Category: U.S. Law Shield

Employee Spotlight: Martha

Here at U.S. & Texas LawShield, we care about the communities we serve because we are your neighbors, your friends, and your family members.

MEET MARTHA, PROGRAM DIRECTOR FOR HUNTERSHIELD AT U.S. & TEXAS LAWSHIELD.

Previously working as a paralegal and writer, Martha’s love for hunting made her the perfect fit for the U.S. & Texas LawShield family. On an average day, Martha is busy creating content for the HunterShield blog, organizing events, and educating others on the benefits of HunterShield.

With over 15 years of experience as a paralegal, Martha comes with a deep understanding of how the law affects people on a daily basis. She has always loved helping people and working for U.S. & Texas LawShield allows her to carry that mission to further lengths.

She shares, “I couldn’t imagine a more important thing to be doing than being a part of an organization that helps others in the aftermath of exercising their rights. I’m super proud of being a member and even more proud that I get to work for such a purposeful company. I love educating others and I’m looking forward to creating great educational materials for hunters.”

When she’s not on the job, Martha is a passionate hunter and a strong advocate for the protection of our Second Amendment Rights. She loves the educational aspect of hunting and the opportunity to teach newcomers all about the sport.

“GUNOWNERS, NON-GUNOWNERS, VETERANS, L.E.O.S SHOULD JOIN U.S. & TEXAS LAWSHIELD BECAUSE THIS COMPANY CARES ABOUT PEOPLE!”

Because of her day-to-day involvement with recreational hunting and daily conceal carry, Martha finds the protection that she gets as a member of U.S. & Texas LawShield is a very necessary part of her life. As a paralegal, she knows how difficult it is to find a good attorney who is available and willing to assist you in your time of need.

Martha enjoys using different types of guns, but her absolute favorite is a shotgun, because of its many uses. Her first pistol was a Kimber Crimson Carry and her very first rifle was a Sako 7mm Rem. mag. The best advice she can give to a gunowner is to shoot often, get training, and get a U.S. & Texas LawShield membership.

The best self-defense strategy begins with self-awareness! Martha can never stress the importance of self-defense enough to the people around her, as she is a survivor of violent crime. Do not become a victim by being unaware of your surroundings. ALWAYS be on high alert.

Thanks to leaders like Martha, we here at U.S. & Texas LawShield are better equipped to support, educate, and protect responsible gunowners. Find out more about our HunterShield program and how to sign up for your own LawShield membership today.

The Federal Bump Stock Ban Explained

Florida and New Jersey Members: Bump stocks are already illegal under state law. For more information, please call U.S. LawShield and ask to speak to your Independent Program Attorney.

 

The following is a video transcript.

Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker has just signed a national ban on bump stocks, expected to go into effect on March 21, 2019. This prohibition is unlike any previous gun ban we’ve seen, in that it was neither passed by Congress, nor signed by the President. Instead, an administrative agency simply changed one of their definitions in order to institute the ban.

Bump stocks will now fall into the definition of machinegun, found in 27 C.F.R. Parts 477, 478, and 479.

Previously, this term was defined as: “[A] firearm which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.” The term also includes any part of a machinegun or anything that may convert a weapon into a machinegun.

Specifically, with regard to bump stocks, the new rule adds: “The term ‘machinegun’ includes a bump-stock-type device, i.e., a device that allows a semiautomatic firearm to shoot more than one shot with a single pull of the trigger by harnessing the recoil energy of the semiautomatic firearm to which it is affixed, so that the trigger resets and continues firing without additional physical manipulation of the trigger by the shooter.”

This new definition has the effect of criminalizing the possession of all bump stocks.

The new rule has no provision to grandfather in and register the bump stocks that many citizens already own.

Without exception, before March 21, 2019, if you own a bump stock, you must either surrender it to the ATF or destroy it.

You will not be compensated for the money you spent when you legally bought this item. Failure to comply with this new rule is a federal felony, punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison and up to a $250,000 fine for each bump stock in your possession.

There have already been many legal challenges filed and there will be many more to come before March 21. Most ask that the courts block this rule from going into effect so that the issue can be fully litigated before any American has to destroy their property without compensation.

Does this open the door for future regulation and re-classification of guns, ammo, and accessories?

What do you think?

If you have any questions about bump stocks or the regulatory process, call U.S. LawShield and ask to speak to your Independent Program Attorney today.

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Facility Spotlight: Sonoran Desert Institute

Local 2A-friendly facilities are the lifeblood of our program and our community. These businesses and organizations provide a unique opportunity for us to meet and get to know our U.S. & Texas LawShield member family in a welcoming, responsible, gun-friendly environment.

