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Media Reports George Zimmerman to Be Charged With Crime Today

By Jeralyn, Section Crime in the News
Posted on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 02:02:50 PM EST
Tags: George Zimmerman, Trayvon Martin (all tags)
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CBS and other media organizations say they have confirmed through law enforcement officials that state's attorney Angela Corey has decided to charge George Zimmerman with a crime in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. She is expected to make the announcement later this afternoon.

The announcement, which Corey's office describes as a release of new information (rather than a decision on charging) will be made at 6:00 pm at her office in Jacksonville, FL. Here is her press release. [More...]

State Attorney Angela Corey will hold a news conference Wednesday night at the State Attorney’s Office in Jacksonville, Florida.

Ms. Corey is prepared to release new information regarding the Trayvon Martin shooting death investigation.

The news conference will begin at 6:00 p.m. The State Attorney’s Office is located at 220 E. Bay Street in downtown Jacksonville.

Satellite/live truck operators will be allowed inside the location two hours before the event. Please be prepared for a 1,000 ft. cable run. Reporters and photographers will be allowed inside at least 30 minutes before the news conference begins.

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    Media Reports George Zimmerman to Be Charged With Crime Today | 80 comments (80 topical)

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    Bad for Zimmerman (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 02:12:31 PM EST
    but it will makes for interesting months at this blog.

    Especially insofar as how far one can allude... (5.00 / 1) (#4)
    by magster on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 02:23:59 PM EST
    ... to a certain topic without mentioning said topic before having said comment deleted.

    And as for the decision, very odd how the prosecutor gives time lines and advance notice of decisions considering the volatility of the Sanford community.  There must be some research into how to stifle outbursts by the general public, namely don't spring news on people without telegraphing in advance what that news is likely to be.

    Parent

    there would only be an (none / 0) (#11)
    by Jeralyn on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 02:40:16 PM EST
    outburst if Zimmerman were not charged. There don't seem to be a lot of people lining up to protest if he is charged.

    Parent
    Logistics (none / 0) (#14)
    by ks on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 02:44:20 PM EST
    I think a good part of the setup is for the media crush.  

    Parent
    Yeah, but if Angela Corey were to ... (none / 0) (#56)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:59:24 PM EST
    ... subsequently tell reporters that while pondering whether or not to bring charges, "I first asked myself, 'What would Fidel Castro do?'" -- then surely, all hell will break loose two hundred miles away in Miami.

    :-D

    Parent

    Nothing like the Politics of Crime (5.00 / 1) (#5)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 02:27:11 PM EST
    to whip TL into a frenzy!

    Parent
    Will the president refrain from commenting? (none / 0) (#22)
    by vicndabx on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 03:08:36 PM EST
    ala Gates & Crowley?

    Parent
    Good. (5.00 / 5) (#2)
    by Addison on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 02:13:33 PM EST
    Hopefully this can be the end of the focus on George Zimmerman and Trayvon Martin as an individuals (now that the justice system process has started there's less room for advocacy on either side) and the start of a broader conversation about profiling and the consequences of "Stand Your Ground" laws.

    I will cover (5.00 / 1) (#9)
    by Jeralyn on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 02:37:57 PM EST
    self-defense and stand your ground laws in Florida in their legal context and how they apply -- or don't-- to this case, and the procedures by which a Florida court and jury determines whether a defense under either is valid.

    As for "profiling", unless there is an indication that law enforcement is involved in, advocated or encouraged profiling of individuals in Sanford -- my posts will focus more on the dangers of programs encouraging neighbors to report suspicious behavior, and how that can lead to vigilante justice. Zimmerman is not law enforcement.

    The feds are the ones investigating the possible civil rights aspect of the case, and unless the state's attorney or the charges themselves refer to profiling as being relevant, or disclosed evidence refer to it, those issues are more relevant to discussions about the federal investigation rather than the state case.

    Parent

    The dangers of bad programs (none / 0) (#16)
    by Towanda on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 02:53:53 PM EST
    that do not follow the guidlines of the real Neighborhood Watch program have become sadly evident in this case.

    The dangers of not reporting suspicious behavior, of course, are self-evident.

    Parent

    I have noticed (none / 0) (#18)
    by CoralGables on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 03:03:31 PM EST
    that most print media outlets have have resorted to little n little w when recapping the story.

    Parent
    At Least He's Been Demoted... (5.00 / 2) (#21)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 03:06:42 PM EST
    ...in the press from watch captain to volunteer.

