It is my (layman's) understanding that under Florida law an arrest is sufficient to enable a civil action. So getting the arrest of Zimmerman was Crump's goal, thereby enabling a future civil suit. The reason for all the talk about the homeowner's association, etc. is to seek deep pockets. Zimmerman himself is unlikely to have enough assets to be worth suing.
Oh, I am SURE Crump intends/intended to sue the HOA, the Sanford PD and every other entity he possibly could. At 29, how much could Zimmerman possibly be worth? Assuming he’s cleared, I can see $ in his future from a book and/or movie and/or speaking engagements. Maybe not a movie; that doesn’t fit the Hollywood agenda.
What stifles civil actions is a recognition of the statutory immunity that attaches to self defense. That recognition, in this case, will come from a judge. Until the recognition is asked for and either granted or denied, the civil plaintiffs are reluctant to sue, because, if they sue and immunity is recognized by the system, then they have to pay all costs of the legal (civil) defense.
. . . until Zimmerman gets finished suing NBC for defaming him, that is - then whatever Crump might get from Zimmerman would just be added to the tort that Zimmerman could charge NBC with. IMHO Zimmerman would be in his rights to embed that claim within his tort claim against NBC, even if he won a judgment before the result of any suit against Zimmerman.And IMHO it is impossible for anyone to seriously believe that NBC did not slander Zimmerman even if Zimmerman were convicted of murder 2. If for no other reason than the existence of “hate crime” laws . . .