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George Zimmerman at court for his first bond hearing at the Seminole County Courthouse in Sanford, Fla., on April 20.
Neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman, who is now being held in solitary confinement, is scheduled to appear in a Florida court on Friday, seeking another chance to be released on bail after it was revoked by a judge.
Speaking to NBC News on Thursday, defense attorney Mark O’Mara said that his client, charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin on Feb. 26, presents no flight risk, no threat to the public and that the only question should be the bond amount required by the judge.
"If it is a truly large amount of money, then those supporters who are out there who have already supported him are going to have to sort of dig deeper into their pockets because quite honestly, I need him out to help me work on the defense,” said O’Mara. "We have, let's say, a hundred hours, 120 hours, of documents and videos and audios. I want him available to me so that I can interact with him."
"And jail is not supposed to be punishment before trial," he added. "It's only to ensure that you come back to the courtroom, and he has shown that time and time again."
Zimmerman was not arrested until several weeks after the shooting of Martin, who was walking through a gated neighborhood in Sanford, Fla. when the encounter took place. Zimmerman asserts that he acted in self-defense and pleaded not guilty to the second-degree murder charge.
Judge Kenneth Lester granted a request from O’Mara that Zimmerman be allowed to appear in court without shackles and wearing civilian clothes rather than his prison uniform.
O'Mara argued that with the heavy media presence outside the courthouse, the prison garb could damage Zimmerman's chances of getting a fair trial.
"We can't deny the fact that public perception is important," he told NBC. "Chains suggest incarceration. Chains suggest guilt."
Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton, parents of the victim Trayvon Martin, were planning to be in court for Zimmerman's bond hearing, lawyers for the Martin family told NBC News.
O’Mara said he did not expect Zimmerman’s wife, Shellie, to appear at the courthouse on her husband’s behalf, because of the risk that she might incriminate herself as she battles a perjury charge.
Shellie Zimmerman is accused of misleading the court at her husband's April 20 bond hearing, when she asserted that she did not know how much money was in a PayPal account set up for contributions to Zimmerman’s legal defense.
In recorded telephone conversations from jail prior to that date, Zimmerman and his wife appear to discuss — in thinly disguised code — the amount of money in the account, and he instructs her to make a series of transfers to other accounts, the prosecution charges. (Read original report.)
Special Prosecutor Angela Corey used the recordings to persuade the judge to revoke the original $150,000 bond for George Zimmerman, who was rearrested on June 3. Shellie Zimmerman was arrested on June 12, charged with perjury and released on $1,000 bond.
O’Mara said that if Zimmerman is released on bond, he would go back into hiding for his own safety. The shooting death of Martin, an unarmed black teenager, in February has stirred an emotional national debate about race, gun rights and the "stand-your-ground" laws like the one in Florida that use a broad definition of self-defense.
Meanwhile, Zimmerman is being held in protective custody in isolation at the Seminole County Jail in Sanford, Fla.
"He’s reading the Bible. He is just trying to get by," said O’Mara, when asked about Zimmerman’s mental state. "But he's very worried about Shellie. That's a primary focus of his. He wants out. He wants to be able to get forward with moving the case forward."
O’Mara dismissed as irrelevant new information reported by the Miami Herald that Zimmerman was a no-show for a scheduled deposition related to a civil lawsuit he had filed to recoup wages from a former employer.
In that incident, the court fined him $10,000 after lawyers, including one who flew in from Atlanta, waited an hour and a half for Zimmerman while trying to reach him, the Herald reported. Zimmerman ultimately did win $18,000 from the employers bankruptcy trustee, but the fine was never paid, it said.
In an email to the Herald, O’Mara said: "To the extents that courts concern themselves with a client’s appearance, missing a noticed or scheduled court proceeding is considered significant… (But) missing a deposition, while we don’t know why Mr. Zimmerman missed a deposition in a civil case, missing a deposition is not missing a scheduled court proceeding."
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Leave a Comment:
WOW not a bizzillion comments already?
How is this news? We have known since just after George turned himself in after bail was revoked that his new bail hearing was set for June 29, 2012. I guess we just needed that reminder so they could bring up the missed deposition... the one that was for his benefit and apparently had little impact considering he did win the suit. That he didn't pay the fine is strange as the settlement would have gone through the courts and they would have attached any outstanding moneys before giving the balance to George... or is FL truly that well off that they are just passing money out?
I have a comment.... ROT IN JAIL!!!!
I guess his supporters need to dig a bit deeper, remember he was trying to pay his personal debts also so if you people don't mind paying those too, and his lawyer now knows he can milk this for all its worth so his fee will probably more than double or triple, but I'm sure you people have really deep pockets.
The lack of comments may be due to the Supreme Court decision today. Not to worry, the bible thumping, gun toting right wing-nuts will be back.
So, trust_verify, how much are you donating to him as a showing of pro-murder?
I think he should remain incarcerated until his trial starts. Why should people dig deeper into their pockets, when he probably has other means of finances. His wife should be there along with him. Since they were both dishonest about their finances.
JohnSixty
So, trust_verify, how much are you donating to him as a showing of pro-murder?
