One of the most sobering realities of carrying a firearm for self-defense is understanding that every round you fire has a legal, moral, and financial consequence.
Most concealed carry permit holders spend a great deal of time thinking about whether they would be legally justified in using force against an attacker. However, far fewer people consider what happens if they miss their intended target and strike an innocent bystander.
What if you are legally justified in defending yourself, but one of your rounds misses and injures or kills someone else?
Every Bullet Has a Lawyer Attached to It
A common saying in the firearms training community is:
“Every bullet has a lawyer attached to it.”
While that phrase may sound dramatic, it highlights an important reality. You are responsible for every round you fire.
Even if you are the victim of a violent attack, investigators will examine every shot you fired and where those rounds ultimately ended up.
The fact that you were defending yourself does not automatically eliminate potential criminal or civil liability for unintended injuries.
Does Self-Defense Automatically Protect You?
Not necessarily.
Colorado law recognizes the right to use force, including deadly force, when certain legal requirements are met. However, that legal justification generally applies to the threat you were defending against.
The law may view an innocent bystander differently than the attacker.
If a bystander is injured, investigators will examine questions such as:
- Were you justified in using deadly force?
- Was your use of force reasonable?
- Were you acting recklessly?
- Were you aware of what was beyond your target?
- Did you continue firing when it was unsafe to do so?
The answers to those questions can significantly affect both criminal and civil outcomes.
Criminal Liability
Every self-defense incident is fact-specific, but striking an innocent person can potentially lead to criminal scrutiny.
Depending on the circumstances, prosecutors may examine offenses such as:
- Reckless Endangerment
- Criminally Negligent Homicide
- Manslaughter
- Assault
- Other applicable charges
Whether charges are filed often depends on whether your actions were considered reasonable under the circumstances.
For example, firing carefully at an armed attacker who is actively attempting to kill you may be viewed differently than firing multiple rounds wildly through a crowded area.
The totality of the circumstances matters.
Civil Liability Can Be Even More Expensive
Even if no criminal charges are filed, civil lawsuits are a separate matter.
An innocent bystander who is injured—or the family of a deceased bystander—may pursue a civil claim seeking compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death damages
Unlike a criminal case, which requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt, civil cases generally operate under a much lower burden of proof.
This means someone can avoid criminal conviction and still face substantial civil liability.
Why Target Identification Matters
One of the most important firearm safety rules is:
Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
This rule is not merely a range safety guideline. It becomes critically important during defensive shootings.
Common issues include:
- Missed shots
- Overpenetration
- Ricochets
- Poor visibility
- Low-light conditions
- Crowded environments
In many defensive encounters, innocent people may be near the threat.
A responsible armed citizen must constantly assess what is behind, beside, and around the target before pressing the trigger.
Stress Makes Shooting Much Harder
Many people assume they will shoot as well during a violent encounter as they do at the range.
Unfortunately, real-world shootings rarely work that way.
Under extreme stress, people often experience:
- Increased heart rate
- Tunnel vision
- Auditory exclusion
- Loss of fine motor skills
- Reduced accuracy
Even highly trained law enforcement officers sometimes miss during lethal-force encounters.
That reality highlights the importance of regular training and realistic practice.
How Training Helps Reduce Risk
No amount of training can eliminate risk completely, but quality training can improve your ability to:
- Make sound decisions under pressure
- Identify threats quickly
- Shoot accurately
- Manage recoil
- Understand when not to shoot
- Evaluate backstops and surroundings
Defensive firearm training is not just about hitting the target. It is also about avoiding unnecessary risks to innocent people.
What If You Had No Other Choice?
Some situations present impossible decisions.
Imagine an armed attacker is actively shooting at you or your family inside a crowded store.
You may have only seconds to act.
In those situations, investigators, prosecutors, and juries often examine whether your actions were reasonable based on what you knew at the time—not with the benefit of hindsight.
The law generally recognizes that people facing imminent deadly threats do not have the luxury of perfect decision-making.
However, that does not automatically eliminate scrutiny when innocent people are injured.
The Moral Reality
Beyond legal consequences, there is also a human element.
Most responsible gun owners carry firearms to protect innocent life.
Accidentally injuring an innocent person can have emotional and psychological consequences that last a lifetime.
Understanding that possibility should encourage every concealed carrier to take training, judgment, and accountability seriously.
