RSSGeorge Zimmerman Defense Team Seek ‘Stand Your Ground’ Hearing in Death of Trayvon Martin … Could Potentially Clear Zimmerman … But Can Zimmerman Win Such a Hearing?
Could George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch man who shot and killed Trayvon Martin in Sanford, FL be cleared of all charges?
The defense team for Zimmerman is seeking a “Stand Your Ground” hearing claiming that his client shot Trayvon Martin in self defense. That might be some what hard to prove seeing that Martin was unarmed; however, pictures and accounts of Zimmerman showed that he was beaten up rather badly. Although, due to the political and racial nature that this case has taken, I find it almost impossible to believe that a lone judge would dismiss the case even though there does not appear to be enough evidence to prove second degree murder.
Zimmerman’s defense attorney Mark O’Mara announced on his website Thursday that there will be a “Stand Your Ground” hearing based on his client’s claim he shot the unarmed teen in self-defense. A finding in Zimmerman’s favor would end the criminal case against him, as well as immunizing him from civil action.
“Now that the State has released the majority of their discovery, the defense asserts that there is clear support for a strong claim of self-defense. Consistent with this claim of self-defense, there will be a ‘Stand Your Ground’ hearing,” said O’Mara in a statement.
The law allows people to use deadly force, rather than retreat, if they believe their lives are in danger.
O’Mara described the hearing as a “mini-trial,” with arguments, witnesses, experts and evidence that would be included in a criminal trial, but without a jury.
Defense attorney Mark O’Mara discusses the “Stand Your Ground” hearing particulars at George Zimmerman Legal Case.
Since the beginning, there has been a rush to judgement in the case against George Zimmerman. Since the first day of his involvement, Mr. O’Mara has emphasized that people should be patient and wait for the evidence to be released before forming opinions about the case.
Now that the State has released the majority of their discovery, the defense asserts that there is clear support for a strong claim of self-defense. Consistent with this claim of self-defense, there will be a “Stand Your Ground” hearing.
In the case against George Zimmerman, a “Stand Your Ground” hearing will essentially be a mini-trial. Most of the arguments, witnesses, experts, and evidence that the defense would muster in a criminal trial will be presented in the “Stand Your Ground” hearing.
There are significant differences between a “Stand Your Ground” hearing and a trial. In a “Stand Your Ground” hearing, there is no jury; the decision is made by the judge alone. (more)
The Orlando Sentinel asks can George Zimmerman win a ‘Stand Your Ground’ Hearing? If it were any other defendant in any other legal case Zimmerman might have a chance. However, from the outset when the liberal MSM decided to slant and skew the coverage of facts, prior to the race baiters getting involved in the case and President Barack Obama interjecting himself in the matter Zimmerman may have had a chance. Also, Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester Jr. has already characterized Zimmerman as a manipulator and a liar. It is almost impossible to believe that Zimmerman can win a ‘Stand your Ground’ hearing with the racial and political climate.
What Zimmerman must make clear is that he was afraid of Trayvon, she said.
And to qualify for immunity under Florida’s “stand your ground” law, his fear must be reasonable and he must have believed that unless he acted immediately, he would have died or been severely injured.
Zimmerman’s account to authorities, on its face, appears to comport with the law, Tennis said, but there is one major drawback: “[He] doesn’t do so well on the stand,” she said. “That’s a huge worry.”
Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester Jr. has already characterized the 28-year-old Zimmerman as a manipulator who, along with his wife, hid $130,000 and a second passport from the court.
O’Mara has not yet said what he’ll do about Lester, who rejected Zimmerman’s request to step down from the case. O’Mara has 30 days to decide whether to appeal.
Posted August 10, 2012 by Scared Monkeys Crime, George Zimmerman, Legal - Court Room - Trial, Murder, Trayvon Martin | 4 comments |
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4 Responses to “George Zimmerman Defense Team Seek ‘Stand Your Ground’ Hearing in Death of Trayvon Martin … Could Potentially Clear Zimmerman … But Can Zimmerman Win Such a Hearing?”
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This trial is going to be a complete Media Frenzy/Nightmare.
Not sure I will even have the stomach or desire to watch it either.
My heart goes out to Trayvon Martin’s Family for the loss of a Son, but I still don’t see how Zimmerman is going to get a fair trial with all the exposure and media spin.
I still think he is an Idiot along with his Wife for lying to a judge about the donated money they raised for his legal fees and other expenses.
This whole case makes me irritable, frankly.
It is almost impossible to believe that Zimmerman can win a ‘Stand your Ground’ hearing with the racial and political climate.
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Also, it is my understanding that at the “stand your ground” hearing, Zimmerman does not have the benefit of the doubt, meaning he must prove HIS case, and the reasonable doubt goes to the prosecution.
Mr. Zimmerman was in jail when the defense fund was set up. Do we know for certain that he was aware of the amount collected? Probably not.
What would the judge have done regarding bail if he knew about the fund and how much it contained?
If the judge based his bail on the amount of donated funds, then the judge IMO is way over the line in his behavior.
Mr. Zimmerman’s defense has information about Trayvon’s condition and behavior the night of the altercation that paints quite a different picture of what really went on.
This whole case is because the “race baiters” and the liberal news media wanted to make more out of it than it deserved. Can we say white on black crime. Who ever heard of a white hispanic?
The State of Florida’s criminal justice system caved to the media outcry and this is what we have. A judge who should not be on the bench for this case and an over zeleous prosector who makes a name for herself by overcharging for a crime and then making plea deals.
#3 –
His original donation site was set up April 9th, and A new donation site was set up on the 11th, under his legal teams control. The whole issue is over money donated on the 9th-11th, all donated before he was charged.
he was charged in the 11th.
“Prosecutors released six recorded calls Zimmerman made from April 12 through April 17 while he was in Seminole County Jail. In the calls, he gave his wife Shellie detailed instructions to change passwords and answer security questions for accounts, allowing her to move money. He then instructed her to move the money in a series of transactions carried out over days.”
He is recorded as knowing that he had $155,000 before he the judge he was basically bankrupt.