The first trial of George Zimmerman is over except for the verdict and the shouting.  If he’s convicted of either second degree murder or manslaughter, Mr. Zimmerman will probably spend the rest of his life in prison.  If he’s found not guilty, I expect civil rights prosecution by the federal DOJ to follow quickly, as well as civil litigation from Trayvon Martin’s family that will dog him for years.  That’s not to mention the danger that Zimmerman faces from irate twits who believe that justice can be gained in the streets if they can’t get it in the courtroom.

Here’s what I’ve taken from this mess:

• Don’t go looking for trouble.  Zimmerman was completely within his rights to follow Martin down that street, but his life has basically been ruined because he cared about whether or not his neighborhood was targeted by criminals.  Call the police, be a good witness, but look out for yourself and your own future first.
• Your race will be considered, no matter what.  If you’re of African descent, no matter how decent a person you are, you’re going to be viewed in the same light as gangbanger.  Same goes for those who are Hispanic.  If you’re white, no matter how many civil rights causes you’ve championed in your life, you’re a Grand Kleegle until proven otherwise.  Zimmerman is probably best described as multi-ethnic, but he’s still described as a “white Hispanic”, whatever that is.
• Cooperate with the police, but have a lawyer present.
• Let your lawyer talk to the press.  Nothing good can happen from you going on the record with a reporter.
• Be prepared for the worst.  This was originally called a justified shoot by the police, but they were overruled by politicians.
• Zimmerman’s discussions with the police, at least the ones I’ve seen, showed that this was pretty cut-and-dry self-defense, and are backed up by other witnesses, but he’s still going through all this. Be prepared to have someone look over every iota of data you give looking for lies and inconsistencies that will be used to put you on a gallows.
• Know the laws and follow them.  Don’t give a crusader an excuse.
  • Also, even if I’m in a place that allows it, I’m not going to have a beer while I’m carrying.  Having to prove that alcohol didn’t impact my decision to use my gun to defend myself is just another complication I wouldn’t need.
• Be prepared for evidence that you got training or just took the time to learn your rights and responsibilities to be used against you.
  • It’s going to be a catch 22.  If you learn how to be a responsible gun owner and CCDW carrier, you’re going to be a gun nut who learned how to manipulate the system.  If you don’t, then you’re a loose cannon who didn’t know what they were doing and killed somebody with their ignorance.
• Watch what you say now so that it can’t be used against you later.  Making statements about how you will slaughter anyone who ever breaks into your house or tries to attack you or yours, either in meatspace or on-line, will be used against you.

Anyway, here’s hoping that the jury does its duty and comes to a verdict based on the law and the facts, not based on fear and emotion.