Re: Zimmerman's web site raises more than $200,000
Originally Posted by
max1
I think the money has been sent for his defense, hes just some smuck that MAY have made a bad decision. Travon Martins parents are backed by big money i'm sure. I wonder how much Trayvons Parents have made off his death?
To answer your question, Max, we have to wade through the entire plethora of BS that’s currently metastasizing all over the Internet. And, since I have nothing better to do until I get a final medical release, I’ve independently verified some of it through phone calls and I’m still working on independent verification of some other reports that I feel are legitimate.
First, his family, including his parents, started the Justice for Trayvon Martin Foundation. The NAACP, Nation of Islam, and Rainbow Push Foundation sponsored a rally at the West Los Angeles Church in Christ. Trayvon’s family, along with Al Sharpton and several other civil rights leaders, attended.
No one has mentioned a specific amount of money raised. However, the sponsors gave what they did collect to the family with the express stipulation that they were to use it to achieve the goals of the foundation and that none of it was to be used for the family’s personal expenses, including travel.
The Justice for Trayvon Martin Foundation is under the collection auspices of the Miami Foundation, which is a legitimate and highly regarded foundation that sponsors many worthwhile causes. They report collections of about $27,000 to date, which is supposed to include the funds raised at the Los Angeles rally.
However, I know as a fact that the Nation of Islam donated $5,000. And, coincidentally, another phone source told me that donations currently tally a little over $32,000. Some simple addition puts the $32,000 figure within the range of legitimacy.
I’m very familiar with the Parks & Crump Law Firm. They’re representing the Martin family on a pro bono basis. They do a ton of pro bono representation. However, they’ll also represent the Martin family on a contingency fee basis relative to any future civil law suits against Zimmerman, et al. While I have no idea what that fee arrangement will be, their standard minimum is 35% plus expenses.
I don’t think the Martin family started this for money. They’ve lost a teenaged son and they’ve taken about as severe an emotional gut-kick as they come. I’d feel the same way had it been my son. Nor would I blame them if they sued all parties concerned, jointly and severally, should they have the grounds—and understand, it isn’t at all clear at this point if they’ll have such grounds.
As for Mr. Zimmerman, he’s in a bit of legal do-do no matter what happens. He had already collected over $170,000 through his web site by the time he attended his bail hearing. And, unlike the Martin family, he has complete control over the donations; he’s already spent several thousand dollars on personal expenses.
Unfortunately, he failed to mention this minor detail DURING that hearing. In fact, I don’t believe that his attorney knew the full extent of Zimmerman’s web site or the money collected.
The point of bail—assuming bondable charges—is to assure that a defendant shows up in court for the trail. Bail’s not a punishment and it must be reasonable. While a judge has no obligation to make it EASILY affordable for defendants, this judge took into consideration Zimmerman’s family’s limited resources by setting it at only $150,000.
The Zimmerman family hocked their home to get the needed funds to meet bail. They fell a bit short. But, when the prosecutor found out that Zimmerman had collected over $200,000 in donations and that he had contributed some of it to make up the shortfall, he motioned to have the bail amount increased.
But Judge Lester has delayed his ruling because he’s not sure that he even has the authority to dictate spending restrictions. But, even if he does not have the authority, the state has the right to motion the court to freeze the money for future payments of fines, etc. And, Judge Lester DOES have the authority to grant THAT motion.
But, just as in the case of the Martin family, I don’t think Zimmerman got into collecting donations to “make” money. He found himself in a financial bind because of his circumstances. I just think the man’s clueless in more ways than one.
Regards,
Joe Walther
Drinking under a different name is not the same thing as joining Alcoholics Anonymous.
Reply With Quote
Doesn't sound like it was too easily affordable for his family. I think higher bail would be in order in this case.
