The Bond Conundrum
Thursday, July 5, 2012 at 7:41AM Judge Lester’s bond order regarding George Zimmerman will be released by the Seminole County Clerk of Courts today. Will it allow Zimmerman to be released or will it keep him in jail until the outcome of his trial? I don’t even consider Stand Your Ground a viable defense, so forget that.
In my opinion, the judge has an easy route to take. He can allow Zimmerman to be released on bond, but set that bond as high as $1,000,000 (or higher.) It would clearly take the onus off the court and lay it directly into Mark O’Mara’s lap. How, you say? It’s quite simple, actually. If Lester disallows bond, he may come across as a hard-nose — unbending and cold. On the other hand, if he grants bond, he could be perceived as having the wisdom of Solomon. I think he’s a shrewd intellectual. By washing his hands of it, Mark O’Mara would be left holding the cards. That means $100,000 will come out of Zimmerman’s bank account to free him. What does that mean? Would it cut into the defense team’s budget? Immensely! Will the defense come to a screeching halt? Will O’Mara try to convince Zimmerman to remain in jail so a proper defense can continue? There lays the conundrum. The money really belongs to Zimmerman. It would be his call to make.
Dave Knechel | in Bernie De la Rionda, Dave Knechel, David B. Knechel, David Knechel, George Zimmerman, Judge Kenneth R. Lester, Jr., Marinade Dave, Marinade Dave Knechel, Mark O'Mara, Seminole County Courthouse, Seminole County Jail, Slimm v. Zimm, Stand Your Ground, State Attorney Angela Corey, Trayvon Martin, Zimm v. Slimm, marinadedave | Share Article 
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Reader Comments (89)
Great post, Dave. It will be interesting to see what happens if the judge does reinstate bond at a much higher amount.
I'm wondering what the bond amount would have been if GZ had been honest about the donated funds. I doubt that the judge would have imposed a bond that would have depleted his funds completely. So the question is whether the judge is allowed to punish GZ for his deception by essentially fining him.
I'm also wondering whether the judge is allowed to consider the deception in evaluating the strength of the murder case. From what I've read, if the case against GZ is very strong, the judge can refuse to grant bond. If it is weak, he is almost required to grant it. Can he decide that GZ's testimony about the shooting is unreliable, and therefore the case against him appears even stronger than it did initially?
The fact that he has had clerks working on research and writing the opinion implies that he expects his decision to be appealed. Any appeal would come from the defense, so maybe this means that he will deny bond?
I don't know how so many people can say that GZ is not a danger to the community. I would not want him living next door.
[Thanks, Molly. It will be very interesting to learn of Zimmerman's bond fate today. All eyes are on the clerk's office, I'm sure.
Can the judge "punish" him by raising the bond for not telling the truth? Sure, why not? I don't know why he can't. After all, in essence, he broke the law and ruined his reputation. Because he fooled the court, he is more of a flight risk. He's untrustworthy.
I don't think the judge weighs deception or anything else in the strength of the case. The prosecution sure can, but the judge is virtually neutral. However, that doesn't mean he can't look at the evidence against a suspect because it's all right there on the table. That's what a judge uses to assess bond. Look at Casey Anthony. The charges against her were so atrocious, he withheld bond. She didn't merit it, and if anyone were ever a flight risk, it was her.
As for taking his time and using his staff, I wouldn't read too much into it. There were lots of case law examples cited to research. He is very methodical, in my opinion.
I think that George Zimmerman is a danger to himself. So far, he's screwed up everything when it comes to common sense. And he feels NO REMORSE.]
That's a great idea Dave! The problem with a million dollar bond, though, is that people are going to screech to high heaven that it's too much for a second degree murder.
Personally I'd like the judge to keep him in as an example of what happens when you lie to the court.The thing is.. you see... the judge said in the initial hearing when he wanted GZ re-arrested that he would have to hear what the defendant had to say. He didn't hear that did he? He heard his lawyer's interpretation of what he had to say.
