Thursday, December 31, 2015

Ask The Michigan Firearm Instructor: When Do I Have A Duty To Retreat?

Ask The Michigan Firearm Instructor: When Do I Have A Duty To Retreat?
Q: What are the situations that call for a "duty to retreat?"
A: When you are not within the requirements of a defense based on either the Castle Doctrine or the Self Defense Act, you will in most circumstances have a duty to retreat.
Under the Castle Doctrine, there is a general but rebuttable presumption that a home invader puts you in imminent danger. There are some exceptions with regards to some classes of people that you could not claim umbrage under the Castle Doctrine. Nevertheless, it would be the Prosecutor's burden to prove that you were not in danger. (MCL 780.951)
Under the Self Defense Act, you can use lethal force without a duty to retreat if you or some other person was under an imminent threat of great bodily harm, rape, or death. However, you must be in place where you have permission to be and not committing a crime. (MCL 780.792)
Further, there is another provision for not having a duty to retreat where the provisions of the Self Defense Act are not met. You must, however, be in your own dwelling. (MCL 769.21c)
If you are not protected under the Castle Doctrine or the Self Defense Act, you would probably be forced to follow Michigan case law which would will require you to retreat before using deadly force.

About The Author
Rick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school - Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit.

Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, UPI, Fox news, New York Times, USA Today, Bearing Arms, NRAnews, Guns Digest, Tactical-Life, The Truth About Guns, The Politics Daily, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, The Detroit Examiner, WJLB, WGPR, and the UrbanShooterPodcast.

For more info about free shooting lessons for women and Michigan CCW Classes, please contact:

Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com.
Email: detroitccw@gmail.com
Phone: 313.733.7404

If this information was useful for you, would you please make a small recurring donation to support this site?

Ask The Michigan Firearm Instructor: How Badly Do I Need To Be Attacked Before Shooting?

Ask The Michigan Firearm Instructor: How Badly Do I Need To Be Attacked Before Shooting?
Q: Rick, I have a question that has been on my mind for quite a while. I have asked cops, trainers, other cpl holders, and lawyers variations of this same question. 

Boiled down into a succinct stew, the question is this...

How much of an ass-whipping do I have to take?

A: The answer to your eloquently stated question is "none at all." The Self Defense Act does not state that you must be struck or hit before defending yourself.

The Self Defense Act as recorded in MCL 780.792 states the following:

Sec. 2.
(1) An individual who has not or is not engaged in the commission of a crime at the time he or she uses deadly force may use deadly force against another individual anywhere he or she has the legal right to be with no duty to retreat if either of the following applies:
(a) The individual honestly and reasonably believes that the use of deadly force is necessary to prevent the imminent death of or imminent great bodily harm to himself or herself or to another individual.
(b) The individual honestly and reasonably believes that the use of deadly force is necessary to prevent the imminent sexual assault of himself or herself or of another individual.
(2) An individual who has not or is not engaged in the commission of a crime at the time he or she uses force other than deadly force may use force other than deadly force against another individual anywhere he or she has the legal right to be with no duty to retreat if he or she honestly and reasonably believes that the use of that force is necessary to defend himself or herself or another individual from the imminent unlawful use of force by another individual.

About The Author
Rick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school - Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit.

Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, UPI, Fox news, New York Times, USA Today, Bearing Arms, NRAnews, Guns Digest, Tactical-Life, The Truth About Guns, The Politics Daily, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, The Detroit Examiner, WJLB, WGPR, and the UrbanShooterPodcast.

For more info about free shooting lessons for women and Michigan CCW Classes, please contact:

Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com.
Email: detroitccw@gmail.com
Phone: 313.733.7404

If this information was useful for you, would you please make a small recurring donation to support this site?

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

The Monday Morning Quarterback: My Take On The Taylor Garage Shooting Case

The Monday Morning Quarterback: The Taylor Garage Shooting Case
Yesterday, in the wee hours of the morning several local southeastern Michigan media outlets published info on a man being shot in a Taylor, Michigan residential detached garage. Reportedly, an unnamed male resident of the associated home was alerted by his alarm monitoring system that his garage had been compromised.

