San Diego Criminal Lawyer Blog

Another San Diego theft crime has been perpetrated. This story comes from the San Diego Union Tribune, which reports that a 27 year-old man named Brandon Murray was arrested on Orange Avenue at around 2:15 pm for allegedly intending to “commit a crime which will result in greatly bodily injury.” He was also booked on a count of spousal abuse.

Mr. Murray had been working as a fleet manager at a company called Alert Ambulance. He allegedly phoned his coworkers at around 11:40 in the morning and threatened physical violence. As Mr. Murray headed to the Hancock Street office to “collect his personal belongings,” police tracked him down and pulled him over. They searched his vehicle and discovered four semi-automatic guns as well as ammunition.

Allegations such as the ones against Mr. Murray can be extremely serious. If convicted, he could face many years in prison, even though he did not actually execute any violence against his coworkers. If you or someone you love has been accused of a serious crime, it’s in your interest to look to an experienced criminal defense lawyer in San Diego, like Steven R. Brodsky, to develop a plan for your defense. In some cases, it makes sense to plead guilty and work out a bargain with the prosecutors. In other cases, particularly if you're not guilty, you may need a stout and aggressive defense to prove your case.

Attorney Brodsky has over 20 years of experience, and he’s won many difficult court battles for his clients. Discover more about Attorney Brodsky, including information about some major cases he’s won, at www.criminalattorneysandiego.com. Or get instant help with your matter now by dialing 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE.

Two armed San Diego robbery suspects are on the run following a heist which took place at the Skyway Liquor Market on Main Street, according to a report in The San Diego Crime Examiner.

The suspects allegedly entered the store around 9 pm on the 18th of August and held up the cashier. Both suspects were Latinos in their early 20s. Security footage showed that one was around 5’6” and 160 pounds, while the other was taller -- around 6’ tall and 220 pounds. Both wore dark clothing, including sunglasses and hats to conceal their identities. While one suspect held up the cashier with a handgun, the other ducked behind the counter and stole money from a register. The San Diego criminal suspects allegedly then fled in a dark colored pickup truck (police believe it might have been a Chevrolet), then peeled off on Main Street headed west. As of this posting, the subjects are at large. The San Diego County Crime Stoppers office has asked local residents to be on the lookout for the suspects and to report leads to their toll free hotline, 888-580-8477.

If you stand accused of a San Diego crime, you're no doubt plagued with anxiety and concerned about your future. If you're convicted, will you have to serve jail time? If so, how much? What will be the terms of your eventual release, and how will you get your life back on track? If you're not guilty of the charges, how can you defend against the allegations effectively? What kind of legal strategy would be the most helpful, and what resources do you need ASAP?

For solid, comprehensive answers to your San Diego crime queries, get in touch with Attorney Stephen R Brodsky. Since 1988, Attorney Brodsky has developed winning strategies for literally hundreds of defendants who’ve stood accused of crimes in San Diego. To get immediate help, phone 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE, or email Attorney Brodsky directly through www.criminalattorneysandiego.com.

The Associated Press has reported that, on Monday, August 24, Connecticut Police arrested a man named Howard Jamison in Milford on charges that he committed a brutal murder crime in San Diego two decades ago.

The FBI allegedly used DNA evidence from the crime scene to confirm its suspicions that Jamison did in fact murder an 83-year-old California man named Ewing Scroggs back in December of 1989. The gruesome details of the San Diego murder fascinated and terrified local residents at the time. The elderly man was attacked brutally. Not only was Mr. Scroggs’ home raided, but several valuable personal items also disappeared after the murder, including a wedding band and quilt. The FBI says that Jamison was in fact in San Diego on the day Scroggs was killed in his Pacific Beach house. Jamison will be extradited to California to await trial.

Even though this San Diego murder occurred 20 years ago, Mr. Jamison can still be tried, convicted, and sentenced for the crime (if he is indeed guilty). But not all San Diego crime charges can be made to stick years after the fact. The law imposes what are known as statutes of limitation that make it difficult or even impossible for individuals to be charged with crimes in San Diego after a certain amount of time has elapsed. Thus, even if you did commit a crime and the authorities have enough evidence to convict you, if the statute of limitations has elapsed, the charges won’t stick.

