George Zimmerman wants state of Florida to pay for expensive defense

[PotatoChip]

It is my understanding that Zimmerman had quite a bit of financial support from the NRA and other gun-nut type groups early on in the 'justice' process. How much, I don't know, but apparently enough for him and his wife to perjure themselves regarding the amount. I find it hard to believe that he did not receive more than enough to cover his expenses by the time the trial had ended.

Nonetheless, even if he was not fully reimbursed, I personally consider this request to be arrogant and insulting.

George Zimmerman will ask the state of Florida to reimburse him for as much as $300,000 in expenses he racked up successfully defending himself in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, NBC News has learned.

Zimmerman and his legal team believe they are entitled to the refund because Zimmerman was acquitted of second-degree murder July 13 for having shot and killed Martin, 17.

The shooting in February 2012 sparked a national discussion over racial profiling after Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer, said he acted in self-defense.

The motion, to be filed by Zimmerman's lead attorney, Mark O'Mara, would seek refunds for the hundreds of thousands of dollars the defense spent on fees for expert witnesses and court reporters for depositions, travel and other similar expenses.

More here: http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/08/27/20203855-george-zimmerman-wants-state-of-florida-to-pay-for-expensive-defense?lite

[ejpoeta]

1. this guy is something else. I hope that karma bites him in the ass.

[David Krout]

3. You want karma to bite O'mara in the ass? nt

[ejpoeta]

14. george zimmerman

[David Krout]

2. How much money did the NRA give Zimmerman? nt

[PotatoChip]

10. I don't know. (nt)

[steve2470]

4. he had to pay for his own defense boohoo...he could have asked for a public defender nt

[PotatoChip]

11. Good point. (nt)

[Mr_Teg]

5. While it may be frustrating to some....

... the precedent is solid for others.

[newfie11]

6. Why would the state pay

When he could have had a public defender? If they do pay this then everyone should use a high powered lawyer and bill the state.

[spin]

8. Because a state statute allows a defendant who wins his case to recoup his legal expenses.

Last edited Tue Aug 27, 2013, 08:08 PM - Edit history (1)

Zimmerman plans to seek $300,000 in legal costs from Florida: Report
By Reuters
August 27, 2013

George Zimmerman, whose acquittal in the shooting death of unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin sparked protests across the United States, will ask Florida to pay up to $300,000 of his legal expenses, his attorney told the Orlando Sentinel on Monday.

***snip***.

Zimmerman could not recoup attorney fees under the law, but he could seek costs related to the trial such as expenditures for expert witnesses and an animated video that defense attorneys showed jurors, the Orlando Sentinel reported. The costs could range between $200,000 and $300,000, the paper said.
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2013/08/27/21077246.html

The attorney fees will easily be in the millions. The state will not pay them.

[treestar]

7. Lunacy, then the state would have to pay for every acquitted defendant

[hack89]

9. That is one way to reign in overzealous prosecutors. nt

[David Krout]

12. Let's stop speculating. Does Florida law say that the defense should e reimbursed or not?

Is this true from the USA Today? "The motion to recoup legal costs would be based on a Florida statute that declares that a defendant who has been acquitted is not liable for costs associated with his or her case and that anything paid would be returned, if approved by a judge or clerk, via the state's Judicial Administrative Commission. http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/08/26/george-zimmerman-legal-fees-florida/2704499/


Does that statute contradict your doubts?
What is your interpretation of that statute?

[NCTraveler]

13. It is a good law and there should be no problem with him using it.

So many people yelling about the authoritarian state and then bitch like hell about a law protecting citizens from a state becoming abusive.

[B Calm]

15. He going to repay the NRA and all the knuckle dragger's who donated

money for his defense?