Accordingly, it was reported that the homeowner grabbed a lawfully possessed firearm and went outside to investigate. He noticed a footprint on the garage door and heard rattling sounds emanating from the inside of the garage. After a 10 minute stand-off he reportedly yelled to his fiancee - who was still in the home watching the events unfold from a window - to call the police for assistance.

Shortly thereafter, the intruder bolted from the garage with his hands over his head and was consequently shot by the homeowner in the leg. The garage invader was conveyed to a local hospital for treatment. Much of the aforementioned details and information about the incident was attributed to the fiancee of the shooter. Apparently, after enduring a 14 hour interrogation by the local Taylor Police Department, the shooter was not in the mood to speak with the media upon arriving home but his betrothed did not have any qualms about talking.

The local media wasted no time speculating that the homeowner could face potential charges. It should be noted that after most shootings the media always make this declaration. The real test is to examine the applicable law and see if any charges are warranted.

Does The Castle Doctrine Apply?

The state of Michigan has the Castle Doctrine on the books. MCL 780.951 which states that:

Sec. 1.
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), it is a rebuttable presumption in a civil or criminal case that an individual who uses deadly force or force other than deadly force under section 2 of the self-defense act has an honest and reasonable belief that imminent death of, sexual assault of, or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another individual will occur if both of the following apply:
(a) The individual against whom deadly force or force other than deadly force is used is in the process of breaking and entering a dwelling or business premises or committing home invasion or has broken and entered a dwelling or business premises or committed home invasion and is still present in the dwelling or business premises, or is unlawfully attempting to remove another individual from a dwelling, business premises, or occupied vehicle against his or her will.
(b) The individual using deadly force or force other than deadly force honestly and reasonably believes that the individual is engaging in conduct described in subdivision (a).
From published media accounts, we know that a man had broken into a garage and that the home-owner had reason to believe that the invader was still present. Furthermore, the term "Dwelling" is also defined in the same section as "a structure or shelter that is used permanently or temporarily as a place of abode, including an appurtenant structure attached to that structure or shelter."

So far, it appears that the home owner may not have protection under the Castle Doctrine because the aforementioned definition of dwelling in this section is not congruent with a detached garage that is not being used as either an abode or a temporary abode.

Does The Self Defense Act Apply?

The Self Defense Act as recorded in MCL 780.792 states the following:

Sec. 2.
(1) An individual who has not or is not engaged in the commission of a crime at the time he or she uses deadly force may use deadly force against another individual anywhere he or she has the legal right to be with no duty to retreat if either of the following applies:
(a) The individual honestly and reasonably believes that the use of deadly force is necessary to prevent the imminent death of or imminent great bodily harm to himself or herself or to another individual.
(b) The individual honestly and reasonably believes that the use of deadly force is necessary to prevent the imminent sexual assault of himself or herself or of another individual.
(2) An individual who has not or is not engaged in the commission of a crime at the time he or she uses force other than deadly force may use force other than deadly force against another individual anywhere he or she has the legal right to be with no duty to retreat if he or she honestly and reasonably believes that the use of that force is necessary to defend himself or herself or another individual from the imminent unlawful use of force by another individual.

The usage of lethal force under the Self Defense Act is justified if the shooter can prove that he reasonably and honestly believed that he faced a threat of great bodily harm, sexual assault, or death. The Taylor Police Department is currently conducting an investigation to see if in fact that was the case at the time of the shooting. The shooter was allegedly interrogated for 14 hours at the station and his fiancee made published comments about the incident in the media. Additionally, the person who broke into the garage will also be making a statement to the police with respect to his version of the story. Furthermore, any other physical evidence present at the scene will also be documented and assessed.

If the evidence does not support a valid claim under the Self Defense Act, there is another potential defense that can be used.

Use of Force By individual in Own Dwelling

MCL 769.21c specifies a defense for a person using lethal force in his own dwelling:


Sec. 21c.
(1) In cases in which section 2 of the self-defense act does not apply, the common law of this state applies except that the duty to retreat before using deadly force is not required if an individual is in his or her own dwelling or within the curtilage of that dwelling.
(2) As used in this section, "dwelling" means a structure or shelter that is used permanently or temporarily as a place of abode, including an appurtenant structure attached to that structure or shelter.

