Tampa police arrested a driver accused of three hit and run accidents within one day. Joshua Conwell, 21-years old, allegedly drove his black SUV into another vehicle on the 800 block of 1 st. Street West. Conwell tried to flee the scene only to hit a second vehicle on the same block. Conwell allegedly fled from the scene of both accidents and wrecked a third time. This third accident occurred at the 500 block of Cortez Road West and was witnessed by an off-duty police officer. The Tampa Police caught up with the defendant and arrested him.
A pat down search of Conwell's person revealed a bottle containing 84 pills of the muscle relaxant, carisoprodol or Soma. Tampa Police were able to link Conwell to the scene of all three hit and run accidents. The defendant faces several criminal charges, including, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing the scene of a crash with property damage, driving on a suspended license and driving under the influence. He could face jail time if he is convicted on all charges.
I do not represent Mr. Conwell, nor do I possess information that may jeopardize attorney/client privileges. I am a Tampa DUI defense lawyer and Tampa drug crime attorney. My firm has over 100 years of combined legal experience and serves the city of Tampa and its surrounding areas.
A charge of driving under the influence not only pertains to the consumption of alcohol, but also illegal or controlled substances. Both can significantly impair your abilities and create a dangerous driving scenario. An officer may request a suspect submit to a blood or urine test to determine if drugs are in a driver's system at the time of arrest.
The DUI laws are considered the same whether the individual was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It does not matter. Both crimes are serious criminal offenses that are not to be taken lightly. A charge of DUI not only affects your criminal record, but can impact your family, relationships with friends, finances and your employment. If you have been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, contact an experienced Tampa DUI Lawyer to fight the charges against you.
