Tag: CCW

Learn everything you need to know about CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) permits, training courses, firearm selection, legal considerations, and practical carry techniques. Our resources are designed to help you become a safe, responsible, and confident concealed carrier.

Concealed Carry, Legal & Law, News, Self Defense Insurance

The Michael Hancock Shooting: A Costly Lesson on Self-Defense and Insurance

Mark Schneider

Introduction

In June 2018, Denver man Michael Hancock shot and killed his passenger, Hyun “Hun Soo” Kim, after a violent altercation inside his vehicle. Hancock claimed self-defense—but despite acting to save his own life, he spent over a year in jail awaiting trial because he couldn’t afford bond or a legal defense.

His story is a powerful reminder that even when you act lawfully in self-defense, the system can still ruin your life if you’re not prepared—especially without self-defense insurance.

What Happened (Chronological Order)

  • Early Morning, June 1, 2018:
    Hancock picked up Hyun “Hun Soo” Kim in Denver to drive him home.
  • During the Ride:
    Kim was highly intoxicated, later found to have a BAC of 0.308—nearly four times the legal limit.
  • Altercation Begins:
    Kim became combative—punching Hancock in the head and grabbing the steering wheel.
  • Hancock Pulls Over:
    To stop the assault, Hancock pulled over on I-25 near University Boulevard around 3:00 a.m.
  • The Shooting:
    Hancock fired multiple rounds in fear for his life, striking Kim.
  • Aftermath:
    He called 911, remained on scene, and cooperated fully with police.
  • Charges Filed:
    Hancock was arrested for first-degree murder and spent over a year in jail awaiting trial due to lack of funds for bail or private counsel.
  • Trial & Verdict:
    In October 2019, a jury found him not guilty, agreeing he acted in lawful self-defense.
  • Civil Attempt:
    Kim’s family later tried to sue Hancock, but when they realized he had no assets, they shifted the lawsuit to Uber. Hancock still had to hire an attorney and pay thousands in fees before the complaint against him was dropped.

Criminal Charges vs. Civil Liability

AspectCriminal CaseCivil Case
Who Files ItThe governmentVictim’s family or estate
GoalProve a crime occurredSeek money or damages
Burden of ProofBeyond a reasonable doubtPreponderance of the evidence
Possible OutcomePrison, probation, or acquittalFinancial judgment or settlement
Hancock’s ExampleCharged with murder, later acquittedStill had to pay thousands in legal fees before suit was dropped

Takeaway:
Even if you’re found not guilty, civil lawsuits can still come—and cost you everything. Self-defense insurance protects against both sides of the fight.

Why Self-Defense Insurance Matters

Michael Hancock’s case is a real-world example of why self-defense insurance isn’t optional for responsible gun owners, CCW holders, and armed professionals.

He acted lawfully, but still sat in jail and spent thousands defending himself from both criminal and civil claims. A self-defense protection plan could have covered his attorneys, posted bail, and handled his civil defense from day one.

Innocent people get arrested every day. The question isn’t whether you’ll win—it’s whether you can afford to fight.

⚖️ Protect Yourself Before You Ever Need To

If you carry a firearm for personal protection:

  • Enroll in self-defense insurance that includes both criminal and civil coverage.
  • Don’t wait until it’s too late—coverage must be active before an incident occurs.
  • Check out our comparison guide for trusted providers.

👉 [Compare Self-Defense Insurance Options Here]

🚨 After a Defensive Shooting

Knowing what to say after a defensive incident is just as important as knowing how to shoot.
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation:

  • Call 911 immediately, but say only the critical facts—identify yourself, state there’s been a shooting, and request medical and police response.
  • When police arrive, cooperate but do not volunteer details until you have legal counsel present.

For a complete breakdown, read our full guide:
👉 [What to Say on a 911 Call and When the Police Arrive]

My Perspective

I personally believe the jury got it right in acquitting Michael Hancock. Based on the facts presented, the question is whether Hancock faced an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury—and that’s ultimately for the jury to decide.

To understand how that decision is made under Colorado law, you need to know what the law actually says about justified force. [Click here to read more about Colorado’s Self-Defense Law.]

Remember, the law is written objectively, but its application is subjective. Jurors interpret reasonableness based on what they believe they would have done in the same situation. That’s why training, awareness, and preparation are just as important as the legal statutes themselves.

