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Tom Grieve is a highly awarded former state prosecutor who started Grieve Law, which is now one of the largest criminal defense firms in Wisconsin. He is respected as one of the top criminal defense lawyers in the state and has developed a nuanced understanding of Wisconsin firearms laws throughout his years of experience.Although Tom’s legal background speaks for itself, he has gone above and beyond the call of duty, receiving his certification as a firearms instructor; participating as a regular speaker and panelist with the USCCA for live broadcasts, training videos and national expos; and even serving as a speaker and analyst on numerous radio stations, television stations and both college and law-school campuses.Be sure to keep an eye out for more USCCA blog articles by Tom going forward as well as a weekly “Ask an Attorney” video segment, where he will be dealing with some of the legal nuances of firearms ownership and the responsibly armed lifestyle.Working with Tom Grieve is just one way the USCCA continually strives to provide you with the best self-defense education and training in the country.Related Articles:
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Published on Jan 25, 2019










In this week’s “Ask an Attorney” video, attorney Tom Grieve discusses what, exactly, a self-defense incident is and how it gets raised as a defense in criminal court.What Is Actually Considered a Self-Defense Incident?

As a criminal defense attorney and former state prosecutor, Tom often answers the question, “What is actually considered a self-defense incident?” In this video, Tom talks about what a self-defense incident is and how, if you’re involved in one, your attorney will need to raise something called “the privilege of self-defense.” In addition, Tom discusses what “triggering criteria” are and why it’s so important that they’re met before being able to utilize a privilege or an affirmative defense in a self-defense case.About Tom Grieve, Grieve Law

Tom Grieve is a highly awarded former state prosecutor who started Grieve Law, LLC, one of the largest criminal defense firms in Wisconsin. He is respected as one of the top criminal defense lawyers in the state and has developed a nuanced understanding of Wisconsin firearms laws through his years of experience. Although Tom’s legal background speaks for itself, he has gone above and beyond the call of duty, receiving his certification as a firearms instructor; participating as a regular speaker and panelist with the USCCA for live broadcasts, training videos and national expos; and even serving as a speaker and analyst on numerous radio stations, television stations, and college and law school campuses.

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If you’re ever involved in a self-defense incident, you need to know what to say during your 911 call. In this week's “Ask an Attorney” video, criminal defense attorney Tom Grieve answers this frequently asked question from responsible gun owners: “What am I supposed to say on my call to 911 if I’m ever involved in a self-defense incident with my gun?”What Am I Supposed to Tell the 911 Operator If I’m Ever Involved in a Self-Defense Shooting?

As a former state prosecutor, Tom knows what a huge impact a 911 call recording can have on a criminal case.In this week’s video, Tom highlights a few factors to consider during your 911 call. Bad information during a 911 call recording can negatively impact any potential self-defense case. Some of the top tips from this week’s video are:

1. Identify yourself clearly as the victim of an attack.
2. Clearly communicate who the person was that attacked you, where he or she fled to and if he or she is armed with any weapon, such as a firearm.
3. Follow all police instructions when they arrive on scene, as it is critical for you to survive that next encounter.
4. Point out any major pieces of evidence that the police need to be aware of, such as the weapon the attacker used that forced you to act in self-defense.

About Tom Grieve, Grieve Law

Tom Grieve is a highly awarded former Wisconsin state prosecutor who started Grieve Law, LLC — now one of the largest criminal defense firms in Wisconsin. He is respected as one of the top criminal defense lawyers in the state and has developed a nuanced understanding of Wisconsin firearms laws throughout his years of experience. Although Tom’s legal background speaks for itself, he has gone above and beyond the call of duty, receiving his certification as a firearms instructor, participating as a regular speaker and panelist with the USCCA for live broadcasts, training videos and national expos, and even serving as a speaker and analyst on numerous radio stations, television stations and both college and law school campuses.

If you’ve ever thought about having to defend yourself from a violent attacker, you need to hear Brad’s story…

…he DIDN’T even use his gun.You see, Brad is a USCCA Member from Texas. He works hard and lives a peaceful life with his wife and their two adopted dogs. They built their home in a quiet neighborhood to escape the chaos of the big city. It was a simple life. That is, until a road-raging maniac threatened everything they’d worked so hard for...

