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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsGeorge Zimmerman wants state of Florida to pay for expensive defense
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
(8,933 posts)David Krout
(423 posts)ejpoeta
(8,933 posts)David Krout
(423 posts)PotatoChip
(3,186 posts)steve2470
(37,457 posts)PotatoChip
(3,186 posts)Mr_Teg
(47 posts)... the precedent is solid for others.
newfie11
(8,159 posts)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
(17,493 posts)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
(82,383 posts)hack89
(39,171 posts)David Krout
(423 posts)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
(30,481 posts)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
(28,762 posts)money for his defense?