Top Attorneys in the United States for Self-Defense & Firearm-Related Cases

When a responsibly armed citizen uses force to defend themselves, the legal aftermath can be overwhelming. Even a 100% justified defensive shooting can result in arrest, prosecution, or a civil lawsuit. Your freedom — and your future — may come down to who represents you in the minutes, hours, and days following the incident.

If you carry a firearm, you must know your attorney before you ever need one.

The best attorneys for self defense involving a firearm.

Below are the top attorneys and legal experts in the United States for self-defense, firearms-related charges, and deadly-force cases. These are the names every CCW holder, firearms owner, and responsibly armed American should know.

⭐ 1. Dave McDermott – McDermott Law Firm (Illinois)

Website: https://mcdermottwins.com/
Location: Naperville, Illinois

Dave McDermott is a premier Illinois criminal defense attorney specializing in violent crimes, aggravated battery, weapons charges, and self-defense cases. As part of the respected McDermott Law Firm, Dave is known for aggressive trial defense and high-level strategic planning in serious felonies.

Verified Facts

Handles violent crimes and firearms-related charges
Known for meticulous trial preparation
Experience in cases involving justified force

Instructor’s Perspective

Illinois is extremely strict on weapons offenses. McDermott’s skill in navigating defensive-force cases makes him a top-tier option for armed citizens in the Chicagoland area.

⭐ 2. Don West – National Self-Defense Trial Attorney

Website: https://donwestlaw.com/
Location: Florida (available nationally)

Don West is one of America’s most respected self-defense trial attorneys. With over 40 years of experience, he became nationally recognized as co-counsel in the George Zimmerman case, one of the most publicly scrutinized self-defense trials in modern history.

Verified Facts

40+ years of criminal defense work
National authority on deadly-force law
Teaches attorneys and instructors nationwide

Instructor’s Perspective

West is a master at explaining threat dynamics and lawful force to juries. His contributions to modern self-defense litigation cannot be overstated.

⭐ 3. Marc J. Victor – Attorneys for Freedom Law Firm (AZ & HI)

Website: https://attorneysforfreedom.com/teammember/marc-j-victor/
Locations: Arizona & Hawaii

Marc J. Victor is a Certified Criminal Law Specialist and former U.S. Marine with over 30 years of experience defending clients in homicide cases, self-defense shootings, violent felonies, and firearms charges.

Verified Facts

Certified Criminal Law Specialist
Former Marine with combat-relevant insight
National reputation for high-level criminal defense

Instructor’s Perspective

Victor is unapologetically pro–self-defense and brings unmatched courtroom intensity. Armed citizens benefit greatly from his combined military and legal background.

⭐ 4. Mark D. Richards – Richards & Dimmer, S.C. (Wisconsin)

Website: https://richardslawracine.com/mark-d-richards/
Location: Racine, Wisconsin

Mark Richards became nationally recognized for successfully defending Kyle Rittenhouse, securing full acquittals in one of the most politically charged self-defense cases in American history. With over 30 years of experience, Richards excels at high-pressure, high-visibility trials.

Verified Facts

30+ years handling homicide and violent crimes
Proven ability to manage cases under national scrutiny
Masterful command of evidence and courtroom strategy

Instructor’s Perspective

Richards demonstrated textbook deadly-force defense at the national level. His trial competence under immense public pressure is rare.

⭐ 5. James T. Cook – The Cook Law Firm (Colorado Springs, Colorado)

Website: http://www.jamestcooklaw.com/
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado

James T. Cook is a strong Colorado criminal defense attorney focused on homicide, assault, domestic violence, felony cases, and weapons offenses, including defensive force claims. Based in downtown Colorado Springs, Cook is known for assertive courtroom representation and strategic defense work.

Verified Facts

Represents clients in violent felonies and gun-related charges
Experienced in self-defense and use-of-force cases
Located at 130 E. Kiowa St., Suite 512

Instructor’s Perspective

Colorado’s self-defense laws require precision. Cook understands the realities of rapid threat escalation, making him a solid advocate for armed citizens.

⭐ 6. Andrew F. Branca – Law of Self Defense (National Legal Expert)

Website: https://lawofselfdefense.com/
Location: Nationwide educator & consultant

Andrew Branca is the most influential self-defense law educator in America. Though not typically retained as primary trial counsel, Branca’s legal expertise shapes how instructors, attorneys, and CCW holders understand lawful deadly force.

Verified Facts

Author of The Law of Self Defense
Creator of the “Five Elements of Self-Defense” framework
Provides expert case analysis nationwide

Instructor’s Perspective

Branca’s work is foundational. His Five Elements are the backbone of modern self-defense legal education.

⭐ 7. Timothy “Tim” Grieve – Grieve Law (Wisconsin)

Website: https://www.grievelaw.com/
Location: Brookfield & Milwaukee, Wisconsin (multiple offices)

Tim Grieve is one of Wisconsin’s strongest criminal defense attorneys, with deep experience in firearm charges, concealed carry violations, violent crimes, and defensive-use-of-force cases. As a former state prosecutor, he understands exactly how the government builds cases — and how to dismantle them.

Verified Facts

Former Wisconsin state prosecutor
Specializes in firearms and CCW-related offenses
Handles violent crimes and self-defense cases
Offices throughout southeast Wisconsin

Instructor’s Perspective

Grieve’s prosecutor background gives him a tactical advantage. He knows how firearm cases are built, how they fall apart, and how to defend armed citizens caught in legal conflict.

Why These Attorneys Matter

A lawful shooting can still result in:

Arrest
Felony charges
A grand jury inquiry
Media involvement
Civil lawsuits
Six-figure legal bills

This is why every responsibly armed citizen needs:

A known attorney
A plan for immediate legal representation
Self-defense insurance or financial coverage

👉 Compare Self-Defense Insurance Programs Here

Hire Mark Schneider as an Expert Witness

I provide expert analysis and testimony in firearms, concealed carry, self-defense, and use-of-force cases. With certified instructor credentials, MAG-40 training, real-world security experience, and a paralegal diploma, I help attorneys clearly explain defensive decision-making and firearm handling to juries.

👉 Learn more about my Expert Witness Services

Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Defense Attorneys

Q: When should I contact an attorney after a self-defense incident?
A: Immediately. Do not give detailed statements to police until your attorney is present. Request medical attention if needed, identify evidence, and invoke your right to counsel.

Q: How much does a self-defense attorney cost?
A: High-level deadly-force defense often costs tens of thousands of dollars. This is why many responsibly armed citizens choose self-defense insurance for prepaid legal coverage.

Q: What makes a good self-defense attorney?
A: Experience in violent crime cases, strong trial skills, understanding of human performance under stress, and familiarity with firearms and concealed carry law.

Q: Do I need a local attorney, or can I hire someone nationally?
A: You need an attorney licensed in the state where the incident occurred. However, many top attorneys consult nationally and can assist your local lawyer.

Q: Why hire an expert witness in a self-defense case?
A: Expert witnesses help the jury understand firearm handling, threat perception, reaction time, stress responses, and lawful decision-making. They bridge the gap between the defender’s actions and what the law considers “reasonable.”

Q: Should I have self-defense insurance?
A: Yes. Even justified shootings can cost over $50,000 in legal fees. Insurance ensures immediate access to experienced attorneys without financial ruin.

Legal Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws can change, and local, state, federal, tribal, and municipal regulations may vary. Always verify current laws and consult a qualified attorney before carrying a firearm or making legal decisions related to self-defense. US Firearms Training Academy assumes no liability for actions taken based on this content.