Self Defense Funds: Are they worth it?

[TyGuy04]

over the last year or so I've seen a growing popularity concealed carry self defense fund. Different organizations have their own flavor of it and I'm not going to list any specific one over the other here. In theory they seem like a great concept. Pay a monthly, nominal fee and have access to a pool of money for legal fees and self defense specializing attorneys. The question is: are they worthwhile? Not being an attorney and having no experience with them I could see the potential for getting screwed or ending up with someone who isn't very good at what they do. Does anybody have experience with these and especially for the attorneys in our group do you believe they're worthwhile or what do you think they should include to make it worthwhile?

[Jess Karren]

I think they are.

I have the opportunity to speak as the LEO in weekly seminars put on by Texas Law Shield. I meet and speak the the defense attorneys and learn a lot. I think the things to be aware of before selecting a company is 1) Are they a "reimbursement" type plan where you have to front the few thousand to retain an attorney with the company reimbursing you afterwards or is everything covered as a monthly paying member 2) is there a cap in the amount of service given 3) will it cover you both criminally AND civilly. The organization that I'm a member of is a monthly payment of $10-12 depending on the route you go. They will cover you in the case of self defense with any legal weapon with NO out of pocket expenses, criminally AND civilly and there is no cap. That includes bringing in expert witnesses. You can also add on different plans like "bail", covering your juvenile kids in case they have to shoot somebody, out of state coverage, etc.

So to answer the OP. Yes, they are worth it. Just know ahead of time, like insurance, what you will have at the moment of truth. Having an attorney on speed dial that you don't have to front $5K for is nice peace of mind.

[rcpylon]

I think they are.

I have the opportunity to speak as the LEO in weekly seminars put on by Texas Law Shield. I meet and speak the the defense attorneys and learn a lot. I think the things to be aware of before selecting a company is 1) Are they a "reimbursement" type plan where you have to front the few thousand to retain an attorney with the company reimbursing you afterwards or is everything covered as a monthly paying member 2) is there a cap in the amount of service given 3) will it cover you both criminally AND civilly. The organization that I'm a member of is a monthly payment of $10-12 depending on the route you go. They will cover you in the case of self defense with any legal weapon with NO out of pocket expenses, criminally AND civilly and there is no cap. That includes bringing in expert witnesses. You can also add on different plans like "bail", covering your juvenile kids in case they have to shoot somebody, out of state coverage, etc.

So to answer the OP. Yes, they are worth it. Just know ahead of time, like insurance, what you will have at the moment of truth. Having an attorney on speed dial that you don't have to front $5K for is nice peace of mind.

ditto to most of this. I have been a member of two different groups and the payout policy is what got me as well. one was "we'll pay after you're not guilty" (USCCA) and the other was here's $$$ for bail and a lawyer (ALCDN). they also can provide experts for the trial if needed.

Truth is its insurance. they bet you never need it and you hope you never need it but have it if you do. As with any insurance, you are buying coverage to cover something that would be a substantial hit financially (think life, house, car, other property, etc.) luckily, most of the country is in normalville and understands the "self defence" incident and the state has laws to back that up. Its up to you, personally though, i like having another tool in the box.

[cco45acp]

I think they are.

I have the opportunity to speak as the LEO in weekly seminars put on by Texas Law Shield. I meet and speak the the defense attorneys and learn a lot. I think the things to be aware of before selecting a company is 1) Are they a "reimbursement" type plan where you have to front the few thousand to retain an attorney with the company reimbursing you afterwards or is everything covered as a monthly paying member 2) is there a cap in the amount of service given 3) will it cover you both criminally AND civilly. The organization that I'm a member of is a monthly payment of $10-12 depending on the route you go. They will cover you in the case of self defense with any legal weapon with NO out of pocket expenses, criminally AND civilly and there is no cap. That includes bringing in expert witnesses. You can also add on different plans like "bail", covering your juvenile kids in case they have to shoot somebody, out of state coverage, etc.

So to answer the OP. Yes, they are worth it. Just know ahead of time, like insurance, what you will have at the moment of truth. Having an attorney on speed dial that you don't have to front $5K for is nice peace of mind.

Sounds like you have a good one. I want to research it further. Which company do you have?

[Jess Karren]

I use Texas Law Shield here in Texas. I'm not too familiar with other companies outside of Texas.

https://www.texaslawshield.com/

[LawDog]

I'm an advocate of just saving money. Having $20k cash in the bank will save you from a number of emergencies. It can be used to hire an attorney or just put a new roof on the house.

[TyGuy04]

I'm an advocate of just saving money. Having $20k cash in the bank will save you from a number of emergencies. It can be used to hire an attorney or just put a new roof on the house.

Me too. But if it is an option, I'd rather not be forced to choose between the two. Especially if the court stuff could keep me out of work

[Danneskjold]

I'm an advocate of just saving money. Having $20k cash in the bank will save you from a number of emergencies. It can be used to hire an attorney or just put a new roof on the house.

I'd suggest $20k in physical cash hidden somewhere instead of the bank. Frozen bank accounts don't help.

[coastalcop]

Have Law shield as well among other policies.

Word of warning to LEO. If you already have one form of coverage leave it in place for at least two years if you decide to change organizations that offer such coverage. remember that two year lawsuit window, if you pick up coverage it wont cover things that occurred prior to picking it up (was a question when lawshield came a calling, they bumped it upstairs and confirmed was from date of plan on , NOT things prior to plan.....which makes perfect sense)

couple of my guys didn't change plans for that reason (pretty sure they are going to get sued on a UOF prior to the presentation)

I picked it up anyway, just maintaining two coverages for a bit.

[Jess Karren]

Have Law shield as well among other policies.

Word of warning to LEO. If you already have one form of coverage leave it in place for at least two years if you decide to change organizations that offer such coverage. remember that two year lawsuit window, if you pick up coverage it wont cover things that occurred prior to picking it up (was a question when lawshield came a calling, they bumped it upstairs and confirmed was from date of plan on , NOT things prior to plan.....which makes perfect sense)

couple of my guys didn't change plans for that reason (pretty sure they are going to get sued on a UOF prior to the presentation)

I picked it up anyway, just maintaining two coverages for a bit.

Ive got double as well. TMPA & TLS.

[H60DoorGunner]

Sounds like you have a good one. I want to research it further. Which company do you have?

He and I both have Texas Law shield. Look into US Law shield, if you aren't in Texas. https://www.uslawshield.com

[LawDog]

I'd suggest $20k in physical cash hidden somewhere instead of the bank. Frozen bank accounts don't help.Good point. Personally, I'll accept gold bullion or Bitcoin. No cocaine, though.

[Christopher Calhoun]

Texas Law Shield here as well with the $3 add on for additional states. It's like having a gun; I have it in case I need it, but hope I never have to use it. (See what I did there?)


Chris