SELF DEFENSE
Many people believe their self defense wardrobe stops with the purchase of a firearm, carry leather, and perhaps flashlights1 and pepper spray. Hopefully you have added high quality training to your repetoire, so that you are able to properly utilize your tools within a reasonable continuum of force2. Unfortunately, there is one additional expenditure that should be considered: a consultation with a competent criminal defense attorney. If you are going to contemplate carrying a firearm, you have surely realized you may need to use it to defend yourself or your family, but the use of a firearm always involves the police and the attendant risk that the criminal justice system will become involved.

First, although you will hear some firearms instructors or gun advocates preaching that you may use deadly force to stop a felony in progress, such as a burglary or the theft of an automobile, even IF state law would support your decisions to utilize deadly force (and the vast majority do not), it is a short-sighted and dumb solution. Buy insurance: insurance will cover the cost of damage to property or the loss of property. The only time deadly force should be employed is to protect yourself or your loved ones from an imminent threat. The paperwork and process alone should be enough to dissuade even the most enthusiastic shooter to use discretion in situations where they are not in physical danger.

Generally speaking, if you believe another person is going to try to maim, rape, or kill you right this very moment, you are legally authorized to use deadly force in self defense, or to defend a third party. But generally speaking does not give you the security of being advised on the particular laws in your jurisdiction.

Deadly force is not always justified; most states require somewhat of a proportioned response - if someone is going to hit you, you are going to have to work very hard why deadly force was the only possible option. Police work though, is what is referred to as a continuum of force: First verbal commands, then pepper spray, tazer guns, and finanally lethal force, generally speaking. Some martial arts enthusiasts are unaware that maneuvers they have learned through their craft constitue the application of deadly force. Meeting with a seasoned criminal defense attorney, familiar with self defense training will help you to sort out what your personal continuum of force should be.

One way otherwise law abiding citizens get themselves in trouble is either by owning a gun that is "cool," but not legal, or by failing to obtain a concealed weapons permit because it sems like too much trouble. Get the permit, and skip the cool guns if you have any question whether they comply with state law.