CCW Safe

Don West and Steve Moses join Shawn Vincent to talk about the concept of the “window of justification” and to explore the legal perils for armed defenders who shoot before the threat of great bodily harm or death is imminent.

In self-defense law, it’s not enough that you feared an attacher—what ultimately matters is whether a jury will decide that your belief in imminent great bodily harm or death was objectively and subjectively reasonable under the totality of the circumstances..

Criminal defense attorney Don West explains the core legal standard for the justifiable use of deadly force in self-defense, and firearms instructor Steve Moses provides a nuts-and-bolts tactical translation of the law to help inform armed defenders’ decision-making in a self-defense scenario.

Shawn Vincent talks with attorney Don West about the legal consequences of self-defense, including a discussion of the potential charges an armed defender could face in the wake of a self-defense shooting, and a candid exploration of the realities of enduring a criminal prosecution.

Steve Moses talks to Don West and Shawn Vincent about how proper self-defense training from qualified, credentialed instructors gives armed defenders the competence and confidence to make smart decisions in a dynamic self-defense scenario.

Lesson 1: The Goal of Self-Defense Is to Break Contact Breaking contact with an aggressor can mean using deadly force when justified, or simply walking away—with a range of actions in between, including verbal de-escalation techniques and less-lethal force options. By adopting a “break contact” self-defense mindset, armed defenders give themselves more tactical options while reducing the legal jeopardy resulting from a potential use-of-force event.

Firearms trainer Erick Gelhaus joins the podcast to talk about the tactical and legal benefits of a low-ready defensive display when a threat justifies the potential use of deadly force.

After more than 25 years in law enforcement, Doug Deaton became a consulting and testifying expert witness for defense attorneys and armed defenders in self-defense cases. True self-defense trials are relatively rare, and sometimes the prosecutor and judge – and especially the jury – aren't aware of all the nuances of self-defense law. That’s when having a good consulting expert like Doug Deaton can make the difference.

Retired police officer and firearms instructor Greg Ellifritz joins the podcast to talk about defensive display and brandishing incidents he responded to as a law enforcement officer. While brandishing a firearm is a crime, a justified defensive display of a firearm can be a viable alternative to using deadly force in a self-defense scenario.

A Wisconsin man came home to his apartment late at night and was surprised to find his home had been the target of burglars. He was even more surprised when one of those burglars returned to retrieve some valuables he had left behind. The occupant of the apartment shot and killed the intruder in a justified self-defense shooting. Don West and Steve Moses join Shawn Vincent to discuss the legal protections of the Castle Doctrine and the need for an armed defender to secure their home in the immediate aftermath of a break-in.

An armed defender in Lapeer, Michigan was convicted of murder for shooting a man who was attacking him with a crowbar. It turns out, the shooter actually left the scene of the initial confrontation and came back. Also, evidence suggests the defender drew his pistol before the attack, making him the first aggressor. Don West and Steve Moses join Shawn Vincent to explore the lessons for concealed carriers.

Don West and Steve Moses join Shawn Vincent to explore the case of Scott Hayes, a pro-Isreal demonstrator who was violently tackled by an unarmed pro-Palistineian demonstrator. Hayes fired a single, non-fatal shot, and prosecutors charged him with assault with a deadly weapon. Is Scott Hayes being wrongfully prosecuted, or did he use disproportional force agains an unarmed threat?

Law enforcement veteran and consulting expert Doug Deaton explains that when a concealed carrier fires in self-defense, they become the subject of a legal process that will dominate their lives until it is concluded – whether that is a decision not to file charges or a trial verdict. Once the process has begun, there is no turning back.

Akira Fletcher had an ongoing feud with another woman, Nyema Norton, culminating in a confrontation where Fletcher shot Norton after an initial altercation had seemingly ended. The case touches on themes of de-escalation, managing emotional responses, and the dangers of following an aggressor. Fletcher’s decision to exit her vehicle and re-engage Norton verbally, after the initial threat had seemingly subsided, complicated her self-defense claim. Her history of animosity with Norton raises doubts about her motives for using deadly force. Her decision to share incriminating evidence on social media further exacerbated her legal challenges. The case serves as a cautionary tale for how emotions, an ongoing grudge, and the failure to de-escalate can severely impact the outcome of a self-defense claim. Steve Moses joins hosts Shawn Vincent and Don West to look at the lessons learned from this incident.

Law enforcement veteran and consulting expert Doug Deaton explains that when a concealed carrier fires in self-defense, they become the subject of a legal process that will dominate their lives until it is concluded – whether that is a decision not to file charges or a trial verdict. Once the process has begun, there is no turning back.

A man in Spokane took it upon himself to livestream a video of a homeless encampment. When he felt threatened by some of the vagrants, he retrieved a firearm from his car, proclaimed he was “constitutionally protected,” and reengaged with some of the individuals who surrounded him while asking for him to leave. Feeling threatened, he fired in self-defense. Just because you have the right to be somewhere or do something doesn’t mean it's a smart or appropriate thing to do.

