DADE CITY, Fla. – Attorneys for a retired Tampa police captain accused of shooting a man in a movie theater might use a "stand your ground" defense at trial next year.
Attorneys for Curtis Reeves Jr. will have to let the court know four weeks before the trial starts if they plan to use the "stand your ground" defense.
Reeves is charged with second-degree murder in the Jan. 13 shooting of Chad Oulson of Land O'Lakes.
Prosecutors said Oulson was shot in the chest during an argument about texting. Reeves' attorneys say their client shot in self-defense.
Florida's "stand your ground law" says people not involved in illegal activity have the right to "stand their ground" and even use deadly force if they reasonably believe it's necessary to avoid death or great bodily harm.
Reeves remains in the Pasco County jail after a judge denied his request for bail in February.
Another pretrial hearing will be held on Sept. 10. The judge said on Wednesday the trial is expected to begin in early 2015.