How to Reduce the Chances of Hitting a Bystander
While no defensive shooting is risk-free, you can reduce risk by:
- Maintaining situational awareness
- Avoiding dangerous situations when possible
- Practicing regularly
- Using quality defensive ammunition
- Understanding your firearm’s capabilities
- Identifying what is beyond your target
- Moving when possible to improve your angle
- Only firing when legally and tactically justified
The best shot is not always the first shot available. Sometimes it is the shot that can be made safely.
Final Thoughts
Carrying a firearm for self-defense comes with tremendous responsibility.
If you are forced to use deadly force, your goal is to stop the threat—not simply fire rounds in the direction of danger.
Every round you fire must be accounted for.
A missed shot that strikes an innocent person can lead to criminal investigation, civil litigation, financial hardship, and emotional consequences that may last for years.
Understanding these realities is one reason quality training matters. Responsible concealed carry is not just about learning when you can shoot—it is also about understanding the consequences when things do not go as planned.
If you want to learn more about Colorado self-defense law, concealed carry, and defensive firearm training, visit Concealed Carry Classes of Denver to view upcoming classes and training opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I miss an attacker and hit an innocent person, can I still be charged with a crime?
Possibly. Even if you were legally justified in defending yourself, investigators will examine whether your actions were reasonable under the circumstances. Depending on the facts, criminal charges such as reckless endangerment, assault, manslaughter, or criminally negligent homicide may be considered.
Does self-defense protect me from liability if a bystander is injured?
Not automatically. A self-defense claim may justify your use of force against the attacker, but it does not necessarily shield you from criminal or civil liability if an innocent person is injured.
Can I be sued if I accidentally hit a bystander?
Yes. Even if no criminal charges are filed, an injured bystander—or their family—may pursue a civil lawsuit seeking compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, or wrongful death damages.
What if I was completely justified in using deadly force?
Being justified in using deadly force against an attacker does not automatically mean you are protected from scrutiny regarding every round you fired. Investigators will still examine whether your actions were reasonable and whether you acted recklessly.
Am I responsible for every bullet I fire?
Yes. One of the fundamental principles of firearms ownership is that you are responsible for every round that leaves your firearm. This includes missed shots, ricochets, and rounds that pass through the intended target.
Could I lose my concealed handgun permit if I hit an innocent person?
Potentially. Depending on the circumstances, criminal charges, convictions, or other legal findings could affect your eligibility to possess firearms or maintain a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit.
What if the attacker was actively trying to kill me?
The law generally recognizes that people facing an imminent deadly threat must make decisions under extreme stress. However, investigators will still evaluate whether your actions were reasonable based on the totality of the circumstances.
Does Colorado law require me to hit only the attacker?
No law specifically says that, but you are still responsible for your actions. A missed shot that injures an innocent person can create serious legal consequences regardless of your intended target.
How can I reduce the risk of hitting an innocent person?
Regular training, maintaining situational awareness, identifying what is beyond your target, and understanding when not to shoot can all help reduce the risk. Accuracy and judgment are just as important as marksmanship.
Why does CCCD emphasize accuracy over speed?
Because missing fast is still missing. In a defensive shooting, every round you fire has to go somewhere. Responsible concealed carry means making accurate, accountable hits while understanding the environment around you.
Sign Up for a Colorado Concealed Carry Class
If you’re applying for a permit or renewing, make sure your training meets Colorado law.
At Concealed Carry Classes of Denver, we offer:
- New Applicant CCW Classes
- CCW Renewal Classes
- Live-fire training included
- Certificates accepted by county sheriffs across Colorado
Our courses are straightforward, legally compliant, and designed to get you through the process the right way the first time.
Consider Self-Defense Insurance
Even a completely justified self-defense shooting can result in criminal investigations, civil lawsuits, and significant legal expenses. While no policy can prevent these challenges, self-defense legal protection plans can help cover attorney fees, expert witnesses, court costs, and other expenses associated with defending your actions.
The best time to research your options is before you ever need them. At Concealed Carry Classes of Denver, we encourage every responsible gun owner to understand the benefits and limitations of self-defense coverage and choose a plan that fits their needs.
Click here to compare self-defense insurance and legal protection plans
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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. Concealed Carry Classes Of Denver LLC assumes no liability for actions taken based on this content.