Of course, defending against charges of a serious San Diego crime, such as homicide, requires careful planning and a compassionate approach. Attorney Stephen R. Brodsky, a top rated and extremely popular criminal lawyer in San Diego, can assess your case and advise you about how best to proceed. Visit www.criminalattorneysandiego.com right now to learn more about Attorney Brodsky’s practice, or call 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE immediately for a confidential, no obligation consultation.

The Orange County Register has reported that an arrest has been made in a jewel heist case that’s attracted attention from on-alert authorities and San Diego theft crime blogs.

The action began earlier in the week when three unknown suspects robbed Baca’s Jewelry store in Laguna Beach at gunpoint, stealing over $600,000 in jewelry. Local police chased three suspects to the Aliso Viejo Shopping Center but failed nab the perpetrators. By investigating the history of one of the getaway cars, a white painted Ford Fusion, the San Diego County Police managed to identify one suspect, Alonso José Lopez (31), a Vista resident who's been convicted of violent crimes in the past, including kidnapping and illegal use of a firearm.

Authorities tracked Lopez to an Oceanside home and staked him out. When police attempted to take him into custody, Lopez fled on foot into an agricultural zone, but the cops secured the perimeter and eventually made the arrest, thanks in part to the work of a search dog.

When ordinary citizens read about San Diego crimes in the newspapers or on the web, they often reflectively side with law enforcement. After all, few people crave to live in a disorderedly society, and it’s easy to “mentally convict” a suspect based on flimsy evidence and hearsay. Unfortunately, if you're a San Diego crime defendant, even though the law presumes your innocence, you may face an uphill battle in terms of getting your case heard fairly.

The good news is that you can turn to Stephen R. Brodsky for active and effective representation. Since 1988, Attorney Brodsky has successfully defended hundreds of individuals charged with a diverse assortment of crimes in San Diego. Discover how Attorney Brodsky’s methods, profound knowledge of the law, and unique rhetorical tactics can help. Head to www.criminalattorneysandiego.com now to find out more, or dial 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE.

A 33-year old man named Steven Richardson was arrested in Evanston, Illinois on August 21st in conjunction with a series of rapes and sexual assaults in San Diego and Illinois.

Prior to making the Thursday arrest, San Diego crime detectives working in conjunction with local police pooled their resources -- including fingerprint evidence, eyewitness testimony, and DNA evidence. According to the reported allegations, Richardson committed five rapes in Southern California between 2000 and 2001 as well as other assault crimes in his native Illinois. All told, he now faces 23 counts, including allegations that he is the “A.M. Rapist,” a sexual assailant who’s M.O. was to break into women’s homes early in the morning and brutalize them.

If convicted of all charges, Richardson faces up to 225 years in prison. The accused is a former Navy officer who was discharged in 2000 after acting “mentally unstable.” Navy officials at the time did not believe he was an imminent threat to anyone. Richardson has a wife and young son; as of this time, his wife has made no public comment regarding the allegations.

Sexual assault, battery, and rape are extremely serious crimes in California and can result in lengthy jail sentences and even theoretically life in prison and/or capital punishment. If you stand accused of a crime in San Diego that carries strict punishments, you need a good lawyer to represent your interests. For over 20 years, San Diego defendants have entrusted Steven R. Brodsky and his legal team. Find out what sets Attorney Brodsky apart from the pack here at www.criminalattorneysandiego.com, or get a free consultation about your case right now by calling 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE (toll free). All initial consultations are 100 percent free and confidential.

Per the AP, authorities have concluded a mass arrest of suspects in a San Diego drug crime ring that allegedly may have been responsible for at least nine area murders since 2004.

Seventeen alleged members of a Mexican drug cartel known as the Los Palillos gang (also known as the Toothpicks) were indicted by a grand jury in San Diego County on charges that included robbery, kidnapping, and murder. All told, the men face 22 counts. Nine of the accused are in custody; three may have been killed in Tijuana, Mexico; and the others named in the indictment are still at large.

Authorities have long followed the intramural gang violence between the Los Palillos and another Tijuana cartel, the Arellano Felix. The ring leader of the Los Palillos, a 30-year-old man named Jorge Lopez, allegedly blamed the Arellano Felix cartel for the death of his brother. He stands accused of systematically extorting and killing people who have associations with his enemy’s cartel.

