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Bill to reimburse legal costs for successful self-defense claims draws supporters and suggested amendments
Summary
SB127 would require reimbursement of out-of-pocket costs and attorney fees when a defendant successfully argues justifiable use of force; proponents described financial ruin for acquitted defendants, while prosecutors and sheriffs urged limits and procedural safeguards.
Senator Theresa Manzella opened Senate Bill 127, which would entitle a defendant who successfully argues justifiable use of force to reimbursement of out-of-pocket costs and attorney fees for that charge. Manzella described cases where acquitted defendants spent life savings defending themselves and said reimbursement would prevent ruin for people found not guilty on self-defense grounds.
Supporters included the Montana Shooting Sports Association and…
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