In this statute please note there is another definition of "dwelling" which differs significantly from the one specified under the Castle Doctrine. It seems clear that the shooter's detached garage was not being used as either a permanent or temporary abode. The only possible defense here is whether his garage falls under the definition of "within the curtilage." So, what exactly is it?

People v Taylor 2 MI 250, 251 - 252 (1851)

Under Michigan case law, the definition of curtilage was described as the following:

“courtyard, back-side, or piece of ground lying near and belonging to a dwellinghouse,” and as “a space of ground within a common enclosure, belonging to a dwelling house”

As such, a credible argument can be made that a detached garage falls within the area or curtilage of his residence. Accordingly, the homeowner would be justified in using lethal force in his own detached garage.

Prediction on Whether Home Owner Will Be Charged

Personally, I think that there are too many wild-cards in play to make a call on this case. I think his best defense would fall under a theory in accordance with the Self Defense Act. However, God only knows what the home owner disclosed during a 14 hour interview with the police. Presumably, he did not have an attorney present. Furthermore, the statements made by his fiancee in the media probably did not help his cause. Moreover, the garage invader might have an interesting story to tell. If a good case can't be made under the Self Defense Act, then the case could very well hinge on whether the garage falls within the curtilage of the residence. 

Much online discussion I have read about the case from other persons also following this incident centers around the home owner's motivations for going into the garage in the first place. In my opinion, there is nothing illegal or wrong about investigating a disturbance in your own detached garage. Whether or not I would have taken the same action as he did is not germane. The only point that should be weighed is whether his usage of force was justified. Under the right circumstances, the usage of lethal force can be justified.

Alternatively, I can also sympathize with folks who think that he should have stayed in his house while calling the local police department. The Taylor Police Department might have actually made it to the garage within the aforementioned 10 minute stand-off. However, that is not to say that an incident could not have unfolded in which an officer might have used deadly force against the invader given that the requisite circumstances merited it.

There are going to be so many things going on in the aftermath of this incident that the home owner might be second guessing himself now. I think that the home owner did not have a post shooting plan. Would an attorney have allowed his client to be questioned for 14 hours? I don't think so. Accordingly, I don't think that he had a lawyer. With low priced legal protection plans available in the marketplace it is unwise to own a self defense firearm but not have a plan for representation.

If the home owner had a lawyer and his fiancee did not talk to the media, I think that he would have an excellent chance of not being charged. I am going to go out on a limb and say the said something that was damaging to his case in the marathon interrogation session that he had at the police station and will be charged.

Disclaimer: I am not an attorney. The aforementioned analysis is my own personal theory on the details of the case that have been published in the media that I have seen. If you find yourself in an incident in which you have used lethal force, you are strongly encouraged to seek out both the counsel and representation of a credible attorney who has skill, experience, and expertise in this area of law.

About The Author
Rick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school - Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit.

Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, UPI, Fox news, New York Times, USA Today, Bearing Arms, NRAnews, Guns Digest, Tactical-Life, The Truth About Guns, The Politics Daily, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, The Detroit Examiner, WJLB, WGPR, and the UrbanShooterPodcast.

For more info about free shooting lessons for women and Michigan CCW Classes, please contact:

Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com.
Email: detroitccw@gmail.com
Phone: 313.733.7404

If this information was useful for you, would you please make a small recurring donation to support this site?

Ask The Michigan Firearm Instructor: Should I Talk To The Police?