I think either way the judge is going to be criticized. It's the nature of the job. He doesn't seem to me to be a pushover and I think whatever it will be will be just. I think Zimmerman has been sitting in jail for so long waiting for the bond hearing and the results is a punishment in itself in a way. (at least he probably thinks so).
[Thanks, Connie. You know, I'd like nothing more than to see George sit in jail until the trial. I agree with you. That way, Trayvon will get some form of justice if Z is found not guilty.
This case has some similarities with the Anthony case. For instance, Z and Casey are proven liars and it seems to be their nature to lie matter-of-factly. But the big difference is in the public's perception. While the majority felt that Casey was guilty, this case is split down lots of divides; political and racial are but two. Either way the judge rules, half of that split will be angry, but judges don't care. They don't have the perception of darned if you do; darned if you don't. Good thing, too.]
Great post, Dave -
but I do think that the case can be made that the $1M bail amount would be not in relation to the second-degree murder charge ...but rather the lying about funds that he had in the pay=pal account and the "code" conversation with his wife.
I still think that having lied to the Court, the Judge should absolutely NOT release him on bond. If you or I did that, we'd be in jail. After the "you-jknow-who" case ....I am sick and tired of high-profile case people getting special privileges .....
[Thanks, Jnpgh. Bernie de la Rionda practically begged Judge Lester to raise the bond to $1 million, if the judge were to even consider any bond at all, so there must be something to it. In matters of second-degree murder, and depending on the circumstances, what are a judge's limitations regarding bond? Here's what Mark NeJame's Website says about the charge:
"Second Degree Murder occurs when a person intentionally commits an extremely dangerous act that demonstrates a depraved mind without regard to human life and someone else is killed by the result of that act. A person can be convicted of Second Degree Murder even if they did not specifically intend to kill anyone."
According to the 8th Amendment of the US Constitution, bail shall not be punitive. This means that bail shall not be set so high as to be a punishment in itself. The purpose of bail is simply to secure the appearance of the defendant. This may mean that bail could be reduced for an indigent and raised for someone with excessive wealth. Initially, Zimmerman seemed indigent, but it was a lie. Is he wealthy? Well, most people in his position might consider him to be.]
Well, the news is out and Judge Lester has ordered bail at 1,000,000. That's 100k out of GZ's defense fund. The donations will be rolling in to compensate, I am sure. I look forward to seeing Judge Lester's Order...and tongue lashing.
BINGO! RIGHT ON THE MONEY! That was my guess a month ago. Thanks CherokeeNative.
Yeah Dave - I need you to go with me to the race track. LOL Pretty good hunch. It is a 9 page order - so there is obviously a severe tongue lashing going on. How is GZ going to come up with the assets to cover a 1,000,000 bond? Hmmm
[Trust me... I'm much better at a poker table.
I did read the order and the judge covered a lot of ground. It needs to sink in before I can fully assess the matter, but I will say Lester was right on the "Mark" - so to speak.]
Well you were right again Dave! Woo hoo!! 1,000,000 big ones. They said on "In Session" that Mark O'mara won't worry about his money, because one way or another he will be paid. Either by Zimmerman or by going to the judge when the money runs out and asking for help from the court.
Love LOVE LOVE it that the judge put many conditions on it, mainly that he can not have a bank account in his name, or leave the county!! big Whoop on that one. Sure he can use his wife's account, but still.. I think it's great! They said it seemed the judge was worried with all the money shifting that they did that he may be on the brink of fleeing. Oh also he can't attain another passport - remember that was one of the things GZ "left out".
Good for you Judge!
[Imagine that, Connie... Maybe all those years of studying the Anthony case are paying off. But I doubt it.
Yes, InSession is right to an extent. Will the state allow O'Mara to be paid $400/hour? Hardly. Any way you look at it, it's a demotion, but I'm sure there are flocks of birdbrains who will be more than happy to refill Z's coffers.]
