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Zimmerman's Attorneys Want More Time To Prepare Their Case

ORLANDO (CBSMiami) – Attorneys for George Zimmerman, the man charged in the shooting death of 17-year old Trayvon Martin, have waived their rights to a speedy trial and filed a motion asking for more time to prepare their case.

The motions were made during Zimmerman's arraignment hearing on Tuesday before Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester. Zimmerman's attorney waived his client's appearance and filed a written plea of not guilty. O'Mara, Zimmerman and the lead prosecutor did not attend the proceeding which lasted about 30 seconds.

By law felony defendants are entitled to a trial 175 after being charged. In his motions, O'Mara waived that right and asked the judge for more time to prepare the case. He indicated that the state did object to his request.

Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester accepted the plea and scheduled the next planning/scheduling hearing for August 8th.

Zimmerman, who is charged with second degree murder, has remained out of sight since he was released on bail. Under terms of his bond, he has to wear a GPS ankle bracelet that authorities can use to track his location round the clock.

Some of the money raised by a defense fund website has paid for Zimmerman's security and living expenses while he stays in hiding before his trial. O'Mara said on his website that just under $50,000 of the more than $200,000 raised by Zimmerman's now-defunct Internet page is being used for his security and setting up his living arrangements in hiding. Zimmerman has about $15,000 in cash.

The other $150,000 raised by the website has been turned over to an independent administrator to manage.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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