Ask The Michigan Firearm Instructor: Should I Talk To The Police?
Q: Mr. Ector, you are not going to believe this, or maybe you will. Long story short, a 'friend' that I confided in about some recent issues that I've been addressing actually contacted the Oak Park Police Department and told them about the gun purchase and the pic in addition to some of things I said in confidence and earlier today the Oak Park P.D. confiscated my handgun. 
I am supposed to contact a detective tomorrow. I am absolutely FURIOUS on so many level. Can you tell me what I should expect tomorrow and what are [my] legal options? I did NOT threaten to harm myself or anyone else, this is all on the account of some effin Facebook post! Can you please advise me on this matter?
A: I am guessing that the cops are conducting an investigation as to your statements made in confidence to your friend. Also do keep in mind that anything posted on Facebook is public and can additionally be the basis for an investigation, especially if they are also acting on information given by your "friend." For the record, any statement that you make to an investigator can and will - if possible - be used against you.
My official endorsement is for you to not speak to the police with regards to this matter without an attorney. At this late hour, it may be difficult to find a good one free to help you. However, I suggest you try calling Atty Terry Johnson to see if he can help you. Reach him at 313.421.6193.
About The Author
Rick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school - Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit.

Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, UPI, Fox news, New York Times, USA Today, Bearing Arms, NRAnews, Guns Digest, Tactical-Life, The Truth About Guns, The Politics Daily, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, The Detroit Examiner, WJLB, WGPR, and the UrbanShooterPodcast.

For more info about free shooting lessons for women and Michigan CCW Classes, please contact:

Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com.
Email: detroitccw@gmail.com
Phone: 313.733.7404

If this information was useful for you, would you please make a small recurring donation to support this site?

Ask The Michigan Firearm Instructor: Should My Pistol Chamber Be Empty?

Ask The Michigan Firearm Instructor: Should My Pistol Chamber Be Empty?
Q: Hi Rick. My daughter was pulled over by Detroit Police over the weekend. She told the officer that she had a CPL. The officer asked her if there was a bullet in the chamber? She said yes. He told her that the new law is not to have a bullet in the chamber. He had her to take the bullets out of her gun and gave her a warning about it. Is this truce (sic) about the new gun law? Please let me know. I'm very curious.

A: No. The officer provided your daughter with incorrect info. No law concerning the chamber status of a pistol has been adopted and enacted in the state of Michigan. Please encourage your daughter to continue to carry her firearm with a round in the chamber. An unchambered firearm is about as useful as an unloaded one. Additionally, if she ever needed to use it, precious time would be needed to make it ready. Moreover, if she is under stress while attempting to chamber her firearm, she may cause it to jam due to the fact that stress may cause a loss of fine motor skills in her fingers. Further, I would suggest that a formal complaint be levied against the officer.
About The Author
Rick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school - Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit.

Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, UPI, Fox news, New York Times, USA Today, Bearing Arms, NRAnews, Guns Digest, Tactical-Life, The Truth About Guns, The Politics Daily, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, The Detroit Examiner, WJLB, WGPR, and the UrbanShooterPodcast.

For more info about free shooting lessons for women and Michigan CCW Classes, please contact:

Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com.
Email: detroitccw@gmail.com
Phone: 313.733.7404

If this information was useful for you, would you please make a small recurring donation to support this site?

Monday, December 21, 2015

Rick Ector Gives Two Women Crime Victims A FREE CPL Class

Rick Ector Gives Two Women Crime Victims A FREE CPL Class
At my last Concealed Pistol License (CPL) Class, I trained two ladies for free.. Both were recent crime victims whose stories were chronicled in the local media.

The first lady has an ex who burned down her home. The second lady defended her residence with a Louisville Slugger baseball against a man who was climbing through her window.

In both cases, I personally felt compelled to reach out to these women and offer my assistance. They took advantage of my offer and I felt like I made a difference.

A local media outlet did a story on one of the ladies in the video below. Check it out and leave feedback!

If the above video is not visible, view the story here.
About The Author
Rick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school - Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit.

Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, UPI, Fox News, New York Times, USA Today, Bearing Arms, NRAnews, Guns Digest, Tactical-Life, The Truth About Guns, The Politics Daily, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, The Detroit Examiner, WJLB, WGPR, and the UrbanShooterPodcast.

For more info about free shooting lessons for women and Michigan CCW Classes, please contact:

Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com.
Email: detroitccw@gmail.com
Phone: 313.733.7404

If this information was useful for you, would you please make a small recurring donation to support this site?

