AOR Covers You Even if You Are in a Less-Friendly Gun State
You have the right to defend your life wherever you are in the United States. However, if you are forced to act in self-defense in a state with strict firearm laws, you might find yourself not only fighting for your freedom but also lacking essential support when you need it most.
Many traditional self-defense insurance programs include exclusions that limit or deny coverage in so-called “high-risk areas.” At Attorneys On Retainer (AOR), we believe that your location should not constrain your right to reliable legal protection. If you defend yourself or others, we will represent you, regardless of which state you are in.
What Is a Less Gun-Friendly State?
A “less gun-friendly” or “anti-gun” state describes a jurisdiction that enforces restrictive firearm laws and adopts a negative attitude toward gun ownership and use. These states commonly have the following characteristics:
- Lengthy or restrictive permitting processes.
- Bans on certain types of firearms or accessories.
- Prohibitions on carrying in public, even with a permit.
- A “duty to retreat” before using deadly force or weakened “castle doctrine” protections.
- Prosecutors or judges with strong opposition to armed self-defense.
In many of these states, even legally armed citizens can be under legal scrutiny for exercising their right to self-defense. If you are forced to use a firearm (or any weapon) in self-defense in a state like California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, or Illinois, here is what you may face, even if your use of force was necessary to save a life:
You are More Likely To Be Charged
In states with stricter gun laws, prosecutors often pursue charges in self-defense cases even when the evidence supports your actions. This can be due to their risk-averse approach, political motivations, or an anti-gun stance. As a result, you might find yourself facing felony charges for simply trying to protect yourself or your loved ones.
The Law Might Not Be on Your Side
Some states do not have “stand your ground” laws and enforce strict duty to retreat rules or offer limited justification protections. That means even if you act reasonably, the law might not recognize your right to defend yourself in certain circumstances. You could spend months and thousands of dollars proving it in court in these states.
You Could Be Prosecuted for How You Carried or Used the Weapon
In states with strict gun laws, using your firearm in self-defense can still lead to serious legal consequences because of additional firearm-related charges. For example, if you carry a firearm without the proper permit, you could be charged regardless of the circumstances of the self-defense incident. Similarly, if the weapon you used is considered illegal under local laws, you might face criminal charges such as unlawful possession.
Carrying a firearm in a designated “gun-free zone,” such as a school or certain public buildings, can also result in prosecution, no matter the reasonableness of your actions in self-defense. Additionally, local or state laws might classify certain individuals as “prohibited possessors” under complex or obscure regulations, rendering possession itself a criminal offense. As a result, even when self-defense is necessary, these overlapping laws can turn an otherwise lawful act into a complex legal fight.
Why Traditional Self-Defense Programs Often Deny Coverage
Self-defense programs backed by traditional insurance face significant regulation and typically adhere to strict risk-avoidance strategies and public policy requirements. This is largely because these programs are usually underwritten by insurance companies that treat legal risks similarly to how they approach financial risks. They analyze data to pinpoint areas where claims are more likely to occur and where they may be more expensive to settle.
As a result, if a jurisdiction is known for being legally unfriendly toward self-defense cases, these insurance programs may implement various precautionary measures. These measures could include charging higher premiums for residents in those areas, limiting or excluding specific types of coverage, imposing more stringent coverage criteria, or even denying coverage altogether. Consequently, individuals living in such jurisdictions may find it more challenging, more costly, or even impossible to secure reliable self-defense coverage, which can hinder their ability to adequately protect themselves.
According to the Cato Institute, jurisdictions with restrictive gun laws also tend to have higher prosecution rates for gun-related self-defense incidents, even when the use of force is justified. In these states, factors such as media bias, jury selection, and political pressure can all affect how a lawful act of self-defense is perceived. In these high-risk environments, most traditional self-defense insurance programs choose to withdraw; however, at AOR, we remain committed to providing coverage.