This week, we’re taking a look at Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI), based in Tempe, AZ, and what their team can offer you as a local 2A leader in your community.

Sonoran Desert Institute

Founded in 2000 and accredited in 2004, Sonoran Desert Institute is a private, post-secondary college with the goal of providing students with the latest, firearms industry-driven, higher education programs, delivered online and featuring practical application.

Students are offered the opportunity to achieve an Associate Degree of Science in Firearms Technology and an Advanced Gunsmithing Certificate program. Available course topics include: customizing & woodworking, armorer skills and functions, shooting sports management, stock-checkering, muzzleloader build, kydex forming, scope mounting, and more.

SDI is proud that a majority of its students are active duty military or veteran students and works hard to deliver comprehensive, relevant coursework that students enjoy.

Sonoran Desert Institute Curriculum

Associate of Science in Firearms Technology

SDI’s Associate of Science in Firearms Technology program is a 60-semester-hour program. Students do not have to travel or relocate to gain coveted credentials and expert knowledge about the firearms industry. There are only a handful of firearms degree programs in the United States.

Courses include everything from ballistics, gunsmithing tools, firearm inspections, and general courses in business, communication, science, and math.

“My decision to attend Sonoran Desert Institute definitely changed my life. Since beginning classes at SDI, I have become a certified Patrol Rifle Instructor and started my own business. My education from Sonoran Desert Institute gave me new skills and confidence to pursue a career in the firearms industry.” – Graduate, Patrick Kimball

Advanced Gunsmithing Certificate Program

“I actually really enjoyed my time with SDI. Initially going into things, I was a bit arrogant and didn’t really think I’d end up learning much. I knew having a certification or degree in the field would set me apart from the other gunsmiths in the area and that was my main motivation for enrolling. I was quite happy to find out I didn’t know half as much as I thought I did, and not only did I learn a lot while attending, but I was able to ask myself the right questions and really ensure that gunsmithing was the correct career choice for me. Graduating despite adversity was really just the cherry on top of everything.”  – Graduate, Josh Stevens

In SDI’s 32-credit Advanced Gunsmithing Certificate, students gain valuable knowledge on operating a gunsmithing business. By successfully completing the certificate program, students will be able to perform the basic functions of an armorer, improve firearms, and much more. Another graduate states:

“SDI has been a great school! Very helpful and supportive whenever I have called in or emailed my instructors. Plus, the material you learn will have you set to start up your own gunsmithing shop with confidence!” – Stephen Turner

Class Is In Session

Supporting businesses like the Sonoran Desert Institute helps promote the rights of responsible gun owners across your community.

Students and 2A-friendly business owners should look no further than the Sonoran Desert Institute for a well-rounded curriculum and hands-on experience, with even more special perks for U.S. & Texas LawShield members to come. Keep your eyes open!

For more information about the Sonoran Desert Institute, call their toll-free number at (844) 238-0165 or visit their website at https://sdi.edu.

1555 W. University Dr., Ste. 103

Tempe, AZ 85281

 

How NOT to Fire Off the New Year | Ohio

The following is a video transcript.

U.S. LawShield members in Ohio, I am Wilkes Ellsworth, Independent Program Attorney in Ohio, here to talk to you about another holiday-themed topic that most, if not all of you, already know, but may not think about when you’re caught up in the fun of New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Let’s talk guns, alcohol, and fireworks. I don’t need to tell you that guns and booze don’t mix. They are a bad idea in the general sense of course, but are also a very bad combination when looking at the respective criminal and civil penalties or liabilities one might face should he or she choose to combine the two.

Firearms and Alcohol

What do we all like to do on New Year’s Eve? We go out to a party or a bar. Many might have some cocktails or beers. No harm, right? Well, while we can take our firearms into bars and restaurants normally, we never want to do so if we are drinking alcohol.

Ohio law comes down hard on individuals, even those with permits to carry concealed firearms, if they have consumed any alcohol whatsoever.

Firearms and Fireworks

Please do not incorporate your firearms into your celebrations at home. If you are lighting off fireworks and discharging your guns in the air, there is going to be a problem. In addition to potentially being charged with discharging your firearms in city limits, those rounds have to come down somewhere. I have personally seen people charged with criminal acts related to hitting strangers with rounds fired in the air.

Furthermore, the negligence involved would subject you to civil liabilities as well, which could amount to large monetary losses depending on the severity of the damage to a person or their property. As a quick aside, fireworks are legal in Ohio to buy and to own, but they are not legal to set off. This is likely to be changed based on new legislation soon, but right now you have to take them out of the state within 48 hours of purchasing them.

