FL is able to prosecute Zimmerman even if his wife refuses to do so. But will they?

[madfloridian]

According to Think Progress:

Florida Can Prosecute George Zimmerman Even If His Wife Doesn’t Press Charges

While the details of this altercation are still unknown, too often, victims of domestic violence drop or opt not to press charges. They fear retaliation from their assailants and complications from a long drawn out trial process, or they’re pressured to drop the cases by friends, family, and the abusers themselves.

“I think that it’s important to understand this particular situation,” Rita Smith, Executive Director of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, told ThinkProgress. “There’s already been such notoriety. If I were her, I would have concerns as well about moving forward.”

But there is some hope — at least in Florida — that charges can be brought against George Zimmerman without Shellie’s involvement. In that state, an appeals court held “the decision to prosecute does not lie with the victim of a crime.” Rather, the state’s attorney decides whether or not to review a case.

Linked at my Twitter feed

[hrmjustin]

1. I doubt it.

[madfloridian]

2. So do I.

[hrmjustin]

3. At the rate he is going I am sure they will get him on something.

[madfloridian]

4. It's unbelievable, isn't it?

He is really losing it.

[hrmjustin]

6. He has self distructive behavior.

[anneboleyn]

10. yes, and other-destructive behavior (Trayvon and Shellie)

I have a feeling Zimmerman will continue to be in the news.

[hrmjustin]

11. I wonder if the jurors are having second thoughts.

[Skittles]

20. it must finally be obvious to them who the aggressor was

they made me sick, believing his RIDICULOUS story

[hrmjustin]

21. I just hope the next jury does their job. And the way this guy is going there will be another jury.

I just hope he does not kill anyone.

[madfloridian]

23. I have the same hope.

He seems to be doing a little self-destruction lately.

[Gravitycollapse]

5. Isn't there law preventing spouses from being persuaded to testify?

Even if Shellie is subpoenaed, if she refuses to testify, the state probably has no real evidence to prosecute.

[NYC_SKP]

7. The 911 call is pretty incriminating. And he has priors on domestic abuse, etc.

In 2005, Zimmerman, then 20, was arrested and charged with “resisting officer with violence” and “battery of law enforcement officer,” both which are third-degree felonies. The charge was reduced to “resisting officer without violence” and then waived when he entered an alcohol education program. Contemporaneous accounts indicate he shoved an officer who was questioning a friend for alleged underage drinking at an Orange County bar.

In August 2005, Zimmerman’s ex-fiancee, Veronica Zuazo, filed a civil motion for a restraining order alleging domestic violence. Zimmerman counterfiled for a restraining order against Zuazo. The competing claims were resolved with both restraining orders being granted.

[Gravitycollapse]

8. It's all circumstantial though.

That's not generally considered strong evidence in a case.

[Nevernose]

17. Most evidence is circumstantial

DNA, fingerprints, gunpowder residue, 911 calls: all of those things are circumstantial.

[lpbk2713]

14. The father in law could testify.

I heard Zimmy punched him in the face and broke his glasses.

[Starry Messenger]

9. Interesting.

I wish they would. He's a ticking time-bomb.

(Good to see you, too.)

[madfloridian]

13. Good description.

He really is. Good to see you. Just posting now and then, just a little.

[gopiscrap]

12. they won't

these red neck fucking worms of law enforcement won't touch it because they know the nra and all the other gun nuttery ass wipes out these will primary their elected ass out of office..so the elected officials are putting heat n the others to look the other way.

[davidpdx]

15. I don't think they will

and obviously this is one of the reasons she's divorcing the creep. Not to mention having been dragged through the shit with his being charged and the trial. She made a bad decision by perjuring herself, but she owned up to it. Had creepo not shot Martin in the first place, she wouldn't have been put in the situation.

I have said this before and I will say it again, he will end up doing something that will land him in prison. What happens to him after that is karma.

BTW long time no see

[madfloridian]

16. Been a while.

[davidpdx]

18. It is good to see a voice of reason

God know we could use it around this place these days.

[KinMd]

19. If the prosecution depends on Shellie Zimmerman's testimony to convict George...

the defense will just say she's an admitted perjurer with an ax to grind

[immoderate]

22. He will kill again. Then they will lock him up.

He seems to have been pretty well sheltered. But now the constant scrutiny will get him.

Hey there you.

--imm