    Parent
    Sorry; we will have to delay (5.00 / 0) (#34)
    by Towanda on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:22:26 PM EST
    or look elsewhere for that larger discussion that is needed, for the sake of all of us now finding ourselves in "castle doctrine" or "stand your ground" states.  Do please let me know if you find another blog to do so -- say, a blog about the law and politics from the liberal perspective.  

    We need to talk about this trend, perhaps talk too late for some of us, but others in other states might wish to be forewarned to fight it sooner.

    Parent

    Don't understand your comment (none / 0) (#52)
    by Jeralyn on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:53:03 PM EST
    I have repeatedly said I would discuss the self defense statute and stand your ground laws. There's plenty of discussion here about both.

    Parent
    Yes, it will be good to learn if non blacks have.. (1.00 / 4) (#7)
    by redwolf on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 02:32:47 PM EST
    the right of self defense in this country. I'd hate to believe I could defend myself when someone pounding my head into the cement when I'd just go to jail for it.

    Parent
    by Zimmerman's own account he got himself (5.00 / 0) (#10)
    by ruffian on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 02:38:03 PM EST
    off the sidewalk and into the grass. We will see if the prosecutor thinks he could have further defended himself with something short of killing the other guy.

    Parent
    Uh... (5.00 / 2) (#12)
    by Addison on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 02:42:41 PM EST
    We don't know that this "pounding" of George Zimmerman's head occurred prior to his shooting of Trayvon Martin in the chest. The evidence appears to show that if it did occur it was not something that required anything above basic first aid.

    "Defend" doesn't have to mean kill.

    "Stand Your Ground" laws are not synonymous with "legalized self defense".

    The "Stand Your Ground" laws, as written, could be written better without losing whatever value its proponents see in them.

    Even if you're pro-Stand Your Ground laws, why limit the discussion of its benefits to non-blacks? In fact, it seems that blacks have less of a "right" than non-blacks (see the Willie Thomas, Jr. case), if  self-defense is actually your main concern.

    Parent

    And away we go! (5.00 / 6) (#13)
    by ks on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 02:42:43 PM EST
    with the craziness....

    Parent
    Grow Up (5.00 / 0) (#19)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 03:05:13 PM EST
    As a non black I can assure you that I would never get out of my vehicle at night to chase a 'suspicious' person even if I was packing.  The cops would not have to tell me to stay put, but Zimmerman ignored common sense and the police advise.  A kid is dead and the public wants the instigator brought to trial.

    I think Zimmerman lost his right to claim self defense when he decided to pursue.

    Parent

    Agreed (5.00 / 0) (#25)
    by CoralGables on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 03:17:43 PM EST
    "I think Zimmerman lost his right to claim self defense when he decided to pursue."

    And don't leave out his words prior to pursuing: "These a$$holes, they always get away"

    This is exactly why I've thought for quite awhile now that charges were a slam dunk. The severity of the charge is likely dependent on who is crying for help on the tape.

    Parent

    To Me... (5.00 / 0) (#46)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:42:42 PM EST
    That should not matter.  No matter what happened, had Zimmerman stayed put, the kid would be alive.

    What no one seems to be discussing is what should Trevon had done, a man is following him and then gets out of his car to pursue him.

    Stand there and wait to see what Zimmerman wanted, that is absurd.  Run, definitely, but what if Zimmerman has the only exit blocked ?

    Parent

    speculation (none / 0) (#49)
    by Jeralyn on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:48:16 PM EST
    please avoid it. Can't you even wait an hour for the state's attorney to provide her statement before coming up with new unsupported theories?

    Parent
    no he didn't lose the right to claim self-defense (none / 0) (#51)
    by Jeralyn on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:51:13 PM EST
    he will be allowed to assert both immunity from prosecution and self-defense at trial if he produces any evidence, including just his own testimony, that he was afraid for his life or feared serious bodily injury.  See the 2010 case of Basallo v. State, 46 So. 3d 1205, which cites other cases. Florida law is well-established that:

    "[A] defendant is entitled to have his jury instructed on the law applicable to his theory of defense if there is any evidence presented supporting such a theory, even if the only evidence supporting the defense theory comes from the defendant's own testimony."


    Parent
    I Wasn't Speaking From a Legal Stand Point (none / 0) (#79)
    by ScottW714 on Thu Apr 12, 2012 at 08:24:37 AM EST
    Just my opinion.

