Dismissal Sought in Twin Lakes 'Stand Your Ground' Trial

The lawyers for a Valrico man accused of killing his neighbor have asked a judge to dismiss the manslaughter charge against him, using Florida's "stand your ground" law as a defense, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Trevor Dooley's lawyers say was an act of self-defense and that he should not be held accountable thanks to the controversial law that allows a person to use deadly force to save his own life, even if retreat is possible.

Dooley and James had gotten into an argument over skateboarding in their Twin Lakes subdivision.

Thursday's legal filing comes at a time when the "stand your ground" law is under intense national scrutiny following the fatal shooting of Sanford teenager Trayvon Martin. Neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman, charged with second-degree murder earlier this week, told police he shot Martin in self-defense after Martin attacked him.

Read more about the Twin Lakes "stand your ground" trial in the Tampa Bay Times' story.