MEMPHIS, TN – Shelby County District Attorney Bill Gibbons announced Monday that the man who Memphis police charged for allegedly shooting an officer attempting to serve a search warrant will face additional prison time, if convicted, under the new “Crooks with Guns” legislation.
The District Attorney’s Office approved the charges against Albert Taylor, 35, who is facing four counts of attempted second degree murder, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a controlled substance (crack cocaine), and employment of a weapon (prior convictions). The later charge could bring an extra 10 years to the defendant’s sentence, if convicted. Taylor is accused of shooting a police officer and another person inside a room at the Garden Inn on Lamar on Friday night.
The enhanced punishment upon conviction is the result of legislation enacted by the Tennessee General Assembly last year covering certain types of violent crime, including attempt second degree murder. District attorneys, police chiefs, and sheriffs are pushing legislation this year to expand the types of violent crime covered by the enhanced punishment.
“This is a great example of how legislative action can have a positive impact on our ability to hold those who commit violent crimes more accountable,” said District Attorney Gibbons. “I hope this law is something we can build on during this year’s legislative session,” Gibbons added
The Crooks with Guns legislation took effect January 1, 2008.
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