    Parent
    Ridiculous (5.00 / 1) (#68)
    by Yman on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 05:29:18 PM EST
    Both the premise that "non-blacks' have lost the right to self defense, as well as the unsubstantiated claim that Zimmerman was having his head "pounded into the cement".

    Parent
    Yes, I constantly compare this case (none / 0) (#3)
    by Towanda on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 02:21:14 PM EST
    to a similar case near me that occurred at the same time, that also involved a young biracial guy shot and killed by a white homeowner, and the first such case since the "castle doctrine" law in the state -- not quite "stand your ground" but close.  And no charges were filed then, either.

    But throughout, that small town's cops were forthright with as much information as possible in the weeks while they were investigating and made clear that charges were possible and not dismissed outright.  In the end, just a few weeks ago, no charges were filed against the shooter.

    There were protests, and there still is discussion, but the actions and clear communications by the law-and-order officials, all involved, kept it a lawful and orderly process.  The Sanford officials could have done so.

    Parent

    To Me... (none / 0) (#15)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 02:49:26 PM EST
    ..that case was far more clear cut IMO.  Beyond white guy shooting a minority, the cases are entirely different.

    To me, if it took them that long to figure it out in WI, it should have take the Sanford cops even longer.


    Parent

    In the end, with the details (none / 0) (#27)
    by Towanda on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 03:55:09 PM EST
    including the detailed diagram in statewide media, yes; I came around to understanding the situation of the sleep-deprived homeowner, the enclosure of the porch, etc. However, I do not understand why he shot a guy when police were still on site.  

    He's lucky that he didn't shoot a cop, coming to his castle door to ask about the homeowner's calls, huh?

    Of course, any incidents are not going to be exactly alike, but I do not think that they are that different -- except, again, for not only the time taken to investigate, and to communicate throughout, but also for the decision to not decide right away on whether to file charges.

    Parent

    please discusss this case (none / 0) (#30)
    by Jeralyn on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:00:58 PM EST
    thanks.

    Parent
    See (none / 0) (#64)
    by Towanda on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 05:08:00 PM EST
    comment #30, Addison, if this comment of mine is unclear.  Thanks for thinking of the larger ramifications for us all, from and beyond this case (as others are doing but not as clearly).

    Parent
    I'm Afraid Zimmerman Is Going to Eat His Gun (5.00 / 1) (#17)
    by msaroff on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 03:03:25 PM EST
    Even if you are inclined to believe that he is guilty (and I am), there must be a full formal public investigation of the facts, and that is what a trial is.

    If Zimmerman tops himself, we never have that.

    Not Sure How Much... (5.00 / 1) (#23)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 03:14:48 PM EST
    ...news they get in prison, but I would think the rumor factory would be far worse then outside.  I would think the though of going there with a reputation of being the guy that killed a black kid has got to weigh on him.

    I don't know about his guilt, but certainly he has to realize now that ignoring the police and chasing down a 'suspicious' person with packing heat isn't viewed in the public eye as acceptable behavior.

    I really hope he doesn't, I want to get down to the fact of this case and his side of the story.

    Parent

    He should be in protective custody 24/7 (5.00 / 1) (#24)
    by Addison on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 03:15:57 PM EST


    Parent
    Who knows... (none / 0) (#26)
    by kdog on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 03:54:39 PM EST
    how thick his bubble is, maybe Hannity told him he's a great american being persecuted and he believes that.  Never underestimate the power of the bubble and self-delusion.

    Parent
    Did he ignore the police? (none / 0) (#28)
    by jbindc on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 03:56:25 PM EST
    Or did he stop when told to stop and he said "Okay"?

    Parent
    When did a 911 (none / 0) (#48)
    by me only on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:45:14 PM EST
    dispatcher become a police officer?  They are not where I live.

    Parent
    Scott said (none / 0) (#54)
    by jbindc on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:58:19 PM EST
    As many others around here, that he "ignored police" and continued to pursue Martin.

    Parent
    Which implies that he spoke to the police (5.00 / 1) (#69)
    by me only on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 05:54:20 PM EST
    and my reply is that he did not talk to the police.  He spoke with a 911 operator, who cannot give a "lawful order."

    Parent
    I don't think (none / 0) (#70)
    by jbindc on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 06:03:33 PM EST
    Anyone said he ignored a "lawful order" of the police. Thry said he "ignored police".  911 operators many times work for the police or sheriff' dept.