Heres the order Dave.
http://www.wsvn.com/pdf/zimmerman_order_setting_bond.pdf
[Thank you, CherokeeNative!]
Wow! You called it perfectly, Dave. It will cost GZ $100k, nonrefundable, to buy his freedom until trial. I'd love to know the current rate of donations to the website. If money is pouring in, then MOM can be confident of being paid even if $100k is lost to bail.
I wonder whether MOM will file an appeal.
[MOM can file with the appellate court, but I don't think they'd want to touch it until after this case is resolved. I'm sure the dollars are pouring in by leaps and bounds, though. Certainly, this will not keep Z behind bars, but it does make a big dent in his money pot.]
I'm partly through it. Tongue-lashing, indeed. The judge brings up the passport and the possibility that the Zimmermans might have another undisclosed source of funds.
One condition is that GZ not leave Seminole County without permission from the judge.
He seems to suggest that the prosecutors charge GZ with perjury.
He used the word, "flaunt," when he meant "flout."
[If I were Z, I'd be afraid to ask.]
Wow! I just read Judge Lester's ruling and he did a great job of detailing the many, many ways in which
Zimmerman has attempted to exploit the system for his own gain. I especially loved the fact that he basically called out O'Mara for trying to portray Zimmerman "as a confused young man" and later says that "He is an adult by every legal definition, Trayvon Martin is the only male whose youth is relevant to this case".
Zing!
[Reminds me of when Cheney Mason called Casey a poor child.]
Thanks Cherokee. I was wanting to read the order.
It appears this judge isn't going to be a pushover. That's good. He noticed what everyone's been mentioning about that safe deposit box without anyone really dwelling on it at the hearing. It was mentioned by the prosecution but that's it I think. He was concerned also about money not mentioned over and above and outside the bounds of the paypal account that I don't think any of us thought he might have. It's logical. The judge saw into things that I completely overlooked.
Other than the bank account and not entering the air port property everything was pretty much par for the course for a bond wasn't it? I've never been on bond or known anyone on it, so I have no idea. I do know one thing.. that 6 pm to 6 a.m. curfew will be a pain in the butt if he does get out. I've never been on bond but I have been in a curfew situation that went 7 pm - 7 a.m. (hurricane Hugo). It's a pain in the butt to comply with. You're out shopping or visiting and you look at the clock and it's 6:55 and your home is 2 hours away. Not good. Time flies and most of the time you don't even notice because you've never had to before. I'm glad he'll have to stay in Seminole County also. He seemed to be steering the justice system up until now. Just about everything he asked for they gave, or tried to accomodate. I'm glad they finally saw through it. Just because you have a relative in the justice system, just because you've taken a few classes doesn't mean you get extra priveleges.
Section (j) of the Order sure seems to me that the Judge is encouraging the prosecutor to initiate contempt charges against GZ . The Judge also seems to acknowledge that "others" within GZ's family misled the court.
On another note, it is extremely pleasurable to know that the defense will not be able to rely upon GZ's video taped statements or video reenactment at a SYG motion or trial unless the prosecution offers it into evidence. This means that in order to claim self-defense, GZ will have to take the witness stand. Once he does that, the prosecution, IMHO, will offer the video statements and video reenactment into evidence to show the trier-of-fact all of GZ's discrepancies and lies in what occurred that night. This is a huge problem for the defense that I don't know MOM will be able to overcome.
I am now focusing on the bullet trajectory. It just doesn't seem possible for it to go from front to back without any angle if the gun was fired while Trayvon was supposedly straddling GZ on the ground.
I have not read the order, I probably will not understand it. With all of you here I can ask questions.