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Writing My Wrongs: A Book Review

Writing My Wrongs: A Book Review
A few days ago, I finally got around to reading a book in my library. For me, buying books is sometimes as fun as reading them. However, finding time to actually read them is a challenge. Accordingly, last Thursday I looked at my ever-growing pile of books to read and selected this one to read. The funny thing, to me, is that I actually bought this one at the author's book signing a few years ago. Better late than ever.

Despite measuring in at 314 pages, I jumped in and knocked it out in two sessions. It was an easy read and gave me some insight on thoughts I have had over the last decade I have been a Firearm Instructor. You see, at times, my ideological foes have unsuccessfully tried to paint law-abiding gun owners as contributing to the problem of criminals using firearms to commit violent crimes.

I have never tried to present lawful gun ownership as the solution to everything that ails us a nation. My stance is and has always been that no one has anything to fear from a lawfully armed and law-abiding citizen. I staunchly believe that owning a firearm does indeed solve at least one particularly vexing problem in Detroit and many other cities and communities across the country - violent thugs who rob, rape, and murder innocent victims. Lawfully carrying a firearm solves a seemingly pervasive problem - defending your life when attacked. Nothing more - nothing less.

Anti-gun advocates - in my opinion - seem to be on the side of the criminals who commit violent acts against the innocent. From their statements, it appears that the bad guys were dealt a bad hand and were forced by "society" to make bad decisions and know not the consequences of their actions. The excuses for the crimes of bad guys are numerous: broken homes, physical abuse, lack of opportunity, and a dysfunctional neighborhood community. Unfortunately, the solution is elusive.

The author of the book did a good job of documenting his crimes and his reasons why he did them. For his crimes, he spent the better part of his life - 19 years - in prison. To his credit, in the spirit of Malcolm X, he educated himself while incarcerated and eventually took responsibility for his actions both in words and deeds. 

Whereas the life he took can never be restored, he has done an admirable job of attempting to atone for his crimes. However, the indiscriminate taking of a life is not trivial. How long should one be punished for a grave transgression is a difficult question to answer. I am sympathetic to the concept of redemption but I also strongly believe in the concept of justice.

How do we eliminate crime, especially violent offenses, is a topic that was not addressed in this book. I did get insight as how one gets caught up into a life of crime. In my opinion, none of them justifies the choices the author made. I will continue to advocate that when citizens are presented with imminent and grave danger that they protect themselves with justified lethal force without any consideration as to how and why the violent criminal is putting your life in danger.
About The Author
Rick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school - Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit.

Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, UPI, Fox news, New York Times, USA Today, Bearing Arms, NRAnews, Guns Digest, Tactical-Life, The Truth About Guns, The Politics Daily, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, The Detroit Examiner, WJLB, WGPR, and the UrbanShooterPodcast.

For more info about free shooting lessons for women and Michigan CCW Classes, please contact:

Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com.
Email: detroitccw@gmail.com
Phone: 313.733.7404

If this information was useful for you, would you please make a small recurring donation to support this site?

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Rick Ector Rates President Obama's Speech For Fox 2 Detroit

Rick Ector Rates Obama's Speech For Fox 2 Detroit

On this Sunday, I gave my opinion on President Obama's speech in the aftermath of the San Bernardino terror attack.
If you all recall, it was one in which Americans were curious to know President's thoughts on ISIS and other terrorists who pose a threat to our security as a nation. Accordingly, I viewed the speech live at Fox 2 Detroit's news station and spoke against his proposed policy to ban firearm sales to "suspected" terrorists on the "No Fly List." View the video to see the basis for my opinion:https://lnkd.in/eVhgDTQ
About The Author
Rick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school - Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit.

Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, UPI, Fox news, New York Times, USA Today, Bearing Arms, NRAnews, Guns Digest, Tactical-Life, The Truth About Guns, The Politics Daily, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, The Detroit Examiner, WJLB, WGPR, and the UrbanShooterPodcast.

For more info about free shooting lessons for women and Michigan CCW Classes, please contact:

Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com.
Email: info@detroitccw.com
Phone: 313.733.7404

If this information was useful for you, would you please make a small recurring donation to support this site?

