I do not believe I'd be in legal trouble that would jeopardize my freedom. I do however believe several things would happen because I live in New Jersey.
1. They would seize the gun I shot it with.
2. They would probably seize ALL my guns, you know, for safety. Whose safety is in debate, but you know, for safety.
3. I would need to appear at depositions, hearings, or whatever at least once probably several times. This would require that I take off from work.
4. I would probably need to retain a lawyer to make sure I don't get railroaded for something.
5. The proceedings would probably stretch out over months, complicating and stressing my life.
I could be wrong, but there are enough bear lovers (you killed a dolphin of the woods!!) or some prosecutor trying to earn his bones on my back. It's very risky as far as I'm concerned.
If the evidence clearly pointed to the bear being shot in the house, I doubt you’d go through any lengthy legal process. Let’s hope that bear doesn’t come into your house so that my theory gets tested. It would be a lot easier on you (and the bear).