Posted on 03/29/2012 2:29:49 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
A firearms website created by some Tampa gun enthusiasts announced today it is collecting money to help pay for George Zimmerman's legal defense.
Christopher Kossmann, 23, and three friends founded Legal Boom: Gun law for the Gunshine State last year to explain Florida's self-defense laws, he said.
Describing legalboom.org as a "hobbyist website," Kossman said none of the members are lawyers and they pay expenses out of their pockets. He has not met Zimmerman, 28, but is trying to reach his attorney, Craig Sonner of Altamonte Springs to discuss the fundraising effort.
Zimmerman told Sanford police he killed Trayvon Martin, 17, in self defense on Feb. 26. The death of the unarmed teen prompted a nationwide controversy and the killing remains under investigation by a special prosecutor.
"Legalboom.org is officially accepting donations to help Zimmerman through what is undoubtedly the hardest time in his life and for his legal defense," the website states. "If you feel this article has changed your views or you already had this inclination please show your support!"
Kossmann said the public will have to trust him to deliver all money raised for Zimmerman in the absence of an accountant, non-profit status and other common features of organized fundraising efforts.
This is not a good idea. If Zimmerman gets off, it will make it only harder for responsible gunowners and CCW’ers. The laws are fine. Zimmerman’s judgement is the problem.
You mean self-defense is not good judgment? What facts do you have that the police don’t about this case to make that assertion?
“Zimmerman’s judgement is the problem.”
So you were an eye witness?
I’m reserving judgement on this incident until all the facts are public. I encourage everyone to do the same. You and I have no idea what happened that night. Don’t believe the presstitutes, they have an obvious agenda.
Actually, Martin’s judgement, or lack of it, was the problem.
Did you hear that the enemedia disclosed the name of a THIRTEEN YEAR OLD witness?!
This is something that’s bound to happen more and more often as thugs begin beating innocent people for fun more frequently and as the innocent begin to arm themselves with CCW.
Jesse and Sharpton are going to scream bloody murder every time one of their thugs are taken out. We’ve got to fight back (legally and with our support) every time this happens.
No, I am relying on the police who investigated the matter. Until someone proves differently, Zimmerman acted in self-defense based on the police investigation into the matter. I am not questioning Zimmerman's judgment. And there are eyewitnesses to the struggle that took place.
"When the Sanford Police Department arrived at the scene of the incident, Mr. Zimmerman provided a statement claiming he acted in self defense which at the time was supported byphysical evidence and testimony. By Florida Statute, law enforcement was PROHIBITED frommaking an arrest based on the facts and circumstances they had at the time. Additionally, whenany police officer makes an arrest for any reason, the officer MUST swear and affirm that he/sheis making the arrest in good faith and with probable cause. If the arrest is done maliciously andin bad faith, the officer and the City may be held liable. According to Florida Statute 776.032 :776.032
Immunity from criminal prosecution and civil action for justifiable use of force.—
(1)A person who uses force as permitted in s.776.012, s.776.013, or s.776.031is justified in using such force and is immune from criminal prosecution and civil action forthe use of such force, unless the person against whom force was used is a lawenforcement officer, as defined in s.943.10(14), who was acting in the performance of his or her official duties and the officer identified himself or herself in accordance withany applicable law or the person using force knew or reasonably should have known thatthe person was a law enforcement officer. As used in this subsection, the term “criminalprosecution” includes arresting, detaining in custody, and charging or prosecuting thedefendant.
(2)A law enforcement agency may use standard procedures for investigating the use of force as described in subsection (1), but the agency may not arrest the person for usingforce unless it determines that there is probable cause that the force that was used wasunlawful.
Question for the board:
At the very beginning of this tragedy (and fiasco) was it assumed that Martin was shot by someone in law enforcement or associated with law enforcement?
I never heard initial report as to whether it was reported that Zimmerman was a LEO.
I’m asking because if it was thought that he was a LEO rather than just another person, that could be why this took off so fast.
Everything I’ve read said he was neighborhood watch.
Are you thinking we need to sacrifice Zimmerman to the mob in exchange for peace?
I think the fund should be directed toward protecting the rights of gun owners to shoot back when the race riots start, and not about Zimmerman per say.
I think he was in the LEO academy. And has since quit for obvious reasons.
Didn’t take long for the token Leftist FReepers to chime in!
Dont Talk to Police
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wXkI4t7nuc
Biz, respectfully, Martin and those who are like him, and support him want to be able to say “Hey crackas, shut your door and don’t worry about what I’m doing.”
That led to the decline of many fine neighborhoods throughout the US, including the one I grew up, the ones my parents and grandparents grew up in. Those neighborhoods are shells of what they used to be, working class neighborhoods with maintained property and well maintained kids. Not hoods in hoodies, skulking around, gathering intel on who they can victimize next.
Shame on George Zimmerman for looking out for his.
If we all had his physical courage, we would have a lot less crime in this nation.
Stand Your Ground also means don’t cede your neighborhood to thugs.
That is one of the reasons that the druggist in Oklahoma City that killed the young robber was convicted, not that he wasn’t guilty, but had he refused to talk without a lawyer I believe he might have gotten off on a lesser charge. He tried to convince the police that he was justified and told some lies and made it worse. I saw the tape of his police interview and I think he had a mental problem and may have believed his own lies.
If you are ever involved in a shooting don’t tell the police any more than your name untill you have an attorney. It is not the job of the police to determine if you are innocent, so don’t try to convince them you are.
“Did you hear that the enemedia disclosed the name of a THIRTEEN YEAR OLD witness?!”
I heard that, but also heard that it was with the permission of his mother who has retained a lawyer so she can appear on tv shows. Of course I don’t know the truth of that, but if true I blame her as much as the media. In any case a 13 year old should not be thrust into the limelight in a case such as this, even with the parents permission.
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