AOR and AMAC: Self-Defense Legal Protection for Gun Owners

The Attorneys On Retainer Program ("AOR") consists of two separate legal contracts: 1. A legal services agreement with The Attorneys For Freedom Law Firm, and 2. A contract to become an affiliate of The Attorneys On Retainer Association ("The AOR Association").

As a result of the first contract, the AOR member becomes a client of The Attorneys For Freedom Law Firm (“AFF”). As a client of the law firm, attorney-client privilege attaches immediately. All clients are requested to complete an emergency information form which provides information for the attorneys to use in the event of a release hearing which occurs after an arrest. The law firm also administers a 24/7/365 emergency hotline for AOR members to call in the event of a self-defense-related matter. All attorneys at the law firm stand ready to work as a team to defend any AFF client in court who is charged with a crime resulting from a self-defense-related matter. The attorneys also associate with the client’s choice of local counsel to represent clients in any state. Legal representation in the related civil case as well as representation in red flag/emergency order matters is also included along with all experts and investigators.

As a result of the second contract, every AOR member becomes an affiliate of The AOR Association which advocates for the legal interests of commercial businesses, firearms enthusiasts, and people interested in self-defense issues. It also offers pro-bono legal representation to non-members who are wrongfully charged with crimes after acting in self-defense or defense of others. The AOR Association also offers a series of professional online firearms education and training to all its affiliates. All affiliates can earn commissions as they successfully refer other businesses and individuals to receive training by becoming affiliates. The AOR Association also owns The Attorneys For Freedom Risk Retention Group, Inc. (“RRG”), which insures The AOR Association as well as all affiliates and provides funding for legal representation without many of the exclusions often found in insurance products. Affiliates receive other benefits including discounts on firearms, ammunition, and other items, as well as the AOR Conference, a monthly newsletter, and opportunities to receive legal advice on self-defense-related legal matters.

There are no exclusions so long as the following three requirements are met:

1. You are charged, or reasonably concerned about being charged, with either a felony or misdemeanor crime;

2. You reasonably and in good faith assert you acted in self-defense or defense of a 3rd party as a defense to the charge; and

3. The incident occurred after you joined AOR.

The Attorneys For Freedom Law Firm and The Attorneys On Retainer Association are unwilling to entertain exclusions that are often found with traditional commercial insurers such as criminal acts, sensitive places, domestic violence, alcohol and drugs, illegal weapons, prohibited possessors, negligent discharge, or lack of a CCW permit. We do not believe in these exclusions. Therefore, the AOR membership and the RRG Policy contain no such exclusions or any recoupment clause. The criminal defense attorneys at AFF enjoy representing their clients and do not seek ways to avoid providing required legal representation to clients.

Yes, so long as the following three requirements are met:

1. You are charged, or reasonably concerned about being charged, with either a felony or misdemeanor crime;

2. You reasonably and in good faith assert you acted in self-defense or defense of a 3rd party as a defense to the charge; and

3. The incident occurred after you joined AOR.

Yes, The Attorneys On Retainer Program applies to any weapon used with a reasonable argument of self-defense. This includes items like tasers, stun guns, pepper spray, etc. Additionally, even if a weapon is not used, we still offer representation as long as there is a reasonable argument for self-defense.

Yes, we provide coverage for "on-duty" security personnel, so long as the following three requirements are met:

1. You are charged, or reasonably concerned about being charged, with either a felony or misdemeanor crime;

2. You reasonably and in good faith assert you acted in self-defense or defense of a 3rd party as a defense to the charge; and

3. The incident occurred after you joined AOR.

However, AOR is secondary to any insurance policy or other legal benefit coverage that may apply.

No. That is the beauty of being established by a law firm and not a third-party insurance company. No matter the status of your CCW license, AOR will still represent you. Even if your self-defense matter occurred while you did not possess a valid or possessed an invalid CCW permit.

Yes. Our attorneys can appear via the pro hac vice rules in any state.

Although The Attorneys For Freedom Attorneys are admitted to practice law only in Arizona, we can get admitted to practice law in your state through the operation of the pro hac vice rules.

Pro Hac Vice is a Latin term that translates to "for this occasion". In the court system, an attorney may be temporarily admitted to practice law in a jurisdiction for which they are not licensed so that they may appear in a particular case without being formally admitted into that jurisdiction. We will endeavor to get your first choice of a local attorney on board. As an AOR member, you can notify us of this choice on the Emergency Contact Form in the AOR Member Portal.

So, we contract with a local attorney to be admitted and to assist with the case, but we are lead counsel. All our lawyers remain in good standing with our State Bar Association and meet all requirements for admission pro hac vice.

1. If human life is in danger, 911 should be called immediately.

2. Tell the 911 operator: "Medical attention is needed immediately. Someone is injured. Send Help."

3. Provide address and end the call.

4. Call the emergency AOR hotline.

5. DO NOT make any further statements to the 911 operator, any responding officers, or anyone else.

6. Ask to have your attorney present during any questioning and to privately call your attorney now.

7. AOR members should call the emergency hotline located on their member contact card.

8. Non-AOR members should call The Attorneys For Freedom Law Firm at 480-755-7110.

We will take action immediately to protect your rights. You are also free to have any other person contact our law firm on your behalf.

Yes. We offer a $25 off the one-time signup fee. (This discount CANNOT be stacked with the Family Plan or other promo codes.)