[PT145SS]

Originally Posted by 11BEE

You are EXACTLY correct. In any scenario, the LAST thing you do is pull a weapon or fire one. In order to fire the gun, we would have to exit the car or at least roll a window down. This driver did exactly what he should have done. Plan and execute an escape .

He obviously did not plan it or execute it well. He still got dragged out of his vehicle and beaten. In hindsight, we know he was not killed, but at the time, one might think one’s life could be in danger. Personally, I don’t know if I would gamble my life and/or my family’s.

Originally Posted by 11BEE

One great life point, always have an exit when in a car. Pull into the right or left most lane with at least a car length empty in front of you. If someone approaches, you can drive off. This is far better than firing a weapon.

This I can agree with. It allows for more options without taking any options away.

Originally Posted by 11BEE

The average person who fires a weapon in self defense pays $27,000 in legal fees. You will be brought in front of a grand jury so you need a lawyer. The other person or family of that person WILL sue you for wrongful death resulting in civil defense attorney fees. If you don't think I am wrong google it. Castle doctrine will not prevent the civil suit.

In Texas, simply firing a weapon in self-defense does not mean a visit with the Grand Jury. Only if that shot results in death will it be mandatory for the grand jury. Anything short of that and it is up to the DA if it goes or not.

Correct, castle doctrine does not prevent anyone from filing a civil suit. What it does do is give a defense to such law suits in the case where the shooter is no billed or not guilty. Meaning, a civil suit against a no billed/not guilty shooter in self-defense will not last long… It might not make it through first contact.

Originally Posted by 11BEE

You should always de-escelate first, retreat second, shoot last.

I really disagree with this. In a situation where someone breaks into my house, taking the time to deescalate might get you killed. In this same situation, I might have a window to retreat out of but by doing so I could be leaving my family by themselves inside with no protection.

Years ago many states went to a retreat requirement. This is because they thought it would reduce the number of homicides stemming from burglaries. But time proved two things, one that this requirement resulted in innocent victims ending up in jail because they shot an intruder without jumping out a window first and/or two, innocent victims ended up dead because they were afraid to protect themselves in their own home. As a result of these unintended consequences, many of the states that adopted the retreat requirements are now repealing them for a more common sense stand your ground laws.