IMO many people have little to no respect for teenage kids, but my Mom raised us to never and I mean NEVER lie. The 2 most recent cases in Florida involve 20 somethings who lie non-stop. Maybe it is time to give credit where credit is due and stop defending people who do not know the difference between fact and fiction. Trayvon is getting called a thug and some even praise Mr. Zimmerman saying all these houses will not be broken into because he killed Trayvon. Why do they excuse all the lies?
I wonder how crime has been in that complex since the shooting. I mean did the break-ins continue? It would have been sad if TM was shot, this never came to trial and the break-ins stopped. Then GZ would have been credited for "cleaning up the place" and who knows where and what he would have been up to in that case. All because he shot the wrong person.
I get irritated totally and completely that MOM strategically never mentions the fact that TM was a minor.
Michelle I always had a zero tolerance for lying in my household. My girls both believed their eyes changed color when they lied so they'd never look in your eyes when you asked if they did something. (lasted bout 6 years lol). But when both of them got out in the world of school and friends who got away with it, it came back full force. They learned to "lie by omission" which is what GZ did with his lawyer. He figured if he just kept quiet about the money he'd be able to keep it. His wife out and out lied to the court about it. There are many reasons a person lies, and I for one don't blame the parents. We do what we can with the kids, and the world does the rest.
Now we wait and see if he pays the bond to get out. I read on one site that it was non-refundable now. Is it?
Dave
As usual, this was a great post!!!
I still feel sorry for Trayvon and his family. Even if Trayvon gets the best justice our system has to offer, that will not heal their pain.
Zimmerman should not have lied and at least the lying has resulted in some bad consequences for him. He has continually demonstrated exceptionally poor judgement. I don't think that he has the malice that Felon Anthony seemed to have had but I cannot believe anything he might say in his defense concerning Trayvon's death.
I hope that, if the judge suggested prosecuting Zimmerman or his family for perjury, someone does prosecute him or them. I do not have a lot of faith in the Florida justice system, but I really believe that there should be some consequences for lying to the police even if there are no serious consequences for murder in Florida.
My sympathies right now are with Caylee and Trayvon.
[Thank you, Amber. This one was short and sweet.
I don't think any charges will be pending against the Zimmerman family. Technically, they didn't lie to the state by keeping their mouths shut. Abetting? Maybe, but not enough to do anything.]
Connie> I did not mean to blame the parents, I just meant my Mom had zero tolerance. Dang if we even tell a "white lie" she takes all the good stuff out of our room. We get a bed. Try being in your bedroom with only a bed and serving punishment, not fun. I would rather tell the truth and keep my stuff.
I do have a question about the bond. He paid 15,000 the first time (I think). Now he has to pay 100,000 to get out. Where does the first 15,000 go? Do they lose it? Sorry I am not clear how this works. Or do they actually only pay 85,000 this time because they paid 15,000 earlier.
[It's $85,000 now, if O'Mara can straighten it out with the bond company. This was really an extension of the original bond.]
Connie, I've been wondering about the crime situation in that community. It is referred to as a "high-crime" area, and GZ gave recent burglaries as his reason for being suspicious of Trayvon, but as far as I know there had been no reports of burglaries since August, 2011, six months before the shooting. And I believe there were only a few burglaries and attempts last summer. It's not really a high-crime community at all.
Michelle, I can answer the questions about the bond. The fee that he paid the first time ($15k) was nonrefundable. It is gone, no matter what happens. He now has to come up with a bond of $1M. If he can get a bondsman to pay it in exchange for a 10% fee, then it will cost him $100k, nonrefundable. There is some question about whether a bondsman will advance that money without collateral, because it is very unlikely that anyone in the family has assets worth $900k.
Alternatively, he could pay the entire $1M to the court, and get it all back if he appears for his trial. He can only do this, of course, if donations really pick up to his defense fund.
You are selling yourself short above, Michelle. Why don't you go and read the judge's order? I am willing to bet that you will understand as much of it as the rest of us here did, except for those with legal training.
I just read in the USA Today article that to bond out he needs to put up 10% + 1 million in assets.
