According to an online story this morning on TampaBay.com, two (2) University of Florida basketball players, Cody Larson and Erik Murphy, were arrested for Felony Burglary early Sunday morning in St. Augustine. They have both been released on bail.
Joshua Adel, who identified himself as a "team manager," was also charged with being a Principal to Burglary. He reportedly told police that he was just a "lookout" for the two (2) Gator basketball players. However, under Florida law, a principal is held to the same standard as if they actually committed the substantive offense. As the old English saying goes, "if you're in for a penny, you're in for a pound."
According to the police report, both Larson and Murphy went into Scarlett O'Hara's Bar and Restaurant around 2:00 a.m. early Sunday morning, claiming they had "lost a wallet." Police said the two (2) men tried to get close to an employee who was counting money from the night.
Bouncers then told Larson and Murphy to leave. Moments later, according to the report, they saw the two (2) men breaking into a co-worker's car across the street. Murphy, a sophomore, was a reserve forward this past season. Larson was redshirted and did not see any action this year. It remains to be seen if he ever will....
As a proud alumni of the University of Miami School of Law, former State of Florida Prosecutor Nicholas J. Dorsten frequently blogs about criminal law-related issues as they impact both professional and collegiate sports.
In my experience as both a prosecuting attorney (for approximately six (6) years in Pinellas County), as well as being the owner of the Clearwater-based Blake & Dorsten, P.A., Larson and Murphy will most likely be looking at a Third Degree Felony Burglary charge. While the maximum penalty on a Third Degree Felony charge, in the State of Florida, is five (5) years in the Florida State Prison System, a first time offender would (typically) not be looking at a jail or prison sentence on this type of case.
It should be noted that no two (2) cases are alike and each case is viewed by the State Attorney's Office on a case-by-case basis. However, it would appear that both Larson and Murphy may be eligible for the State of Florida's Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) Program (assuming they have no prior criminal record --- which is unknown to this author, at this time).
If you or a loved one has been arrested and/or would like to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney about your case, the Blake & Dorsten, P.A. is on your side.
For more information, please contact the Blake & Dorsten, P.A. at 727.286.6141. You can also email attorney Nicholas J. Dorsten at: info@blakedorstenlaw.com
Leave a comment