The Schnitt versus Bubba the Love Sponge defamation trial took a very unexpected turn this morning. The Judge approved a continuance requested by Phil Campbell, attorney for Todd and Michelle Schnitt, and no testimony was heard today. It is thought that the continuance was requested by Mr Campbell since he had only just been released from the Hillsborough County Jail a couple of hours earlier.
According to the Tampabay Times, Mr Campbell was arrested the previous evening after refusing to participate in a field sobriety test or provide a sample to establish his blood alcohol level.
The Tampa Bay Times reported that Mr Campbell was pulled over on near the intersection of Cass St and Tampa St by an officer from Tampa PD. Mr Campbell had allegedly violated another drivers right of way, The Tampa PD officer noticed that Mr Campbell smelled of alcohol and his eyes appeared "glassy"
After his arrest, Mr Campbell was booked into the Hillsborough County jail and released on $500 bail at 6am Thursday morning.
The Tampa Bay Times also reports that upon his arrival at the courthouse at 08:30 am, Mr Campbell was heard to say "This is going to be a rough day".
According to myfoxtampabay.com, Mr Campbell has a previous arrest for DUI dating back to 2008 when he was arrested for being almost twice the legal limit.
During a live telephone report from the courthouse on the Fox13 morning show, and reported in myfoxtampabay.com, Mr Stephen Diaco attorney for Mr Clem said " I am shocked that the case was continued" Mr Diaco was perplexed as to why the other attorneys representing Mr & Mrs Schnitt were unable to handle the case.
The Tampa Bay Times reports Mr Diaco as saying " The whole thing makes me ashamed to be an attorney" He add that he and the other attorneys representing Mr Clem had been up all night preparing for today's proceedings "and now, we're delayed because Phil Campbell was getting his drink on and decided to drink and drive again."
Mr Diaco was also heard to wish Mr Schnitt a happy birthday as he left the court.
myfoxtampabay.com carried the following statement issued by Mr Campbell's law firm Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick.
"The DUI charge against attorney Phil Campbell is certainly a serious matter. We have a high level of respect for law enforcement and the legal process. However, this development has nothing to do with Mr. and Mrs. Schnitt or their current defamation trial. We will continue to advocate for Mr. and Mrs. Schnitt's rights and have the utmost confidence in Mr. Campbell and our entire legal team as they continue to provide high-level legal counsel in this case."
The Schnitt versus Bubba the Love Sponge trial is expected to continue tomorrow Friday 01/25/13 with Mrs Schnitt taking the stand.
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