HB 603 or “Michael’s Law” holds drug traffickers accountable for the death or conduct of another resulting from the ingestion of any of the illegal substances they sell. It also removes self defense as a protection should the illegal sale result in a homicide. Every year New Hampshire loses approximately 400 citizens to the illegal drug epidemic. Often those responsible for those deaths go unpunished. Michael’s Law hopes to close that loophole and bring justice to the victims of this plague.
Michael was a young man who bought cocaine from a dealer in Durham, NH. Michael who was unarmed, was severely beaten, and stabbed to death at the dealer’s residence. Although the dealer admitted to selling cocaine and stabbing Michael none of Michael’s assailants have ever been charged with any crime in this homicide.
HB 603 would preclude anyone involved in illegal drug trafficking from using self defense as a means to avoid prosecution for murder. Just like we hold bartenders accountable for the actions of their over-served patrons it would also make traffickers criminally liable for the death or conduct of anyone they sell or transfer illegal substances to.
An amendment to this bill, the “Duty to Report” would make it a crime to not call for medical assistance for someone who is dying. Too often drug users and traffickers are reluctant to call for medical help. As in Michael’s case if medical help was called for in a timely manner his life may have been saved. HB 603 is needed to fill a gap in the laws surrounding deaths related to drug trafficking. Please contact your state representative at www.gencourt.state.nh.us and voice your support for the victims who have no voice. Thank you.
Art Williams
Dover
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