TYLER, Texas — Editor's Note: The above video aired in April 2023.
The trial for Derek Phillips, son of Smith County Clerk Karen Phillips and Smith County Pct. 3 Commissioner Terry Phillips, has been set for March.
Derek Phillips, 37, of Tyler, is charged with interfering with public duties, resisting arrest and evading arrest in connection with accusations of interfering with a March 28, 2023 traffic stop.
His mother Smith County Clerk Karen Phillips is also charged with interfering with public duties in regards to the same traffic stop.
Documents allege Derek Phillips interfered with a traffic stop involving another man, Cody Voss, several times. At one point, Karen Phillips grabbed a sheriff's deputy and pushed another deputy as these officers tried to arrest Derek Phillips after he ran into her home.
During a hearing in Smith County Court at Law No. 3 Thursday, the choices for the trial were March 6 and April 3, and both the state and defense said April could be better but they could make March 6 work.
Judge Clay White then approved the trial date as March 6. He said he would ask for 45 jurors to be brought in but only six will be needed.
The defense also chose to abandon Derek Phillips' previous motions to dismiss due to lack of speedy trial and a request for a change of venue. Derek Phillips filed these motions prior to having his current attorney.
White approved the state's motion to consolidate all three charges into one trial.