used. If you have a weapon, put it away and keep it out of sight. Police have shot innocent people because they were holding weapons when the officers arrived. Tell police about any weapon when they arrive and carefully do what they say.
• Check yourself for injuries. In the heat of battle, you may not realize you are injured until it is too late.
• When assailant is no longer a threat. Check him/her for injuries and help as appropriate. Do not talk to assailant or use abusive language. Do not touch the assailant if he/she appears dead.
• Call the police as soon as possible. Tell them what has taken place and your location. Ask for emergency medical assistance. Do not give too many details of the incident over the phone.
• Check out the scene. Make a complete check of the scene but do not tamper with any evidence. Do not let anyone else handle any evidence.
• Identify witnesses. They may be the only way to prove what really happened.
  
• When police arrive. Try to spot them first and attract them in a non-threatening manner. At first, the police may treat you like a suspect, especially if you have a weapon. Do as you are told. Do not question or argue with them.
• Call your lawyer. Make no statements to the police or anyone else until your attorney is present. If possible, try to have your lawyer meet you at the scene. Tell the lawyer exactly what happened and let him/her do the talking for you. If you must meet the police by yourself, do not make any statements. Explain to the police politely, but firmly, that you will not talk until your attorney arrives.
• Remain silent. Remember, you have the right to remain silent and anything you do or say can, and probably will, be used against you in a court of law. Police officers know the key to survival is to stay silent and wait for your lawyer but they may try to make you feel guilty for not talking to them. No police officer would make a statement a police shooting without a police union lawyer or a Fraternal Order of Police attorney present. The police will be on your side when all the facts are out, so be polite but do not be overly concerned about their initial impression of your silence.
• Medical treatment. When the medical assistance arrives, get medical treatment for shock for yourself and any other person involved whether physically injured or not.
• Stay away from the news media. Never talk or make any sort of statement to them. Let your attorney make any statements for you. Remember the news media has no authority; you do not have to talk to them.
• Legal Actions. You are justified in using lethal force only if you "feared for your life" or that of another person. Do not apologize for defending yourself. Avoid statements such as "I am sorry I had to hurt him" or "I regret the incident happened." Such statements are equated with feelings of guilt. Since you are showing remorse, it is assumed you actions were inappropriate. Such statements may be used against you in a court of law.
• Stress. Persons involved in self-defense incidents face a great amount of stress. Psychological or physiological problems may appear. These problems are common and affect even trained soldiers and law enforcement officers. If you encounter any problems, seek professional help.