    Parent
    Ouch! I wish you wouldn't have said that. (none / 0) (#42)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:39:32 PM EST
    Personally, I find that to be a little too much speculation -- knowhutahmean? I think some fears are best kept to one's own self, especially when one isn't in any position to effect events. What will be, will be.

    Parent
    I'm not going to engage in ... (5.00 / 1) (#39)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:33:39 PM EST
    ... any unnecessary speculation regarding the nature of any prospective charges to be brought against George Zimmerman, so I'll defer any further comment on my part about this matter, until Ms. Corey formally announces her decision at 12:00 noon HST. But after that, look out! I will be ruthless and merciless, and I'll take no prisoners.

    :-D

    Actually, I'm in far too good a mood to be very ruthless and merciless, because we're catching the 5:00 p.m. flight over to Hilo this evening to attend the Merrie Monarch Festival, an annual celebration of Native Hawaiian hula and culture which takes place over the next four nights.

    My wife and I have several Hawaiian friends whose sons, daughters and grandchildren are among the many hundreds of performers who'll be appearing onstage this week. We're truly honored to have been invited to join them this week at this premier event and prestigious gathering.

    (Our youngest daughter -- who's a high school senior -- is on her own for two nights, but she's flying over to join us on Friday afternoon after she gets out of class. She has several close friends who will be performing publicly for the very first time later that evening, so she naturally wants to be there for them.)

    So, I'm going home to pack for our four-day weekend. Talk to you all sometime later, from Hilo.

    Aloha.

    If nothing else (5.00 / 1) (#66)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 05:16:09 PM EST
    I think Corey does a nice press conference.

    Coming across very well imo.

    She may be great or stink as a DA, but she gives great press conference.

    But... does she know where he is? (none / 0) (#6)
    by shoephone on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 02:28:40 PM EST


    According to ABC News (none / 0) (#8)
    by Jeralyn on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 02:32:59 PM EST
    The official said that authorities know where Zimmerman is.


    Parent
    My guess was that they would not be (none / 0) (#20)
    by Anne on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 03:05:29 PM EST
    making any announcements until they had verified Zimmerman's location, and possibly made arrangements to have someone from local law enforcement wherever he is bring him in for eventual return to Florida if they are, in fact, going to charge him with something.

    I just don't think they announce anything unless they have the Zimmerman end of things buttoned up.

    Parent

    maybe he's already in custody (none / 0) (#55)
    by Jeralyn on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:58:54 PM EST
    Maybe his lawyers told him Sunday when they last talked to him that he would be charged, maybe he called the prosecutor not give his version of events but to make arrangements to turn himself in, not wanting to continue with these lawyers. Maybe he called Sean Hannity to give his reaction to the charging decision, rather than his version of events, which is why Hannity wouldn't talk about what was said.

    Maybe he isn't being charged with any crime. Maybe he is going to be charged with a minor crime relating to his concealed weapons permit and not the shooting death of Trayvon.

    60 minutes to go and we'll have the answers.

    Parent

    According to CNN (none / 0) (#60)
    by jbindc on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 05:01:08 PM EST
    He has a new lawyer - Mark O'Mara.

    Parent
    My guess is Murder Two... (none / 0) (#29)
    by mike in dc on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:00:46 PM EST
    ...although the sentencing guidelines for Manslaughter in FL are pretty harsh, especially when a minor is killed.  If the evidence stacks up, the pressure to plead out may get fairly intense.

    how much to say? (none / 0) (#31)
    by markw on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:01:04 PM EST
    I wonder how much information about the case that Corey will release.  Let's say she is proceeding with manslaughter charges.  Will she give some information as to why the charges were brought (revealing information about voice analysis, witnesses, blood, etc.).  Or will she simply say that charges are being put forth and that the case will be tried in the courtoom?

    My guess is not much. (5.00 / 1) (#32)
    by indy in sc on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:04:22 PM EST
    She seems much smarter than Zimmerman's representatives to date.  She won't want to compromise the state's case against Zimmerman (more than it has already been compromised).  She'll say enough to substantiate probable cause for the charges, but she won't play her hand fully yet.

    Parent
    there isn't any question of his guilt. (none / 0) (#33)
    by cpinva on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:18:16 PM EST
    by his own admission, he shot and killed an unarmed 17 year-old. the only question to be answered at this point is: was he legally justified in doing so? that would be the whole purpose of having a trial.

    one thing i will be curious to see, assuming state's atty. corey does file charges against mr. zimmerman: what actually comes into evidence, and who are called as witnesses?

    i am not as convinced as most of the rest of you appear to be that charges will actually be filed, which might explain the 6pm time for the announcement, it keeps it until the 11pm news.

