After a Defensive Incident in California: 911, First Statements, and the First 10 Minutes

This article is general education for responsible California carriers. It isn’t legal advice. If you’re involved in a defensive incident, speak with an attorney.

The goal in the immediate aftermath

Your priorities are simple: stop the threat, stay safe, get help on the way, and avoid avoidable mistakes. Calling 911 first helps establish you as the reporting party and frames the event as a crime against you. Keep the call brief and factual.

How to make the 911 call (simple, calm, factual)

Use plain language. You can say something like:

Report the crime: “I was attacked/there was an assault. I’m the victim.”
Request help: “Send police and an ambulance.”
Give location & description: Provide your exact location, what you look like, and what you’re wearing so officers can identify you safely.
Note safety info: If the attacker fled, give direction/description. If a weapon is on the ground, say where it is.
Stop there: Tell the dispatcher you’ll cooperate fully after you speak with counsel. Then hang up and call your attorney.

These points mirror widely taught post-incident guidance used in reputable training circles (often called a “first-statement checklist”). The idea is to identify yourself as the victim, summon aid, flag urgent evidence/witnesses, and avoid giving a detailed statement while adrenaline is high.

Before officers arrive

Holster or secure your firearm if the scene is safe. You do not want a gun in your hands when police roll up; they don’t know who is who yet. Keep your hands visible.
Don’t disturb evidence. If there’s evidence or witnesses, point them out later rather than moving anything yourself.

When officers get there: what to expect and how to act

Expect high intensity. Follow commands immediately. Hands visible. No sudden movements.
Identify yourself as the reporting party/victim. Use short, factual phrases.
Offer a brief “public-safety statement,” then pause. Examples: location of the assailant (if fled), any outstanding threats, location of any weapons, and the need for medical aid.
Then request an attorney before detailed questioning. It’s normal to experience memory gaps right after a critical incident. Many trainers and attorneys suggest waiting to give a full statement until you’ve had time to calm down and consult counsel. You can respectfully say you’ll provide a full statement after speaking with your attorney.

A California-specific note on self-defense

California law recognizes the right to defend yourself or others when you reasonably believe you face imminent harm. California juries are instructed that there is no legal duty to retreat if you are somewhere you have a right to be and you were not the initial aggressor; the key questions are necessity and reasonableness under the circumstances. (There isn’t a separate “stand-your-ground statute,” but the concept is reflected in California’s jury instructions and case law.)

What to say later (and what to save for counsel)

After the scene is secure and you’ve spoken with an attorney, you may provide a full statement. Until then, keep it brief:

“I was attacked/feared imminent harm.”
“I want to sign a complaint.”
“Evidence is here; witnesses are there.”
“I’ll give a full statement after I’ve spoken with my attorney.”

This approach preserves critical facts without risking inaccurate, adrenaline-fueled detail.

Practical wrap-up for 559CCW students

Win the call to 911. Be the first to report, ask for police and medical, describe yourself, and end the call.
Make the scene safe. If it’s safe, holster/secure your firearm and keep hands visible for officers.
Give only what’s urgent at first. Public-safety facts now; full narrative later with counsel.
Know California’s standard. Reasonable belief + imminent threat; no duty to retreat in places you’re lawfully present.

If you carry in California, understanding what to do after a defensive incident is as important as marksmanship. Our 100% Online CCW Permit Course is approved in Fresno, Madera, Merced & Kings Counties and includes your required live-fire qualification with our instructor. Enroll today and learn the law, the process, and the practical skills to carry responsibly.

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