The Trayvon Martin shooting in Florida has garnered worldwide attention due to the devastating nature of the incident, as well as the social and legal implications and criticisms that followed. There has been a lot of speculation on whether George Zimmerman, the suspect in the Trayvon Martin shooting, will be charged with a crime, but, according to recent CNN news, George Zimmerman has in fact been charged with second-degree murder.

Once authorities said that he would be charged, Zimmerman turned himself in after being in hiding for his safety. He will be pleading not-guilty against second-degree murder charges. It is hoped that now that the process is moving forward, much of the anger and/or frustration caused by the case will recede. The intention to charge Zimmerman was announced 46 days after the shooting.

The process is still in its early stages as the prosecutor and defense attorneys have not yet even begun the jury selection process; however, if found guilty, Zimmerman faces a minimum of 25 years imprisonment as well as a $10,000 fine, which are the penalties established for second-degree murder as per Florida statute 782.04. Zimmerman's defense lawyer expects that it will take at least six months and perhaps even up to one year before the trial begins, but this is speculation as he has not reviewed the evidence himself yet. He is replacing Zimmerman's former defense attorney.

Murder charges are very serious and have the potential to jeopardize your entire future. If you have been charged with murder in Florida, the aggressive Florida murder defense lawyers at Musca Law can protect your legal rights. Call us today for a confidential consultation today at (888) 484-5057.