Lawyers of George Zimmerman, the alleged Trayvon Martin gunman, defended their client's promise on Thursday to sent personal "thank you" cards with his autograph to anyone who donated to his legal defense fund, according to reports. 

Zimmerman, 29, who currently resides in a safe house with his wife, is using this tactic to help pay the "living expenses and legal costs" he is unable to afford, according to GZDefenseFund.com. 

The Associated Press reported that Zimmerman planned to launch the New George Zimmerman Defense Fund next month to collect more funds for her legal battle, and that donors would receive "thank you" cards signed by him.

The cards will say "Thank you for your support," and will be personally signed, "your friend, George Zimmerman."

The former neighborhood watch leader was charged with second-degree murder in regards to the Feb. 26 killing of Martin, an unarmed black 17-year-old, in Sanford, Fla. However, Zimmerman pleaded not guilty to the charges and may cite in his defense the state's "Stand Your Ground" law. He claimed that he and Martin both struggled for his gun and because Zimmerman said it was self defense, many believe he was justified in shooting the teenager. However, others claim the killing was unprovoked.

Zimmerman has not been convicted yet; his trial is set for June 10, 2013.

"George Zimmerman is innocent and should never have been charged, and there is nothing inappropriate about raising money to fund the defense of an innocent man," a statement released by his legal team on Thursday read.

Because of death threats following Martin's killing, Zimmerman currently lived in hiding with his wife, Shellie, in Seminole County, according to ABC.

A spokesperson for Martin's family could not be reached at time of publication.  

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