Road Rage Never Ends Well

On his way home from work, Brad noticed a car swerving dangerously through traffic. He tried to get out of the way but ended up stuck at a red light right next to the crazed driver. He was trapped as the man screamed obscenities and threats at him...Though Brad begged the guy to leave him alone, the other driver suddenly got out of his car and attempted to attack Brad through his car window — right there in the middle of the road!As a proud and responsible gun owner, Brad didn’t want to take a life unnecessarily. So, he did the only thing he could do: grabbed his pepper spray, aimed and sprayed his attacker.He even called the police to report the attack, but when they finally arrived, Brad was the one charged with assault. Now he was left facing a criminal record, thousands of dollars in fines and the threat of a civil suit from the very road-raging maniac who attacked him.Thankfully, when he made it home that day and spoke to his wife about what happened, she told him to call the USCCA for help. The USCCA Critical Response Team was available to provide Brad reassurance that the USCCA protects him for the use of ALL legal weapons.Brad and his family were shielded from legal and financial ruin thanks to the Self-Defense SHIELD protection included with his USCCA Membership.He picked the pro-2A attorney he wanted, and the USCCA provided the deep pockets he needed to protect everything he had worked so hard to build for his family.

In Brad’s Words…

“In the end, it would have cost literally thousands and thousands of dollars to cover all the fees and fines. USCCA covered all of that. I didn’t have to worry about it at all.” With the help of the USCCA, Brad was cleared of all charges, and his attacker even confessed in court.

So Here’s What You Should Think About:

Where would you be right now if this had happened to YOU — without a USCCA Membership and the Self-Defense SHIELD protection that Brad had? What if it were ONLY your word against a lying thug?Hear Brad tell his harrowing story and find out how you too can enjoy the peace of mind — and self-defense education, training and legal protection — that comes with a USCCA Membership.

Categories

• Self-Defense & Home Defense

Have you heard Bruce's story yet?Bruce is a Vietnam veteran, reverend and USCCA Member from Florida. He spent years working to make his community safe for young families moving into the area. Bruce activated his USCCA Membership so he could get all the education, training and legal protection he needed as a gun owner and as a responsible protector of his community.As a reverend, Brad prayed he'd never have to use his firearm. Unfortunately, he didn't have a choice when he saw his neighbor being violently assaulted by two men. Brad learned just how quickly things can go from bad to worse.

Arrested for Doing the Right Thing

It all started when Bruce heard a commotion near one of his neighbor's homes.Fearing for the safety of his community, Bruce went over to see if there was anything he could do to help. That's when he saw the two men attacking his neighbor. Bruce repeatedly tried to deescalate the situation, begging the men to stop. Then his neighbor yelled, "Bruce, watch out!"

And he saw one of the men reach for a weapon…Bruce drew his own legally owned handgun in self-defense. He even called the police to report the incident. When they finally arrived, Bruce was arrested!Even though the police interviewed the neighbors who witnessed the incident AND found the gun carried by the men who assaulted Bruce’s neighbor, both of the attackers were allowed to leave the scene.Bruce was forced to lie on the ground while he was handcuffed and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, then tossed in a jail cell. He faced years in prison and expensive legal fees.Despite looming legal and financial ruin, Bruce knew he still had someone in his corner. You see, after joining the USCCA, Bruce had received his crucial USCCA Member card, which prepared him for exactly what he needed to do.His first call after 911 was to the USCCA Critical Response Team, swinging his USCCA Member benefits into action. The USCCA took over and gave him COMPLETE peace of mind. With the USCCA's legal and financial protection, he was able to pay his bail, connect with a pro-2A attorney in his area and get home to his wife in just a few hours.

Self-Defense SHIELD Benefits in Action

To put it in his own words:"That was a phenomenal experience for me. Being in jail is not a comfortable thing. I got out. I felt a huge release ... and then I got home. I was able to sleep in my own bed that same night." With the help of his pro-2A attorney, all of the charges were dropped, and Bruce's legal fees were covered by his Self-Defense SHIELD benefits. Bruce and his wife were shielded from legal and financial ruin.Hear the details straight from Bruce and find out how you too can enjoy peace of mind — and self-defense education, training and legal protection — that comes with a USCCA Membership.

Categories

• True Stories

As a responsibly armed American, you already know how challenging it can be to stay up to date on California gun laws…California gun owners, you’re in luck. We’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked California firearms questions. Read on for answers to some of the top questions regarding California gun laws. (Not from California? Don’t worry, your state is coming soon…)

Can I Travel With a Gun in California?

Only individuals with a California Concealed Carry Weapons License (CCWL) can carry a handgun while traveling by car. Without a CCWL, any firearm must be in a locked container or the vehicle’s trunk. A locked container is defined as a secure container which is fully enclosed and locked by a padlock, key lock, combination lock or similar locking device. A locked container includes the trunk of a motor vehicle but not the utility or glove compartment.

Is Concealed Carry Legal in California?