At worst it is manslaughter. How much have you donated to the jesse and al fund.... er the one supposedly created in trayvons name but doesn't have his name or any real purpose. Have you been donating to the Martin travel fund? You know the one that they used to travel to London England? The one that funded their stay to travel to NYC to "protest" Stop & Frisk? Never mind the fact that they shot up another 30 and killed 8 in Chicago... Then Monday night one of the gang bangers shot an 8 year old to death while she was with her mother. Again everyone made this case about Race and national news... now we know it wasn't about race. The "reverends" have realized this is a cause they need to put some distance between because there isn't any money or headlines to be made and they don't give a frack about Black on Black crime even though it takes over 4000 Black lives a year. The MAJORITY of those lives being 14 to 24 year old Black males.
Despite how I feel about the case itself, it is clear that Zimmerman is a guy that lives by his own rules. Blowing off depositions, lying to the judge about finances, trying to use defense funds to pay off his own debts....and finally (one you all know) disregarding advice from dispatch.
Even if Trayvon was in the process of choking Zimmerman to death when he was shot, it doesn't change the fact that Zimmerman needs to start watching his a$$ and going by the book from now on. Trying to game the system is not going to help him in the long run.
George Zimmerman is guilty of taking the life of another human being. There is more than sufficient evidence that he was not defending himself. He is guilty of manslaugter until he can prove that he is innocent. Trayvon also deserves the benefit of innocent until proven guilty, even in his death. Yet you would rather ASSUME that Trayvon is guilty of assaulting Zimmerman with no proof aside from the murderer's own word. Why does one person get to be innocent until proven guilty, and not the other. What makes them different??
aburd1961
I agree with the second sentence. There should be enough money left in the fund as it stood at the hearing in April to cover his 10% for bond... even if they raise it significantly...
As another commentator stated O'mara sees money now... lets let the pot drain just a bit so he earns it rather than just running up the tab. If us armchair lawyers can see how to defend this he should have this handled with ease.
On the flip side.. Why keep George in jail before trial? Or are you a fan of 3 hots and a cot for free? I'm all for George remaining safe and if it cost him a little of the fund great.. less for the lawyer who is milking it after vowing to run the defense for free.
Look I think he's guilty of killing a child.
But what usually happens to someone who lies at a bail hearing? Idk.
ChrisFromCincy
Can't argue that... He admitted that fact already. We have his words (or is someone going to say he lied about shooting Trayvon and we should be looking for the sniper on the grassy knoll?)
Please point out that evidence. I won't hold my breath because you and I both know there is no such evidence.
Not sure where on the planet you are on... mexico, china, Africa, Iran? Here in the USA, last I checked Florida was in the USA, one is Innocent until proven guilty and the burden of proof is on the state/prosecution.
Trayvon isn't on trial. The only question regarding Trayvon is did he present a credible threat (was he capable of inflicting serious bodily injury or death)
Even if we presume mutual combat that makes them both guilty of assault. The proof is Georges injuries observed immediately when the police arrived on scene as well as the witnesses seeing a fight. George would have to be one heck of a masochist and a magician to not only break his own nose and bang the back of his own head while being observed by at least one witness immediately after the shot without being seen self inflicting those injuries.
One is about to go on trial. The other is in the ground and dead. That sounds cold but is the fact of the matter... like it or not George will be on trial based on the laws of Florida not the emotions of the court of public opinion that have been manipulated but the media and the "reverends"
I could point out that evidence all day, but the fact remains that you are no on the jury, and neither are the rest of us commenting here. It's funny how in one breath you can say that Zimmerman is innocent until he is proven guilty, but Trayvon does not get the same right from you people who claim that he attacked Zimmerman. Only one living person knows that, and he's being tried for murder. His word is questionable. How can you say that Trayvon is not on trial when he is being cited as the one who initiated this confrontation? He is very much on trial. On trial as a thug, and as an attacker of the Civic defender that is George Zimmerman. You cannot assume that Trayvon was a thug and initiated anything until you can prove it. All people have that right. Since Trayvon cannot speak for himself anymore, the evidence will do the speaking for him.
But this board is not in Florida, and he has a valid question. What basis do you use to condemn Trayvon Martin?
Zimmerman should not even be charged. He was protecting himself against an ignorant black that was slamming his head into the concrete. I would have shot the @!$%# also. He deserved what he got. Zimmerman should be set free. I am sick of blacks commiting the majority of the crime in this country when they are a minority. If they dont want to be racially profiled, then they need to stop commiting the majority of the crime!!!!!
Pr,
I think the same thing about whites and their child molesting and their mass murdering. All whites must be the same?
Wait I am white.
You where dropped when you where a baby, you know how I know that?
I am your daddy.
prj829, as soon as we even bring up race, it makes this a race issue. We know for a fact that Zimmerman took Martins life. There is no greater punishment for Martin. The least that both sides deserve is to have the evidence preserved, and the full story, as can be portrayed by the evidence, brought forward in due process to judge if the life that was lost was justified or not. Zimmerman deserves to justify his actions. If he has nothing to hide, then he should not have to worry.
prj289....."u are sick of blacks committing the majority of the crime when they are the minority"......so, u are whining cause u feel since whites are the majority then they should be committing all the crimes?
trust,
So spot-on, that I'm going to have to forgo reading the rest of the comments, because there is really no more to be said.
C'ya all on some other thread.
prj829
Zimmerman should not even be charged. He was protecting himself against an ignorant black that was slamming his head into the concrete. I would have shot the @!$%# also. He deserved what he got. Zimmerman should be set free. I am sick of blacks commiting the majority of the crime in this country when they are a minority. If they dont want to be racially profiled, then they need to stop commiting the majority of the crime!!!!!
