I’ve asked this question before and have been chastised for it. What if, instead of saying “I was afraid for my life” he said “I honestly and sincerely believed my life was in danger”? It removes the “fear” part but (I think) still leaves in the necessary elements for self-defense (?)
“Officer, I would love to talk to you about the facts in this incident, but I really need time to get it together, and when I can talk to “investigators”, my lawyer and I will be happy to do so...I hope you understand I need to calm down, get things straight, I’ll help you guys out real soon.”
This type of statement is proper, and true...No reason to believe otherwise...Most Law Enforcement I know, have seen this type of statement and agree with its meaning...And more importantly its purpose...
Anything beyond that, before you get with your lawyer is a hole you don’t want to start digging, by talking too much more than this statement...
If you want a little more, I’ll PM you a link to a website that you’ll enjoy talking shop about this kinda stuff...Good people, very knowledgable...
Fear is normal. It’s evolution. We all have fears. Some of us are able to push them aside and do what needs to be done. A man who is afraid of combat and does it anyway, because he sees a greater good, has my respect. I salute him.
A man who tells me that he fears nothing impresses me not at all. I think he is foolish and values nothing.
Your answer is correct, and in some states it takes away the emotional part of the question that some sleazy lawyers use to their benefit. It is, however, less than honest. This is a fault of the judicial system and not the man.