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Bill would let successful self-defense defendants recover legal costs; prosecutors urge amendments
Summary
Sen. Manzella, sponsor of Senate Bill 127, told the Judiciary Committee the bill aims to prevent financially crippling consequences for people who are acquitted after successfully arguing self-defense by allowing recovery of attorney fees and out-of-pocket costs tied to the acquitted charge.
Sen. Manzella, sponsor of Senate Bill 127, told the Judiciary Committee the bill aims to prevent financially crippling consequences for people who are acquitted after successfully arguing self-defense. The bill would allow a defendant who successfully raises an affirmative defense of justifiable use of force to recover out-of-pocket costs and attorney fees tied to the charge that did not result in conviction.
Supporters — including the Montana Shooting Sports Association, firearms instructors and individuals with personal experiences — framed the bill as limited relief for defendants who were vindicated but left deeply in debt from criminal defense costs. Gary Marbett, president of the Montana Shooting Sports…
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