The AOR Advantage
The AOR Program is available in all 50 states, including those with restrictive laws that limit or even ban traditional self-defense coverage. Our attorneys are fully prepared to tackle the complex legal challenges that may arise in these jurisdictions. What sets AOR apart from traditional self-defense insurance programs, which are subject to stringent industry regulations and risk-management protocols, is our comprehensive coverage.
Many traditional self-defense insurance programs exclude coverage for certain incidents, such as self-defense situations in “gun-free zones,” negligent discharges, incidents stemming from domestic disputes, the use of illegal weapons, cases involving impairment, issues with concealed carry permits, or situations where the defender has a criminal history. In these scenarios, traditional insurance programs may deny coverage when it is most critical.
In contrast, AOR has no such exclusions. This is because we are not affiliated with a conventional insurance company; instead, we are supported by the highly reputable law firm, The Attorneys For Freedom (AFF). This relationship grants us the flexibility and commitment to stand by you during the most crucial moments without relying on technicalities or risk-avoidance clauses.
Moreover, we have established our own Risk Retention Group (RRG) to operate independently of traditional insurance regulations, allowing us to set our own standards for legal representation. Our team of experienced criminal defense attorneys is committed to defending your rights without second-guessing how they were exercised. Our pricing is consistent across all states, and we will represent you if you meet our three established criteria:
- 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.
Our goal is to defend your freedom, regardless of where you live. We are the only law firm in the country that offers a dedicated, nationwide legal defense program focused exclusively on self-defense. Our experience and expertise enable us to understand the legal complexities of gun laws and self-defense statutes across the United States. We know how prosecutors think, how juries respond, and how to engage the right experts when your freedom is at stake. Our members rely on us to be there when it matters most.
Do not just take our word for it, please click here to see the testimonials and hear their stories yourself.
Five Examples Where AOR Would Still Provide Coverage
You Use a Firearm While Traveling Through New York
While traveling in New York, you are forced to use your firearm to stop an armed assailant. Despite acting in lawful self-defense, New York’s strict gun laws lead to your arrest. Traditional self-defense programs may deny coverage due to noncompliance with state law, but AOR will handle your defense.
You Defend Yourself in a Chicago Apartment Complex
When visiting a friend in Illinois, a violent intruder breaks into their apartment. You use your firearm to protect yourself and your friend. Although your use of force was reasonable for self-defense, prosecutors in Cook County charge you with unlawful use of a weapon. AOR will represent you, even when other self-defense programs may deny coverage.
You are Arrested in California for Defending Yourself on the Street
Attending a business event in San Francisco, you are suddenly attacked by a violent individual in broad daylight. You draw your firearm to stop the threat. Despite witnesses supporting your account, you face charges due to California’s strict public carry restrictions. Traditional self-defense insurance programs might deny coverage, but AOR will represent you.
You Intervene in an Assault in New Jersey
Witnessing a man physically assaulting a woman on the street, you use your firearm to intervene and stop the attack. Despite being a good Samaritan, New Jersey authorities arrest you for illegal possession of a firearm. AOR will still handle your defense, even though traditional self-defense programs are likely to deny coverage due to the location and carry laws.
The Media Misinterprets Your Use of Force in Massachusetts
You defend yourself during an armed robbery at a gas station in Massachusetts. Even though your use of force was justified, local media misrepresents the incident, and public opinion turns against you. As a result of the growing pressure, the prosecutor decides to file charges against you. While most traditional self-defense programs might deny your claim due to concerns about reputational risk, AOR will not.
Geography Should Not Determine Your Right to Legal Defense
When your life is at stake, you should not have to worry about whether your location affects your legal protection. At AOR, we believe that your rights should not be limited by geography. If you acted in self-defense and meet our three criteria, we will represent you, even in the most challenging jurisdictions. If you carry a weapon or believe in your right to defend yourself, you cannot afford to rely on traditional insurance-based self-defense programs. Sign up for AOR today to receive genuine protection from experienced attorneys.
Read our full “We Cover You Even If…” series to see how far that commitment goes.
