Judge Considers Adjusting Zimmerman's Bond In Trayvon Martin Case
SANFORD (CBSMiami/AP) — George Zimmerman, the man charged in the shooting death of Miami teen Trayvon Martin, had a scheduled hearing in Sanford, Florida Friday morning but he stayed in hiding as expected and did not attend.
A judge is considering whether to raise or revoke Zimmerman's bond after his lawyer told the judge a website raised $200,000 for the defense.
Mark O'Mara told the judge that Zimmerman's family hadn't told him about the money before his client was given $150,000 bond.
Florida Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester said he wants to know more about the money before he decides whether to adjust the bond.
Zimmerman, who has been charged with second-degree murder in the Feb. 26 shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, was released from jail this week after paying 10 percent of $150,000 bail.
Friday's hearing was initially scheduled to deal with several media organizations asking the judge to unseal documents from Zimmerman's court file.
Judge Lester has denied a prosecution request and will not issue a gag order on all of those involved in the Zimmerman trial.
The move, executed Friday, allows O'Mara and other defense attorneys to continue talking to the media if they so choose.
The website used to raise the money has since been shut down, but O'Mara said he'll likely start a new defense fund for Zimmerman.
The website was created almost two weeks ago by Zimmerman's family to thank his supporters and to receive donations from anyone who wanted to help with his legal defense.
The 44-day delay in Zimmerman's arrest spurred protests nationwide and inspired a national debate about racial profiling, equal justice under the law and Florida's self-defense law.
Zimmerman has gone into hiding since his release on bail. Under terms of his bond, he has to wear a GPS ankle bracelet that authorities can use to track his location round the clock.
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