Dear Members of CFACDL,
As we watch the events unfold with regards to the perjury charges filed against Shellie Zimmerman for statements made in a bond hearing relating to the George Zimmerman case, we are reminded of the manner in which State Prosecutors use this recourse when presented with false testimony. Many of us throughout our years of practice have witnessed the State file these charges against defense witnesses, but rarely do we see these same charges levied against the prosecution's witnesses, even when they have admitted to making false statements. Mr. Lee Barrett, a long time member of CFACDL and FACDL is working along with Rene Stutzman, a writer for the Orlando Sentinel, in writing an article about this selective prosecution. This is a timely issue, and one that would benefit our cause as criminal defense attorneys. We obviously do not advocate the imposition of charges against anyone, however, justice is only justice if it is applied equally to all, including Law Enforcement and other State witnesses. I encourage all of you to contact Mr. Barrett at lee@bcrlaw.net with any information or personal accounts, particularly instances where the Prosecutor has been presented with evidence of false testimony by one of their own witnesses, and help bring to light the unjust and selective prosecution by State Attorneys in perjury cases.
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