Call me cynical...

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:29 pm

...but I don't put much faith in stuff I get in emails that has been generated from the web until I have proof. The bad thing is, I can't FIND any proof about this. There's a couple more things I want to try in my search, (and let's face it, I'm not exactly focused right now,) but I figured, while I'm doing that, I can also post this, and get some help from my friends here. Anyone want to help me see if this is real or BS? It could mean a brand-new trial for Bullet, or possibly the appellate court over-turning the conviction!! (Yes, I've forwarded it to our lawyer, but I have no patience to wait for a reply from him, I want to know NOW!!!)

MICHIGAN IS LATEST STATE TO ENACT

NRA-BACKED "CASTLE DOCTRINE" LEGISLATION!

On July 20, Governor Jennifer Granholm (D) signed into law a package of six self-defense bills backed by NRA, bringing "Castle Doctrine" protections to law-abiding Michigan citizens.

"I want to thank the Michigan Legislature and Governor Jennifer Granholm for working together in making this victims' rights bill law," said NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox.

"When you're confronted by a criminal, you don't have the luxury of time. This "Castle Doctrine" package states that if victims choose to stand their ground and fight, their decision will not be second-guessed by the State of Michigan. The ability to protect yourself, your children, or your spouse from harm is important, whether you're in your home or outside."

The six-bill "Castle Doctrine" Package passed with bi-partisan, supermajority support in both houses of the Michigan legislature:

HB 5143, sponsored by Rep. Rick Jones (R-71), creates the "Self Defense Act" and specifies that it is not a crime to use force or deadly force to defend oneself if that person is not breaking any laws when defensive force was used. The person must be facing imminent threat of death or great bodily harm.

SB 1046, sponsored by Sen. Alan Cropsey (R-33), outlines rebuttal presumptions for justified use of self-defense. The bill makes it clear that there is no "duty to retreat" if a person is in a place where he or she has a legal right to be.

SB 1185, sponsored by Sen. Ron Jelinek (R-21), allows for the award of court and attorney fees in civil cases where it was determined a person acted in accordance with the "Self Defense Act" and where civil immunities apply.

HB 5548, sponsored by Rep. Tim Moore (R-97), gives civil immunities to persons acting in accordance with the "Self Defense Act," preventing criminals and their families from suing law-abiding citizens.

HB 5153, sponsored by Rep. Leslie Mortimer (R-65), puts the burden of proof on the prosecutor to show that a person acted unlawfully in the application of force, rather than the person using the force having to prove they acted lawfully.

HB 5142, sponsored by Rep. Tom Casperson (R-108), expands the definition of "dwelling" to include a person's garage, barn, backyard, etc.

Adam Zapple · Post by **Adam Zapple** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:46 pm

Call your state representative or the Governor's office. They can tell you.

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:48 pm

Adam Zapple wrote: Call your state representative or the Governor's office. They can tell you.
Not at one in the morning, they can't!! :yh_laugh

Adam Zapple · Post by **Adam Zapple** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:52 pm

Oh, wake 'em up. They're supposed to serve you aren't they?:)

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:54 pm

Adam Zapple wrote: Oh, wake 'em up. They're supposed to serve you aren't they?:)
Yes, they are. An early morning wake up call is just the ticket, too, since they've let us down at every turn so far!!! :yh_angry

Tombstone · Post by **Tombstone** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:55 pm

BR,

Go to www.nra.org.

Story is on the top page:

http://www.nraila.org/News/Read/Releases.aspx?ID=7916

Yes, it's true!

Adam Zapple · Post by **Adam Zapple** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:56 pm

According to Widipedia, it is true.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_Doctrine

But a more reliable source might be found.

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:58 pm

Tombstone wrote: BR,

Go to www.nra.org.

Story is on the top page:

http://www.nraila.org/News/Read/Releases.aspx?ID=7916

Yes, it's true!
OhmyGodOhmyGodOhmyGodOhmyGod.......Do you realize what this might, just might mean for Bullet?!??!?!!?

Oh God, I'm afraid to get too excited....

Adam Zapple · Post by **Adam Zapple** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:58 pm

Another article from a blogger at Michigan State:

http://blog.lib.msu.edu/redtape/?p=1341

Tombstone · Post by **Tombstone** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 10:00 pm

Any attorneys out there who can tell us if this would apply for a conviction that happened before the new law went into effect?

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 10:16 pm

T, I used that link you gave me to the NRA to write to Granholm, (my governor) and tell her the story about Bullet and his trial and sentence. It's really easy to do, and I'm swiping the link to this thread and your link as well, to post in my biker forums so that the rest of the gang can do it, too. Thank you SO much for the info!! How do you guys find this stuff so easily???

Adam Z, thanks for your links, too! You guys are the chit!!!

Tombstone · Post by **Tombstone** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 11:11 pm

You're welcome and glad it helped!

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 11:19 pm

Tombstone wrote: You're welcome and glad it helped!
That link is the basis for my latest campaign to "rally the troops", although to get a group of bikers to write letters is a task in itself!! :yh_rotfl

Adam Zapple · Post by **Adam Zapple** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 1:15 am

They may not want to write the Gov a letter but they do like to ride to a hog rally....hmmmmmm :yh_think

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 1:25 am

Pinky wrote: WOW!!!!!!

Oh BR, this is such excellent news...I'm so excited that my poor chair id going to need a new up & down thingy fitted!!!

Do it do it do it....find out about it!!!!
It can only work to our favor, Pink. It is good news indeed. Don't hurt yourself with a broken chair!!

cherandbuster · Post by **cherandbuster** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 10:27 am

BR

You MUST tell us what your lawyer said about this.

I'm waiting with bated breath . . . seriously :-6

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 5:39 pm

cherandbuster wrote: BR

You MUST tell us what your lawyer said about this.

I'm waiting with bated breath . . . seriously :-6
As soon as I hear back from him, I'll let you guys know what he says. I'm sure he's looking into how this will affect the case and will come back with something positive. :yh_pray :yh_pray :yh_pray

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 5:42 pm

Yes, does anyone know if this is retroactive for a current conviction?

That would be the question to ask, BR.

cars · Post by **cars** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 6:49 pm

Best Wishes BR!

I am concerned about the retroactive aspect though.:-2

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 9:20 pm

cars wrote: Best Wishes BR!

I am concerned about the retroactive aspect though.:-2
I've thought of that, too, Cars. But really, it's only a concern in that it won't apply to Bullet's case. Otherwise, it can't hurt. And anything that could help, well, I'm grabbing on to it with both hands.

vampress.rozz · Post by **vampress.rozz** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 3:11 pm

Just sending ya some crossed fingers some hopes and best wishes from across the sea.