_____
Zimmerman has shown repeatedly, beyond all doubt, that his word can't be trusted. He should be held in custody as probable flight risk.
many here feel that geoz should have been charged with a lessor crime and because of the overcharge may get off.
but then they continue to snipe about the media, al sharpton and jesse jackson bringing focus to this case without which there would have been no charges at all.
al sharpton and jesse jackson have done exactly what trayvon's parents requested of them. that was to bring focus to what happened and have geoz arrested.
if they were still around they would then be accused of needlessly fanning the flames.
i don't image the young white college grad who gathered the 2 million signatures online to also prompt geoz's arrest, is still gathering signatures.
aah huh! another one of these non existent racists.
prj829 -- Yeah, yeah. We all know what a punk a** bi*ch like you would do -- take that a** whipping, just like lil' Georgia did, and then pull a fire arm to make it stop. coward!
Jails not supposed to be a punishment before trial? Tell that to all of the minorities guilty until proven innocent. BUT! That aside he committed perjury. A minority named "Lil' Kim" did years for perjury so come off it. His wife needs to remain as well. He purposefully mislead the court which in a more familiar term is called lying or perjury in this case. He gave up his right to converse and be available to his lawyer when he did that and kept a second passport hidden from the court as well. ; ]
Come off it son your childish O'mara. ; ]
Cheers
So in any of those events u mentioned, was there any anomaly of the law that would draw the "revs" to call attention to it ?
LOL anomaly of law. Seriously? Their whole speech has been about killing of a child. Specifically BLACK children as apparently Non Blacks are not important to them. There were several Black on White incidents during the weeks that they were running their mouths.. er protesting in Sanford. Not ONE word about them. There were and have since been MULTIPLE on MULTIPLE Black on Black killings including in multiple victim incidents and not a word about them from the "revs"
They weren't protesting the SYG law, other than claiming it was racially inspired or bias. I would hope that someone protesting the loss of a life would protest the loss of any life.
For the past 4 weekends there have been multiple shootings with over 20 injured and at least 6 dead per weekend including both Black male and female children in Chicago and not a word... Even the POTUS was in town one weekend for a round og golf and not a word. This is weekend 5. The temperatures are predicted to be at or above 100 before any heat index. History shows when the temps are up in low income dense , and even not so dense, urban areas that violent crime goes up. I can almost cut them some slack three weeks back as they were doing a civil rights protest in NYC over Stop & Frisk but they haven't even given lip service to the events in Chicago
This will sound cold hearted and gruesome but I'm betting 35 or more shot/injured and 7 dead this weekend. I'm not sure which weekend Chicago will celebrate the 4th on or if they will simply keep it on Wednesday. That will probably raise the injury and body count. I'm willing to say that the "reverends" won't say a thing until some "aspiring" Black male athlete is shot by a non Black.
And please don't say they need more laws against guns... it is virtually ILLEGAL for any non police officer to possess a firearm within Chicago city limits. Prima facie evidence that if we outlaw guns only outlaws will have guns. Even if one has a IL FOID they can't take a gun into city limits.
I believe he's guilty of a crime, perhaps voluntary manslaughter, but also believe he's entitled to reasonable bail until the outcome is resolved. I just hope he doesn't end up walking.
Tell that to a dead person.
Tell that to the mother who's mourning her dead child.
Tell that to the father who's mourning his dead child.
most people don't get the general public to pay their bail, so what amount do you consider "reasonable" taking into consideration even the $125k wasn't going to come from his/his familys pockets anyway?
msfruhauf
MOST people never post their own money. They pay 10% to an agency so only the 10% or 15000 was coming out of the family pockets. Fair and reasonable is what is normal and customary for someone awaiting trial who has demonstrated REPEATEDLY that they are not a flight risk.... THAT is what bail is all about. It is NOT supposed to be some form of punishment. Punishment is only meted out to those who are found guilty in a court of law.
CaseyTK
Tell that to a dead person.
Generally don't talk to the dead... and if we see them walking around we have other problems than saying something to them.
The mother who has taken how many months off from her public service job? (with pay?) and is traveling on someone elses dime. Not much different than George except he doesn't have paid time off.
Also traveling like mom.. on someone elses dime... with the mom... I wonder how "one of his girlfriends" er um fiance' is dealing with that.
Why are you not also bringing up his future step mother or step brother? Or weren't they traumatized by what happened that night and since then?
The only thing worse than a bleeding heart is someone making like they care and faking a bleeding heart.
Way to discredit the generosity of others towards a grieving family, Trust. Who are you to question how someone reacts to having their child taken from them by another person? You should be ashamed of your lack of compassion.
ChrisFromCincy
I'm human. I question the parents actions which speak louder than their words.
What have I to be ashamed of? have I stated anything that is false? The shame should be on those who would make a dime on Trayvons death. It doesn't get much lower than that. Many in the martin camp are angry that George is getting private support from the public to remain safe yet don't seem to take issue that the Martins are traveling on charitys dime for other causes. Real remorse there. I wish someone would offer me a free trip to London, NYC and other places to simply sit or "march" and have my photo taken... I guess I might take issue with having others speak for me though and when I make a statement they don't like I get sequestered away and they tell the world I misspoke.
