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I've heard so much contradictory advice on this subject, it's somewhat exasperating. Certainly, a cop will start frowning heavily if you immediately go silent and refuse to say a single word. But of course you shouldn't go jabbering like a typewriter, either.

FIRST: I have been advised many times to ALWAYS ALWAYS call 911 after an encounter, even if you don't draw your gun. By that I mean, in the same motion you re-holster or re-conceal your gun, grab your cell phone and call 911. If you don't, it's very likely that the bad guy will. "hey, there's some guy running around pointing a gun at people, he tried to rob me!!!!!" Remember in the law's mind, the caller is the victim, and you'll be the bad guy face down on the pavement in handcuffs. This is not only to get revenge, but to tie up the cops and take the heat off of him while he sneaks away. Happens all the time. Put 911 on your speed dial!

Immediately after calling 911, call your USCCA number or [pre-paid legal], or whatever you have.

The first questions an officer asks will be just information gathering. A lot of it depends on the attitude of the officer and where you are, and how obviously it's a self defense situation. If the BG is lying on the ground with a gun next to him and there were witnesses, you can talk a little more than if he's unarmed, lying there dead and nobody's around. You can describe exactly what led up to the shooting, then point out that "at that point I had to defend myself." NEVER say "I shot him in self defense," or anything starting with "I shot" or "I had to fire.." because this is just admitting to killing somebody. That may or may not be problematic, again depending on the specifics. Out here where I live, the local LEO would slap you on the back and say "good shot, buddy." In Austin, the DA would be licking his chops at the prospect of frying a CHL holder.

It would really be nice to have some direct input in this conversation from a current, working police officer.