Three people had their second-degree murder charges dismissed by a judge in Michigan on March 18. The dismissals came in Macomb County for the three people's alleged involvement in the stabbing death of a man in Clinton Township.
According to reports, the man went to a home on Nov. 16, 2013, after reportedly purchasing bad marijuana. Two of those charged were at the home, and an argument reportedly ensued. While at the home, the 33-year-old man was stabbed and died of his injuries.
In dismissing the cases against the three, the judge distinguished their involvement from that of a fourth person, a 45-year-old woman, whose charges remain. While the judge noted they were involved, he did not believe the evidence indicated that they had anything to do with the 45-year-old woman's actions. She is scheduled for trial on April 7 for charges of second-degree murder and is currently being held on a $1 million bond. The three whose charges were dismissed were all released from custody following the dismissal of their charges. The attorneys for the three whose cases were dismissed argued the three were simply acting in self-defense against an aggressive and angry person.
People facing criminal charges may have defenses available to them about which they may not be aware. As these cases demonstrate, it can sometimes take a lengthy period of time to build the defense case through careful investigation. A criminal defense attorney might help his or her clients by using the help of other professionals, including investigators and evidence experts, to build a defensive case. He or she may then litigate the issues on behalf of his or her clients through motions hearings. In the event negotiations fail and a trial is necessary, an attorney might the advocate on behalf of his or her client through trial in order to try to win a favorable verdict.