George Zimmerman has waived his right to a speedy trial, according to his defense attorney Mark O’Mara.
STORY: George Zimmerman To Be Arraigned
Zimmerman was not present at the arraignment hearing today, but O’Mara told Florida Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester that he wants to delay the trial for more prep time.
O’Mara entered a plea of not guilty on behalf of his client during the arraignment today in Seminole County.
Zimmerman, who remains free after posting $150,000 bond, is still in hiding and won’t attend the Tuesday hearing, according to his attorney, Mark O’Mara.
O’Mara filed a written plea of not guilty and waived Zimmerman’s appearance at the arraignment.
Zimmerman said he was acting in self-defense in the Feb. 26 shooting of Martin, 17, in a Sanford gated community.
Authorities didn’t charge Zimmerman in the shooting of the Miami Gardens teen for over six weeks, sparking national protests led by Martin’s parents and civil rights groups.
Zimmerman is at an undisclosed location but is being monitored by authorities with a GPS device. He has surrendered his passport and must observe a 7 p.m.-to-6 a.m. curfew under the terms of his release. A pretrial date has been set for August 8th.
