The real estate millionaire won't face trial in Louisiana for having a firearm – but still faces federal charges

Louisiana prosecutors have dropped gun and drug charges against Robert Durst – a decision that will clear the way for federal charges against the real estate millionaire.

When Durst was arrested on murder charges in March, authorities say he was in possession of illegal items. According to documents, Durst was found in a Louisiana hotel room with a .38 caliber revolver, five ounces of marijuana, a fake ID, a latex mask and $42,000 in cash.

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Because Durst is a convicted felon, he cannot legally carry a firearm.

But Durst will likely still face trial for the gun and marijuana. With the state charges out of the way, the federal government can prosecute him on similar charges. Durst pleaded not guilty earlier this month.

This comes as welcome news to Durst’s defense team.

“The decision to have the federal prosecutors handle the case is fair, reasonable, and makes sense,” his attorney, Dick DeGuerin, tells PEOPLE. “The FBI made the arrest, the legal issues are the same in State or Federal court, and we no longer have to fight on two fronts simultaneously. Although the defense team did not participate in the meetings between the State and Federal prosecutors, I’m pleased that they came to a rational agreement.”

After the weapons charges are figured out, Durst faces more serious issues in California. He has been charged with the 2000 execution-style shooting of his friend, Susan Berman.

Durst, the subject of the recent HBO docuseries The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst, is being held without bond in the medical ward of a Louisiana prison. Authorities claim that he’s a suicide risk.

The 72-year-old has claimed his innocence, although the final scenes of the docuseries might tell a different story. “Killed them all, of course,” he muttered to himself while his microphone was still on. “You’re caught.”

• With reporting by KC BAKER