George Zimmerman's Lawyer Admits His Client Lied About His Finances
George Zimmerman is back in custody after his bail was revoked for lying about his finances. Today, Zimmerman's lawyer Mark O'Mara admitted that his client intentionally misled the court.
In a statement posted to the defense team's official website, O'Mara explained the situation and his request for a new bond hearing.
Zimmerman's defense team will file a motion today for a second bond hearing. While Mr. Zimmerman acknowledges that he allowed his financial situation to be misstated in court, the defense will emphasize that in all other regards, Mr. Zimmerman has been forthright and cooperative.
The statement goes on to say that Zimmerman realized a significant sum had been raised, though his defense team claims his truth-bending was a result of "fear, mistrust, and confusion."
Apparently, a total of $204,000 was raised, with $150,000 of that put into the Legal Defense Fund. The rest — well, allow O'Mara to explain.
$30,000 was used to make the complicated transition from private life in Sanford, FL to a life in hiding as a defendant in a high-profile court case. The balance of approximately $20,000 was kept liquid to provide living expenses for the first several months as the legal process unfolds.
As Zimmerman's defense team puts it, it costs a lot of money to avoid people who think you're a "racist murderer." And yes, that does sound pricey, but misleading the court may have further repercussions.
Most importantly to the case, the lying calls Zimmerman's credibility into question. O'Mara says his client will work to repair his reputation, which is key as he's the key witness in his own defense. Meanwhile, the defense team continues to stress that Zimmerman was "forthright and cooperative," aside from the secret stash.
[Image via AP]