The man charged in the shooting death of an African-American teenager is expected to make his first appearance in a Florida courtroom Thursday, in a case that has ignited a national debate about racial tensions in the United States.

The attorney representing George Zimmerman says his client will plead not guilty to second-degree murder at a bond hearing.

Zimmerman, a white, Hispanic man, surrendered to police Wednesday, when he was charged by special prosecutor Angela Corey in the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in a gated community in an Orlando suburb on February 26.

Corey gave no details of the evidence that led to the charges, but said there was a thorough investigation. Corey said Florida courts do not prosecute people by public pressure but on the facts and the law.

Second-degree murder is defined as an intentional killing that was not pre-meditated. It could also be defined as a killing caused by a suspect's dangerous conduct and disregard for human life. The maximum penalty is life in prison.

Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer, said he was attacked by Martin and shot the teen in self-defense.

Martin's family says Trayvon was unarmed and confronted because of his race. They demanded Zimmerman be charged.

Earlier Wednesday, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said the Justice Department will take action if it finds evidence of a federal civil rights crime.

“Although I cannot share where current efforts will lead us from here, I can assure you that, in this investigation — and in all cases — we will examine the facts and the law. If we find evidence of a potential federal criminal civil rights crime, we will take appropriate action. And at every step, the facts and the law will guide us forward.”

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Martin's supporters say the shooting shows how young black men are constantly threatened with violence, while Zimmerman supporters say race had nothing to do with the killing.