Because you would happily judge a dead person and their family with such irreverence, and not extend the same scrutiny to Zimmerman and his families actions.
He has already been tried by the media.Hope you never have this kind of biased judgement put on you.
It's not as bad as you think. But I'm sure it's enlightening for him, he now has the same bias against him that Trayvon Martin did.
By default, people now think Zimmerman is murderous, a liar, unstable, not smart, etc. It's the same hateful things African American men go through just for doing things like buying skittles or tea.
Go ahead and keep defending blacks, John........that way nobody thinks you're a bigot. I'll continue to recognize the inconvenient truth that young black males commit far more violent crimes than whites, attain a stereotype because of the actions they partake in, are more often murderers and robbers, and comprise around 60% of the prison population, although they only comprise about 15% of the population.
Blacks don't endure any kind of hate for buying Skittles or tea. They do, however, endure anger for doing things like committing violent crimes, attacking whites out of racial hatred and so on.......When they stop acting like this and start acting like civilized, law abiding human beings, I'll stop looking at them with suspicion.
And don't bother calling me a racist, because I don't hate anyone for the color of their skin. It's actions, attitude, demeanor and conduct that makes me dislike people.
edub, regardless of those inconvenient truths, this one still deserves to be innocent until he is proven guilty. There are more than enough inconsistencies in Zimmerman's version of events and the evidence to suggest that a thorough investigation needed to be undertaken for BOTH Martin and Zimmerman to protect both of their rights. Both deserve to be innocent until proven guilty, and those of you who are suggesting that we listen to one side and accept it are on the wrong side of a key tenant of the USA.
BOTH of them deserve the right to be innocent until proven guilty.
ChrisFromCincy
Please take this in the spirit it is meant and not some underhanded or backhanded insult.
I'm glad you acknowledge those "inconvenient truths" Actually caught me off guard considering many of the other commentators that speak along the same side as yourself. I admit I stereotyped you by those comments.
I will defend my position, and in the end it will set me apart from a lot of other people. Regardless of my opinions about this case, I'm more interested in seeing that both of these people get a fair shot at justice. I have said from the start that as soon as a life was lost, then BOTH parties had rights. They both had the right to have ALL of the evidence collected so they could be judged fairly. That got botched badly, and the appearance was that Zimmerman may have had some strings pulled. That is not justice. Everyone has the same rights....
Zimm was acting as his own neighborhood watch days before Trayvon killing where Zimm was checking the windows and doors to see if they were unlocked. DID ANYONE ask him from the neighborhood to do this? I know if that loser was walking up to my front door and opening it to see if it was unlocked he would be charged with unlawful entry or knocked on his ass, or shot as a burgler. So did anyone from the neighborhood give him permission to open doors and check windows?
And just to make sure I say it Trust, thank you for your last comment. Honestly, I'm not saying that stereotypes don't exist, nor am I saying that they are not earned. I believe that should be a case by case judgement, and not applied with a broad brush from afar as many seem to have done in this case.
:)
starsailing : how is that relevant ? wazy to focus in on som ething that doesn't matter AT ALL !
Steve...?.....DUH?....Stranger walking around...opening doors to homes...then calling police to have them secure them.......Maybe you have people on medication walking your neighborhood opening doors when no one is home.........NOT IN MINE!.....Zimmerman is not a cop, not an approved neighborhood watch person.
You know, if he was wearing some tights and a cape.. and had super powers...I might give him some slack for acting that way. Unfortunately there was no Bat signal light that night in the sky over Gotham city.
Ya think he has some deep mental health issues citizen?
Don't worry, most of America doesn't follow ppl looking for an address on the back of a teens ass just because......only stupid is as stupid does, does that!
I think anytime someone leaves the house with a concealed weapon he means to use it. He can yell self defense all he wants but against a younger person whom he probably outweighed by 40 pounds, his gun never needed to be taken out. He should have never,as he was told by the police operator, have been in a situation that would have required the use of a gun. He confronted Trayvon and scared him. Even a cornered animal will attempt to defend itself against a larger animal when it feels its life threatened. Trayvon was within his rights trying to defend himself against an unreasonable aggressor. Unfortunately, George Zimmerman was looking to try out his gun against a live target and went looking for one. Very sadly, he found a teenaged Trayvon Martin buying candy and an iced tea to watch the basketball game and killed him. No excuses for Mr. Zimmerman. He is guilty beyond a doubt.
This little liar should stay in jail. He is a cold blooded murderer. He has lied again and again to the judge. The court should take all money from the racist who sent him money. They should throw his wife and father in jail for obstruction of justice. Case closed until trial.
TRAYVON PHOTOS 9 days before death.
Search Google for "Final Memories: Trayvon Martin 9 Days Before His Death (PHOTO) Posted April 14, 2012 by Amir Rowe"
UNARMED TRAYVON PHOTOS ON THE GRASS DEAD
Search Google for "Trayvon's tragic end: The dead teenager's body lying under a yellow tarpaulin after he was killed in a gated community in Sanford, Florida"
Actually GZ passed a lie detector test 100%. Learn the facts. he's a hero.
