What Is the Critical Response Team?

Emotions are high, your family is upset, and you’re shaking with adrenaline. You just had to use deadly force in a self-defense incident. Now what?

The moments after any self-defense situation are an extremely stressful time, when even seasoned professionals can become overwhelmed and make life-altering mistakes. No victim of a self-defense incident should ever have to worry about what comes next, but sadly, responsibly armed Americans can still be arrested, have their property seized and face prosecution. That’s where the Critical Response Team steps in.

What Is the Critical Response Team?

So, what is the Critical Response Team? The answer isn’t really what, but who!

The Critical Response Team (CRT) is a highly trained and dedicated group of individuals standing by 24/7/365 to help USCCA Members in the aftermath of a critical self-defense incident.

The CRT works for USCCA Law, an independent law firm created to help USCCA Members after a self-defense incident. That means attorney-client privilege is available from the first call, even before a member speaks directly with an attorney. That matters, because what you say in the minutes after an incident can follow you through a case.

From the moment you call, the team is ready to support you and get you connected with an attorney as quickly as possible

What to Expect After Calling the Critical Response Team

If you can, have someone else call 911. Those calls are recorded and can be used later. Don’t discuss the incident with police until an attorney is present. Then call the number on your USCCA Membership card and press the star key to reach the Critical Response Team.

When you call the Critical Response Team, your call goes directly to the team, which works for USCCA Law.Their role is to support you and connect you with an attorney.

Here’s what happens when you call the CRT, your first call after 911:

1. Protect Your Privilege: Because the CRT works for USCCA Law, attorney-client privilege is available from the moment the team answers.
2. Facilitate Communication: The team can take down your emergency contact’s information and reach out to them on your behalf.
3. Connect You With Legal Support: The CRT connects you directly with an experienced USCCA Law attorney.an attorney experienced in self-defense cases. If you’ve selected a preferred law firm under Attorney Network in your Member account, the team starts there. If you haven’t, USCCA Law is automatically the firm ready to respond. In states where USCCA Law isn’t available yet, the CRT can connect you with an attorney from the USCCA Attorney Network. The CRT’s role is to connect members with legal support when they need it most.
   Members also retain the freedom to choose another qualified attorney. If you already have an attorney you know and trust, you are not required to use USCCA Law
4. Continue Supporting You: The Critical Response Team and USCCA Law experience does not end with the initial phone call. The team can continue helping coordinate support as you navigate what comes next after a self-defense incident.

The bottom line? One call reaches your law firm, with attorney-client privilege from the start.

Who’s on the Team?

Every member of the Critical Response Team is uniquely qualified to provide outstanding personal service when USCCA Members need it most.

Each team member has successfully completed education and certification in Critical Incident Stress Management, first response, crisis management and suicide prevention and is a member of the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation.

Continuing education is also a top priority for our team, with individual members maintaining involvement and qualifications in programs such as the National Guard Medical Evacuation and Risk Management.

What Members Say

So, what do members say about us? Check out just a few of the testimonials from USCCA Members we’ve served:

“It brings me to tears knowing you guys swiftly helped me in this unfortunate crisis and provided me with strong counsel in my moment of need. Any moment having to defend yourself for any reason is an incredibly terrifying experience, especially in a circumstance in which one is injured. You helped me get home to my family, gave me the freedom to seek the medical attention I need and that alone makes me eternally grateful. I cannot thank you enough for your support.”

— USCCA Member

“I was involved in an incident back in July. I am so proud and grateful to be part of the USCCA. They truly made a difference in my life I will never forget. When I spoke with Alicia, she was able to calm me down and let me know we would work through this together. I could not have gotten through this without the support of this team. I am a USCCA Member for life.”

— Roberto, USCCA Member

What Sets the Critical Response Team Apart?

The people, the service, the dedication … any one of these aspects alone could set the Critical Response Team apart.

Our team goes above and beyond, from helping members through the immediate stress of an incident to communicating with family members and helping coordinate support in the aftermath of a self-defense incident.

Now, the connection between the Critical Response Team and USCCA Law creates a more direct legal-support experience built specifically for responsibly armed Americans. A member’s first call goes directly to USCCA Law, not an insurance claims line. Instead of searching for an attorney in the middle of a crisis, members can make one call to the USCCA Law Critical Response Team. Attorney-client privilege is available from that first call, and the team can begin helping connect the member with experienced legal counsel.

USCCA Law is one option within the nationwide USCCA Attorney Network, which includes nearly 1,000 independent attorneys. Members get USCCA Law attorneys where USCCA Law is available and attorneys from the network everywhere else. Throughout the process, the member’s assigned self-defense attorney, not an insurance company, directs legal strategy and case decisions.

Access to USCCA Law Is Included With Membership

Access to USCCA Law is included with USCCA Membership at no additional cost, along with the USCCA Attorney Network and your other Membership benefits.

If you’re ever involved in a self-defense incident, remember these first steps. If you can, have someone else call 911. Don’t discuss the incident with police until you have an attorney. Then call the number on the back of your USCCA Membership card and press the star key to reach the USCCA Law Critical Response Team. One call connects you with your law firm during one of the hardest moments of your life, and attorney-client privilege is available from the start.

Learn more about USCCA Law, meet its attorneys and see how the Critical Response Team fits into the legal-support experience at USCCALaw.com.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should a USCCA Member call the Critical Response Team?
After contacting the appropriate authorities following a lawful self-defense incident, a USCCA member can call the Critical Response Team for help navigating the aftermath.

Is the Critical Response Team available 24/7?
Yes. The Critical Response Team stands by 24/7/365 to help USCCA members after a lawful self-defense incident.

What happens when you call the Critical Response Team?
A Critical Response Team member will establish that you are safe and secure, record vital information such as your location and emergency contact, facilitate the offer of an experienced Pro-Second-Amendment attorney and help activate available USCCA Membership benefits.

What happens if a USCCA Member is detained after a self-defense incident?
If a member is detained, a Critical Response Team member will stay connected with the member or emergency contact and ensure that the member’s attorney calls or meets the member at the detainment facility to establish representation.

Is the Critical Response Team the same as an attorney?
No. The USCCA Law Critical Response Team is not a substitute for an attorney or emergency services. The team provides member support and can provide resources for connecting members with qualified attorneys following a self-defense incident.