CCW Safe, a national leader in self-defense legal services, is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, marking a decade and a half of providing legal defense coverage and support to responsible individuals in the aftermath of self-defense incidents.
CCW Safe was founded in 2011 by retired Oklahoma City police officer Mike Darter, retired officer Stan Campbell, and attorney Kyle Sweet. The company was born out of Darter's own experience: after being involved in an on-duty shooting that was ruled justified, he was later sued in federal court and realized how little protection existed for civilians facing the same legal aftermath that police officers receive through their unions. CCW Safe was built on that "police union model" by pairing legal defense with hands-on, personal support from people who have lived through officer-involved shootings, homicide investigations and the legal process that follows.
"We wanted to give civilians access to the same level of protection and support that law enforcement officers get after a shooting," said Mike Darter, co-founder and CEO of CCW Safe. "Fifteen years later, that mission hasn't changed. We're still here for our members on what is often the worst day of their lives."
Over the past 15 years, CCW Safe has grown from a small startup into an industry leader, backed by Bold Lane Insurance, its own captive insurance carrier, ensuring independence from the broader commercial insurance market. Its nationwide expansion of coverage includes 47 states with tiered membership plans, such as Defender, Liberty and Ultimate, offering unlimited criminal, civil and administrative defense coverage along with civil liberty protection.
Key milestones include:
- Acquitted Murder 1 Charge - CCW Safe is the first company in the industry to cover a Murder 1 charge and win.
- Launch of the Certified Partner Program, unveiled at SHOT Show 2025, allowing shooting ranges, retailers and firearms instructors to integrate CCW Safe's protection into their businesses.
- Acquisition of the Armed Citizens' Legal Defense Network (ACLDN) in July 2025, expanding CCW Safe's reach and resources within the self-defense community.
- Strategic partnerships with organizations such as the California Rifle & Pistol Association (CRPA) to extend self-defense legal coverage to more responsible gun owners.
- Launch of a House of Worship Volunteer Security Plan, extending protection to volunteer security teams at churches, mosques, synagogues and other houses of worship.
- Annual media event - the third annual event will take place in October, where the CCW Safe team will discuss the aftermath of self-defense scenarios with highlights on de-escalation, breakdowns and interviews alongside Gun Talk Media.
- Launch of the Armed Defender's Dilemma, a new resource for individuals who want to educate themselves beyond tactics and trigger pulls. Hosted by litigation consultant, Shawn Vincent, this monthly series explores the judgement, restraint and split-second decisions that determine what happens next in a self-defense scenario. National Trial Council Don West and Firearms Trainers Association staff member Steve Moses also frequent this series providing their expertise and knowledge in the industry.
Today, CCW Safe's team sets the industry standard by drawing on more than 100 years of combined law enforcement and crime scene investigation experience. This service provides members with a boots-on-the-ground critical response, expert legal counsel and personal support from the moment an incident is reported.
"Fifteen years in, our commitment is the same as it was on day one," said Kent Brown, President of CCW Safe. "We treat our members like family, because we've walked in their shoes."
For more information about CCW Safe's 15th Anniversary, listen to the special CCW Safe Podcast episode here or visit www.ccwsafe.com.
About CCW Safe
CCW Safe was founded by retired police officers Mike Darter and Stan Campbell and attorney Kyle Sweet. The company started because of Darter's experience and knowledge of the coverage law enforcement had access to and the desire to make the same coverage and level of service available to the public for critical self-defense incidents. The company offers comprehensive plans for all private citizens, including retired and active-duty law enforcement officers and military members. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, CCW Safe has emerged as the leader in self-defense coverage through one-of-a-kind service, comprehensive coverage and a team of experts in their respective fields. Learn more at www.ccwsafe.com.