The following are some of the most common questions we at PDI are asked. It must be noted that the following answers apply only to the State of Florida and only as of August 1999. State laws change so quickly that it is nearly impossible to be aware of every modification during a given legislative session.


Q: Is it legal to carry a loaded firearm under the drivers seat of my car?
A: A tricky question. If you have a concealed weapons license, the answer is yes as long as no one can see the firearm, which constitutes reckless display of a firearm. Without a license to carry, the legal waters get considerably muddier. The yardstick a judge will use to determine whether or not you were legally carrying in your private conveyance will be; was the firearm as accessible for use as if it were carried on or about the person?
If the firearm were uncased, the answer would have to be yes and you have trouble. On the other hand, if the firearm were indeed encased, either in a holster, gun rug or even a shoe box with a cover, the answer would depend on the judge. An anti-gun judge would hang you, while a pro- gun judge might only slap your wrist.
The best idea is to holster or encase the firearm, loaded or not, and put it in the glove box, not under the seats or next to a console.
Q: Is it a good idea to fire a warning shot over the head of an attacker to let him know you have a gun?
A: NO! NO! A thousand times NO! Firing a shot in the direction of a person or occupied vehicle as a warning or otherwise constitutes the use of deadly force!
If you feel you are truly in jeopardy AND your attacker has the means to kill you or cause you great bodily harm, which could be a gun, knife, multiple attackers, a single HUGE attacker, etc. AND you attacker can physically get to you and employ the means, you may be justified in shooting to stop the attack! Not to kill, not to wound, but simply to stop the act of aggression.
No more, no less.
If you are not in enough jeopardy to fire at your attacker, the display of a firearm, loaded or not, or a "warning shot" could constitute aggravated assault on YOUR part, and a possible conviction OF YOU could result.
Q: Is it true that if I shoot someone outside my home, I should drag them inside?
A: Many people have told us that police officers have directed them to do this if they shoot someone in their yard. In all of our travels, we have never had a single police officer offer this advice. This is more likely a tale that has been perpetuated by "experts" more at gun shows than anywhere else.
The answer is NO! If you are involved in a shoot, you should never disturb evidence. To do so intentionally is a felony and incredibly stupid. Even the worst forensic scientist could tell by the bloody drag marks that something was amiss. If you were truly justified, the evidence will show that fact and you will be exonerated.
This is precisely why it is imperative that civilians seek out professional training.>BR>
Q: If I'm in a justifiable shoot, shouldn't I tell the police everything when they arrive? A: Again, the answer is no. First of all, remember that the police work for the prosecution, whose job it is to convict you. Secondly, there is no way that you will remember EXACTLY what transpired in that 1 to 3 second period of time during a shoot. It will take days and perhaps weeks for your mind to put all of the pieces back together in their proper order.
Not to mention that during a shoot your vision and hearing change as a reaction to the "fight or flight syndrome." Your perception of what actually occured will not be accurate until some time after the event.
The ONLY advice that is worth following is to pre-arrange bail money, limited power of attorney and what attorney you will use in your defense. If you are ever involved in such a terrible event such as having to defend yourself, all you need to do is tell the first officer on the scene that "HE/SHE TRIED TO KILL ME, indicate who it is you are speaking of by pointing, and tell the officer that you want an attorney present before you say anything further.
Q: Which gun is better, a revolver or a semi-automatic?
A: The best gun is the one you have with you and the worst one is the one you left home. The real personal defense weapon is between you ears. What you hold in your hand is just steel, nothing more.