The Daniel Penny case, while not involving a firearm, raises critical questions about the use of force in self-defense and the defense of others. Don West and Steve Moses join Shawn Vincent to discuss the legal and tactical intricacies of Daniel Penny’s use of force and his subsequent criminal defense.

Shawn Vincent and Don West look at how retired MMA fighter Shannon “The Cannon” Rich found himself in an argument over a parking space when the other guy attacked him with a knife. Rich retrieved a pistol from his vehicle and fired a lethal shot in self-defense. Eyewitness accounts and security footage matched Rich’s statement to police and he was not charged, but the experience provides lessons for concealed carriers about the value of de-escalation and some insight on how to navigate post shooting interactions with law enforcement.

CCW Safe Co-Founder Mike Darter is joined by CCW Safe Critical Response Team member Cris Cunningham to discuss current events and trends in the justice system as well as the day to day realities of being a concealed carrier that may have to deal with that system if a worst case scenario were to occur.

A news story about a homeowner who shot a bear on his property raises questions about when armed defenders can use firearms against animals. Don West and Steve Moses join Shawn Vincent to discuss the legal and tactical liabilities armed defenders should consider before using deadly force against wildlife, feral dogs, or rogue neighborhood pets.

A 77-year-old man in Oakland, California confronted three would-be burglars in his backyard. While one intruder escaped over a fence, the home defender shot and killed a second, while he held the third at gunpoint until police arrived. Steve Moses and Don West discuss the tactical and legal risks of exiting your home to confront intruders in your yard and the perils of holding a suspect at gunpoint. This defender was initially arrested for the shooting – in part because he didn’t make any statements to law enforcement, including making a self-defense claim. We’ll look to his example for lessons on how to interact with law enforcement in the wake of a self-defense shooting.

One of the most common self-defense scenarios armed defenders may confront in their homes is dealing with a potential threat banging on the front door late at night. Many times, the stranger on the other side of the door turns out to be someone who is lost, confused, drunk, high, or injured. Sometimes the potential threat turns out to be a law enforcement officer, perhaps mistakenly at the wrong house. It’s also possible, the person is an intruder who presents a legitimate threat. Steve Moses and Don West explain why opening the door to a stranger at night is a mistake – both from a tactical and legal perspective, and Steve provides practical alternatives for armed defenders who find themselves dealing with an unknown threat at the front door.

CCW Safe Co-Founder and CEO Mike Darter is joined by Co-Founder and COO Stan Campbell to look back on the thirteen year history of the company.

George Alan Kelly claimed he fired warning shots at a group of illegal migrants trespassing on his borderlands Arizona ranch. Later, one of those men was found dead, shot in the back. Kelly faced trial for murder charges. Seven of eight jurors voted for acquittal. One voted guilty. Kelly’s mistrial brings up issues of prairie justice, the trouble with warning shots, and the idea that no defendant ever wins a prosecution – the best they can do is survive it.

Daniel Perry fatally shot Garret Foster during a protest march in the summer following the police killing of George Floyd. Foster was dressed in tactical gear and carrying an AK-47-style rifle, and Perry claimed self-defense. Perry wasn’t immediately arrested, but a year later, after prosecutors uncovered troubling social media posts and messages, Perry faced murder charges, and a jury ultimately convicted him. In an extraordinary turn of events, the governor pardoned Perry. Don West and Steve Moses join Shawn Vincent to talk about the lessons the Perry case provides for concealed carriers.

CCW Safe Co-Founder and COO Stan Campbell is joined by Julie Golob. Julie is a champion shooter and CCW Safe ambassador that shares her extensive background and insights on shooting sports, firearm safety, and concealed carry, especially for women. Julie was a member of the Army Marksmanship Unit and is a current sponsored shooter for Springfield Armory and Federal Ammunition as well as many other well known companies in the industry.

CCW Safe Co-Founder and CEO Mike Darter is joined by Former U.S. Navy SEAL Don Mann to discuss what things members can do to be better prepared for a self-defense encounter as well as general well being in life. Don is an author, motivational speaker and television producer who has created multiple books and television shows over the course of his career. For more info on Don please visit https://www.usfrogmann.com/

CCW Safe COO and Co-Founder Stan Campbell interviews Jeff Gonzales. Jeff is a former Navy SEAL and founder of Trident Concepts which is a training company for LE, Military and Civilians.

Shawn and Don look at the Self Defense Conundrum of how you can do everything right in a self defense incident yet still find yourself in prison through things outside of your control.

CCW Safe CEO and Co-Founder Mike Darter interviews CCW Safe President Kent Brown about his background and his experience with CCW Safe after being in place for the last two years.

This is part two of CCW Safe CEO and Co-Founder Mike Darter interview with CCW Safe Critical Response Team member Cris Cunningham. Cris is a retired Oklahoma City Police Officer. During her thirty one year career she spent seventeen years in the Homicide Unit as an investigator. Mike and Cris discuss her impressions of CCW Safe as well as her experience as an investigator benefits our members.

