Domestic Violence & Aggravated Assault - George Zimmerman's New Arrest

As a Michigan Assault Lawyer, I concentrate my Criminal Defense practice on defending those accused of Michigan Assault crimes, including Domestic Violence and Aggravated Assault. In many Domestic Violence and Aggravated Assault trials, it is my job to make the issue of Self-Defense real for the Jury. Naturally, I was very interested in the Florida trials of George Zimmerman and Michael Dunn. In particular, I was impressed with the Self-Defesne argument of George Zimmerman's attorney Mark O'Mara.

RELATED: "Can I claim Self-Defense to Domestic Violence in Michigan?"

RELATED: Read Our Michigan Self-Defense Laws Overview...

Well, it turns out that on top of reportedly being accused of other violent incidents in September 2013, November, 2013, and September 2014, Zimmerman was again arrested days ago on January 9 of this year. This time, he was charged with Aggravated Assault With a Weapon under Florida law for allegedly throwing a wine bottle at his girlfriend. One source reported he was also charged with Domestic Assault (unconfirmed). I'll refer to this as the new "Domestic Violence incident" for simplicity's sake.

RELATED: News release on George Zimmerman's new alleged Domestic Violence incident.

Earlier today, I watched a video where a reporter interviewed Zimmerman's neighbors. They said things like "he's outta control" and "I don't know how he's allowed to walk around." Even Zimmerman lawyer Don West said he "has not been lucky with the ladies," and that after what he's been through, he may benefit from counseling. So here's the question raised by Zimmerman's new incident: Is George Zimmerman a violent maniac who can't control himself, perhaps even feeling "invincible" after his murder acquittal, or is he a target for false accusations of Domestic Violence because of his notoriety? So far, I haven't heard anyone give Zimmerman the presumption of innocence. Would it change your mind if I told you that the September, 2014 accusation for Assault against his estranged wife and her father with a weapon was never prosecuted after police found no weapon there? Sounds like an angry enemy trying to hit him where it hurts. Did you know that the November, 2013 Domestic Violence and Aggravated Assault With a Weapon charges were dropped because the alleged victim didn't want to prosecute, and the September "road rage" incident was never prosecuted?

**RELATED: "Will my Domestic Violence case be dismissed if the alleged victim doesn't show up?"**

Based on my experience as a Criminal Defense Lawyer dedicated specifically to defending those accused of Assault and Domestic Violence (also called "Domestic Assault") , here's what I think about Zimmerman's string of criminal accusations: I think it is totally possible that accusers are exploiting Zimmerman because they can get a reaction based on that same bias his very own neighbors have expressed against him. I can never say for sure what happened during any of this alleged incidents, but part of me thinks there's just too many coincidences surrounding this guy. But crimes like Domestic Violence and Assault (including Aggravated Assault and Sexual Assault, or Criminal Sexual Conduct) have some of the highest instances of false accusations by accusers motivated by hatred and bias. Remember, one of the accusations against Zimmerman was for an Assault with a gun (which in Michigan would be called Felonious Assault (Assault With a Dangerous Weapon - a 4 year Felony) where NO GUN was found. As a Michigan Assault and Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer, I am very skeptical of criminal accusations because I spend my life proving them false. Here's the takeaway: let's give George Zimmerman the presumption of innocence like we should. When we do, we can say that if Zimmerman is nevertheless doing something wrong, it probably lies with the people he's associating with. Like my father always said, "If you walk in _ _ _ _, you're going to step in it." If you are in a domestic relationship with someone who is unstable, who lies, and who falsely accuses to serve a purpose, GET OUT! If someone accuses you of a crime, they're putting your future, your parental rights, your financial stability, your career, and your very freedom in jeopardy. After you get an excellent Michigan DV Defense lawyer and beat the case, have self-respect and leave your accuser. From what I've seen, a leopard doesn't change its spots.