    I agree; she is a conservative (none / 0) (#35)
    by Towanda on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:25:56 PM EST
    so I have read, and supportive of such laws in general.  She also is said to be a smart prosecutor who proceeds only with solid evidence, which seems to be lacking, to gain convictions.  But perhaps there is more evidence surfacing -- the "new information"? -- than has been discussed.

    Parent
    Of course she'going to charge him. (none / 0) (#36)
    by jbindc on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:30:47 PM EST
    You think she's willing to let possible civil unrest and all kinds of backlash to unfold?

    Parent
    So sorry, I meant (none / 0) (#65)
    by Towanda on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 05:09:40 PM EST
    serious charges or slap-on-the-wrist charges.

    Parent
    that shouldn't have anything to do (none / 0) (#71)
    by cpinva on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 07:07:22 PM EST
    with whether or not she proffers charges against mr. zimmerman. if it does, then we've already gone down the rabbit hole.

    Parent
    Of course, it shouldn't. But (5.00 / 1) (#75)
    by Towanda on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 08:13:40 PM EST
    I've had to become accustomed of late to conservative politics encroaching into everything.

    Ya oughta see my AG, who won't act to uphold the state constitution, and my state supreme court that has conservative justices all censured and one up for worse now from the state bar for choking another justice.  And then there are some of my local-level sorts in law and order.  

    I've had to have a Catholic DA infamous for not prosecuting pedophile priests and abortion-clinic attackers, the former among the worst cases now facing the Vatican and the latter ending up in landmark RICO cases that went all the way to the Supreme Court, but still no action from the DA.

    And he was a librul.  I also have extremist right-wingers, a showboat sheriff and a police chief, who are even worse at politicizing every d*mn thing on a daily basis from every budget item to every shooting down to every case of littering.  

    And this is in an area considered sane and librul (read: not).  I can imagine the politics of race and ethnicity in this case in Florida -- and she is elected, after all, and wants to be elected again.

    So fergive me if I have to balance the way it oughta be with the way it is.  It's all politics, all the time now, in this hellish era in Murika.

    Parent

    It's not just politics (none / 0) (#76)
    by jbindc on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 09:53:44 PM EST
    You wanna be the one to come out and say "We're not charging him" and wait and see what kinds of protests, or eorse, riots, break out?

    Parent
    That IS a political factor (5.00 / 1) (#80)
    by sj on Thu Apr 12, 2012 at 11:29:38 AM EST
    You wanna be the one to come out and say "We're not charging him" and wait and see what kinds of protests, or eorse, riots, break out?
    I agree it could get ugly.  That is a purely political consideration.

    Parent
    Huh? How is any reaction (5.00 / 1) (#81)
    by Towanda on Thu Apr 12, 2012 at 02:43:35 PM EST
    to a political decision not political?

    Sure, as ever, some will become involved in riots unintentionally, and some will become involved in protests to find dates or from boredom.  I know, because I was there in the '60s, at both riots and protests, although neither unintentionally nor from lack of a social life or from boredom.

    But the main motivation of such protests and riots is political, reactive to politicians' decisions.  And DAs are politicians.  So your point is that there is more to politics than politics?  Well, yes, but that does not make political acts apolitical, not in their motivation and for most participants.

    Parent

    NBC (none / 0) (#37)
    by markw on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:31:36 PM EST
    It's the major headline at MSNBC.  I would be surprised if NBC News got a story as important as this so blatantly wrong.

    Parent
    LOL! (none / 0) (#40)
    by jbindc on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:34:48 PM EST


    Parent
    I believe it has been reported by law enforcement (none / 0) (#38)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:31:43 PM EST
    that charges will be filed.

    Parent
    asdf (none / 0) (#41)
    by Addison on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:37:27 PM EST
    i am not as convinced as most of the rest of you appear to be that charges will actually be filed, which might explain the 6pm time for the announcement, it keeps it until the 11pm news.

    I think that it's beyond question that charges will be filed. The reporting of "press conference" and "charges filed" was simultaneous, indicating to me that it's not media speculation about the charges, but in fact the existence of charges was part and parcel with the prosecutor's message to the press.

