Criminal and Civil Defense Coverage
If you’re involved in a self-defense-related incident, you’ll need a legal defense to protect your rights in a criminal trial. After your criminal trial, you might have to return for a civil trial where you could be sued by the attacker or their family. Going through this process can be very stressful for you and your family, not to mention also very expensive. Having a legal defense to protect your rights through both will greatly increase your peace of mind through the process.
Members of Attorneys On Retainer receive representation in both criminal trials and civil trials, as part of their membership.
What Is the Difference Between Criminal and Civil Defense?
- Criminal Defense: You’ll need a criminal defense attorney when you have been charged with a crime and need legal protection for your rights in court.
- Civil Defense: You’ll need a civil defense attorney to protect your finances and assets when you’re being sued by an individual or their family after a criminal trial.
How Does Having Both Defenses Benefit You?
If you were justified in using lethal force in self-defense, it is still possible that you could be sued civilly by the attacker or their family, even if you were not charged criminally. This is why it’s important to have one legal defense for both criminal and civil trials.
- You’ll have one legal team for both criminal and civil defenses.
- You’ll get professional and consistent legal protection for both trials.
- You’ll save time and money by not having to hire multiple attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AOR offer criminal defense, civil defense, or both? And what are the limits?
Regarding self-defense-related legal matters only, AOR includes 100% of your attorneys’ fees through trial and any additional court costs and 3rd party expenses necessary for effective representation. Victim’s rights representation, civil defense, and any necessary appeals are also included without any additional fees, costs, or expenses. AOR also offers up to $50,000 toward bail, $4,000 toward scene cleanup, $1,500 toward mental health counseling services, and $1,000 toward firearm replacement reimbursement.
Does AOR include civil or compensatory damages?
Yes. We now offer up to $100,000 in civil or compensatory damages.
Why did AOR eliminate the 35% discount on attorney's fees for non-self-defense cases?
AOR no longer offers the 35% discount on attorney’s fees for non-self-defense cases because The Attorneys For Freedom Law Firm (“AFF”) now accepts only self-defense cases. The attorneys at AFF are focused solely on self-defense cases and do not accept any cases from any retained matter other than self-defense cases. The only exception is when we accept a legal advocacy case to generally advance 2A rights or some other pro-freedom interest.
What is AOR's new civil liability coverage?
Becoming a member of AOR and an affiliate of The Attorneys On Retainer Association now includes civil liability coverage. Members are covered for up to $100,000 in civil liability related to self-defense matters. Additionally, AOR is actively working to increase the amount of civil liability coverage available to members. Details will be available as soon as possible.
What is AOR's new red flag/emergency order coverage?
AOR now provides all members of The AOR Program and affiliates of The Attorneys On Retainer Association with up to $15,000 in legal representation coverage against or challenging emergency orders such as injunctions or orders of protection where the member’s firearm rights were suspended. You DO NOT have to be in a self-defense incident in order to receive this coverage. Additionally, the coverage does not apply to court orders issued in family law court proceedings. AOR is proud to represent members in “red flag” cases.
What is AOR's new expungement/record sealing coverage?
AOR now provides all members and affiliates of The Attorneys On Retainer Association with up to $5,000 in legal representation coverage for fees and expenses incurred on behalf of members for any petition to clear record, set aside conviction, or expunge any conviction as permitted by relevant state law resulting from a member’s involvement in a self-defense-related matter which arose entirely after the member joined AOR.
What is AOR's new online firearms education and training component?
AOR now provides all members and affiliates of The Attorneys On Retainer Association with an online training curriculum focused on the safe and legal ownership and use of firearms and other related self-defense matters. This curriculum includes training on general firearm safety rules, safe handling and storing firearms, practical instruction on loading and firing firearms, and information about legal rights and responsibilities related to firearms and self-defense issues.
Have a Question About AOR Membership?
Our team is ready to walk you through your options. Fill out the form and we’ll be in touch shortly.
Questions? Contact Us
Our team is ready to walk you through your options. Fill out the form and we’ll be in touch shortly.
Related Content
Hero Protection Pro Bono Services
Our new Hero Protection Pro Bono Services provides full legal representation at no cost for qualifying self-defense cases, covering both clients facing regulatory weapon charges and non-clients who cannot afford defense.
The Four-Attorney Benefit
Every AOR member who goes to trial on a felony case will have four lawyers representing them in the courtroom. We are giving everyday people the same elite, multi-attorney defense team that was once only affordable to high-profile defendants.
Civil Liability Coverage
Understanding the potential for civil liability after a self-defense case is crucial for being properly prepared. That is why having the right team of legal professionals representing you, who know your case, can make all the difference.