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Facing murder charges in Michigan is one of the most profound legal battles a person can endure. However, not all homicides are unlawful. Individuals may have the legal right to defend themselves or others in certain situations, leading to a justifiable homicide defense.

Michigan law recognizes self-defense as a legitimate legal argument when a person reasonably fears for their life or the safety of others. If you are facing murder charges, understanding how self-defense laws work in Michigan is critical to building a strong legal strategy.

Here, our East Lansing criminal defense lawyer at Ben Hall Law explains.

self-defense act

Understanding Michigan’s Self-Defense Laws

Michigan follows the Self-Defense Act, which allows individuals to use deadly force in specific situations without a duty to retreat.

This law provides that a person is justified in using deadly force if they honestly and reasonably believe that such force is necessary to:

  • Prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to themselves or another person.
  • Stop the commission of a forcible felony, such as a robbery, sexual assault, or home invasion.

Unlike some states, Michigan is a Stand Your Ground state, meaning individuals are not required to retreat before using deadly force if they are in a place they have a legal right to be, such as their home, vehicle, or public space.

Justifiable Homicide: When Killing in Self-Defense Is Legal

For a homicide to be considered justifiable, the following conditions must typically be met:

  • The threat was imminent – The person claiming self-defense must have faced an immediate threat of harm.
  • The response was proportional – The use of deadly force must match the level of the threat.
  • The belief in danger was reasonable – A reasonable person in the same situation would have believed that deadly force was necessary.
  • The person was not the aggressor – Self-defense laws do not protect individuals who provoke or initiate violence unless they tried to withdraw from the conflict and were still attacked.

Defending Against Murder Charges in Self-Defense Cases

Even when self-defense is justified, prosecutors may still pursue charges if they believe the force used was excessive or the situation did not meet legal self-defense criteria.

Our experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney can build a strong case by:

  • Presenting evidence supporting the self-defense claim, such as witness statements, surveillance footage, and forensic analysis.
  • Challenging the prosecution’s version of events to establish reasonable doubt.
  • Demonstrating a history of threats or prior violent acts by the victim, if applicable.

At Ben Hall Law, we understand that a split-second decision to protect yourself or your family should not lead to a wrongful murder conviction. If you are facing homicide charges under a self-defense claim, we will fight to protect your rights and freedom.

Contact Ben Hall Law for Aggressive Defense

If you or a loved one has been charged with murder or manslaughter but acted in self-defense, you need an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney who understands the complexities of justifiable homicide cases. At Ben Hall Law, we provide aggressive legal representation to ensure your side of the story is heard.

Don’t face these charges alone—call 877-BEN-HALL (517-798-5801) or contact us online for a confidential consultation and start building your defense.

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“Mr. Hall was a huge help. Being a former police officer and a former prosecutor was evident in his knowledge of both traffic and criminal laws. Even when I was willing to accept an initial plea deal, he knew that there was so little evidence against me that we should counter the offer. I went from a potential criminal case to a fine and 0 points. I could not be happier with my outcome. Thank you Mr. Hall!”

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Dave

“Mr. Hall was a huge help. Being a former police officer and a former prosecutor was evident in his knowledge of both traffic and criminal laws. Even when I was willing to accept an initial plea deal, he knew that there was so little evidence against me that we should counter the offer. I went from a potential criminal case to a fine and 0 points. I could not be happier with my outcome. Thank you Mr. Hall!”

Anonymous

Ben was very generous with his time and expertise. He asked straightforward questions and offered excellent options to meet our objectives. Amazing turn around on short deadlines. We needed a legal opinion dealing with a conflict of interest on a local school board. WOW! Ben really understood the issues andbour concerns. He produced an amazing 8 page opinion in in a weeks time. And he worked with us on minimizing legal fees.

Dave

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