Trayvon Martin Case: George Zimmerman's attorney launches new website, social-media accounts

(CBS/AP) - A lawyer for George Zimmerman has launched a social media campaign to provide information about the case and raise funds for his client's defense, including a new website, a Facebook page and a Twitter account.

Pictures: George Zimmerman charged with murder

Defense attorney Mark O'Mara acknowledges in a post on the website that it is "unusual for a legal defense to maintain a social media presence on behalf of a defendant, but we also acknowledge that this is a very unusual case."

Zimmerman's previous website, created by his family, received over $200,000 in supporter donations before it was taken down reportedly by O'Mara.

On the latest website, O'Mara notes that "social media in this day and age cannot be ignored," and says "it would be irresponsible to ignore the robust online conversation."

Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in the shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.

The 44-day delay in Zimmerman's arrest spurred protests nationwide and inspired a national debate about racial profiling, equal justice under the law and Florida's self-defense law.

Zimmerman has gone into hiding since his release 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.

Complete coverage of the Trayvon Martin case on CBS News