When "Neighborhood Watch" Gets Out of Hand

[Rupert Pupkin]

Originally Posted by Riot

If the prosecution can't prove the 2nd degree murder charges, then Zimmerman's attorneys have nothing to fear and should be very happy with the charges: he'll be readily and easily acquitted by a jury.

If they can prove it, Zimmerman's attorneys better start plea-bargaining, no?

The prosecutor doesn't have a reputation for losing many cases, or overstepping. If she had come back with zero charges, I would have been happy that it was looked at carefully, and it's done.

There is probably a 50% chance that the judge will throw out the 2nd degree charge at the arraignment next month. The only reason that there is not a 95% chance is because of the public pressure that will be on the judge not to throw it out. If the judge does throw out the 2nd degree charge, there is still a good chance that the judge would allow the case to go forward on manslaughter charges.

If the judge does not throw out the 2nd degree charge and the case goes to trial, the jury will almost certainly be given a choice of charges. Zimmerman would almost certainly be found not guilty of 2nd degree murder but he could still be found guilty of manslaughter.

There is also the possibility of a plea deal before the case gets to trial.