When people are accused of a crime, they will have the opportunity to admit to wrongdoing or to deny the charges. If people deny the criminal charges, they can formulate a criminal defense strategy that can help to prove their innocence. Sometimes, people can be cleared of the charges even before a criminal trial.
In a recent case, a Portland bouncer has been cleared of wrongdoing in the case of a nightclub shooting. According to reports, the bouncer arrived at his place of employment early, only to witness a potential patron of the club shoot three people - one in the head. The 31-year-old bouncer followed the gunman outside and shot him in the back. The 43-year-old gunman died as a result of the gunshot wound.
Prior to the shooting, the bouncer had a permit to carry a concealed handgun. Recently, a grand jury in Multnomah County ruled that the bouncer should not face criminal charges for the shooting or for the death of the gunman. Under Oregon law, people are allowed to use deadly force if the other person is about to use deadly force.
In this case, the bouncer argued that the gunman could have shot any number of people who were outside the club following the shooting. Security footage showed several people in the parking lot. Furthermore, following the shooting the grand jury learned that the gunman had additional ammunition and weapons in his car.
Here, a proper criminal defense stopped criminal charges during the investigation stage. Before charges were levied, the bouncer was able to show why his actions were justified under the law. These types of defenses can be used in many parts of criminal proceedings. With the right plan in place, people can succeed in avoiding felony and misdemeanor charges.
Source: The Oregonian, "Grand jury found no criminal wrongdoing in shooting by Mystic Club bouncer of masked gunman," Maxine Bernstein, Jan. 31, 2014
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