Did USCCA Drop Coverage for YouTube Prank Victim Alan Colie?
October 27, 2023
Criminal defense attorneys Marc J. Victor and Andrew C. Marcantel discuss an incident involving United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) member, Alan Colie. The case is popularly known as the “YouTube prankster mall shooting.” The attorneys discuss the central question at hand: how did Mr. Colie, a USCCA member, end up represented by a public defender instead of private legal counsel?
Unexpected Filing Raises Questions
The attorneys mention they discovered Mr. Colie was a USCCA member when the prosecutor filed a motion asking the judge to allow the State to present certain evidence to the jury at trial. The evidence showed that immediately after the shooting, Mr. Colie made a phone call to USCCA from his speed dial.
The prosecution sought to present this evidence to demonstrate possible consciousness of guilt. However, the motion was denied because it was untimely. This led attorney Victor to reach out to Mr. Colie’s public defender for answers.
“I call Mr. Pouilliard, the public defender . . . I specifically asked him, was your client a USCCA member? And he said yes he was.”
– Attorney Victor
Legal Implications: Civil Versus Criminal Coverage
Most self-defense programs backed by traditional insurance explicitly exclude coverage for criminal acts. If coverage is denied during the most crucial time, then it does not serve the member when it matters most. Mr. Colie’s case went to trial and resulted in a not-guilty verdict.
The attorneys acknowledge that they do not have all the facts. They have not spoken directly with Mr. Colie, nor have they reviewed his actual contract with USCCA. However, they emphasize the limitations of self-defense programs backed by traditional insurance and the critical importance of knowing exactly what you are getting when you pay for legal coverage.
“If USCCA acted appropriately here . . . they’re free to call us . . . and we will put it out in a video and say USCCA is exonerated or off the hook.”
– Attorney Victor
If you want reliable legal representation for self-defense cases without all the unnecessary exclusions, be sure to check our Attorneys On Retainer Program. For more information, please contact us by calling 866-404-5112 or emailing us.
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