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Zimmerman's Legal Team Requesting New Bond Hearing


Lawyers for former neighborhood watch member George Zimmerman say they realize he has work to do to restore his credibility.

Zimmerman is back in jail in Seminole County Florida, after it was revealed last week he failed to disclose more than 100 thousand dollars at his bond hearing in April, when the court was told he had no significant assets. He turned himself over to the Seminole County Sheriff and was taken to the John E. Polk Correctional Facility Sunday afternoon, after a Judge revoked his bond Friday.

His lawyers said they would file a motion for a new bond hearing Monday.

Recordings of conversations between Zimmerman and his wife while he waited in jail before his first bond hearing make it clear he knew his support website raised a significant amount of money.

Prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda said Zimmerman and his wife intentionally deceived the court by lying about the family's finances. He said they discussed the money during telephone calls while Zimmerman was in jail, but spoke in code to hide what they were doing.

In a statement Zimmerman’s lawyers say they feel his failure to tell the court about the money was caused by fear, mistrust and confusion. They say he understands his mistake has undermined his credibility, and he will have to work to repair it.

Zimmerman said he acted in self defense when he shot and killed teenager Trayvon Martin as he walked through a gated Sanford community in February. He was arrested in April and charged with murder in the second degree.

His lawyers say they won’t be ready for trial until next year.

In the meantime, Zimmerman will likely have to spend at least another week in jail before a new bond hearing can be scheduled.

 

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