Concealed carry is only legal with a California Concealed Carry Weapons License (CCWL). California does not honor concealed carry permits from any other states. For more information on which states have reciprocity with California, check the USCCA CCW Reciprocity & State Gun Laws Map.

Are California Gun Laws Strict?

Yes, California is widely recognized as having some of the strictest gun laws in the U.S. California bans military-style semi-automatic “assault” rifles, restricts high-capacity magazines and imposes a 10-day waiting period on gun purchases. All sales must go through a licensed dealer who conducts background checks on buyers. Buyers are limited to one handgun purchase per month. Family members can obtain a court order to disarm a mentally unstable relative.

How Much Is a CCW in California?

Cost for an initial license ranges from $70-$100. This does not include the cost of training. You can find a USCCA Certified Instructor in California here.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Concealed Carry Permit in California?

The statutory processing time for a California permit is 90 days. The CCWL is good for two years.

What Is the Penalty for Carrying a Gun Without a Permit in California?

There are several statutes that may apply to carrying a gun in California without a permit. They include Cal. Penal Code § 25400, which applies to the crime of carrying a concealed firearm, Cal. Penal Code § 25850, regarding the crime of carrying a loaded firearm in public and Penal Code § 26350, regarding the crime of openly carrying an unloaded handgun. Penalties vary depending on the specific circumstances.

Can a Non-Resident Carry a Gun in California?

No. California does not honor concealed carry permits from any other states. However, four states honor California concealed carry permits.

Ready to Learn More About California Gun Laws?

It is your responsibility as a gun owner to know and understand the laws regarding your concealed carry rights. The USCCA's Concealed Carry Reciprocity & Gun Laws Map has been designed to help inform and educate armed citizens like you. To learn more about California’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit California’s gun laws page now... The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. Members and the concealed carry community and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case, and laws are constantly changing. As such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.

Soon it will be camping season, meaning people will be dusting off their campers and recreational vehicles and getting ready to hit the open road. This also means it is time to start thinking strategically about how you will defend yourself and your loved ones when you travel, often far from immediate police response.

Nothing Is Cover

It is important to remember that just about nothing in a camper or RV is effective cover. Remember that cover stops bullets. Concealment just gives you a place to hide. Maybe the refrigerator will stop bullets if it is filled with food and beverages, but because it is built into the wall, you can't expect to get behind it. A mattress or bed in the master bedroom might also stop incoming rounds, but you can expect a difficult time getting to that location if you have to fight your way past a bad guy bent on taking what you have. If you “stage” your firearm in a locked box, you will have to get to the box, open it and attempt to get your gun into the fight.Your best course of action is to keep your gun on you at all times when you are awake. If someone forces entry into your RV, you won't have to scramble to find your gun. It will be right there on your hip.

Where Is Your Gun?

Remember, a fight in an RV is going to be a violent, dynamic and close-quarters engagement. If you are more than three seconds away from your gun, you are unarmed. You won't have time to gain access to weapons stored on the other side of the room.P.S. – This video is only the beginning of what you need to know when it comes to protecting yourself and those you love during a self-defense incident in an RV or while camping.If you want more lifesaving content like this, you need to check out the USCCA Proving Ground series that’s happening right now! You’ll join real American gun owners as they engage in scenario-based training to prepare for the unthinkable.Click here to continue growing your knowledge with more great videos.

Don’t miss your free live training!

The USCCA is hosting a Live Training Broadcast on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at 7 p.m. Central Time – “Discover What You Must Know to Survive an Attack in the Great Outdoors.”

All of these free training videos (which will be released over the next two weeks, so be sure to check back often) will lead up to this BIG event. I don’t want you to miss it…Here’s what you can expect on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at 7 p.m. CT:

• Expert Training: Uncover how to properly store your gun while traveling, how to gain a tactical advantage over any threat with a variety of flashlights, and how you can prepare the children in your life for an actual attack…
• LIVE Q&A: Get REAL answers to your hardest-hitting self-defense questions during the live Q&A session…
• Special Bonus [One Night Only]: We’re going to unveil a surprise bonus that’s ONLY available the night of the live event…
• LIVE Reveal: You’ll get the inside scoop on the 2019 Concealed Carry Expo…

Remember, it’s Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at 7 p.m. CT.

Click here to save your spot.

Take Care and Stay Safe,



Tim Schmidt

President | USCCA

P.S. - We’ll be releasing training videos all this week and next week on surviving an attack in the great outdoors. The trainings will feature Kevin Michalowski, Executive Editor of Concealed Carry Magazine, and Pete Bosquez, who will take trainees through actual self-defense scenarios.