Now that George Zimmerman is back in jail after losing his get out of jail card, due to what prosecutors call “blatant lies” about his finances, it’s time to turn to what’s next for Zimmerman. Zimmerman lost his get out of jail card by misrepresentations to the Court that he had limited financial means to pay bail. Zimmerman’s wife testified that she had no money to assist for a bond. Based on hearing testimony about Zimmerman’s limited finances, Judge Kenneth Lester ordered him released on $150,000 bail. Prosecutors had demanded a $1 million bail to secure George Zimmerman’s release. Now after hearing a recorded jail conversation between Zimmerman and his wife, Shelly, prosecutors learned that he had readily available funds of $135,000 on the day preceding the bail hearing. Ironically, if the court had set bail at the requested $1 million, Zimmerman had the money to immediately post bail. A bail bondsman customarily requires 10% of the total amount to post bail. Zimmerman had … [Read more...] about What’s Next for Zimmerman After Losing His Get Out of Jail Card?
Archives for June 2012
Legal Round-Up: Edwards, Zimmerman and Florida
This week’s legal round-up had some drama, some truth and a few lies, too. Starting with the drama, the John Edwards trial ended with a not guilty on one count and a hung jury on the remaining counts. However, just like the trial, the jury deliberations had its fair share of drama too. First, the jury alternates began to wear color coordinated clothes. And the judge had to privately remind them to refrain from discussing the case in “cliques” outside of jury service. Then when the foreperson announced the jury had a verdict on all counts, they did not have one. And they were sent back for more deliberations. Finally, they came out with the one count not-guilty and a mistrial as to the remaining counts. The names of the jurors will not be released for another week to the media. Of course, that will not prevent the jurors from contacting the media, if they choose to do so. I expect we will hear more about the jury room drama in the upcoming week. Now for the lies. … [Read more...] about Legal Round-Up: Edwards, Zimmerman and Florida
Black Clergy Join Forces With Black Caucus on Voting Rights Issues
Black clergy from the Conference of National Black Churches (“CNBC”) joined forces with the Congressional Black Caucus (“CBC”) in Washington, DC for a first ever summit this week to discuss new voting laws, voting registration strategy and empowerment of the black vote. What Republicans call voter protection to prevent voter fraud is disguised as voter ID laws that actually prevent voting by blacks and other segments of the population, according to a panel of voting rights experts speaking at the conference. These new GOP voter ID laws are intended to prevent voting by African Americans, Hispanics, senior citizens and young adults. Limiting early voting days, ending Sunday voting before Election Day, dissuading voter registration at Motor Vehicle Administrations offices and placing onerous burdens on voter registration groups, have no bearing on voter fraud. And requiring already registered voters to obtain new ID to vote is like beginning a race and then changing the rules … [Read more...] about Black Clergy Join Forces With Black Caucus on Voting Rights Issues