MOM is requesting more donations:
bob kealing @bobkealing
Just in: #GeorgeZimmerman defense posts request for more contributions: "now is the time to show your support." #TrayvonMartin @WESH
https://twitter.com/#!/bobkealing
*****
http://www.gzlegalcase.com/
--snipped--
In the next hours and days the defense team will be working to get George released on bail and on effective strategies for moving forward. Much of our decision making will be based upon the funds available for mounting a defense. In the days surrounding Mr. Zimmerman's initial arrest, supporters surprised everyone with the strength of their donations.
For those who have given in the past, for those who have thought about giving, for those who feel Mr. Zimmerman was justified in his actions, for those who feel they would do the same if they were in Mr. Zimmerman's shoes, for those that think Mr. Zimmerman has been treated unfairly by the media, for those who feel Mr. Zimmerman has been falsely accused as a racist, for those who feel this case is an affront to their constitutional rights -- now is the time to show your support.
Wesh Video - Judge sets George Zimmerman’s bond at $1M
Quote from Bob Kealing: Mark O’Mara told me that if the bond was set at $1,000,000 it would—in his words—devastate the defense fund and they would have to think long and hard about putting up that amount of money to get George Zimmerman out of jail for a second time.
One little point, though. The same fancy car that arrived to whisk George away after the first bond hearing, was spotted at the jail this afternoon. (Live feed from Click Orlando.) I’m betting that he is out already.
Regarding The One Million Dollar Bond Set For George Zimmerman
From the ‘George Zimmerman Legal Case’ website, and this surprised me:
Quote:
We paid $15,000 initially for the first bail fee so an additional fee of $85,000 would have to be paid to post this new bond assuming we can work out the collateral issue.
End of Quote
And the big call to rally to George Zimmerman’s fan club, (this did not surprise me.)
Quote:
For those who have given in the past, for those who have thought about giving, for those who feel Mr. Zimmerman was justified in his actions, for those who feel they would do the same if they were in Mr. Zimmerman's shoes, for those that think Mr. Zimmerman has been treated unfairly by the media, for those who feel Mr. Zimmerman has been falsely accused as a racist, for those who feel this case is an affront to their constitutional rights -- now is the time to show your support.
End of Quote
"While the majority felt that Casey was guilty, this case is split down lots of divides; political and racial are but two. Either way the judge rules, half of that split will be angry, but judges don't care. They don't have the perception of darned if you do; darned if you don't. Good thing, too.]"
*pokes Dave*
Dave, I agree with you that in the Casey case, public outrage was generally against Casey. However I think that you have missed the demographics of this case a bit. It is true that there is widespread support for Travon among blacks, but I also think that white women generally support Travon as well. The vast majority of Zimmerman supporter tend to be white males.
I think then that this is shaping to be a fight along gender/racial lines moreso than strictly racial
If I had to advance a theory, this might suggest the maternal instincts of women where a child has been killed, whereas the NRA demographic is largely white male.
Cherokee Native: Sorry, we posted at the same time. Dave can delete mine--no worries. (Sorry, Dave. I did try to delete both these comments, but it is not working.)
Nan11 - no problem, better that we have more than not enough. LOL
Porky - It appeared to me from scanning the pro-GZ blogs that the make-up of the pro-GZ were people who have a predetermined attitude that a young black teen is an expendable human being, and/or people who are pro SYG gun toters. I had not considered gender, but it makes sense that women would identify with their maternal instincts and the loss of their child.
It appears to me the Judge Lester's order is encouraging the prosecution to follow through with bringing charges against GZ for perjury on the Court as a separate crime. If this were to happen, GZ would be rearrested and I would opine that subsequent bond would be denied. Seems to me that the prosecutors have a very good opportunity to advance a plea deal to GZ - i.e., we will dimiss SZ charges and forego filing additional charges against GZ in exchange for... Although I would like to see SZ prosecuted for her participation in this scam.
