Tampa Bay Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
Do you get time off for honesty? A Florida man may soon find out after his arrest.
Meet 25-year-old Robert Phillips. He may just be the most honest drug dealer in the state…
His most recent arrest sounded like it was custom made for the tv show COPS. While driving a stolen car, Robert had the bad fortune to narrowly avoid hitting another car. That car was being driven by an undercover police officer who immediately wanted Robert to stop. With other police cars giving chase with lights and sirens, Mr. Phillips did his best feeling and eluding.
During the police chase, Robert eventually abandoned his car and ran into an art store. He also collided into an elderly patron, knocking her to the ground. The force of their collision caused him to drop a loaded semi-automatic handgun. As a convicted felon, this is a big no-no and resulted in additional charges as he was captured trying to exit the store from the back.
A search incident to his arrest resulted in police finding a large number of grams of heroin ( a drug trafficking amount) in his pockets as well as 1000s in cash.
Inside the suspect’s car, police found over five grams of crack cocaine, needles, a drug scale and a hidden compartment in the car.
While being interviewed after his arrest on multiple charges, Robert was asked his occupation. Without hesitating he blurted out “drug dealer”! His honesty has won him no points with a judge so far. As of this writing, bail is still in the amount of $240,000.
LEGAL ANALYSIS
This seven-time convicted felon had been in and out of Florida prisons on multiple occasions. Mr. Phillips can be charged with felon in possession of a firearm. As he was in actual physical control of the gun, he is facing a MANDATORY three years in prison for this one charge.
The trafficking in heroin count will also be a minimum mandatory sentence, the exact amount of time will depend on the amount of heroin and any negotiations with the state attorney.
Likewise, the fleeing and eluding, if he is found guilty, will be punished depending on the severity of the charge. Per the facts of the article, it can be charged as a third-degree felony or perhaps a second-degree felony. If it is a second-degree, he could be punished by up to 15 years in prison for just this one charge!
Have you or a loved one been arrested on a drug charge or a firearm violation? Then call the Pinellas criminal defense attorneys of Blake & Dorsten, P.A. today! These former prosecutors are experienced trial lawyers.
The lawyers of Blake & Dorsten, P.A. handle all criminal and auto accident cases throughout the Gulf Coast of Florida including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota and Citrus counties.
To speak directly to your Clearwater criminal defense lawyer, click on the contact button or call 727.286.6141. Blake & Dorsten, P.A…when your case matters!