Aggravated assault convictions can have serious consequences especially if it is a felony. Employers will not hire convicted felons. …show more content…
On August 11, 2012, neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman was a charged of second degree murder from gunning down 17 year-old Trayvon Martin shortly after informing police that he spotted a suspicious youth in his gated community on February 26, 2012. An affidavit of probable cause was filed by the state stating that Zimmerman confronted Trayvon Martin and shot him to death while Martin did not commit any crime. Zimmerman indicated he shot Martin out of self-defense. On July 13, 2013, the six-person jury found Zimmerman not guilty on all counts and simultaneously found Trayvon Martin guilty of aggravated assault. The acquittal of Zimmerman proves that he was justified in using a deadly weapon and fearing for his life and the apparent implication is that Trayvon Martin gave Zimmerman reason to fear for his own life. Zimmerman was again charged this year for aggravated assault and domestic violence with a weapon after throwing a wine bottle at his girlfriend (Jamieson and Wyllie). He was granted a bond of $5,000 which he posted. He was released from jail and was ordered not to have contact with the victim or travel to where she lives in Volusia County. Zimmerman also had to surrender any firearms he owns even if he did not use one in this …show more content…
There are also programs to rehabilitate prisoners who are about to be released. Our elected officials should ensure that our mental health systems and safety nets are sufficiently funded, equipped and staffed. They should ensure that our penal systems, parole boards, and courts, are held to a stricter code. These are the major issues with systemic failures in our country. Mental health has to be in the forefront of any kind of weapon restrictions. The assailants share the same sociopath mentality of a serial killer who does not respect other human beings nor see the value in life. They get their satisfaction from the power they have over their victims. The real issue is in the attacker’s dysfunctional and psychological reasoning. Our elected officials should reinforce the school system’s responsibilities to help yield good citizens. Some schools that have law enforcement on campus have noticed that incidences of drug use, gang activities, and bullying have gone down. Resource officers hold substance abuse prevention classes and provide someone to confide in at the school. Schools have developed awareness programs and bystander intervention workshops. Fresno State even had an online violence awareness training for all students last semester. Universities should continue to work on projects related to issues of