That was really great advice. I've been railroaded in the system in a really small way in the past, fortunately it was just a traffic ticket, many years ago. I had that attitude you both described, "I'm innocent, I'll just tell them what happened and they'll see that", and they turned it around on me and I got the maximum fine. All these years later, I wish I'd known what Mark has to say about knowing how to talk to lawyers, judges, and LEOs. It works hand in hand with your self-protection measures, Tim. Being aware, for instance, of patterns like "The Robbery Spot," "a Witness Check," "a Weapons check," and "an intercept trajectory" can keep us out of trouble BEFORE the bad stuff happens that puts us into legal peril in the first place. I once had a conversation with the friend of a friend at a party, a Public Defender. I asked him for advice on that aforementioned traffic ticket and, after explaining my innocence, with some heat, he said "See? This is why I HATE dealing with innocent people. They think they'll just expect the judge to agree with them. I prefer dealing with criminals, because they shut up and listen. I tell them what to say and what not to say and they do what I tell them to." I really did not like the guy, but, in a sense, he was echoing what Mark MacYoung is saying, in essence, that you need to speak in the language of the legal system and stay out of language traps lawyers and LEOs will pounce on.
I am very impressed with the humility of you Tim and all these specialists. I am also seeing a pattern of they are all calling for good men to step up.
Thank you Tim and Marc. I've been arrested for defending myself for when I was rush attacked from behind and being slammed to the floor. Witnesses told the police what happened and that I was the victim, but I still spent six hours in the cells. I will never speak to the police without a lawyer after this experience. They tried to be my friend and get me talking. I was let off with a warning when my legal advisor turned up.
Tim and Marc this was outstanding! Is there a training platform that we as instructors can share with students on how to follow the steps Marc laid out to stay out of jail or maybe even avoid arrest? More specifically, how do we enhance these verbal skills to avoid repercussions altogether. Examples: Role playing. Do we as self defenders also take part in interviewing a potential perpetrator before the action verifies itself? Thank you both very much for your wisdom and shared experience.
One thing I gotten from your page is the gravity of using violence to keep your self safe or alive. No body really talks about the aftermath of a situation.
Great, great series!!! Very good points. I have self defense insurance so NEVER talk to police, besides “i’ve just been the victim of a violent crime” then stop talking “i don’t want to talk, just call my legal team” “you’re not under arrest” “then i have nothing to say other than ive been a victim of a violent crime” Just call your legal team. Once they say “well you’re under arrest” DONT SAY ANYTHING, JUST COMPLY. When they read you the Mirandas “Do you understand these rights…?” “No, I do not”, “Can you read them?” “No”. Tim… everyone else, what do you think?
Marc is a great guy. I met him a number of years ago. As a martial artist, I loved his perspective on "the rest of the story" (he's the Paul Harvey of violence / self defense / ramifications). I send all of my students to his site and recommend his books to them. He's talked to my students and really given them perspectives they hadn't thought about. I can spend time trying to teach what he does but, it would be a poor job. Best to get it from the source. Plus having students read his material saves me HOURS of lecturing. I'd recommend everyone that is an instructor read his material and do what I do and send their students to his books, videos, and website. Will post this with each segment because I believe his material is that beneficial, and people should learn it.
He know his stuff, I just got his book "Pool Cues, Beer Bottles and Baseball Bats". I was on the floor laughing at some of the things he wrote in his book.
Fantastic interview as usual. Tim, have you seen the video of professional kickboxer Joe Schilling ko'd a guy at a bar?? Right away I thought of Marc and his perspectives on the legal ramifications. The fighter claimed "self-defense".
I thought I should write this comment regarding Marc's "What You Don't Know Can Kill You," book, even though I'm only 1/3 through it, because I didn't want this thread to go stale and nobody to read this comment. In short, it's great so far. I was in a local gas station 2 days ago and 3 of the 5 'Stages of Violent Crime' cited in Marc's book happened to me: Intent; Interview; Position; Attack and Reaction. As I said, the first 3 happened. Dangerous Guy, about 5'6" and lean, stares me down. I can tell he can absolutely handle himself. I feel his disapproval of me and sense his intent - which is a desire to harm. I ignore him and buy my stuff. My hands are full and I exit the store by pushing the doors open with my rear. As I do so, I see Dangerous Guy 3 feet behind me staring at me - he wanted me to engage. He intended to start a fight without being liable for starting one. He interviewed the situation and saw weakness (my hands were full), he put himself in Position. Instead of Attacking, however, he subtlely menaced by staring - something that the gas station cameras would not have acquired. Of course I left without incident. If however, I had engaged, I'd be dead if I "lost," perhaps maimed if I "won" or "lost," or jailed either way - because none of the requirements for Perfect Self-Defense were there, and Imperfect Self-Defense wouldn't have been a sure thing even though the threat of harm was implied. Great book. Thanks for having Marc as a guest, Tim.
YOU, SIR AND YOUR GUESTS, ARE THE BEST !!! I WAS GOING TO SUGGEST SOME MORE FOLKS TO INTERVIEW BUT YOU SEEM TO BE DOING QUITE WELL IN THIS REGARD !!! GREAT GUEST, BEEN FOLLOWING MARK (AND LEARNING) FOR YEARS NOW !!! QUALITY ALL THE WAY !!!
Although you teach violence, you clearly are a man of peace who has had to understand the asocial act and the many aspects of its consequences. Ignoring bad shit doesn't make it go away so it behooves us to look it fearlessly square in the face and know how to deal with it if it can't be avoided. I appreciate your efforts in educating us on these important points with the variety of other experts.
Bought his book. Really hope his info is good. I personally like your physical training better than MacYoung's, but I hope to learn from his court experience. Thanks
I have two e books on Amazon. Yoga Self Defense. This book is about the Martial Art hidden in Yoga. The Self Defense Against Dog Attack Encyclopedia. Which is only book out there that teaches you how to physically save your or your loved one from a dog attack.
Is it a good strategy to ask to get medical attention because of how stressful being under attack was--but offer to come in the next morning to give a detailed interview [and then bring lawyer with you]? How to find a good attorney to prove self defense?
Criminals need to get inside your comfort zone. Could you spare some change? Can I get directions? Can I ask you a question? Can I show you a picture? Can you help me? I’m out of gas. Can I help you with your bags? I’m deaf. Would you buy a card/pencil?
It they are that close..and your not in NYC or similar you are already to close. It happens happened to me a few times... comply if it's only a buck.. Quickly disengage. But most importantly see them first.
First. DO NOT! DO NOT! talk with the police. Just give your name. And say. I was in fear for my life. I want a lawyer. Then shut the hell up. Until you have one. And the right kind of lawyer. Know your rights & use them. Don't talk yourself into jail. It's very simple to do.
Marc and I see. to have the same happy personality type which people take can take as weakness. I can't see his body language in this video, but I bet he doesn't move like a victim. I love being happy and openly happy, my monster and I have a wonderful balance.
