George Zimmerman's safety a concern if new judge grants bail in Trayvon Martin murder case

The lack of an arrest for 44 days spurred protests nationwide, several in Seminole County, in which participants chanted and held signs that said, "Arrest Zimmerman Now!" Anger over a delay in Zimmerman's arrest led to the Sanford police chief stepping down temporarily and the recusal of the prosecutor who normally handles cases out of Sanford. Sanford city officials were holding a town hall meeting Thursday to address some of the residual anger from the case.

Under typical bond conditions, Zimmerman would likely have a curfew, be prohibited from contacting Martin's family and not be allowed to consume alcohol and nonprescription drugs. He also may be required to wear an electronic monitoring device, which he would most likely have to pay for.

Also Thursday, those representing Trayvon Martin's parents said Zimmerman requested to meet them.

"There may be a time and place for that but not now," said Justin R. Campbell — an assistant to attorney Benjamin Crump — in an emailed statement late Thursday night. "We believe (the) Zimmerman request is very self-serving, considering the timing of it 50 days later, right before his bond hearing."

Campbell said in the statement that Zimmerman never apologized on his Web site or on voicemails that he left friends or expressed remorse during interviews with authorities.

"With Zimmerman now making this request, the family questions his motives and sincerity," Campbell wrote.

Even if Zimmerman is granted bond, his family may not be able to afford it, given that it generally can range from $10,000 to $100,000 for a second-degree murder charge. Zimmerman's parents are retired, and their house in Lake Mary, Fla., is valued at just under $120,000, according to the Seminole County Property Appraiser.

"They are not a family of means, so that is going to be difficult," O'Mara said.

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