This matter is another example why it is better to hire an attorney before you are charged with a crime than wait until after charges are filed. The client, retired from the military and licensed to carry a concealed weapon, was out walking on a nature trail with his wife, who suffers from a variety of medical ailments. They came upon individuals who were walking unleashed dogs. The dogs rushed toward the client and his wife, not responding to the owners. Frightened for his safety and the welfare of his wife, the client yelled at the dogs to stop. But it was to no avail. He then removed his firearm from his holster in the event he would need to use it and pointed it at the ground. Fortunately, the owners were able to get the dogs under control before anything happened. Upon seeing a firearm, however, the dog owners notified law enforcement. Two deputy sheriffs contacted the client and took a statement from him, indicating they were going to refer the case to the District Attorney's Office for criminal prosecution. The client immediately contacted our office. Attorney Tim Verhoff was able to obtain a significant amount of information from the client regarding his background and the circumstances with the dogs. This was information that was not included in the police reports. Our attorney then contacted the District Attorney's Office to present the additional information to the prosecution and to present arguments as to why, if anything, the client was engaged in self-defense and the defense of others. Our lawyer argued that no criminal charges were necessary. After reviewing the information from our attorney, as well as the police reports, the prosecutor agreed and declined filing charges. He also thanked our attorney "for reaching out to our office preemptively on this matter." Needless to say, the client was relieved.