Officers Granted Civil Immunity In Self-Defense Cases Under Bill

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 04/28/2025) Michigan police officers and citizens who use deadly force when acting in justifiable self-defense would be granted civil immunity under legislation introduced last week.

Rep. James DeSana (R-Carleton) said he intends to introduce HB 4404 on Tuesday – one day after the second-degree murder trial for former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr began in Kent County, where supporters rallied outside the courthouse.

“An ordered society must also defend those who, for the sake of their own life, for the sake of the lives of others, must act in a split second to use necessary force to stop their attackers,” DeSana said on Monday while speaking on the Kent County courthouse steps.

“… We stand here today to defend life, not to take it. We stand here today with Officer Christopher Schurr,” the Representative added.

HB 4404 and SB 270, sponsored by Sen. Jim Runestad (R-White Lake), would create a presumption of civil immunity for citizens who are cleared criminally after using force in self-defense. They say the bills would also ensure defendants are reimbursed for all legal fees, court costs, lost wages and other expenses if acquitted.

DeSana said his bill would prevent officers from being “hauled civilly into court for doing their job.”

Currently, an officer who is acquitted at trial can still be sued in civil court.

“Someone who defends his life is not guilty of murder, even if he is forced to deal his aggressor a lethal blow,” DeSana said. “. . . I’m here today to tell you that these exact circumstances existed for Officer Christopher Schurr.”

Schurr is accused of an on-duty altercation in April 2022 that ended with Patrick Lyoya's death.

Prior to opening statements on Monday, supporters carried Back the Blue flags and signs supporting Schurr, who will be judged by a jury of four men and 10 women. Two will be excused as alternates before deliberations begin.

Adam De Angeli, founder of the Coalition to Rescue Michigan, proclaimed Schurr’s innocence, saying the courts failed Schurr and “every police officer in Michigan will pay the price” because officers now fear that using a weapon in self-defense will lead to criminal charges.

“This trial is, in itself, a terrible crime,” he said during DeSana’s press conference.