'Stand Your Ground' hearing could potentially clear Zimmerman in Trayvon Martin shooting

[Scott_Lafrance]

George Zimmerman, accused in the shooting death of Florida teen Trayvon Martin, could be cleared of a second-degree murder charge if a judge rules in his favor in a new "Stand Your Ground" hearing.

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.

Zimmerman, 28, has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder. He is free on $1 million bond as he awaits trial. Zimmerman wasn't charged until 44 days after Martin's death, and in those weeks protesters accused the Sanford police department of being racist and botching the investigation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/08/09...rayvon-martin/



As I predicted, and I anticipate he will prevail as well.

[Seamus L]

I hope alot of people are armed and prepared to defend themselves across America if that happens.

[april32010]

Originally Posted by Seamus L

I hope alot of people are armed and prepared to defend themselves across America if that happens.

what are you talking about?

[april32010]

George Zimmerman, accused in the shooting death of Florida teen Trayvon Martin, could be cleared of a second-degree murder charge if a judge rules in his favor in a new "Stand Your Ground" hearing.

and if that happens the feds will indict on civil rights charges.

[Scott_Lafrance]

Originally Posted by april32010

and if that happens the feds will indict on civil rights charges.

There we go.....we don't care about justice, we need to punish someone and its Zimmerman's turn to pay the price.

[garn9173]

Originally Posted by Seamus L

I hope alot of people are armed and prepared to defend themselves across America if that happens.

Originally Posted by april32010

what are you talking about?

I know exactly what was meant in the Seamus' post. If Zimmeran is cleared of the charges regardless if it was self defense, the reaction by the black community could make the LA riots of the early 90's look like a walk in the park.

[april32010]

Originally Posted by Scott_Lafrance

There we go.....we don't care about justice, we need to punish someone and its Zimmerman's turn to pay the price.

whoa!! not saying they will be right in doing so,just saying that is what will happen.remember rodney king.

[Joe 5859]

Originally Posted by april32010

and if that happens the feds will indict on civil rights charges.

Are you just speculating, or has some federal entity implied they would pursue such a course of action?

[Scott_Lafrance]

Originally Posted by april32010

whoa!! not saying they will be right in doing so,just saying that is what will happen.remember rodney king.

I know, but that is the net effect. He will probably have his murder charges dropped only to have civil rights charges thrown at him, which are notoriously hard to defend against. They are akin to charging him with thought crimes.

[seekerz]

Originally Posted by Scott_Lafrance

There we go.....we don't care about justice, we need to punish someone and its Zimmerman's turn to pay the price.

Zimmerman should pay - if only for his own stupidity. For pity's sake, people go to jail for years for much, much less.

[seekerz]

Originally Posted by garn9173

I know exactly what was meant in the Seamus' post. If Zimmeran is cleared of the charges regardless if it was self defense, the reaction by the black community could make the LA riots of the early 90's look like a walk in the park.

Yeah, you would be an expert in predicting what the "black community" (whoever you conceive them to be) is likely to do...Would you happen to know if the "black community" are the people arming themselves to the teeth for some long anticipated Armageddon?

[FromTheAshes777]

Originally Posted by Scott_Lafrance

I know, but that is the net effect. He will probably have his murder charges dropped only to have civil rights charges thrown at him, which are notoriously hard to defend against. They are akin to charging him with thought crimes.

I thought the feds already investigated and concluded there wasn't a basis for a hate crime charge. ?

[Scott_Lafrance]

Originally Posted by seekerz

Zimmerman should pay - if only for his own stupidity. For pity's sake, people go to jail for years for much, much less.

What exactly is his "stupidity"? Being vigilant in a crime infested neighborhood?

[Scott_Lafrance]

Originally Posted by FromTheAshes777

I thought the feds already investigated and concluded there wasn't a basis for a hate crime charge. ?

Yes, but if he is found as having used self-defense in a justified manner, thus innocent of killing Treyvon Martin, the feds could charge him with violating his civil rights, namely the right to be alive.

[seekerz]

Originally Posted by Scott_Lafrance

What exactly is his "stupidity"? Being vigilant in a crime infested neighborhood?

Being a vigilante who is not averse to lying his way out of trouble. Last I checked walking around at night was not a crime. He needs an IQ check.