AOR’s Criteria for Self-Defense Coverage
If you meet these three criteria, you’re covered:
- You are charged (or are reasonably concerned about being charged) with a crime (felony or misdemeanor).
- You can reasonably and in good faith assert that you acted in self-defense or defense of others.
- The charges arise out of conduct that occurred entirely after you became a member of AOR.
Many gun owners assume self-defense coverage is automatic until they discover the exclusions, conditions, and gray areas buried in the fine print. Attorneys On Retainer (AOR) eliminates this uncertainty by using three simple criteria to determine coverage eligibility. In times of crisis, responsible firearm owners deserve clarity, not loopholes excluding them from protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “reasonably concerned about being charged” mean?
- With AOR, you don’t need to wait until you’re officially arrested or indicted to get legal help. If you’ve been involved in a self-defense incident and believe there’s a reasonable chance you could face charges, our team is prepared to defend you.
- Example: Imagine you draw your firearm to stop an attack. The aggressor flees, but police later question whether your defensive display was justified. Even if you’re not arrested, the risk of prosecution is real, and that’s when AOR steps in.
What does “good faith” mean?
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“Good faith” is a key legal term that refers to honesty of intention and the absence of intent to deceive or commit wrongdoing.
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In the context of a self-defense incident, good faith means:
- You reasonably believed you or someone else was in danger.
- You acted to stop that danger, not to provoke, punish, or escalate.
- You weren’t committing another crime at the time (for example, robbing someone or brandishing a gun out of anger).
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This good faith requirement for coverage gives AOR the flexibility to defend members even in gray-area cases, as long as you genuinely believed you were acting in lawful self-defense and your belief wasn’t fabricated or made up after the fact.
Does this apply in all 50 states?
- AOR provides its members with comprehensive legal coverage, including criminal acts related to self-defense, in all 50 states (through pro hac vice admissions) and allows you to obtain a local co-counsel of your choice.
Does this cover misdemeanors and felonies?
- Whether it’s a misdemeanor like brandishing or a serious felony involving deadly force, you deserve legal protection from the start.
What if I’m never arrested?
- At AOR, our legal defense team is prepared to work on your case immediately after your self-defense incident, whether you are ultimately charged or not.