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gateley

(62,683 posts)

3. My only concern with that is they may have a more difficult time getting a conviction on a 2nd degre

Reply to hlthe2b (Original post)

Wed Apr 11, 2012, 05:46 PM

Apr 2012

charge (from what I've read, anyway) and that prosecutors would rather go with a lesser charge that has a better chance of getting a conviction. But it would be justice if that IS the charge and if he IS convicted.

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AP is reporting it will be second degree murder..... Interesting 2nd degree MURDER not manslaughter [View all] hlthe2b Apr 2012 OP

Good call. If you look at his past violent behavior, ecstatic Apr 2012 #1

Past acts are ... 1StrongBlackMan Apr 2012 #25

Prosecutors seem to overcharge quite a bit Kingofalldems Apr 2012 #2

That was my question too. janx Apr 2012 #6

2nd degree is not overcharging, IMO. nt arthritisR_US Apr 2012 #21

Sounds about right ... 1StrongBlackMan Apr 2012 #26

something about manslaughter Voice for Peace Apr 2012 #41

Good Point ... 1StrongBlackMan Apr 2012 #43

My only concern with that is they may have a more difficult time getting a conviction on a 2nd degre gateley Apr 2012 #3

I would certainly like to see a change of venue. Bring him down here to monmouth Apr 2012 #11

In some cases they are allowed to tack on lesser charges SomethingFishy Apr 2012 #39

Sounds like the prosecutor must feel confident in the evidence. TheWraith Apr 2012 #4

Your knowledge is appreciated, Wraith. janx Apr 2012 #8

I agree. HooptieWagon Apr 2012 #24

Special Prosecutor just explained that the evidence supported the charges and that Florida law Pachamama Apr 2012 #28

Technically they're always supposed to have the grounds to charge before doing so... TheWraith Apr 2012 #38

I agree ... 1StrongBlackMan Apr 2012 #30

something interesting about manslaughter Voice for Peace Apr 2012 #42

A jury would still have a Man One option, right? RandySF Apr 2012 #5

I thought a jury had to decide on the charges presented JustABozoOnThisBus Apr 2012 #14

Let me rephrase. RandySF Apr 2012 #19

Probably; I'm assuming they will charge that The Velveteen Ocelot Apr 2012 #18

Nope ... 1StrongBlackMan Apr 2012 #31

Just got the same alert RZM Apr 2012 #7

I don't understand .... polly7 Apr 2012 #9

See Wraith's post here: janx Apr 2012 #12

Thank you, and thanks to Wraith. polly7 Apr 2012 #15

Murder 1 usually has a "premeditated" clause NightWatcher Apr 2012 #20

i had a feeling it would be murder 2. Algebra Palin Apr 2012 #10

if he had shot him in the back it would be first dgree Solomon Apr 2012 #17

But 1st degree requires proving pre-meditation....that may be impossible to prove even if it was. Pachamama Apr 2012 #33

Yup for a 1st degree charge they would have to prove that Zimmerman SomethingFishy Apr 2012 #40

True. n/t 1StrongBlackMan Apr 2012 #34

from what i understand Algebra Palin Apr 2012 #37

Yep. The facts that are known do not support hifiguy Apr 2012 #22

MSNBC just reported the same thing. n/t EmeraldCityGrl Apr 2012 #13

Manslaughter might be a lesser included offense The Velveteen Ocelot Apr 2012 #16

Start at the top of what you can charge WolverineDG Apr 2012 #23

Now I'm wondering if he's going to bolt. AtomicKitten Apr 2012 #27

He's in custody.... hlthe2b Apr 2012 #32

Thanks. I'm not in front of a TV so I appreciate the info. AtomicKitten Apr 2012 #35

The DA seems both confident and exceedingly cautious... I feel some reassurance... n/t hlthe2b Apr 2012 #29

I am surprised and impressed with the charges... Spazito Apr 2012 #36