FAQs about Second Call Defense Protection and Self Defense

If I show up in court, do I get my bail bond fee back?
No — if you used a bail bondsman, their fee (usually 10–15% of the bond) is payment for the service, not a deposit, so it’s non-refundable regardless of the outcome. This is exactly why immediate cash for bond matters: with Second Call Defense, that upfront money is a benefit of membership, not a loan you repay or a service fee you lose either way. Even if you have $100,000 in savings for a bail bond – why not use our money instead?

As a member of SCD, can I choose my own attorney?
Yes. With Second Call Defense, you select the local attorney you trust — someone who knows the self-defense laws of the jurisdiction the incident occurred and, ideally, someone you’ve already vetted before you ever need them. Some competing plans instead assign you an attorney from their own network.

I don’t have a criminal defense attorney, can Second Call Defense choose one for me?
Absolutely. We maintain a nationwide, pre-vetted bench of attorneys who specialize in self-defense and criminal cases. Even if you already have an attorney you trust, there’s a good chance they aren’t licensed to practice in the state where you’re facing charges — self-defense incidents don’t always happen close to home. In that situation, Second Call Defense can quickly connect you with a qualified attorney who is licensed in the exact jurisdiction handling your case and has real experience with self-defense law there.

That local knowledge matters more than people expect. An attorney who already knows the clerks, judges, prosecutors, and local law enforcement in that courthouse can navigate the system faster and more effectively than an out-of-state lawyer starting from scratch — which often translates directly into a smoother, more efficient case for you.

Can Second Call Defense drop me mid-course if I am charged with a crime?
We have a duty to zealously represent our members who have used force in self-defense. Being charged with a crime is the exact scenario the membership exists for, so that alone isn’t a reason to be dropped. We have never dropped a member.

If I lose in court, will Second Call Defense come back to me to recoup the money they spent on my defense?
Second Call Defense markets itself around a “nothing out of pocket, nothing to repay ever” model — meaning funds are paid directly to the bonding company or an attorney as a membership benefit rather than as a reimbursable loan, regardless of the case outcome. That’s a real point of differentiation from “reimbursement” style plans, where you often have to pay first and get repaid later, sometimes only if you win. As always, confirm this against the specific membership agreement, since misrepresentation or fraud in your application would typically be treated differently than simply losing your case.

If a prosecutor finds that I acted in self-defense and the shooting was justified, then I’m out of trouble, right?
Not automatically. A prosecutor declining to file charges (or dropping them) resolves the criminal side, but — same as with a not-guilty verdict — it doesn’t stop a civil suit from the other party or their family. It’s also possible for a prosecutor’s decision to be revisited if new evidence emerges, depending on the jurisdiction and statute of limitations.

Do I need a Conceal Carry Permit to become a member of SCD?
No, you do not need a CCW permit to become a member.

If a jury finds me innocent, then I’m out of trouble, right?
Not necessarily. A “not guilty” verdict only resolves the criminal case, which has to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. It does not prevent the other party (or their family) from filing a civil lawsuit against you for damages, which uses a much lower burden of proof. Being cleared criminally is a big deal, but it isn’t the end of the story or the legal bills.

Are civil lawsuits easier to prove?
Yes, significantly. Criminal cases require proof “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Civil cases only require a “preponderance of the evidence” — essentially, that it’s more likely than not that you’re liable. That lower bar is a major reason people are civilly sued even after being fully cleared of criminal charges.

Doesn’t my Homeowners’ Insurance cover a self-defense incident?
Usually not, and this catches a lot of people off guard. Most homeowners’ and renters’ policies only cover accidental occurrences, and liability exclusions typically carve out intentional acts — which is legally how the intentional use of force in self-defense is often categorized, even when it was justified. That means your homeowners’ insurer may deny a claim tied to a self-defense shooting or civil suit precisely because you meant to act, not because you did anything wrong. Your policy may be different, so be sure to read the fine print. Even if there is an exception in your policy, however, your Homeowners’ Insurance policy will likely not cover an incident that happens outside the home – at a restaurant, shopping mall, freeway, gas station, etc.

What sort of firearms can I use?
All of them, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns of all makes, models, and calibers. If it’s classified as a “firearm” and it’s legal to own, your membership protects you should you be forced to use it in legitimate self defense.

Does my SCD membership cover me if I use something other than a firearm — like a knife or pepper spray — in self-defense?
Yes. We understand it is impossible to predict the infinite number of ways you may be forced to defend yourself, for that reason we protect you no matter what you use to protect you and your family – a firearm, knife, rock, vehicle, hands, feet, heavy wrench – any legal weapon. Second Call Defense has been specifically designed to protect you from the unknown, whatever the situation demands.

