The Rules of Self Defense

There have been lots of discussions around the "art" of self defense, the "right" to self defense, and many other things related to self defense. There are, however, not enough discussions about the consequences and the choices leading up to those consequences...
So I would like to take a moment of your time to outline some "Rules" in relation to Self Defense.
First, there is one caveat, every area is different. You must check with your local ordinances, and state laws about how your city/state views self defense. Some places require you retreat, other do not, some outline (very clearly) what is and is not self defense, and some places leave a big hole where that knowledge is concerned. So, this is just a guide, not a definitive list.

#1) If you own and carry a gun for self defense (a good idea in this economy) you should also own and carry a cell phone.
While it isn't a law, it is most commonly understood that the first person to call 911 in a confrontation is the Victim. If you have to defend yourself, YOU are the Victim, and YOU should be the first one to call 911.

#2) Self defense is NOT when you go looking for a confrontation. If you come upon something illegal, and no life is in immediate danger, call 911, make a report, but do not engage. Give the 911 Dispatcher AS MUCH DETAIL AS POSSIBLE (rage, gender, height, clothing, cars, license plates, etc)
This changes if there is a life in immediate danger, engage, but have dialed 911 (if you can) first, let them record the proceedings. Use verbal commands (without "waiting"...if the situation calls for it, forgo the verbal commands and ACT). Using verbal commands can stop a situation.

#3) Retreat if possible. If someone breaks into your house, and you come home to a burglary in progress, call 911 and wait outside or at a neighbor's house. Again, give 911 as MUCH detail as possible.
Retreating also works in public and semi-public environments where it might be easier to leave a potentially bad situation.
I will say, this situation again changes if there is a life in immediate danger. Then you engage, and defend (yourself or others - your choice).

#4) If you are in your home, at work, or at school, these are places you (normally) do not have to retreat from. If you are attacked in these situations, call 911 (if you can) and let them get it on recording. Use verbal commands if you can, without putting yourself in danger, and if all else fails, and you have to defend yourself, DO SO.

#5) Using #1 and a guide, if you have had to defend yourself, and you were not able to call 911 prior to engagement, then you MUST now call 911.
When you call 911, you should always say something like:
"I am in danger",
"he has a {insert weapon here}",
"send the police"
and if a shooting has happened, "send an ambulance"...
You don't need to explain more than "I am the victim" to the 911 Dispatcher. NEVER say "I shot someone" or "I killed someone"...bad mojo.

#6) When the police arrive, YOU are the one attacked, YOU should be filing the report. At first, they are going to want all the details and statements...DO NOT give them any more than the very basics (at first)...
"He came at me",
"I was afraid for my life (or the life of someone else)" (this is KEY),
"I tried to warn them off/leave (whatever), but they kept coming"...
Then this is the very next phrase you say to the reporting officer:
"I am terribly shook up, I will gladly cooperate with you in your investigation, but I would like time to calm down and contact an attorney to protect my rights, please give me 24-48 hours to make a complete statement."

If you don't "go looking for trouble", if you attempt to "stay out of it", if you only engage because your life or the life of another person is in jeopardy, THEN you are NOT the Bad Guy.
If you go into a situation because you have a gun, if you go looking for confrontation, if you chase someone around (shooting or not), THEN you are the Bad Guy...

The difference is, sometimes, subtle. But in most cases, if you did what you could to avoid the confrontation, and only engaged because there was no other way to save a life (yours or someone else's) THEN it will be a clear case of Self Defense. Otherwise, at a minimum, you get "assault with a deadly weapon" and at a maximum, you get "Murder".

Be careful out there. Follow the laws. Get a gun legally, carry it legally. Use it only if you have no other choice. Be the first to call 911. Cooperate with police, but not at the sacrifice of your rights.