Lethal Force And Self-Defense Legal Seminar: The Laws Every Gun Owner Must Know

Lethal Force And Self-Defense Legal Seminar: 
The Laws Every Gun Owner Must Know

Owning, carrying, and operating a firearm is a grave responsibility. It is truly a tool of last resort. Not knowing the laws pertaining to the lawful usage of guns is not a valid excuse of running afoul of them. Firearm charges are serious and can have the undesired result of stiff fines and lengthy prison sentences.

This information packed three hour seminar is designed to inform participants of not only the laws they must know and obey but will also inform attendees of their rights as gun owners. The agenda will extensively cover the following items:

- Defending Yourself At Home (Castle Doctrine)
- Defending Yourself Outside Home (Stand Your Ground)
- Defense of Others
- Statements To Police & 9-1-1
- Lawful Firearm Purchasing & Transfers
- Lawful Firearm Transportation
- Brandishing & Warning Shots
- MI Concealed Pistol License Law
- Open Carry in Michigan
- Firearm Carry Reciprocity in Other States
- Repeal of Michigan Gun Boards
- Question & Answer

This seminar will be useful for a wide audience: Gun Owners, Home Owners, Business Owners, CPL-Holders, Attorneys, Law Enforcement, and members of the media.

All attendees will receive a specially assembled informational packet for future reference and consultation. This seminar has limited seating - RSVP early.

Brand New Info For 2016

Effective December 1rst of 2015, the County Gun Boards were abolished. As such, there is now a new protocol for handling CPL suspensions, revocations, and reinstatements. This legal seminar will provide the very latest info on the new procedural changes.

Reviews From Last Year's Seminar

"I enjoyed last years, it was very informative, I'm going to check my calendar for this years as well." ~ Jeff Barello 

"Already have a CPL? Not sure if you want to get a CPL? Want to learn in more detail about laws on lethal force and self defense in Michigan? I took this class and it is VERY informative. Worth it to know in advance of needing to know the law!" ~ Denise Flinders

"I attended the 2014 Lethal Force Seminar presented by Rick's Firearm Academy.Initially I had thought attending the seminar would just be a "rubber-stamp" documenting my knowledge of Michigan and Federal Firearms law as I had attended numerous NRA Basic Personal Protection In The Home Courses at my local gun club with the legal portion of the classes presented by our county Head Prosecutor. I humbly ate my portion of crow as I filled numerous notebook pages of notes regarding nuances of the "Stand Your Ground" and "Castle Doctrine" laws not covered by my previous courses. While not required by law, responsible CPL holders should educate themselves about the laws pertaining to the lawful carry of firearms and the use of deadly force. The use of deadly force does not end with the discharge of a firearm. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. I would highly recommend anyone choosing to obtain a CPL and carrying a handgun to attend this seminar." ~ Ron Howard

"Rick's Lethal Force seminar is a great second class to take after getting your CPL. The class really offers an in-depth look at what happens and what you should and should not do after you are required to use lethal force. This is a must have class for anyone who carries a firearm daily, and takes their person protection very seriously. Personal protection isn't just during the life threatening situation, but it's knowing what to do after the fact. This class will teach you what you need to know and give you more peace of mind." ~ John Roehrig

"Excellent program. Very plain to understand and informative. I'm considering taking it again this year if I can find the some spare money. I'm sure Mr Ector will have an even better program put together this year." ~ Gary Powlowski

"Rick Ector and Terry Johnson deliver expert information using current news events, related to home  & personal defense. They presented the topics in a way that everyone in the class could relate to. It is time & money well spent, that may just one day save your life, and keep you out of prison. I will attend again this year." ~ Boomer Qureshi

"I attended this seminar last year, and found it to be incredibly informative, very well presented and even entertaining.  Rick and Terry made everything easy to understand and presented it in an enjoyable format.  I heartily recommend it for anyone who has a CPL or is thinking of getting a CPL.  Also good information for anyone who keeps a gun 'around the house.'"  ~  Dennis Oakes

"I attended the Lethal Force and Self-Defense Legal seminar in 2014. Rick and Terry try to keep it fun and will offer plenty of information for you to digest. There will be plenty of time for questions and to go through scenarios. Even if you know some of the laws  there will be information you probably do not know. I fully recommend this seminar. You will come out freshly reviewed and a bit more educated so you are not that person to drag them into the house. Please do not be that person." ~ Charles Vamos, Jr.

