PROTECTING YOURSELF ON PAPER

Defending Yourself Against Bad Guys Could Cost You Big. Learn How Insurance Should Be a Key Part of Mitigating Potential Criminal Liability

- Jason Squires

BANG, CRASH, BOOM! You live in a gated community in, let’s say, St. Louis, Missouri. You’re outside enjoying a Sunday family barbecue in the late afternoon, early evening. The crash is followed by a chant of sorts: “No justice, no peace!” This mantra is loudly repeated as a massive crowd approaches your residence. Your wife looks at you and she is scared. You’re scared too.

You run into your house and grab your AR-15. Your state allows the lethal force defense of an occupied structure. You come around to the front of your residence and notice a large group of young people. A few members of the crowd appear to be armed with rifles, but you cannot tell if they’re airsoft replicas or real firearms. The crowd is enraged. You and your wife call 9-1-1, only to hear a prerecorded message: “Due to a high volume of calls, emergency services is not available at this time.” Your 9-1-1 call follows weeks of unrest over racial and political divides. You’re not the type to get into heated arguments over politics, but you firmly believe in your Second Amendment rights. One thing is clear, you’re alone.

You raise your gun in the direction of the approaching crowd, hoping to deter them from entering your property and harming your family. The protestors have several cell phones recording the entire event. Luckily, the crowd eventually moves on and you don’t discharge your firearm to protect yourself. However, to your shock and horror, three days later, the police arrive on your doorstep asking you questions about your behavior. They mention endangerment and aggravated assault. All felonies.

Several days afterward, you’re charged with multiple felony offenses and put in jail awaiting a trial scheduled for 10 months later. Bail is $250,000 secured appearance bond.