Until 2015, you actually had to sign a document promising to do just that. That is no longer required. The reality is this is not strictly enforced and you probably already know this, but it’s food for thought. And remember, you cannot sell them without a license, so don’t set up a little side business around the holidays to make some extra money by selling fireworks.

Let’s say you are setting off those fireworks and someone gets injured. You are protected in Ohio under Revised Code 2305.23 if you render aid to a person in distress. You cannot be sued by that person. I know that’s crazy to think that you could be, but it does happen. That person could decide what you did to help them actually caused them further harm. As long as you were not willful or wanton or grossly negligent, or asking for something in return, you will be protected.

Now, if you cause the injury through some action of your own, then under Ohio law you would likely be responsible to provide aid to the person. Generally, you are not under any obligation to come to someone’s aid, but in Ohio, one of the exceptions kicks in if you cause the person’s distress.

To sum up, go out and have a great time. Just do not mix your guns with booze or fireworks displays, and you should be just fine.

How NOT to Fire Off the New Year | Oklahoma

The following is a video transcript.

I’m coming to talk to you today about going to parties, festivities, and events between Christmas and the New Year. How should you drink socially, have your guns, and how should you shoot fireworks? These are problems.

It is against the law in the State of Oklahoma to consume alcohol to the point where you are under the influence and, at the same time, handle your firearms. Even on your private property, you are not allowed to do so.

It is against the law. That’s pretty simple.

What about shooting fireworks? Shooting your fireworks in most major metropolitan areas is against the law. Also, you could get in trouble for shooting and possessing fireworks in the city limits of Oklahoma City, Lawton, Muskogee, Tulsa, and all the major metropolitan areas in the State of Oklahoma.

Do you have an obligation to help a stranger who is injured, either from being hurt by fireworks or receiving a gunshot wound? The answer is no. You have no obligation to come to the aid of a stranger who has been injured either from gunshot wounds or by fireworks or any other accident. However, the Good Samaritan Act in the State of Oklahoma will immunize the Good Samaritan who does come to the aid of a stranger who is injured.

What if you cause the injury?

First thing, call 911. Call an ambulance. Try to mitigate the injury as best you can. Second off, if this injury that you caused was related to self-defense or some action which could be either perceived as self-defense or articulated as self-defense, using any legal weapons, call U.S. LawShield.

Meet Independent Program Attorney: Evan Nappen

The following is a video transcript.

My name is Evan Nappen, and I am an attorney. For the past 30 years, my practice has focused on New Jersey Gun Law, and I have written five books on Jersey gun law. I am considered one of the authorities on the subject of gun laws in New Jersey. I have dedicated my legal career in New Jersey to defending what I call law-abiding criminals.

You will hear the anti-gunners talk about victims of gun violence, but New Jersey creates victims of gun law. The laws in Jersey are structured to make this happen, and I aggressively fight them every day. People find it hard to believe the severe penalties. It is up to 10 years in state prison with a minimum mandatory three and a half years, with no chance of parole.

The front lines on the battle for our gun rights are in New Jersey.

Again, my name is Evan Nappen, and that is what I’m about. That is my career, that is what we do at U.S. LawShield.

Employee Spotlight: Jonathan Rowley

Jonathan Rowley, Veteran, Active Military Duty

Here at U.S. LawShield, we care about the communities we serve because we are your neighbors, your friends, and your family members. Take a look behind the scenes and meet Jonathan Rowley, Lead Web Developer and First Aid for GunShot Wounds Certification Program Instructor at U.S. LawShield.

Before beginning his career with us, Jonathan found a passion for problem-solving and troubleshooting from over 10 years of experience in medical rescue. Since then, he has shifted his career and focus to his computer skills and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity.

Jonathan first joined the U.S. LawShield family in March 2016 as Lead Web Developer, with over 10 years of applied experience in the industry. As U.S. LawShield has grown within the states and continues to offer even greater service to its members, Jonathan maintains all current systems within the company as a Subject Matter Expert; contributing feedback and working alongside the development team to create all new websites and portals.

In addition to working at U.S. LawShield, Jonathan currently serves in the Army National Guard, having first begun his service in 2007, and previously served in the Marine Corps for 4 years. With 15 total years dedicated to this great country, Jonathan plans to retire from active military duty soon but will continue to serve his countrymen as one of the lead instructors in U.S. LawShield’s First Aid for Gunshot Wounds Certification Program.

Jonathan is no stranger to guns. His first gun was a Taurus 911 9mm and his current favorite is his AR-15, as it reminds him of competition shooting in the Marines. As a gun owner and a veteran, he advises all to respect your gun as you respect yourself. If you are in need of self-defense tips, Jonathan recommends getting distance, seeking cover if possible, and shooting straight.