"So, last year Rick Ector told me about this lethal force seminar that he was holding. I had my reservations at first about going because of my full schedule, but I still found the topic to be a very interesting. It was definitely relevant, especially with all of the recent news hoopla regarding self defense and "stand-your-ground." Now I know what many of you are thinking, because it crossed my mind last year before attending. "Why do I need to pay to go to a lethal force seminar? I have my CPL.  I know the law... Right?"

Personally, I consider myself a firearms expert. I have been around, and using firearms, for years. I have had my CPL since my 21st birthday. Furthermore, I also have a degree in Criminal Justice, so what could I possibly learn? Well, I can attest that you can learn a lot from Rick's Lethal Force seminar. If you do not have a CPL, but have guns in the house, you can learn a lot about what to do and what not to do. If you have a CPL, look at it like a continuing education course. Even though you do not have to do one to renew your CPL, you should. Unless you are immersed in the world of guns and self defense on a regular basis, there is NO WAY YOU CAN STAY UP-TO-DATE ON GUN LAWS...PERIOD!

Rick Ector's Lethal Force and Self Defense Seminar is an instructional guide for anyone who wants to know about when and when not to shoot. It is top notch legal advice to keep you informed before an incident, at a fraction of the cost to hire an attorney after the fact. It does not matter if you are an expert or a novice, this seminar is for you. You will have questions, and Rick will answer them in a manner that will stick with you for a long time. See you at the seminar, and Carry On."
Dr. Anthony J Cole PharmD, MPH, MBA, MS, RPh

About The Organizers

Mr. Terry L. Johnson is a criminal defense attorney who has a specialty in Firearms Law. He has been featured in the media as a subject matter expert in this area in the law.

Mr. Rick Ector is a Firearms Instructor who has been featured in the media as a subject matter expert in the areas of Firearm Safety, Responsible Firearms Ownership, and Personal Protection.

Tuition: $99.99 (Early Registration)
RSVP NOW => http://rick9mm.eventbee.com/event?eid=118536623
About The Author
Rick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school - Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit.

Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, UPI, Fox news, New York Times, USA Today, Bearing Arms, NRAnews, Guns Digest, Tactical-Life, The Truth About Guns, The Politics Daily, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, The Detroit Examiner, WJLB, WGPR, and the UrbanShooterPodcast.

For more info about free shooting lessons for women and Michigan CCW Classes, please contact:

Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com.
Email: info@detroitccw.com
Phone: 313.733.7404

If this information was useful for you, would you please make a small recurring donation to support this site?

Last Livonia Michigan CPL Class of the Year! Sunday, December 20th! RSVP NOW!!!!!

Metro-Detroit Livonia Michigan Concealed Pistol License - CCW CPL Classes - Sunday, December 20th, 2015 - Space Limited - Call Now: 313.7337404


Sunday, December 20th, 2015

We are pleased to announce another Michigan Concealed Pistol License CCW/CPL Class of this year! So, if you have a desire to qualify for a Concealed Pistol License, so that you can feel safe, register for our next class.

Sunday, December 20th, 2015

Location:

30305 Schoolcraft Avenue, 
Livonia, MI 48150
Tuition ($150)

Register here ==> Click here!

Range expenses will be incurred at the range to handle gun rental, range time, ammunition costs, and a fee for a target. The estimated fee is $35.

Our class starts at 10:00 a.m. sharp!


Sunday, December 20th, 2015





More info on Detroit Michigan CCW Class is available at our web site.

FREE Crime Prevention Ebooks For A Limited Time!

Register for this CCW Class and receive the following Ebooks:



Total Value $115!!!!! - Yours For FREE - Register Now!

