Use of Force.
I tell people, “Guns are like airbags, if either go off something terrible has happened. It may or may not be your fault. You may or may not have been able to prevent it. But it will be bad. Regardless though, both could save your life.”
Before we discuss use of force, it is important to remember nothing changes when you carry a gun. You are not Super Man and that S on your chest will not stop bullets. Don’t go out to investigate bumps in the night. Try not to get involved in altercations. It may not be a good idea to intervene in an armed robbery…etc. CALL THE POLICE! They will come with friends, wear body armor and they are trained to deal with these issues…you and I are not!
Here is how we will live…
• We will live a lifestyle of:
• Avoidance
• Evasion
• De-escalation
Last, we will fight to protect our lives and the lives of our families! For me, that is it. I am not a policeman and my view is, “my gun is for me and my family”.
• When can you use deadly force? Here is the criteria as I see it. Bad Guy has the ability/means to cause you harm (weapon), the opportunity to do so (proximity) and has indicated his/her inclination to do so through word or deed (motive/jeopardy).
Here is when the State of Florida says you can use your gun…
• Deadly force means force that is likely to cause death or great bodily harm.
• Justifiable use of Deadly force (you can use your weapon in defense of a forcible felony): Forcible felony means treason; murder; manslaughter; sexual battery; carjacking; home-invasion robbery, robbery; burglary; arson; kidnapping; aggravated assault; aggravated battery; aggravated stalking; aircraft piracy; unlawful throwing, placing or discharging of a destructive device or bomb; and any other felony which involves the use or threat of physical force or violence against any individual.
Holy Smokes…we live in the Wild West! Well, not exactly…remember Mr. Zimmerman? Here is what you need to remember. Were you or another in fear of losing your/their life or in fear of great bodily harm? Well, from there it is going to be tricky as more than likely, witnesses will try not to be witnesses (the human factor) and the rest who are going to try and make an accurate decision weren’t there. Example: will the policemen who first show up think your life was in danger? Will his department? Will the States Attorney? What about a Grand Jury? What about a judge and jury? The whole thing is very convoluted and there is no guarantee? The good part (like Zimmerman) is that you will be alive to fight, defend yourself in court or go to jail…but in all, you and your loved ones might be alive because of your prudent decision to fight?
Remember, our defensive action will be traumatic, expensive and time consuming.
We may be arrested
We may lose our weapon
We may go to court
We may go to jail
Guns are a last chance effort to save our lives or the lives of our loved ones. That’s it!
Now, if you use force and it appears it was justified, you MAY be immune to civil suit but remember, the parents or families of these fine young men will say their son’s were turning a new leaf…you should have just given them your money or whatever!? Further, if you had to shoot their choir boy son, you should have just shot them in the arm and winged them.
With immunity, it just got a little harder, it appears it will now be up to you to prove you were in the right, not the State Attorney’s job to prove you were in the wrong…wow. Our system, for me, appears to be slanted in the wrong direction…bet I could get a few LEO’s to agree with me.
Here is the link to the court’s opinion: http://lawofselfdefense.com/…/bretherick-v-state-2015-fla-…/ Our job just got harder.
There is nothing good in the use of your weapon except you and your family are alive…well, that is really all that matters. BUT, the injury of another person, even a bad guy, and the aftermath caused is bad.
I hope you found this article interesting and helpful.
The Lord Bless You and your family.
See you at the range.
Franklin