We thank Jonathan for his service and work here at U.S. LawShield, as his problem-solving and first-hand medical expertise refines the U.S. LawShield member experience.

 

Anti-Gunners Have Their Sights on Your Rights

The following is a video transcript.

On November 6th, 2018, voters in all 50 states will go to the polls for the mid-term elections. Every single seat in the House of Representatives and 35 seats in the U.S. Senate are up for grabs. This is a very important election for gun rights. Many people believe that the 2nd Amendment is for the courts to protect. However, every elected official is charged with upholding and protecting all constitutional rights. Your job is to make sure that you elect representatives who share your beliefs in those rights.

For example, there’s currently a bill pending in Congress that will dramatically impact gun rights. This bill is numbered H.R. 5087 and is commonly referred to as the Assault Weapons Ban of 2018. Some of you may remember the Federal Assault Weapons Ban between the years 1994 and 2004. Well, this new version is much worse. Not only does H.R. 5087 ban dozens of firearms specifically by name, including all types of AR and AK platform rifles and pistols, it also creates a catch-all description whereby most commonly owned and possessed semiautomatic rifles and handguns will be considered to be assault weapons.

Basically, if your semiautomatic rifle has a detachable magazine and a pistol grip, or collapsible stock, the two most common features on modern sporting rifles, it will be banned by H.R. 5087. If your semiautomatic handgun has a threaded barrel, or the manufacturer makes a select-fire variant of it, it will be banned by H.R. 5087.

On the state and local level, there are anti-gun laws proposed virtually every year, in every state. You may think that the courts will protect your 2nd Amendment rights from laws like H.R. 5087. However, in the years since the Heller and the McDonald cases, the Supreme Court has refused to review the decisions of the Federal Courts of Appeals that have upheld state and local restrictions on firearms, including bans on assault weapons.

Therefore, the best way to currently protect your 2nd Amendment rights is to keep these laws from being passed at all. You do this by voting for candidates who share your views on the 2nd Amendment.

Finally, it’s important to remember that when you’re going to cast your vote on November 6th, 2018, most states have specific prohibitions against carrying a firearm at a polling place. While we encourage you to do your civic duty and vote, as a responsible gun owner, make sure to follow your state’s laws and if prohibited, leave your firearm at home or in your vehicle.

If you have any questions about H.R. 5087 or prohibited places to carry your firearm, call U.S. LawShield and ask to speak to your Independent Program Attorney.

Employee Spotlight: Leela Lee

Here at U.S. & Texas LawShield, we care about the communities we serve because we are your neighbors, your friends, and your family members. Take a look behind the scenes and meet Rashida “Leela” Lee, Learning and Development Coordinator at U.S. & Texas LawShield.

Having grown up in Cajun Country Louisiana, Leela is no stranger to hunting and guns. She is very comfortable around firearms and incredibly athletic. She was a professional basketball player in Belgium and she also played in the NWFL as a defensive end.

Leela graduated from the University of New Orleans with her Bachelor’s Degree. She proudly completed her college education with a Master’s in Instructional Design and Global E-Learning at Texas A&M University. She heard about U.S. & Texas LawShield shortly after completing her Master’s, Leela wanted to be part of the LawShield team and started her career at LawShield as a Training Assistant.

Leela’s favorite part of her job is talking with other people all over the nation. She gets to learn about their lives and how U.S. & Texas LawShield has made a positive impact. Leela also takes pride in training her sales team and office staff to respond to each member with exceptional quality. Leela’s coworkers find her charming and endeavor to have the same upbeat and go-getter attitude to tackle the problems our members face.

“I appreciate the leadership at LawShield,” Leela states. “Currently, my husband is fighting stage 4 pancreatic cancer. LawShield has given me the flexibility and tools to be by his side.” We support Leela through this difficult time because family is not just a word, it is a core belief.

Leela also understands why self-defense is so important. Her father had to pull the trigger on an intruder, and his life changed forever. She has seen the aftermath and the struggles that happen after a self-defense incident and uses that knowledge every day at work.

We do everything in our power to protect ourselves and our families, but LawShield is there to help with what happens next.

How Texas LawShield Protected Me from my Neighbor

One Texas LawShield member found out what one of his neighbors would do after a neighborhood dispute turned into a violent road rage incident. Jerry N. was driving out of his neighborhood when a neighbor suddenly pulled in front of him and got out of his truck threatening to kill him. Watch our video to find out what happened next and how Texas LawShield was able to help Jerry through the legal aftermath.  

Self-defense incidents occur every day. Most of the time, you’ll have to defend yourself against people you know. Will you be prepared like Jerry? Become a member of U.S. and Texas LawShield, the legal defense for self-defense today.