Key Takeaways

  • You can be legally justified and still end up in jail.
  • Legal defense in a shooting can cost $75,000–$500,000+.
  • Self-defense insurance covers bail, legal counsel, and civil defense.
  • Civil lawsuits can follow even a full acquittal.
  • The fight doesn’t end when the shooting stops—it begins when police arrive.

Final Thoughts

Michael Hancock’s ordeal shows that justice doesn’t always mean freedom from financial ruin. He walked free after his acquittal but still paid thousands to defend himself from a civil complaint.

If you carry a firearm, prepare for every part of the fight—from the street to the courtroom. Because when your life and freedom are on the line, being right isn’t enough—you have to be ready.

Sources & News Articles

For additional background and coverage of this case:

Concealed Carry, Guide, Legal & Law, News, Self Defense Insurance

The Gavin Dasaur Shooting: Self-Defense, Ego, and the Cost of Bad Decisions

Mark Schneider

⚖️ Overview

On the evening of July 16, 2024, a 7-second bystander video captured the fatal end of a road-rage confrontation at South Emerson Ave & East Thompson Rd, Indianapolis. Gavin Dasaur (29) is seen armed as he advances to a pickup’s driver-side window; the driver fires from inside the cab, killing him. Police detained, questioned, and released the shooter, noting possible self-defense. As of today, there are no credible reports of criminal charges filed against the shooter.

What Happened: The Short Video, The Big Consequences

  • Time/Place: ~8:15 p.m., July 16, 2024; E. Thompson Rd & S. Emerson Ave.
  • Video Snapshot: Dasaur exits his black Honda, openly carrying a handgun, approaches the pickup, strikes the door and yells. The driver shoots from inside the truck.
  • On Scene: Officers locate Dasaur in the roadway; a gun lies near him. The driver is detained, questioned, then released while investigation continues.
  • Here is a link to the video. (Warning! Graphic Content!)

‍⚖️ Why “No Charges” (So Far) Doesn’t End the Story

Indiana’s self-defense law (stand-your-ground / no duty to retreat) allows deadly force when a person reasonably believes it’s necessary to prevent serious bodily injury or death. The video showing an armed approach to an occupied vehicle can support a reasonable-fear analysis, which helps explain why prosecutors haven’t charged the shooter to date.

But:

  • Charges can still be filed later if new evidence emerges. Homicide-related offenses typically aren’t time-barred in many states; prosecutors can revisit if facts change.
  • Civil court is separate: the family could bring a wrongful-death claim even if criminal charges never appear. (Different standard of proof.)

This mirrors other high-profile cases where no criminal charges were filed, but civil action still followed.

🚫 Ego, Anger, Alcohol — The Triple Threat I Warn About

I’ve said it in class and in past articles: never let your alcohol, anger, or ego drive your decisions when you’re carrying a firearm. In this incident, ego and anger turned a traffic spat into a lethal encounter—and Gavin paid with his life.

  • Ego pushes people to “win” the argument. Stepping out armed and closing distance on an occupied vehicle flips you from “defender” to perceived aggressor.
  • Anger narrows thinking. Under adrenaline, you don’t negotiate—you react.
  • Alcohol (even “just one”) erodes judgment and inhibition. If you’re not stone-cold sober, don’t carry.

🧠 Human Factors: Why It Spiraled So Fast

Under acute stress, fine-motor skills degrade, tunnel vision kicks in, and time perception distorts. You don’t “rise to the occasion”—you fall to your level of training. An armed approach on a seated driver inside a vehicle is easily read as imminent threat; the driver’s defensive shooting aligns with what many attorneys called a plausible self-defense claim in early coverage.

✅ Civil vs. Criminal: Two Different Games

Type of CaseWho Brings ItBurden of ProofPossible Outcomes
CriminalState/ProsecutorBeyond a reasonable doubtPrison, fines
Civil (Wrongful Death)Family/EstatePreponderance of evidence (51%)Money judgment, settlement

Key point: A person can be criminally justified and still lose civilly. That’s why self-defense insurance isn’t optional—it’s financial survival.