Shaun, it was a voice stress test, which is inadmissible as evidence and somewhat easily passed. Learn the facts, he's a murderer
Hearing that Audio today convinced me he shot the kid in cold blood, I always thought it was by accident but I've dealt with Audio for over 25 years and there is no way the Voice was Zimmerman, the kid was yelling for help three times before he shot him, that is murder not manslaughter, no wonder he is lying through he teeth, if the Kid was beating him as he stated why would the kid be yelling for help. I felt bad for Zimmerman but not anymore he should be found guilty but because the police did not do their jobs correctly there is a possibility he will walk, the Chief should have been fired that first week and most of the officers connected with the case, and they also should investigate Zimmerman's father for hindering prosecution if it is found that he contacted the police that night. It won't matter if he walks he will never be safe, Karma is a Bitch.
Do you even know the subject that is being talked about?
Justmy53andme
So supporting a person one believes to be innocent makes them racist? Where did you stand with Crystal Gail Mangum and the Duke lacrosse team?
Shaun-4252305
NOT really. Don't devalue the word or qualities that make a hero. Don't get me wrong I believe, based on the evidence so far, that George was within the law.. He is by no means a hero. He didn't save anyone or anything of value. He made stupid choices and got lucky. He could be the one dead and Trayvon would be in his place with much less support and many more haters than George has.
Presuming George goes free, which IMO he should, he would be wise to take whatever money and assets he has left and go into hiding like Casey Anthony. The moment he comes out and attempts to claim he is some sort of hero, there are a whole list of people, including supporters, more than wiling to wipe the smile off his face. I for one am supporting his rights to a fair trial based on the law rather than emotion. Other than the assault he needlessly took a life... while he was within the law we are talking paper thin within. George had better hope a jurist doesn't sneeze and miss some small detail that brings up reasonable doubt.
For me with the Duke Lacrosse team, I thought she was lying and she should have been put in jail first thing. Her story didn't add up right, sounded like she had sex with them and was trying to drain them out of money.
For all the racist blacks I am making a major donation to the Zimmerman defense fund. I will continue to make sizable contributions for every negative comment against Zimmerman. Thanks for your lies and hate.
This is getting old people are moving on they don't care about this, it is old news. Now O'Mara you don't need people to dig deep to support this guy. He did this to himself guilty or not. Secondly, you can visit your client any time and any where in the jail. You are an attorney that is a priviledge given to you as an officer of the court.
From the lack of interest your client isn't going to get anymore money. The money he first recieve he used and hid in secret accounts for living expenses. He scammed the people. Let him stay in jail, he claims he fears for his life.
Okay! I can agree with that given the coverage and the miss handling by Sanford P.D.. So then jail is the safest place in the world for this guy especially since he is isolated from the general population. If some one wanted to kill him there they would have to drop a bomb on the place. So there is no reason he should be out especially if he is that fearful someone might try kill him. I partly believe his fear is justified but from the lies and deceit I think his claim of fearing for his life is boggus and just another lie to get him out in public.
If he stays in jail he goes to trial, if he gets out on bond someone might try to kill him and then there is no trail. I want him to have his day in court and to prove his innocence or guilt give him life by staying in jail and give him a trial so we can all see once and for all what the facts are and who is guilty for this stupid crime and who is innocent of the the behaviors of that night. I say stupid crime because some one lost their life over what a suspicion.
Most likely, he'll get released with a higher bond and tighter restrictions, quite possibly an ankle bracelet. The issue of his lying and the lying of his wife, their collusion while in jail will come up in trial to attack his credibility. Zimmerman's credibility is a serious problem for the defense because they will want to put him on the stand, but as soon as they do, the jury will hear about his lying.
Jury's have a serious problem with a defendant lying because the question is this: "Ok, you admit to lying then, but you admit you are not lying now. OK, so which time are you lying?" As you can see, there is no good answer to that if it's you in the stand because the answer is the same, you're a liar.
So then the answer is this. If you are confronted with a police problem or a court issue be honest and fess up to it. I have gone to court on traffic tickets the first one as a teenager I lied to the judge, he gave me six weekends in jail.
Years later I got another ticket. I went before the judge and said; Sorry sir, I wasn't paying attention to my speed so I have to plead guilty. I got a twent- five dollar fine.
Don't try to out fox the judicial system if you do and you get caught it makes things alot harder on you period. Honesty always wins out!!!!
Good Point.
Jerry-759068,
Though I can appreciate your honesty approach and throwing yourself on the mercy of the court. However, if you have an attorney, this may not wise. In Zimmerman's case, it was only a bond hearing and a in such he was required to give financial data and passport information to the court. All of this was filtered through his attorney. It's not OK to deceive the court, but it's OK not to say anything.
This was only a bond hearing and he wanted his freedom. The charges are very serious against him. It's normal for the court to consider the weight of the charges against a person desire to stay put or flee if they are out of jail. Zimmerman had a choice. If he wanted freedom, he had to give some assurances he would not flee. That is usually done with financial security to the court and surrendering his passport.
In deciding to give the information to the court in exchange for his freedom, he took the risk of lying. Something he did not need to do. He also lied about his passport. Surely this was even worse.
Ok, he got a truck load of money in donations for his defense. All he had to do was tell the court that this money is for his defense, sign it over to his lawyer. His bond would most likely been the same. And he should have been honest about his two passports.
Now he has the problems he has.
If I was the defense attorney, I would have serious problems putting him on the stand.
Just Wondering Aloud
I don't have the FACT on this but usually when being sworn in the oath reads something like "The truth, the WHOLE truth and nothing but the TRUTH. I wish we had that document he signed so we could see what he claimed on the form. Since he wasn't questioned by the court in court he obviously can't be held for perjury there but that form could be a real albatross.