If you or someone you know has committed a crime in San Diego that’s linked to the drug gang or cartel, you may be hesitant to admit guilt or cooperate with authorities out of fear of retribution, either from members of your own gang or from members of a rival group. Such San Diego crime defense strategies need to be handled within abundance of a care, so that more violence does not erupt and so that the true ring leaders can be brought to justice.

If you need effective, careful, and respectful legal help with your San Diego crime charges, look to Attorney Stephen Brodsky, a 20-year veteran San Diego Criminal Defense lawyer who has delivered excellent verdicts for defendants in literally hundreds of cases. At www.criminalattorneysandiego.com, you can read more about Attorney Brodsky’s philosophy and credentials. To book an appointment to discuss your matter in a confidential setting, phone 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE right away. Respect yourself and your family by getting solid legal counsel to help you.

The July 25 death of former American Idol contestant Alexis Cohen has shocked and touched many of the show’s fans here in San Diego. Officers arrested a suspect in the killing -- a 23 year old man named Daniel Bark, who’s been accused of killing Cohen in a hit and run accident and then illegally eluding a law enforcement officer. Bark faces charges of aggravated manslaughter and could face many years in jail.

According to Bark's attorney, David Glassman, the defendant is on suicide watch and is suffering from emotional trauma from the event. Had an experienced San Diego defense attorney been on hand to advise Bark about how to behave in the immediate aftermath of the accident, he would have likely counseled him not to evade authorities and not to leave the scene of the accident. In fact, the fact that Bark fled from the scene -- quite possibly, a panic reflex -- may significantly complicate his legal defense. The additional charges he may face for hit and run and eluding arrest could tack on years to his jail sentence and make probation and rehabilitation much more difficult.

Building a sound San Diego defense strategy requires careful planning and a thorough knowledge of California law, both in theory and in practice. The Law Offices of Stephen Brodsky can equip you to address criminal charges pending against you, whether they’re relatively minor (e.g. a misdemeanor) or severe (e.g. a felony DUI or aggravated manslaughter). Attorney Brodsky has won numerous complex battles at trial, and he understands how to negotiate with prosecutors to get excellent results for his clients. Please check out more resources at www.criminalattorneysandiego.com, or call 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE.

Comic Con has wowed comic book fans for four decades. Over the past ten years, however, the niche festival has blossomed into the entertainment industry’s biggest trade show. 2009’s Comic Con -- held at the San Diego Civic Center -- attracted literally tens of thousands of comic book, gamer, animation, and feature film buffs. Fortunately, crime statistics for this year’s Con were down significantly from Con 2008.

Major attractions this year included a Tim Burton inspired Alice in Wonderland exhibit, a booth for Richard Kelly’s much-anticipated new film, The Box. (Kelly directed the critical darling, Donnie Darko, which inspired a generation of young filmmakers to reach for new heights of eccentricity.) In addition, James Cameron floored the crowd with stupendous teasers for his upcoming 3D movie, Avatar. Sci-Fi fans also mooned over previews for Tron: Legacy, the sequel to the 1984 sci-fi classic starring Jeff Bridges.

Despite the influx of literally tens of thousands of tourists, the San Diego Police Department managed to contain the crowds effectively, and no serious crimes (e.g. manslaughter, assault, and other violent crimes) were reported. Officers did report some instances of petty theft, vandalism, and a handful of street altercations. But for the most part, the crowd was well behaved. Attendance was down from 2008, perhaps due to the fact that the recession forced would-be conventioneers to spend their money on more practical pursuits, like paying the gas bill.

If you were charged with a San Diego crime at the 2009 Comic Con, or you need help with some other San Diego criminal defense matter, turn to Attorney Stephen Brodsky. Since 1988, Attorney Brodsky’s practice has served hundreds of San Diegans. Attorney Brodsky leverages a deep knowledge of San Diego defense law, an agile and intuitive way with legal argumentation, and a results-focused attitude to deliver for his clients. Find out more about how the law offices of Attorney Stephen Brodsky can go to work on your San Diego criminal defense today by connecting with someone at 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE or by exploring www.criminalattorneysandiego.com.

