Fleeing and Eluding a Law Enforcement Officer at High Speed (3rd Degree Felony), Possession of Marijuana, and Reckless/Dangerous Speeding
Florida Highway Patrol clocked the client's vehicle traveling in excess of 90mph on the Florida Turnpike before he accelerated to over 125mph during a pursuit. When the vehicle was stopped, the client spontaneously stated he fled because he had a firearm inside the car. A probable cause search uncovered multiple bags of marijuana, digital scales, a grinder, and two firearms. The client faced a felony fleeing charge alongside the drug and weapon evidence, a combination that gave the State substantial leverage.
Counsel negotiated a resolution that kept the felony conviction off the client's record entirely. The plea was entered no contest with adjudication withheld on the fleeing charge, meaning no felony, no incarceration, and no permanent conviction. The client was placed on probation with standard conditions and an advanced driver improvement course. Given the facts of the stop, including the firearm and high-speed pursuit, avoiding both prison and a felony conviction was the result.
Facing similar charges?