All the same the bail hearing had little to do with the events of the night of the shooting. And unless George is charged and convicted on perjury it will be difficult to introduce that misstep into the 2nd degree murder trial. Even if shellie somehow takes the stand during the trial and has full immunity O'mara will object to ANY and all questions about the bail hearing as it lacks relevance.
Even without the bail hearing issues George is not take the stand material. He comes across as weak. mealy mouth, lacking confidence in what he is saying. Even if George took the stand to testify that the sun rose in the east and set in the west and everyone had been outside and seen it raining that day they would have a difficult time believing it when George stated it was so, on the stand. George is his own worst enemy and I say that while in his corner.
This scumbag does not work. He murdered an american kid. He paid all his bills with donations from NRA members, kkk, racist, haters and whoever. He is safer in jail and more productive sitting there thinking about how he murdered an innocent kid.
1) Us donating members want him to pay his bills... Otherwise why donate if you can't win?
2) He is NOT a racist, conjecture.
3) That innocent kid is a thug who deserves what he got.
WOW Just aren't you the pot calling the kettle black you have any proof to back up your claims that racist sent him money .
So the black kid does not get to be innocent until proven guilty? Nice double standard Shaun.
Shaun:: Trayvon was a thug? Why? Because he was a black kid? And in your weak mind all black kids are thugs?
And GZ is what in your weak mind? The guy who assaulted a cop is a great guy? The guy who has runins with the law in the past? Oh that's right-- he is not a black kid so he is a great guy.
Thank the Lord I don't live anywhere near you. I am white-- I can tell I have more brains than you do. And your brain isn't between your ears.
And Shaun:: I hope some white thug beats the crap out of you. After all, that would be something you deserve.
I am the mother of a 17 year old African American son. As I read this all I see is people who see my son walking down the street with a powerade & oatmeal pie as the enemy. Your ignorance doesn't let you see that he is an honor roll student he's wearing sweats & a hoodie cause he's coming home from football, cross country or track practice. Yet you can call what was still a child a thug with such abandon. So what is it that you call the 17 year old caucasian boy who drives past my son throws a bottle & calls him a @!$%#? This is what is so wrong with our society today grown people would rather judge first well I will leave it all to the legal system. Killing anyone is wrong the circumstances of Trayvon's death wrong. He wasn't breaking into homes or vandalizing property he was walking home. I am raising 2 young black men to be assets to our society and would like for some of you to realize that to generalize only causes confusion. Disappointed in the words I read from what seem to be people of intelligence.
I promise I am telling the truth this time. He is toast and knows it. He has probably asked his wife to get him another passport with some of that money people sent for his defense. A couple of thousand will buy him a pretty good fake. Cant trust ol George as far as you can throw him.
GZ passed a lie detector test 100% You call that a lie? I call it more then half the people involved in this case.
It was a voice stress test Shaun. Keep ignoring the facts, and just make your own story up to fit your beliefs. Why do you want to exonerate Zimmerman based on his word, instead of due process?
Shaun,
Give it a break. You're talking out of your ass. No pun but, you're also looking racist not to mention you're definitely profiling black Americans.
When I read all your above comments, I have reason to believe you sent some cash into GZ's account no doubt.
GZ made his bed, and now, he has to sleep in it. He's also a marked man for the rest of his life.
Shaun,
The results of a lie detector test are so unreliable that they are not allowed as evidence. I personally have lied and passed such a test, when I was a teenager, so I know first hand how unreliable they are. Regardless of his guilt or innocence , passing that test means absolutely nothing. Makes me wonder, had he failed the test, would his supporters be jumping on the.. "we all know the results are unreliable" band wagon??
Tex,
It was actually a "voice stress test."
GZ would most likely pass any lie detector test because he really believes he did nothing wrong which would explain it however, many of us feel otherwise.
Maybe zimmy and sandusky can share a cell together. Both are most hated today.
I do not think they are hated, I think they are just guilty as hell.
Nice try Justmy. Sandusky has everyone hating him. Zimmerman still has quite a few friends as evidenced in his financial support to defend himself.
Bullsh** this is not manslaughter, this was MURDER!
I guess his supporters will keep throwing the manslaughter charger around until the people are comfortable with hearing the term, Zimmerman straight out killed a teenager, not manslaughter he committed MURDER!
problem is its not 1st degree due to no-premeditation so its 2nd degree alas worse GZ will get is a min of 15 and max of life no Potassium cyanide cocktail for GZ :(
You both were there? Do the police know that? You would not be speculating about it would yous? Are you starting to feel dumb about now? If so you should.
Nice try Larry. I'm sure those of us, who believe that Trayvon still has the right to be innocent until proven guilty too, are not feeling dumb at all. And why should we? All of you GZ supporters are saying that Trayvon got what he deserved.... for what? Where is his innocence until he is proven guilty?
ChrisFromCincy
Have you been taking lessons from the "reverends"? Trayvon is DEAD and buried. He is not on trial and was not on trial. NOTHING is going to change THAT. Whether Trayvon "got what he deserved" he is dead. He wasn't without fault. The question before the court will be was Trayvon enough at fault for George to go free. But lets go with your repeated "argument" What if we do try Trayvon and find him innocent? Will that bring him back?