🛡️ Self-Defense Insurance: Protect Your Freedom and Your Future

Even a clean self-defense shoot can cost six to seven figures in combined criminal and civil defense, expert witnesses, lost wages, and potential judgments. The right plan can cover:

  • Attorney fees (criminal & civil)
  • Bail/bond assistance
  • Experts & investigators
  • Civil damages/settlements (policy-dependent)

If you carry a gun, you carry liability—legal and financial. Insure both.

Compare Self Defense Insurance Programs

📋 If You’re Ever Involved in a Defensive Shooting

  1. Call 911: “I was attacked—please send police and medical.”
  2. Make safe/holster before officers arrive.
  3. Say little: “I was in danger for my life. This person attacked me, threatened me with a gun, etc.”
  4. Point out evidence.
  5. Point out witnesses.
  6. Verbally Invoke your 5th amendment right. (DON’T SAY ANYTHING ELSE!)
  7. Call your self-defense insurer.
  8. Call your attorney.
  9. Stay offline—no posts, no comments.

🧭 Lessons for CCW Holders & Security Guards

  • Disengage first. Survival beats “winning.”
  • Never approach an occupied vehicle. Distance = time = options.
  • Control your emotions. No ego, no anger, no alcohol—ever.
  • Train for stress. You won’t out-think adrenaline without reps.
  • Carry insurance. Legal reality is expensive.

Sources & Reporting

  • IndyStar (legal framing; 7-second video; time/location). IndyStar
  • WRTV (ABC Indy) (ID, on-scene details, gun near victim, detained & released). WRTV Indianapolis
  • WTHR 13 (video reports; location; shooter released). WTHR+1

Sign Up For A Colorado Concealed Carry Class or Compare Self Defense Insurance

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Details are based on public reports available as of October 2025. Laws and facts may change.
Always consult a qualified attorney regarding self-defense or firearms laws in your state.

Concealed Carry, News

How Much Does a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit Cost?

Mark Schneider

2025 Guide for New & Renewal Applicants

If you’re applying for or renewing a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), knowing the total cost ahead of time helps you budget and avoid surprises.
Colorado law requires state-approved training, a background check, and payment of county sheriff’s fees for both new and renewal permits.

Below is the full breakdown for new applications and renewals, including training, range, and ammo costs.

1. County Sheriff’s Office Fee

Your CHP application or renewal is processed through your county sheriff’s office.

  • New permit fee: $50 – $100 (varies by county)
  • Renewal fee: $63 in most counties
  • Late renewal penalty: Usually + $15 if expired within 6 months

This fee covers administrative processing, record checks, and submitting your background check request to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

2. Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Fee

The CBI charges $52.50 for the mandatory background check on both new and renewal applications.

This covers:

  • Criminal history & mental health record checks
  • Fingerprint processing (for new applicants)
  • Statewide verification of eligibility

For more details on eligibility and the legal process, see our Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit Guide.

3. Training Class Costs – Required for Both New and Renewal

Colorado law requires state-approved training every time you apply or renew.

At Concealed Carry Classes of Denver, we offer:

  • New Permit Class: $160 – 9 hours, meets all state requirements
  • Renewal Class: $110 – 4.5 hours, meets all state requirements
  • Range Fee: $20 – $25 (varies by location)
  • Ammunition: 50–100 rounds, typically $20 – $50 depending on caliber

Want to prepare for the shooting qualification? Check out our Colorado Shooting Drills to sharpen your skills before class.

4. Total Estimated Costs

For a New Permit:

ExpenseTypical Cost
Sheriff’s Fee$50 – $100
CBI Fee$52.50
New Permit Class$160
Range Fee$20 – $25
Ammunition$20 – $50
Total$302.50 – $387.50

For a Renewal:

ExpenseTypical Cost
Sheriff’s Fee$63
CBI Fee$52.50
Renewal Class$110
Range Fee$20 – $25
Ammunition$20 – $50
Total$265.50 – $300.50

Why Choose Concealed Carry Classes of Denver?

  • State-approved instructors verified by local sheriffs
  • Denver & Thornton classroom locations
  • Live-fire qualification included
  • Covers Colorado gun laws and self-defense scenarios
  • Small class sizes for personalized instruction

✅ Sign Up Today
Don’t wait until the last minute—classes fill quickly!
Register now for your Colorado concealed carry class and carry with confidence.