JASON MICHAEL HURST, Defendant-Apellant Missouri Cases

Jason Michael Hurst appealed his convictions for first-degree tampering and resisting arrest, arguing the circuit court erred by refusing to give justification-by-necessity instructions to the jury. The appellate court agreed, finding that Hurst presented substantial evidence that, if believed, constituted justification for defending himself and his wife against abuse by sheriff's deputies. The court reversed the circuit court's judgment, holding that the refusal to give the requested instructions deprived Hurst of a defense he was entitled to present, and remanded the case for a new trial.