I never said it would bring him back. If it was your son, would you want to make certain that the world knew the real story, and did not jump to conclusions?? I just believe that Trayvon still deserves to have the truth be known instead of buried.
ChrisFromCincy
That is how your comment reads.. whether you meant it that way or not. The "bashing" I have done of Trayvon has been the same as the Martin camp has done with George as a demonstration of just how things get twisted... They both had past "challenges". Those challenges formed their attitudes as they met up that night.
I'm not sure why, other than court dockets being full, that it takes so long to get cases like this to trial. That would eliminate much of the trash talking. This seems to be a straight forward case. There is precedent in case law dealing with the statutes involved. Two people met at a specific place, got into a fight, exchanged blows, and one was shot dead... while the devil is in those details we are talking about 5 to 30 minutes of time of which all but about 3 minutes or less were actually recorded or observed by third parties. The only real question is does the shooter meet the legal requirements of the laws or did he break them? The actual trial should last about 4 to 8 days... depending on how the lawyers dance. I don't see this judge allowing a lot of redundant video/audio. 12 or so calls to 9-1-1 recordings lasting 5 minutes or less... 3hours of court time? Georges interviews were perhaps 10 hours including the reenactment? 20 hours of court time as there will only be pieces played in court. There's a week or so. Double that to get to 8 days. The jury will deliberations will either be short and decisive... under two hours... or drag out. If it goes past 2 days it will end in a hung jury. The only caveat on that deliberation time is if there are more than the 6 or so charges we are aware of at the first list of charges.
Trust...
You said;
I'm not sure why, other than court dockets being full, that it takes so long to get cases like this to trial.
I'll tell you. If you're facing many years behind bars, you'll want your lawyer to take all the time in the world to bank as much evidence in your favor as they can.
Secondly, there are thousands of cases out there to be tried. GZ is in line and will have his day in court.
Trust, you are right that there is bashing being done on both sides. I disagree with that bashing equally. I will, however, stand up for a dead boy whose life was taken from him wrecklessly regardless of his color or his upbringing. He does not deserve this legacy, and it damages other "people like him". Be that blacks, youth, males, hoodie wearers, or snapple drinkers. The generalizations drawn by some of the people who are supporting Zimmerman on this site are downright disheartening. And sounds as though you are saying that once you are dead, that nothing else matters, and we should just move forward. We don't need homicide detectives if that is the case, because finding out how someone actually died is not relevant in your book, right?
The facts are still the facts. And both parties in the issue still deserve their due process, even in death. Had that been extended to Trayvon from the start, this case would have been much less noticed.
And just what was not extended to Trayvon in reality? The claims that he wasn't identified or his parents weren't notified for 3 days has been debunked. The toe tag may not have been changed in that time but there is no question his father knew where he was.
That George was released while the investigation proceeded was a matter of LAW. They even cite it in the latest 29 page information release. The police are not only required by law do let someone out until they investigate but are $$$$$ liable if they don't once someone reasonably claims Self Defense. Reasonable being in this case that there were injuries consistent with the story given and no obvious evidence that there was cause for an arrest.. George stayed there until police took him into custody. Had he left the scene or done more shooting or tampered with the scene there would have been cause for arrest.
Be honest. Had the RACE CARD not been thrown "white neighborhood watch captain kills black child" this story would barely make state news or a slow day national page 3. It is QUITE obvious race was not a real factor other than Trayvon matched the descriptions of those committing crimes in the area. Sorry, it isn't even a stereotype. If the crimes were being committed by purple 3 eyed midgets in platform shoes every 3 eyed purple midget with or without platform shoes who walked into the neighborhood would be suspect. Even the one eyed purple midgets would be looked at with trepidation.
Presuming your name is an indication you live in Cincinnati OH... If a White 45 year old in a $1000 suit walks into OTR after 11 at night doesn't that raise some flags? What is the likely outcome on a Saturday night? Especially if he shows some bling.
Creek Dog
Tough for George.. Look at Sandusky. They attempted that game. The evidence is there, good or bad. There is little that can or will change other than eyewitness testimony. The longer it drags out the more likely they will testify more against George than in favor of him
I sort of said that already when I mentioned the docket being full.
Again my view is that this is one of the few cases where things are rather cut and dry in the evidence/facts area from a legal perspective Two people met in an open area, had words, had a physical altercation, a gun came into play, someone admits to pulling the trigger, the police arrived before things could be changed in any way, the witnesses gave statements in very short order. Waiting one day or 1000 years won't change those things, other than witness testimony of what they think they heard or saw. Especially if they read or watch the news or talk to each other. How many witnesses have seen 6'4" midgets with black and blue eyes that were blonde bald wearing a ski mask and sunglasses. and left handed holding the black chromed semi automatic revolver with a scope in their right hand? And lets not forget it was night and the crook was holding a bright light in the witnesses eyes around the corner two blocks away.
we cant escape the fact he GZ had a 2nd passport and the judge knew nothing about it and remember zimmerman and his wife were speaking in code cause they were up to no good so i say let him sit in the cell till trial!!!
Let him sit a jail cell by himself with nothing to read and no TV. His bullshxx attorney says he is reading the bible. Good, Keep reading. Then convict him and give him the full twenty years. He has lied about everything. Once he is in jail turn him loose with the BROTHERS. They will save the State of Florida the twenty years prison time.
Reading the Buybull, yeah that will help you George.
