David Sigale was interviewed by the Chicago Tribune’s Katherine Douglas regarding Dione Weaver, who was sitting in his parked car on a Chicago street one late night when he saw a man walking from car to car shining a flashlight inside them. Weaver called 911, said he was worried about the person, and that Weaver had a gun (though not a concealed carry license) and would defend himself. The person came up to his car and Weaver shot and killed him. Now he is charged with murder, with prosecutors talking about his changing story and how it was not “reasonable” for Weaver to shoot.
There is more to the story, but the biggest takeaway is that claiming self-defense is not going to be a magic legal shield when there is a shooting. At the least, there will be an investigation, possible charges, and a possible lawsuit. Not to mention the emotional trauma that comes with shooting someone, even if you had no choice. It is very important to learn and relearn the situations when deadly force may and may not be considered justified.
Another takeaway that did not really make it into the Chicago Tribune story is that if you are involved in a self-defense shooting, you will be dazed, and stunned, and shell-shocked, and probably in no position to answer police questions. Tell the police that you would like to consult an attorney before answering questions. Have an attorney’s number handy, so that if such a terrible event occurs, you are not trying to fumble around and think of someone to contact. You do not want to get in trouble because in the mental fog and shock, you said the wrong thing.
To discuss these and related issues, call the Firm for a consultation.
The Law Firm of David G. Sigale, P.C. was founded to serve the legal needs of the Chicago metropolitan area. Mr. Sigale has counseled and represented corporate and individual clients across the United States and internationally. He believes in protecting Americans from improper attempts by the government to infringe upon their constitutional rights. His firm services clients in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties, and as well as reviews matters in other locations on a case-by-case basis. Contact the firm for a consultation.
