To be Honest, I’m Lying!

 The importance of telling the truth, especially to a judge, should never be underestimated.  That’s a lesson George Zimmerman hasn’t learned.

Mark O’Mara, George Zimmerman’s attorney indicates he plans to ask for a hearing on the applicability of Florida’s stand your ground law in the Zimmerman case.  In essence, O’Mara would be asking for a mini-trial where there would not be a jury, and where he would ask the Judge to rule as a matter of law that Zimmerman “reasonably believed” that he might be killed or suffer great bodily harm if he didn’t shoot Trayvon Martin.  If the judge found that Zimmerman was in fear of his life, or in fear of “great bodily harm” he would be justified in dismissing the case, and Zimmerman would never face a jury.

That determination by Judge Lester would be based primarily upon Zimmerman’s credibility.   There could never be a more compelling example of the importance of a witness or defendant  gaining the confidence of a judge.  Because Zimmerman lied to the judge it seems unlikely that Zimmerman will have the case dismissed by Judge Lester.  The filing of the Motion for Recusal and now this hearing on the Stand Your Ground Law seem predictable to anger the Judge even more.  The Judge has made it clear that in his opinion  Zimmerman is not a credible witness.  Judge Lester explained that  

“ Most importantly, though, is the fact that he has now demonstrated that he does not properly respect the law or the integrity of the judicial process.”

 

The most important thing Zimmerman could have done to protect himself was not to pursue Martin.  Because he pursued Martin after the dispatcher told him “We don’t need you to do that,” it will be hard for Zimmerman to convince a jury that he was fearful, since he was the one pursuing Martin.  However once he killed Trayvon Martin, and was charged, the most important thing Zimmerman could have done was to impress the Judge with his credibility.  By lying to the Judge about his financial assets Zimmerman discharged a weapon again, and this time into his own foot.  Rest assured that Judge Lester will require this matter to go to a jury.

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