Zimmerman lawyers seek hearing on 'stand your ground'

A statement posted Thursday on the website for George Zimmerman's legal team says evidence released by prosecutors shows 'clear support for a strong claim of self-defense.'

In this June 29 photo, George Zimmerman (l.) and attorney Don West appear before Circuit Judge Kenneth R. Lester, Jr. during a bond hearing at the Seminole County Criminal Justice Center in Sanford, Fla.

Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/AP/File

August 9, 2012

Attorneys for the neighborhood watch volunteer charged in the death of an unarmed teen say they'll seek a "stand your ground" hearing that could lead to criminal charges being dismissed.

A statement posted Thursday on the website for George Zimmerman's legal team says evidence released by prosecutors shows "clear support for a strong claim of self-defense."

Zimmerman says he shot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in February in self-defense under Florida's so-called "stand your ground" law, which allows people to use deadly force, instead of retreating, if they believe their lives are in danger.

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Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder. If a judge rules the evidence fits the conditions of "stand your ground," the criminal charges would be dismissed and Zimmerman would be immune from civil action in the shooting.

Zimmerman is free on $1 million bond.