CN.
That's a very astute opine. I think that at this point, Zimmerman has guaranteed a jail sentence of sort.
Also, the other consideration is that the prosecution may have "smoking guns" that have not been released to the defense as yet. I noticed that in turning over the witnesses statements, Witness 4 and 7 are missing... I have no idea what they will testify to - has anyone else seen that information?
I am also very curious about the bullet trajectory and the fact that Trayvon had no DNA on his hands or arms from GZ. I want to see the forensic expert opinion on these subjects.
It may be such that the prosecution's case is so strong that they are unwilling to plea deal with GZ.
Porky said:
That's a very astute opine. I think that at this point, Zimmerman has guaranteed a jail sentence of sort.
Thanks Porky - but it's merely a guess. LOL Even if the prosecution has a very strong case, with more smoking guns that we are unaware of, they could still offer a plea deal of manslaughter, which carries a maximum of 20 years (right?) - in which case, they could offer manslaughter with a minimum of 20 years rather than Murder2 which is life - since in Florida, life means life, with no early release after a specified number of years IIRC.
I hate to burst some bubbles here, but (as Cherokee posted elsewhere earlier today) it doesn't really matter how many smoking guns the prosecution has. One person on the jury with the mentality of those who are donating to the legal fund will be enough to acquit GZ.
I don't know what fraction of the Seminole County population thinks this way, but I am sure that it is much higher than it is in my area. The kinds of laws that have been passed in FL would never have a chance here. So I suppose the prosecution will (according to Porky's analysis) try to seat as many blacks and mothers as possible, and the defense will try to exclude them. The problem is that the defense has to get just one of its preferred types on the jury, while the prosecution will have to exclude all of them. The defense has the easier job.
Porky, I hope this was just an oversight, but the great majority of white males are very much on the side of justice for Trayvon. I do agree that most of the GZ supporters are white males. But it is not true that most white males are GZ supporters (at least, I hope so - just how bad are things in Seminole County?) Dave seems to believe that GZ will be acquitted.
I don't think GZ will agree to a plea bargain.
From the GZlegal website, quoted by nan11: "For those who have given in the past, for those who have thought about giving, for those who feel Mr. Zimmerman was justified in his actions, for those who feel they would do the same if they were in Mr. Zimmerman's shoes, for those that think Mr. Zimmerman has been treated unfairly by the media, for those who feel Mr. Zimmerman has been falsely accused as a racist, for those who feel this case is an affront to their constitutional rights -- now is the time to show your support."
MOM has really crossed the line now.
Zimmerman's Fantasy Meets Reality
Here is a nice ending for today. A You Tube Video from LLPapa on today's happening.
He puts some great little quotes from the Judge's ruling to music. ^‿^
Love it Nan11 - Even the music was applicable. Thanks for the link - I enjoyed that. I really do like this LLPapa's videos that he has created for this case.
Molly, even though it may seem difficult to overcome, I believe that the prosecution can pick a jury of "reasonable minds" - although I certainly hope they utilize the services of a jury consultant. For sure, every potential juror will be questioned during vore dire whether they have donated monies towards the defense fund, or whether they have viewed any GZ web sites or blogs. That will weed many out, unless they outright lie. Because of the high publicity of this case, I think most potential jurors would be afraid to lie about this type of questioning since there is always someone waiting in the wings to spill the beans if they know otherwise. And as we have seen, Judge Lester does not take kindly to deceiving his court.
Molly> I agree about Mr. O'Mara. His request is a little offensive imo. I appreciate your encouragement on reading the ruling. The Judge seemed a little snappy with his ruling. It gets a little confusing with the case law tossed in but for the most part I did understand it.
I really hope that Mrs. Zimmerman's perjury is not dismissed. It makes our Justice System look very bad when witnesses swear to tell the truth and then lie in open court. I believe someone said it is hard to prove perjury but I don't believe that is the case regarding the money. The tapes are pretty convincing.