Register now: Click here!

About The Author
Rick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school - Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit.

Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, UPI, USA Today, Fox News, NRAnews, Guns Digest, Tactical-Life, The Truth About Guns, The Politics Daily, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, The Detroit Examiner, WJLB, WGPR, and the UrbanShooterPodcast.

For more info about free shooting lessons for women and Michigan CCW Classes, please contact:

Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com.
Email: detroitccw@gmail.com
Phone: 313.733.7404

If this information was useful for you, would you please make a small recurring donation to support this site?

Support This Web Site!

Friday, December 4, 2015

The Politics of Terror and Guns

The Politics of Terror and Guns
One of the unfortunate truths of our society is that at any time someone orchestrates and conducts a violent act, it immediately becomes politicized. As an example, a few days ago a massacre transpired at a San Bernardino holiday Christmas party. 
In no time at all, every left-leaning politician from sea to shining sea weighed in on the topic with renewed interest and fervor in reviving gun control measures before we even knew the back story on the event. The bodies weren't even cold and the blood was still warm before America's favorite scapegoat - the NRA - was again blamed for this latest atrocity.
From the very beginning as the events were unfolding with moment by moment updates in the media about this incident which, in my opinion, reeked of a terrorist attack. Initial reports stated that as many as three actors invaded a building with firearms and explosive devices and summarily started shooting, maiming, and killing people who were present.
Further, these terrorists were clad in what was described as "Assault Clothing" while possessing "Assault Weapons." As the body count steadily rose, it was clear - to me - that this not just a disgruntled employee exacting retribution for a perceived trespass or transgression as our nation's gun-hating politicians would have us to believe.
Over the next couple of days, as we learned about the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) factory in the home of the actors along with several active bombs, the violent shoot-out with as many as 21 law enforcement officers, the contact by at least one the actors with suspected terrorists overseas, and evidence suggesting that this attack needed sufficient planning and time to effect our government refused label this event as a terror attack.
So, why was our government so stubbornly reluctant to admit what was becoming so increasingly apparent to the rest of us? It was nothing more than politics. Specifically, it was gun politics and a misdirection effort to avoid looking like they failed to predict and stop a terror attack on our homeland. The gambit failed.
The elephant in the room that few in the media wanted to address was that on its face blaming the lack of more gun control on the terror attack was absurd. The state of California is perhaps our nation's best shining example of what a gun controlled society looks like. I won't waste time enumerating those measures here but every single restriction that you can ever recall hearing - short of an outright ban on arms - from a gun control advocate was in place in California.
When faced with the fact of gun control's failure in California, the anti-gun control crowd predictably "doubled down" and stated that we needed the same style, type, and number of gun control measures all across the nation. After all, the state border was only about 200 or so miles away. Other states in our country were enabling source of the massacre. Can you imagine being the the fly on the wall when these folks found out from the ATF's investigation that all firearms used in the attack were legally transferred within California?
The hard and unfortunate truth for people who hate the idea of private gun ownership and the right to self-defense is that gun control is a failed policy for keeping safe.
So now that this little political dust-up over guns has been revealed to be the sham that it is let us now devote spending some time on the subject of terrorism. Our government failed to predict, discover, and prevent this terror attack. It happened on President Obama's watch on our soil. He owns it.
Politically, this fact has obvious ramifications both for the upcoming election and will cause increased scrutiny from political opponents on his foreign policy. Let us have the appropriate debate - terrorism and foreign policy - in the aftermath of the massacre in California. Dancing in the blood of victims for gun control is non productive to the bigger issues at hand.
About The Author
Rick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school - Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit.

Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, UPI, Fox news, New York Times, USA Today, Bearing Arms, NRAnews, Guns Digest, Tactical-Life, The Truth About Guns, The Politics Daily, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, The Detroit Examiner, WJLB, WGPR, and the UrbanShooterPodcast.

For more info about free shooting lessons for women and Michigan CCW Classes, please contact:

Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com.
Email: info@detroitccw.com
Phone: 313.733.7404

If this information was useful for you, would you please make a small recurring donation to support this site?