CCW Safe CEO and Co-Founder Mike Darter interviews CCW Safe Critical Response Team member Cris Cunningham. Cris is a retired Oklahoma City Police Officer. During her thirty one year career she spent seventeen years in the Homicide Unit as an investigator. Mike and Cris discuss her impressions of CCW Safe as well as her experience as an investigator benefits our members.

CCW Safe CEO and Co-Founder Mike Darter interviews Attorney Jennifer Chance who is the CCW Safe Assistant General Counsel. Jennifer is a former Prosecuting Attorney for Oklahoma County (Oklahoma City) and was Chief Counsel for Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin.

CCW Safe Content Manager Justin Collett is joined by Firearms Trainers Association staff member Steve Moses to discuss how to find and select training for new shooters. They also dive into how competition can benefit those looking to learn and improve their skills.

CCW Safe Critical Response Coordinator Gary Eastridge hosts National Trial Counsel Don West and forensic expert Everett Baxter to discuss the importance expert witnesses can play in a trial. Everett also explains how the process for hiring and using a forensic expert works along with some examples from his background. Mr. Baxter joined the Oklahoma City Police Department in 1998 and was assigned to the Crime Scene Unit of the Oklahoma City Police Department for over 17 years. Mr. Baxter retired from the Oklahoma City Police Department in December 2021. For more info on Everett visit his website at: https://ebjrforensics.com/

CCW Safe Co-Founder and COO Stan Campbell hosts CCW Safe National Trial Counsel Don West and Attorney Andrew Branca from Law of Self-Defense for an hour long discussion on the legal aspects of self-defense. Topics include stand your ground vs duty retreat states and what that really means, the importance of choosing the right self-defense attorney and why most people simply are not equipped to do so, why warnings shots are not a good idea and understanding the importance of your social media in a self defense trial. Andrew has a free webinar for CCW Safe members available at: https://lawofselfdefense.com/ccwsafeclass For all of Andrew's content visit: https://lawofselfdefense.com Learn more about our company and how we can protect you and your family by visiting: www.ccwsafe.com

CCW Safe Content Manager Justin Collett is joined by JJ Racaza to talk about his background and his path to becoming a World Champion Practical Shooter as well as his rise to being a trainer for elite military units, law enforcement, competition shooters and concealed carriers. JJ discusses his journey into federal law enforcement with a stint in the Federal Air Marshal Service, his operational time and his time spent in the training side of the house. Along with some entertaining stories he discusses the importance of de-escalation, situational awareness and avoidance for everyone who carries a gun. For more info on Project Blue Lion visit: https://howitzerclothing.com/pages/project-blue-lion

Attorney Michael Panella joins Don Wes and Shawn Vincent to discuss the ramifications of the Zimmerman trial 10 years after the verdict. Today’s conversation illustrates the importance of forensic evidence – especially in the context of the defender’s testimony. We also discuss what the case reveals about the importance of mindset and situational awareness for concealed carriers.

Attorney Michael Panella joins Don West and Shawn Vincent 10 years after the Geroge Zimmerman trial to discuss the consequences of the verdict on stand-your-ground laws. The conversation includes insight into why George didn’t have to take the stand at trial.

Attorney Michael Panella joins Don West and Shawn Vincent to talk about the legacy of the George Zimmerman case on the 10th Anniversary of the trial. Today’s conversation covers how public scrutiny affected the justice process, jury selection, and the decision to charge George in the first place.

Rob High is joined by David Sproles and Jeremy Zimmer of Middle Tennessee Firearms Training to discuss their training company and their journey to becoming firearms trainers. For more info on Middle Tennessee Firearms Training visit: https://midtnfirearmstraining.com/

Host Rob High speaks with Doug Deaton of RDR Private Investigations & Crisis Management. Doug is a retired Plano Texas police officer and owner of RDR which focuses on expert witness services for use of force cases. For more in on Doug and RDR visit: https://rdrtexas.com/

Host Rob High is joined by Retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel Ed Monk. After spending 24 years in the Army as an Armor Officer Ed became a High School teacher then Law Enforcement officer and firearms trainer. One of his areas of expertise has become the study of active shooter events and the responses to them. Rob and Ed discuss how the response to these events have changed and some things that can prevent them in the first place.

Legendary firearms instructor John Farnam talks to the gang about “soft skills” that can keep an armed defender out of avoidable conflicts, and make them hard to convict after a necessary use of force incident.

Rangemaster founder Tom Gives talks to Don, Steve, and Shawn about having a home defense plan so you know what to do if an intruder ever enters your home.

Rangemaster founder Tom Givens talks to Don West, Steve Moses, and Shawn Vincent about how security devices might not keep a motivated intruder out of your house, they can give you warning and buy you time to mount a defense.

Rob and Phil are joined by Erick Gelhaus who is a 29 year veteran law enforcement officer from California and current Rangemaster at Gunsite. Erick discusses his background, the current state of firearms training and the types of training he thinks are important for people to consider.