Hey Big, remember when all those haters were blogging about all travon's pictures were of ahim when he was younger and why don't they show how he really looks? I say why is Zimmerman lawer telling these people to dig deeper and send some more money and talking about he is in jail reading the bible. What a load of crap!!!!! We all know the kind of person Zimmerman is and it's not a pure at heart christian like the lawer is trying to make him out to be.
I didn't know he had brothers in jail.
Fake hollowed out bible.......reading KKK manual hidden inside....
O'Mara is an arrogant ahoe. I am not so sure he is not insulting what little intelligence GZ's contributors have by saying they need to dig deeper in their pockets for Georgie & Shellie so they can upgrade their lifestyle and O'Mara doesn't have to do this probono. Jose did his lawering in jail and look where Casey is now. LOL
Yeah his lawyer knew the rules and thought he and Zimmerman could get away with being dishonest. I didnt think he was a threat before but now I think he needs to stay in jail.
You know what gets me mad about this Zimmerman...All his life on all of his applications for his race, He always checked that he's WHITE. After the shooting he wants to be SPANISH. Thats not fair to White people, I have a ton of white friends civilain, Veterans, High School, College and when I served in the NAVY. I love them dearly, a whole lot( in the navy its only navy blue). Zimmerman's just a moron, and so is his lawyer and the people who gave money to him on pay-pal and his wife is also ugly too. A ten on the ugly meter...A TOTAL MEG,,I take that back,, i love meg from family guy..and the birds the word..
donnie you are right, the birds the word. (HeHeHe)
donnie-3057895
I'm not certain what side you are on... presuming the Martins... but I, being in Georges corner (note not side) have to agree with what you said here. Anchors aweigh shipmate... ok my ship was haze grey but only went out to clear coffee grounds. I do have to disagree about those who gave money as being morons. Most gave in the spirit of a fair trial... before O'mara "volunteered" his services. From last I heard the new fund isn't getting that much income... we know how lawyers are.
and yes Im a black man..like Peter from family guy would say " well then, im a black guy"..lol
"He’s reading the Bible. He is just trying to get by," said O’Mara"
Give me a f_cking break. Keep the vigilante in jail where he belongs.
gill tea
May be, hung ju ry. Ice cold Cor rona for me.
He's a cold blooded killer and the only place for him is prison. Unfortunately, the death sentence is off the table so prison is the only alternative for sociopaths like him. His lack of conscience is pretty evident.
He sure has a hard working lawyer - who's probably milking this to build up his future business.
When is the actual trial anyway? How much evidence gathering did they need to do ?
This is not a Sherlock Holmes who-done-it mystery, you know.
The Fact is he lied already and he s lying about his story, which is a story cause he killed a unarmed boy, which he and his ugly wife can both be locked up for LIFE AND NO GETTING OUT. KEEP THAT S.O.B IN JAIL then throw the key away.
Biased are we? Don't believe in innocent until PROVED guilty beyond a reasonable doubt? Perhaps you would be more comfortable in a communist country.
they are racist
Truer words could not be spoken. I am sure the Obama/Holder team in all their corrupt glory have ordered the judge to make the bail abnormally high to break the Zimmerman family so they cannot defend themselves against Obama/Holders Kangaroo Court. For those who choose to convict without a fair trial I can only hope the same Karma finds you someday.
Larry, man you just straight up hate the president don't you? There is nothing in this article at all about the president but you just had to get him in there didn't you? Man you are a piece of work.
Wow Larry, really, you had to try to spin this into an anti Obama story? Really? Stuff like that, these desperate attempts by Obama haters to turn others against him, diminish the tangible arguments against him that could be made. Hey, I read a story about tropical storm Debby, why don't you hit that one and blame it on Obama. Fire in Colorado, you need to jump on all the articles about that and vent about how it is all Obama's fault. Really, you can't do better than this?
I do not want this Pig S()t walking the streets. If he came near me I would feel that he would do grave injuries to me and I would have to stand my ground and shoot and kill him with my 45AUTO.
No he should not be free but should be held for flight risk, protection, and above all. So he can't kill again.
So if that happened you should be convicted in the court of public opinion like him?
So if that happened you should be convicted in the court of public opinion like him?
I find it amusing that you are posting on a public opinion forum complaining about people publicly voicing their opinion....
And so, as the world turns....... most learn nothing. As far as people giving GZ there money, ain't nothin' to me. I told this other Moron who is in love with GZ, "Man, you can give him all your food stamps as far as I'm concerned. My mother repeated P.T. Barnum, who said, "There's a sucker born every minute". Naw, it's gotta' be at least every three seconds these day's. I'll go to my grave, ready for heaven and just scratchin' my head. I will NEVER understand some of the people in this world. Oh well, time to listen to some smooth jazz, yeah, now that's good stuff!!!
How many times has someone got hit in the head and got killed. a lot. even lately . lets have all the big mouths that think the know everything shut up and get this over with. its getting to old
Exactly why Travon had reason to worry about his safety. Some unknown idiot refusing to identify himself stalking him and reaching into his pocket like he had a weapon. Travon was doing nothing wrong. He had a right to defend himself, and an understandable reason to fear for his safety.
Right! Trayvon certainly had a right to STAND HIS GROUND.
This case is so bizarre, and why people will not see the injustice for this kid Trayvon, is just beyond any logic. It is so blatantly wrong. GZ should have been locked up long ago.