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State To Argue For Gag Order In Zimmerman Case

SANFORD (CBSMiami/AP) — There's another hearing scheduled Friday in the case of George Zimmerman, the former neighborhood watch volunteer accused of fatally shooting Miami teen Trayvon Martin.

Prosecutors plan to ask a judge to impose a gag order in the case.

Assistant state attorney Bernie de la Rionda is set to argue his motion Friday. De la Rionda said in his court filing that he believes George Zimmerman's defense attorney, Mark O'Mara, has been using a website, social media and news conferences to influence potential jurors.

O'Mara launched a website, as well as Twitter and Facebook accounts in April, citing a need to diffuse fraudulent Internet entities that claimed to come from Zimmerman. O'Mara contends he doesn't discuss any specific evidence and has been compliant with all bar rules.

Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in the February shooting and has pleaded not guilty saying he shot Martin in self-defense.

Zimmerman's trial date is set for next June but a hearing on his self-defense claim could take place in April or May.

(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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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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