Am I covered if the incident happens outside my home state?
Absolutely yes. Second Call Defense coverage follows you nationwide and extends to all 50 U.S. states with no additional charges, since self-defense incidents often happen while traveling.

Can I add my spouse to my membership?
Yes. You can add your spouse, significant other, or common law partner at a cost far lower than the individual membership.

Why is Accidental Shooting coverage important?
Second Call Defense was the first self-defense legal protection provider to offer accidental shooting coverage, and its coverage remains the most comprehensive in the industry.

Accidental shootings can cause serious property damage, injury, or even death — and no amount of experience makes you immune. Even seasoned shooters who take gun safety seriously and follow the four Universal Safety Rules can still have an accidental discharge (“AD”). It can happen anywhere: at the range, in the field while hunting, in a hotel room while traveling, or even while shopping at the grocery store.

The costs add up fast. An AD can mean expensive property damage — to walls, windows, plumbing, vehicles, and more — or far worse, a serious injury with medical bills that can quickly run into the tens of thousands of dollars.

How fast can I actually get bail or retainer money after an incident?
Immediately. If you’ve been involved in a self-defense incident, call 911 first — and use our 911 call script so you don’t accidentally say something that jeopardizes your case. Once you’re safe, call our Emergency Legal Hotline before speaking with law enforcement or prosecutors in any detail. We’ve taken calls from members sitting in the back of a squad car and walked them through exactly how to handle the moment. From there, we communicate directly with police and prosecutors on your behalf to protect your rights and your freedom.

What is Second Call Defense’ track record?
We have a 100% success rate defending our members. We don’t cherry-pick “easy” cases to protect that record, and we don’t walk away mid-case when things get difficult. Don’t just take our word for it — here are two true stories that show what that track record looks like in practice:

• SCD Member Story: Deadly Encounter at the Pizzeria
• SCD Member Story: No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

I work in law enforcement, am I eligible for coverage using Second Call Defense?
Yes. Second Call Defense membership plans cover law enforcement officers when they are off duty in all 50 U.S. states.

Does Second Call Defense cover members of a church or school security team?
Yes. Second Call Defense membership plans cover volunteer members not receiving compensation for their service on security teams protecting houses of worship and schools (public and private).

What are the risks of not having legal and financial protection?
You can be arrested for murder and bankrupted by legal fees. You can lose your home, savings, and personal property in a civil case. You can lose your job. You could spend years in jail. Without a proper legal defense and the money to pay for it, you could literally lose everything.

Why would I be in trouble for protecting myself?
It happens all the time. Self-defense is not always black and white and not everyone understands the reality of self-defense. For example, what if you shoot an attacker, and the moment you pull the trigger, he turns so that a bullet goes into his back? What if you’re being beaten by three teenagers, you shoot, and one shot kills a 14-year-old? What if an anti-gun prosecutor hopes to get publicity for convicting you?

Won’t a public defender keep me out of jail?
Public defenders are usually competent and honorable people. But they don’t always understand firearms or the use of lethal force in self defense. And their resources and time are very limited, which means even with the best of intentions, they can’t provide the robust defense you may need. Something else to consider: the money available for a public defender comes from the State, the same State that is prosecuting you!

I have an “umbrella” liability policy. Is that enough protection?
No. It is against the law for any insurance company to insure you against illegal actions you may commit. If you are charged with a crime, your umbrella policy will not protect you. An umbrella policy may provide coverage for civil liability, but since civil suits generally follow criminal suits, you are unlikely to be covered.

My state has Castle Doctrine, so can I be charged with a crime?
In any shooting, you can be charged with a crime depending on the specifics of the case. Castle Doctrine protects the right of self-defense in your home, but does not protect you from arrest and prosecution if authorities decide you did something wrong. Likewise, “no retreat” or “stand your ground” laws do little more than eliminate the requirement for you to prove you could not safely retreat before using your firearm.

Does Second Call Defense discriminate in its membership admission process?
Absolutely not. At Second Call Defense, our core mission is to provide legal protection to anyone who is forced to use lethal force in self-defense. We believe that the U.S. Constitution, the Civil Rights Amendments, particularly the protections found in the Second Amendment, and services provided by Second Call Defense apply to everyone regardless of gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or military status. Second Call Defense is committed to providing the most comprehensive legal protection anywhere, to anyone.

If you have a question we didn’t address or want more detail, please feel free to contact us.

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