    In any case, the 5pm new and 11pm news are somewhat anachronistic concerns in the age of Twitter. By 6:05 p.m. 80% of the population of Central Florida will know what the charges are, 99% of the young black population. Yes, I'm guessing at the exact numbers, but I don't think local news schedules are the reason for the timing.

    Parent

    Florida TV Stations reporting (none / 0) (#43)
    by CoralGables on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:39:48 PM EST
    a 2nd degree murder charge is coming.

    AP (none / 0) (#45)
    by CoralGables on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:41:42 PM EST
    now reporting same thing

    Parent
    AP also reporting (none / 0) (#47)
    by CoralGables on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:43:43 PM EST
    Zimmerman is in custody.

    Parent
    They should (none / 0) (#58)
    by indy in sc on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 05:00:21 PM EST
    keep him in protective custody.  If he goes into a general prison population, it will not be pretty.  If they release him on bail pending trial, I'm not sure if he's any safer.

    Now to find an impartial jury...

    Parent

    If true (none / 0) (#53)
    by jbindc on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:55:17 PM EST
    Self defense is a legitimate defense, along with invoking the Stand Your Ground law.

    I found this on a website of a Florida criminal defense attorney (Richard Hornsby- I don't know of him, so take this FWIW) (my bold):

    Under the Stand Your Ground Law,a person who is attacked has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand their ground and meet force with force,including deadly force if it is reasonably believed necessary to to prevent death or great bodily harm or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.

    Also,the Stand Your Ground Law now allows a person to raise the issue of Self Defense both at a Pretrial Hearing and at trial.  As a result, if a judge finds that your actions were justified,the Judge is required to dismiss the charges and no trial is required. If the judge does not find your actions were justified,the defense can still be presented to a jury and they can make their own independent determination of whether your actions were justified.




    Parent
    except, of course, (none / 0) (#72)
    by cpinva on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 07:09:20 PM EST
    if the person claiming self-defense was, him/herself the aggressor, which appears to the case here. zimmerman stalked martin, not the other way around.

    Parent
    Except of course (none / 0) (#74)
    by jbindc on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 07:25:33 PM EST
    That's not what the law says if Martin threw the first punch.  Dince no one knows what really happened yet, that's a presumptive cimment to make.

    Parent
    If true, that's a bit surprising to me (none / 0) (#57)
    by shoephone on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:59:39 PM EST
    I would have expected man one. I won't speculate any further. We'll find out in a few minutes.

    Parent
    Florida Statutes (none / 0) (#44)
    by vicndabx on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:41:42 PM EST
    Link here.  I'm sure those of us w/o access to fancy lawyer tools will need something a little more pedestrian.

    Slate (none / 0) (#50)
    by AngryBlackGuy on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 04:49:02 PM EST
    I was just defending Slate to BTD and then Emily Brazelon posts what I thought was an excellent layman's level piece on why Zimmerman's lawyers were way out of line this week:

    Slate

    You all probably know what I think should happen to Zimmerman, but as a lawyer, I was pretty appalled by what his lawyers were saying.

    You don't (5.00 / 0) (#59)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 05:00:26 PM EST
    even have to be a lawyer to realize that Zimmerman's lawyers were not doing their job.

    Parent
    Agreed (none / 0) (#63)
    by AngryBlackGuy on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 05:07:46 PM EST


    Parent
    wev (none / 0) (#67)
    by sj on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 05:26:05 PM EST
    I'm sure there are other sources, too.

    Parent
    Second degree murder charge. (none / 0) (#61)
    by Angel on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 05:01:13 PM EST


    Live feed can be found ... (none / 0) (#62)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 05:07:13 PM EST
    ... HERE. Ms. Corey just announced it's a second degree murder charge, and that George Zimmerman turned himself in, and is in custody.

    let the games begin! (none / 0) (#73)
    by cpinva on Wed Apr 11, 2012 at 07:12:32 PM EST
    well, i expect this won't actually go to trial for weeks, if it actually makes it that far. presumptively, state's atty. corey has taken into account the "Stand Your Ground" law, in deciding on a charge, and feels she has sufficient evidence to overcome that defense. i expect mr. zimmerman will be offered the opportunity to plead out to a lesser charge, and be done with it.

    SITE VIOLATOR (none / 0) (#78)
    by shoephone on Thu Apr 12, 2012 at 02:28:04 AM EST
    SPAM

    Media Reports George Zimmerman to Be Charged With Crime Today | 80 comments (80 topical)

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