Tampa Criminal Lawyer Blog

A man who was posing as a doctor was arrested following his failed attempt at robbing a Tampa area (Largo) jewelry store.  Michael Basilotto made an appointment to look at jewelry at the International Diamond Center and showed up to the appointment in medical scrubs.  While he was examining the rings, Bassiloto requested that he be permitted to examine the rings in the sunlight so that he could better evaluate the clarity of the rings.  As Bassiloto examined them in the sunlight, he suddenly punched the store employee in the shoulder and fled the scene.

The store employee gave chase and tackled Bassiloto in the store parking light.  As Bassiloto drove away the employee got part way into Bassiloto's car, but Bassiloto's escape was short lived as he crashed into a palm tree.  When deputies arrived on the scene, they discovered that the car Bassiloto was driving was stolen.  The deputies returned the rings to the jewelry store, which were worth $277,000.  Bassiloto faces a number of felony charges including strong armed robbery, two counts of grand theft, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and resisting a merchant.
 

Bassiloto faces a lengthy state prison sentence if he is convicted on all charges.  Strong-armed robbery describes a situation where any degree of force is used to complete the offense explained Tampa criminal defense attorney John Musca.  The offense is a second-degree felony punishable by 15 years in state prison.  The grand theft offenses are first degree felonies because the amount stolen is over $100,000 and each first-degree grand theft offense can be punishable by up to 30 years in state prison and a $10,000 fine.  The aggravated battery with a deadly weapon (i.e. Bassiloto's car) is a second-degree felony under Florida criminal law and punishable by up to 15 years in prison.  "While the legal consequences facing Bassiloto are very serious as the above penalties suggest, the punishment could potentially be made even more complex and serious if the defendant has prior convictions," said Musca.

If you have been arrested or rare facing criminal allegations, you face a number of important decisions.  The most critical one is choosing who will represent you in the legal system.

It is important to be proactive in building your defense.  A conviction will likely change your life.  But with high quality legal representation on your side, it is possible to put these charges behind you for good.  If you have been arrested and are seeking legal guidance, Musca Law is here for you.  Contact a Tampa criminal defense lawyer at Musca Law today, to speak with an experienced attorney.  We offer a free trial consultation and Spanish language translation services.