The lawyers for George Zimmerman have withdrawn from his case (see also here), citing an inability to locate him and his failure to heed their advice.
At the press conference announcing the withdrawal, the lawyers noted that they think Zimmerman is in the U.S., but no longer in Florida. They also expressed concern about Zimmerman's "emotional and physical safety," suggesting that Zimmerman might be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. They also noted that, without their knowledge and despite specific advice to the contrary, they heard that Zimmerman tried to speak with the special prosecutor in the case as well as a television commentator. Finally, they questioned Zimmerman's creation of a website to raise money for his defense, with one of Zimmerman's lawyers saying, "I wish he would have told me."
I don't question Zimmerman's lawyers' decision to withdraw, but why did they need to hold a press conference to explain themselves? The comments to the media were not only unnecessary, but they seem to have revealed confidential information that could potential hurt Zimmerman's case. The remarks suggest that Zimmerman is on the run, potentially unstable, refusing to communicate with his attorneys, and ignoring his lawyers' advice.
Natalie Jackson, the lawyer for Treyvon Martin's family, has expressed the same point, but in more colorful terms:
Not only have they [Zimmerman's lawyers] spoken recklessly about racial issues, enflaming passions and reinforcing stereotypes, but now they have thrown their own client, George Zimmerman, under the bus by alluding to his possible flight from justice.
Indeed. Can anyone offer a reasonable rationale for the lawyers' remarks? Does George Zimmerman somehow benefit from his lawyers' very public, highly detailed withdrawal?
As an aside, this is the second high profile case in the last year in which a criminal defense lawyer appears to have said too much when withdrawing from a case.