After being found not guilty on Saturday, U.S. Attorney Eric Holder suggested that George Zimmerman many face federal civil rights charges. The Justice Department said earlier this week that the investigation into Zimmerman, launched last year, is ongoing.
Kendall Coffey weighed in as a legal analyst for NBC news, saying that federal charges are doubtful. The criminal case stayed away from making race an issue, leaving less evidence for the Justice Department to pursue.
The family of Trayvon Martin, who was shot by Zimmerman during an altercation last February, has not said whether they will seek civil charges. Most legal analysts say that the self-defense case that Zimmerman used to get acquitted may prevent civil charges. The family has already sued and settled with the housing development responsible for the neighborhood watch that Zimmerman was a part of.
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| Kendall Coffey says the Feds won't charge Zimmerman |
Zimmerman can call a hearing in Florida to seek immunity from being sued under the
"Stand Your Ground" law that enabled Zimmerman's defense. The law also provides civil protection int he event that force is used when the assailant feels his or her life is in danger. However, if a wrongful death suit is brought forth, Zimmerman would not be the first high profile case to be held liable in civil cases after being acquitted. Both OJ Simpson and Robert Blake had to pay damages to families of victims they were accused of murdering.
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