Stand Your Ground Law – Murder Suspect Cleared
The often controversial stand your ground law has made headlines again. As reported in the Post and Courier (see PDF version) on March 10th, 2014 a Charleston Circuit Court found that the accused, Ronald Reid, was immune from prosecution based on South Carolina’s Protection of Persons and Property Act, commonly referred to as stand your ground (see 16-11-440). The accused testified at the hearing in his defense and the judge found that he had done nothing during the 11 seconds he was inside the store that made his presence illegal (a requirement under the law).
Under the stand your ground law
“A person who is not engaged in an unlawful activity and who is attacked in another place where he has a right to be … has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his ground and meet force with force, including deadly force, if he reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily injury.”
The decision also provides immunity from civil actions when acting in self defense.
Charleston Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have an Stand Your Ground Issue in your case call an experienced and trusted Charleston criminal attorney at the Dale Savage Law Firm today for a free case consultation (843) 530-7813.