"For those who have given in the past, for those who have thought about giving, for those who feel Mr. Zimmerman was justified in his actions, for those who feel they would do the same if they were in Mr. Zimmerman's shoes, for those that think Mr. Zimmerman has been treated unfairly by the media, for those who feel Mr. Zimmerman has been falsely accused as a racist, for those who feel this case is an affront to their constitutional rights -- now is the time to show your support."
I agree Molly - When I first got into the legal profession, it was unethical for an attorney to advertise. Your good name and reputation were supposed to travel by word of mouth. Then, it was merely frowned upon - at most, you could put your name in the Yellow Pages. Now, all attorneys advertise - on the sides of buses, the internet, and on television, etc. Then, there has always been the issue of the rich criminal defendant being able to hire the "A Team" of defense attorneys where the poor criminal defendant was left with the services of public defender who is often times working on a case overload. And, although MOM's GZ defense legal web site is new territory, I believe he has crossed the line with the above statement. I believe we are reaching a point where the scales of justice cannot prevail over the almighty dollar. The bar association needs to give this a good hard look - and hopefully call a hault to attorneys being able to pander to the public on behalf of the criminal defendant. This is not a popularity contest to see who can collect enough donations to hire the biggest and best. It is a search for the truth. The above statement makes a mockery of the judicial system in my opinion.
It appears I am not the only ones who is disgusted with MOM's latest post on his legal defense site. It appears Hornsby is too:
Richard Hornsby @RichardHornsby
Disgusted at O'Mara using Judge's bond order as call to action for #GeorgeZimmerman. Trivializes fact person died & his client misled court.
[True. Makes Zimmerman out to be the victim. Strange.]
I become less impressed with O'Mara as each week passes. I have heard nothing but good things about him but I see a lot of pandering
[I must say I agree with you.]
Holy Carp...did I read that right??? Excerpt from O'Mara's post on his blog begging for donations,"..... FOR THOSE WHO FEEL THEY WOULD DO THE SAME IF THEY WERE IN MR. ZIMMERMAN'S SHOES .... -- now is the time to show your support."
Whooaaa....that statement right there is sooo low there is NOWHERE to go but up !!!!! Just saying...Mr. O'Mara ! Perhaps I'm being too sensitive but that statement HIGHLY offends me!
[I never thought Mr. O'Mara would stoop so low. What's that James Bond movie... Never Say Never?]
Sorry I'm a little OT as to George's bond, but I tried to do some digging today and didn't have much luck, so I thought I'd check if anyone here would know offhand. I was thinking about Shellie Zimmerman having just finished up her 4 years of nursing school....anyone know if there's a chance a perjury conviction could interfere with Mrs. Zimmerman being licensed to practice in FL??
Yes Katfish I have read that a fellony conviction would scupper her being a R N anywhere in the States ...
katfish, that is exactly the part that was too much for me. MOM is appealing to other would-be vigilantes who think it would be peachy-keen to pick off an unarmed innocent teenager themselves. I can't believe that this kind of behavior falls within the bounds of professional ethics.
I'm not sure that SZ has finished nursing school. At first, I read that she was only weeks away from graduation. More recently, I read that she has completed only a couple of years of school and has not been in school for 2 years. I'm not sure what her status is, but there are very few nursing programs left that are less than 4 years.
I'm so glad you read the order, Michelle! I knew that you would understand it. My eyes glaze over when they encounter the case law stuff, but it's easy to understand the decision without delving into the legalities underlying it.
Thank you Ecossie ! Sounds as though both the Mr and the Mrs Z may have shot themselves in the foot by lying to the court about that money...oh well at least they got their credit cards paid off.....#$%$$#%%!!
Yes Katfish, Ecossie is right. A felony conviction will prevent her from being able to obtain employment within the nursing field - whether an LVN or RN, or lesser position. She will not be able to work in schools or hospitals, or any government facility. Her decision that day was a really stupid stupid thing to do.
