SANFORD, Fla. – The attorney for George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watchman charged with shooting and killing 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, has filed a motion to allow Zimmerman to wear civilian clothing at his Friday bond hearing.
According to the motion, filed by Zimmerman's attorney Mark O'Mara, Zimmerman would like to appear in his second bond hearing in civilian clothing instead of a prison uniform and without restraints.
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The motion reads, "If Mr. Zimmerman is forced to appear in his jail uniform and restraints during court proceedings and he is displayed to a potential jury pool in this garb, these potential jurors will naturally be led to doubt his presumption of innocence, and accordingly, his constitutional right to a fair trial will be undermined."
O'Mara writes that physical restraints aren't necessary and if Zimmerman is required to use them he would "suffer extreme prejudice." O'Mara said prospective jurors could infer Zimmerman is restrained because he is dangerous.
Judge Kenneth Lester hasn't ruled on the motion yet.
Zimmerman appeared at his first bond hearing on April 20 in civilian clothes but had restraints on. His bond was revoked after prosecutors say he misled the court by not revealing the money he had through his defense fund.
Zimmerman is being charged with second-degree murder in Martin's death. He has pleaded not guilty, claiming self-defense.
Watch Local 6 for more on this story.