Self Defense Expert Witnesses

Arroyo Grande, California

Police Practices & Procedures, Law Enf & Criminal Justice - use of force, police use of force, law enforcement use of force, self defense, arrest and control, police excessive force, excessive force, defensive tactics, martial arts, strangulation, choke hold, jiu jitsu, fight or flight, stress response, officer involved shooting, police shooting, OIS, taser, Security

Dr. Chuck J. Rylant is a Doctor of Psychology and a Federal and State Court qualified expert witness with over 27 years of professional experience in civilian self-defense and law enforcement use-of-force analysis. He has been retained in more than 260 cases and has provided testimony in jurisdictions across the United States, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Texas, Utah, and Washington, D.C. Dr. Rylant's work focuses on the act of force itself — whether by a civilian or a law enforcement officer — encompassing the tactical, behavioral, and scientific factors that bear on it. His areas of engagement include civilian self-defense, police use-of-force, tactics, training, de-escalation, and strangulation, including carotid restraint and vascular neck restraint techniques. His expertise draws on peer-reviewed behavioral and performance science — including, among other areas, memory,...

Pineville, Louisiana

Legal - Self-Defense, conflict situations, physical encounters, fight, bar fight, martial arts, hand-to-hand combat, combat, first aggressor, physical violence, physical threat assessment, dynamics of violence, dynamics of self-defense, appropriateness of force

Thomas “Tommy” Davenport, Jr. is a martial arts practitioner with decades of practical experience and ongoing study in both the applied and theoretical dimensions of self-defense and physical conflict. He holds a black belt in Taekwondo and a black sash in 7 Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu, and he is a former world champion in martial arts combat. In addition to his martial arts background, Tommy is a practicing attorney and professor of law. This combination of experience uniquely positions him to evaluate self-defense and hand-to-hand combat matters through both a practical combative lens and the applicable legal doctrines that often shape such cases. As an expert in martial arts and self-defense, Tommy provides consulting and testimonial services in matters involving self-defense and physical confrontation. As a consultant, he assists attorneys and litigants in understanding the actions at issue, evaluating the conduct involved, and preparing to clearly and effectively present the r...

Jefferson City , Missouri

Law Enf & Criminal Justice, Police Practices & Procedures - Use of Force, Scuba, Firearms, Evidence, Less Lethal, Self Defense, Photo Lineup, PADI, Interrogation, Investigations, Jail, Dive Team, Prisoners, Drug Investigations, Pepper Spray, Narcotics, Taser, K-9, Bean Bag, Canine

Sheriff Heitman has a robust 27-year career in law enforcement, during which he has cultivated a wealth of knowledge and expertise that positions him as an expert witness in criminal cases. He holds a degree in Criminal Justice and brings extensive experience across various law enforcement roles, including: Park Ranger Jailer Police Officer Deputy Sheriff Detective Corporal Sergeant Police Chief Elected Sheriff These diverse roles provide him with a comprehensive understanding of law enforcement operations, community engagement, and legal proceedings, making him a well-rounded authority in the field. Professional Background: As an elected sheriff for 16 years, Sheriff Heitman was instrumental in shaping law enforcement policies and operational strategies to ensure the safety and security of the community. His leadership was characterized by a proactive approach to crime prevention, community outreach, and the establishment of collaborative relationships with various stakeholders,...

Redmond, Oregon

Police Practices & Procedures, Video - Use-of-Force, Officer-Involved Shooting, Decision-making, Critical Sensemaking, Police Training, Patrol Operations, Police negotiations, Citizen-on-Citizen shootings, Self-Defense, Jail Operations, Intelligence, Internal Affairs, Police Mental Health Response, De-escalation, Incident Command, Defensive Tactics, Policy, Crowd Control

EXPERT IN USE OF FORCE & LETHAL FORCE INCIDENTS In cases involving force--lethal force, understanding decision-making is as critical as the facts themselves. Whether you are a defense attorney explaining your client’s actions or a prosecutor challenging them, you need an expert who integrates both events and decision-making processes. Dr. Black offers a unique approach, blending quantitative precision with qualitative insight into how individuals make sense of their world. RENOWNED EXPERT IN LETHAL FORCE DECISION-MAKING Dr. Black is a recognized expert with extensive experience in international, federal, and state courts on lethal force, police use of force, officer-involved shootings, and civilian self-defense. His expertise in high-stakes decision-making under pressure offers critical insights. Dr. Black blends forensic analysis with human-centered perspectives, ensuring a balanced view that benefits both defense and prosecution. ADVANCED FORENSIC VIDEO AND QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS ...

Allentown, Pennsylvania

Firearms & Ballistics, Police Practices & Procedures - self-defense, gun accidents, hunting accidents, firearms training, shooting scene reconstruction, holsters, shooting ranges, use of force, use of force policy, involuntary muscular contraction, defensive tactics, weapon retention, pepper spray, Taser, impact weapons, knives, edged weapons

Expert witness since 1984 in civil and criminal cases in state and federal courts nationwide. Practicing attorney. Has been certified as firearms instructor by FBI, NRA, several states and other training authorities. Certified instructor in defensive tactics, baton, Taser, weapon retention, less lethal impact munitions, pepper spray. Certified Force Science Analyst, Advanced Specialist in Force Science, Executive Protection Specialist, and in counter-terrorist and defensive driving. Taught "Police Use of Force" as Adjunct Instructor at Indiana University, Department of Criminal Justice. Served as instructor at two police academies. Presenter at national and international conferences of law enforcement instructors. Has trained and certified firearms instructors and armorers for major law enforcement agencies. Armed, sworn reserve deputy sheriff for over 28 years. Member, Board of Directors, International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors ("IALEFI...

Milligan, Tennessee

Police Practices & Procedures, Law Enf & Criminal Justice - criminal investigation, crime scene analysis, crime scene reconstruction, use of force, death scene, homicide, murder, shootings, self defense, USCCA, NRA, rape, sex crimes, sex offense, sexual assault, violent crime, robbery, police practices, composite sketch

Dr. Ken Lang is a retired 25‑year law enforcement veteran and former homicide detective with extensive experience in violent‑crime investigations, police practices and procedures, and use‑of‑force analysis. He has conducted and supervised investigations involving homicides, rapes, robberies, and other major crimes, and he currently serves as an associate professor of criminology/criminal justice at Milligan University. Dr. Lang holds a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice and provides expert consultation and testimony in matters involving criminal investigations, police practices, use of force, officer involved shootings, evidence handling, and investigative failures. Dr. Lang began his law enforcement career in 1989 with the Havre de Grace Police Department before joining the Baltimore County Police Department (BCoPD) in 1991, where he served for 23 years. His investigative career included 15 years assigned to violent‑crime investigations and 5 years investigating property crimes. His casewo...