And I would bet the farm that I do not have that if she is in school ( especially if she has done any clinical work) that that school is pouring over all of her documents to check for falsifications. I know that I would.
All I can think to say about the Zimmerman's at this point, is to quote that now infamous (self proclaimed) BRAND Casey Anthony, " What a waste...a huge waste." ~ Insert eye roll ~
I remember reading in the last couple of days that shellie quit her course after this mess with the shooting, Have no idea if that is reliable info or not tho, but wouldnt surprise me if she did, neither of these 2 have the ability to stick with their plans for careeers. And i do have to say that I wouldnt want to have her nurse me, not after those freaking big stupid bandages she put on Georges head but I guess that was a sympathy plea. I think it hurts him tho now that he has to admit his wife put those on.
And I also have to add my 2 cents worth that I am totally disgusted by his lawyer asking for funds, He should have left that for Taafe to do. I hope those funds totally die off, now that people have learned George is one big fat liar. And I hope there is lots of attention brought to the legal profession about his lawyer making this plea for funds because I certainly dont think it is very ethical, however look at all the crap Baez got away with.
I enjoyed reading this article so you might too.
http://axiomamnesia.com/2012/07/05/detailed-analysis-judge-lesters-1m-bond-ruling-exposing-zimmerman-plot-murder-escape-2/
Dave and everyone: Here is a brief article released by the Sentinel this morning.
I’m more shocked by the comments then I am anything else, (but I quoted only from the article.) ಠ╭╮ಠ
Orlando Sentinel - George Zimmerman could go free today
Quote:
Martin's parents are expected to hold a news conference today in New Orleans alongside the Rev. Al Sharpton and their attorneys to react to the judge's decision to set bond.
End of Quote
And:
Quote:
Once released, Zimmerman will again be subject to satellite monitoring.
End of Quote
Poor, George--he will have to pay for his own monitoring--or rather his 'faithful fans' will!
One other thing--from reading around the ‘other’ sites this morning, I see that Mark O’Mara is catching it from both sides. I have a feeling that even Mr. Zimmerman is very unhappy with his services.
He should be kissing his behind, imho.
(Your site is working good this morning, Dave.)
Elmosmommy: Thanks so much for posting that link. What a great read!
Here is a quote from it:
He assaulted a police officer, and got away with it. He appears to have assaulted his ex-girlfriend, and got away with it. Now he’s murdered an unarmed teenager, and was on par to get away with it, except that the case went national. Had there been no uprising of dissenting voices, and no pressure placed on the city of Sanford and the state of Florida, chances are, George Zimmerman would have gotten away with murder. And, let’s not be fooled, the trial hasn’t even started, and there is no guarantee of a conviction.
(I hope you don't mind if I add the link again down here--just to support my quote and also to save anyone interested in reading it the time of cutting and pasting it.)
Detailed Analysis Of Judge Lester’s $1M Bond Ruling Exposing Zimmerman Plot to Murder and Escape
I really agree with the author's last line contained in my quote. We could well see this guy walk free--least we forget the murderess fiasco. moo
Nan11 - You are right, even the pro-GZ supporters are turning on MOM. Talk about eating your own. Some are even saying they will not donate anymore money until MOM is replaced. But what really got my funny bone was some were suggesting replacing MOM with BOZO aka Baez. LOL
Well, I believe it is safe to say that there will be no SYG motion. With the Judge's Order it is obvious that such a motion would be futile. Unless GZ agrees to a plea deal, this case is going to trial. Hopefully, through voir dire, the prosecutor will be able to keep the extreme lefts and rights from getting on the jury and we will have a jury of "reasonable minds" and not another group from Pinnellas County.
I guess we will all have to sit back and watch to see whether they use the legal defense funds to bail out GZ, or leave GZ sitting and apply those funds to his representation. Decisions decisions. LOL