Hero Protection Pro Bono Services
If you act in lawful self-defense but face charges for a weapons-related technical violation, you should still have a strong legal defense.
That’s why Attorneys On Retainer (AOR) created the Hero Protection Pro Bono Services benefit.
What Hero Protection Pro Bono Services Covers
If a client is involved in a self-defense-related legal matter and the directly resulting formal criminal charges are solely weapons-related regulatory charges (such as possession of a firearm or other weapon in a prohibited zone, possession of an illegal weapon, or a weapons-related permit violation), Attorneys For Freedom will represent the client pro bono through trial. This representation includes all necessary expert and investigator fees, as well as any costs for local counsel, at no additional cost to the client.
So, if you act in legitimate self-defense but face charges solely for regulatory weapons violations, you’re covered. This includes:
- Possession in prohibited locations, like some state parks or certain public areas
- Carrying without a valid permit in certain states
- Concealed carry permit compliance violations
- Failure to notify a law enforcement officer of a concealed weapon
- Weapons-related misconduct for licensed professionals, such as private investigators or security guards
- Any other regulatory weapons violation tied to a legitimate act of self-defense
The Case That Inspired the Hero Protection Clause
One of our clients was working construction at a middle school when armed robbers attacked his co-workers. He fired a warning shot that scared the attackers away.
No one was hurt.
The police investigated and agreed: he did the right thing. He was a hero.
And they charged him anyway.
The problem wasn’t his actions; it was that he was armed in a gun-free zone. Standard self-defense program contracts would exclude this coverage.
We couldn’t let that stand. This case led us to formalize what we’d always believed: regulatory restrictions should never prevent us from defending gun owners who acted in legitimate self-defense.
Example Scenarios
Carrying Without a Valid Permit
You are carrying without a current permit and stop a violent attack. Your actions are justified, but you are charged with unlawful carry.
If the underlying act was legitimate self-defense, the regulatory charge alone does not disqualify you from representation.
Unlicensed Sale/Transfer
You legally gifted or transferred a firearm to a family member without following proper licensing procedures.
If that family member later uses it in legitimate self-defense, but faces a regulatory or criminal charge tied to the transfer, you’re covered.
Why This Matters
Most programs exclude these types of charges or leave you to deal with them on your own.
As an AOR client, you are represented by a law firm that is committed to defending your actions in court at no additional cost when your case falls within this scope.
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 civil liability coverage limit?
AOR includes up to $100,000 in civil liability coverage for qualifying self-defense incidents, provided through The Attorneys For Freedom Risk Retention Group, Inc. (AFF-RRG). 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?
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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.