CNN says Zimmerman to be prosecuted

[getsome]

If convicted of manslaughter he could get 25 to life...Should be an interesting trial...stay tuned...

[Wolffire99]

Good luck trying to find impartial jurors.

I think regardless of the evidence they knew he had to at least be charged to calm things down. Sucks for Zimmerman, and it's not right, but they can do it. Unless they get the eye witness's to turn I don't see him getting charged with manslaughter.

[kgturner]

Reports saying he'll be charged with 2nd degree murder. We'll see soon enough.

http://news.yahoo.com/apnewsbreak-mu...214123361.html

Kevin T

[Longitude Zero]

He was thusly charged. The DA has to convince all the jurors, the defense only needs to convince 1.

[gb6491]

Ladies and Gents,
This thread is open again, with the following caveat (and I paraphrase):
"While this issue does raise various valid points about race relations, it (race relations) is just too thorny a topic for a gun forum. Accordingly, anything posted on the topic of race will get the thread locked for good."
Regards,
Greg

[Deano]

This was predictable, and who knows if it is justified. One thing seems clear to me: D.A. is going to have it's hands full PROVING him guilty of 2nd degree murder. I think innocent until proven guilty is still the law, but I'm not sure. I'm a little surprised they didn't go for a manslaughter charge. Let the circus begin.

[ptoemmes]

My son is of the opinion that 2nd degree murder was done in order to "encourage" Zimmerman to plead manslaughter. I doubt he will do that, but suppose it's possible once the defense gets to see all the prosecution has.

However, in Florida I believe a jury can come back with a manslaughter conviction if they fail to agree on the 2nd degree murder charge.

I think the bond hearing is today and a likely next step after that is for the defense to file a motion to dismiss based on "stand your ground" (not sure of the technical process). A single judge gets to rule on that. I suspect/guess it will end up in trial though.

Pete

[Barth]

Even if he is found innocent of criminal charges the legal fees will likely ruin him.
And if there is anything left, the civil courts will finish him off.
Hasta la vista, baby.

[joe d]

I think only 2 people really know the facts on what really happened in this mess,and 1 is not around to tell their version...IMO,the media has helped making this a freaking mess of hate and indifference and of course will continue to do so.....really an unfortunate terrible incident for all involved...this is gonna be nuts...just my .02...

[JohnR]

Good luck trying to find impartial jurors...

Not that I'm volunteering, or would be picked, but I have deliberately ignored most of the coverage of the incident because I knew no useful facts would be put out there. I'm still open minded and somewhat impartial.

[Bawanna]

Not that I'm volunteering, or would be picked, but I have deliberately ignored most of the coverage of the incident because I knew no useful facts would be put out there. I'm still open minded and somewhat impartial.

Ditto, me too. And the funny thing is we'll never know the facts as they all get screened by the media.
If he's cleared a guilty man will have not received justice.

If he's convicted he'll have deserved more.

Only two options in the how to be a media reporter hand book.

Add in Jesse and the bunch and we could have a new day time soap opera.

[knkali]

I think that wer all should watch this case closely. The legal wrangling is something that anyone who uses their ccw weapon will have to face. It is important for us to discuss this case and help define what your limits are before using deadly force and understand completely the legal ramifications of same. Lets not let the color of their skin be a part of this discussion and focus on the facts as they are presented and try to understand the mindset of each party as this terrible scenario was unfolding.

[getsome]

As the OP of this thread I would like to thank Greg and the other moderators for the fine job you do and I hope this thread will remain civil and not become a problem issue and if it does please lock it down ASAP...

After I posted it I began to think last night it might not have been such a good idea but the reason I did was that I was somewhat surprised that Mr. Zimmerman was arrested after so long a time and it really started me to thinking about what a huge responsibility it is to CCW for protection...

This tragic shooting has really made me stop and think about what I would do if God forbid something happened and I might be forced to use a firearm for protection...I'm starting to lean towards just handing over my wallet and let the BG go rather than pull and shoot and then find out all he had in his pocket was a finger pointed at me and no gun....Yes it might cost me my life doing so but unless I see a weapon and feel dead sure my life is in jeopardy I would back off due to seeing what happens if you are involved in a shooting then arrested and lose your family, your job and everything else you worked hard for all your life only to spend years in prison due to the way the justice system and the media work as we are seeing in the Zimmerman case so in reality I'm dead either way...

The only reason for my post is to hopefully make all of us who CCW stop and think very hard about what really happens and what the repercussions are of a split second decision to fire your weapon and what consequenses making that decision will have on the rest of your life...

As for the Zimmerman case none of us have all the evidence that the jury will see during the case and it makes no sense to argue about it one way or the other because thats the juries job...I welcome y'alls opinions on CCW and whether to shoot/no shoot so long as we stay within the rules of the forum...As always thanks to everyone...

[knkali]

As the OP of this thread I would like to thank Greg and the other moderators for the fine job you do and I hope this thread will remain civil and not become a problem issue and if it does please lock it down ASAP...

After I posted it I began to think last night it might not have been such a good idea but the reason I did was that I was somewhat surprised that Mr. Zimmerman was arrested after so long a time and it really started me to thinking about what a huge responsibility it is to CCW for protection...

This tragic shooting has really made me stop and think about what I would do if God forbid something happened and I might be forced to use a firearm for protection...I'm starting to lean towards just handing over my wallet and let the BG go rather than pull and shoot and then find out all he had in his pocket was a finger pointed at me and no gun....Yes it might cost me my life doing so but unless I see a weapon and feel dead sure my life is in jeopardy I would back off due to seeing what happens if you are involved in a shooting then arrested and lose your family, your job and everything else you worked hard for all your life only to spend years in prison due to the way the justice system and the media work as we are seeing in the Zimmerman case so in reality I'm dead either way...

The only reason for my post is to hopefully make all of us who CCW stop and think very hard about what really happens and the repercussions of a split second decision to fire your weapon will have on the rest of your life...

As for the Zimmerman case none of us have all the evidence that the jury will see during the case and it makes no sense to argue about it one way or the other because thats the juries job...I welcome y'alls opinions on CCW and whether to shoot/no shoot so long as we stay within the rules of the forum...As always thanks to everyone...

+1000. This is exactly why , through the wisdom of the mods, this thread is allowed to exist and why it is important. Obviously, you are tempering to where your comfort level is regarding the use of your gun. Guns are not the only thing to consider. What about a knife? Club? Pepper spray? Fist? Are any of these "weapons" enough to pull on a guy? I realize thar scenarios are dynamic in nature but playing the" what if "game is important.

[knkali]

One thing I have realized is never get out of your car an get involved unless you see a family member getting assaulted. There are too many variables otherwise. Stay in the car and monitor or leave after calling for help.