Suge Knight -- Lawyer Says He Feared for His Life

Suge Knight's lawyer tells TMZ he's confident murder charges will not be filed because his client has a solid defense ... mortal fear.

James Blatt was leaving the West Hollywood Sheriff's substation early Friday -- and leaving his client behind because he had just been arrested on murder charges -- when he told our photog Suge feared for his safety because he was being beaten by multiple guys as he sat inside his vehicle.

Blatt said Suge backed up out of fear. He did not explain witness accounts that he gunned it in reverse twice, striking 3 men ... killing one.

Blatt says he's confident the case will go away by early next week.