George Zimmerman might have shut down his bootleg website at therealgeorgezimmerman.com, but his new legal counsel has launched a professionally designed website at GZlegalcase.com to help with the public relations nightmare surrounding the February killing of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.
"We understand that it is unusual for a legal defense to maintain a social media presence on behalf of a defendant, but we also acknowledge that this is a very unusual case," his lawyers wrote. "Social media in this day and age cannot be ignored. It is now a critical part of presidential politics, it has been part of revolutions in the Middle East, and it is going to be an unavoidable part of high-profile legal cases... We feel it would be irresponsible to ignore the robust online conversation."
It would also be irresponsible to ignore the obvious potential for profit: Zimmerman raised more than $200,000 from his last web-based donation venture. People want to help him, and lawyers, especially the kind who start up Facebook pages for you, don't come cheap.
"The large amount of money that has been raised to date for George's defense, I believe, is a testament to the support for George as he goes through this most difficult time," his lawyer wrote. "Though the concept of a legal defense fund is quite unique, it serves a very valid purpose and gives an opportunity for people to show their support to Mr. Zimmerman."
In addition to GZlegalcase.com, you can now also go on Facebook and like the "George Zimmerman Legal Case," where lawyers post long sentences about nothing in particular and commenters respond by pretending to understand the intricacies of legal ethics.
But don't worry -- the George Zimmerman Defense Fund "will be up soon and available for donations."