If you’ve been charged with a crime in San Diego -- be it a minor misdemeanor for violating terms of a probation, or a serious felony, like a felony DUI or a charge of manslaughter or assault and battery -- you may be feeling a range of conflicting and powerful emotions. It's important to understand that you’re not the first person to experience similar reactions to being charged with a San Diego crime. One of the keys to moving beyond feelings of vulnerability, weakness, anger, regret, and panic is to acknowledge the reality of your emotions -- this way, emotions won't get in the way of constructing your best San Diego crime defense. To that end, let's examine some emotions commonly felt by the criminally accused:

1. Guilt/remorse -- whether you injured someone in a motor vehicle crash, hurt someone in a bar brawl, or simply embarrassed yourself in front of your friends or coworkers, you may feel a strong component of remorse. In some cases, this remorse may be merited; in other cases, it may be an exaggerated emotional response. A sound and comprehensive defense strategy and treatment program can help you confront these feelings and take action on them in a constructive way. For instance, by making amends to a victim or his or her family, you may help mitigate your sentence.

2. Panic/anxiety -- the fear of the unknown is powerful. Although you’ve been charged with a crime, you don’t know exactly how your defense will play out in a court of law. Will you be able to make a plea arrangement with the prosecution? Will your case go to trial? How soon will it take to resolve the matter -- two weeks or three years? With all these unknowns at play, it's unsurprising that many defendants experience profound anxiety over their futures. A good remedy to that is to connect with a solid San Diego criminal defense attorney to plan a strategy for your defense. Once you have a plan in mind, you may find some of your anxiety and panic falling away.

3. Numbness -- accused criminal defendants often report feeling less emotion than expected. “Going numb” may indicate that you have not fully processed the event, the arrest, or other matters relating to the crime or alleged crime. The human psyche tends to be both fragile and self-protecting. For instance, in many cases, emotional numbness protects your psyche from confronting the harsh realities of the situation. One potential solution is to enter therapy as quickly as possible. This can help not only with your legal defense but also with your coping and rehabilitation strategies.

For more help about how to handle your San Diego criminal defense matter, connect with the Law Offices of Attorney Stephen R. Brodsky ASAP. Attorney Brodsky can provide a free, no obligation consultation to you and advise you about your options. Attorney Brodsky has tremendous qualifications, and he’s represented a wide variety of defendants in his more than 18 years of practicing law. Book your appointment now by phoning 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE or by emailing the firm via www.criminalattorneysandiego.com.

#1: Copycatting – Juvenile crimes in San Diego almost always occur in an instructive context. By seeking to understand why criminal behaviors occur, authorities and parents can develop better solutions. When criminologists discuss patterns in juvenile crime, they often refer to trends as “epidemics” (e.g. "the meth epidemic"). This designation is extremely insightful. Kids and teens tend to mirror behaviors – both good and bad. When kids witness their role models engage in vandalism, theft, and gang violence, they copycat. The motivation to copy occurs on a subconscious level. Thus, one key to breaking the cycle is: 1) identify the popular dangerous behavior(s); 2) develop a strategy to psychologically inoculate other juveniles against repeating the behavior(s).

#2: Hormones – Developing juveniles undergo tremendous physiological and biochemical changes as they mature from prepubescents to full adults. During this tumultuous period, kids can be driven by their hormones to engage in risky behaviors and destructive practices that they otherwise would never commit. The physiological factors driving these behaviors may reside completely outside of these kids' conscious control! To resolve physiologically-driven behavior problems, therefore, parents must identify what the physical problem is and remedy it using appropriate strategies (including, possibly, medication).

#3: Overstimulation - Young Americans today are assaulted by stimuli. Ubiquitous advertising, video games, web media, social networks, cell phones, and dozens of other stimuli compete for attention spans all day long. Many kids are desperate to turn off the spigot of this near-constant stream of information. Unfortunately, like a tilted pinball machine, info-overloaded kids often tune out good information along with bad. One solution is to reduce or remove excessive stimuli and to train children in the art of meditation. Medications for ADHD can also be useful as an adjunct to this therapy.

To explore a sound defense strategy for your San Diego juvenile offender, connect with the law offices of Stephen Brodsky & Associates through www.criminalattorneysandiego.com.

According to a June 19 press release, San Diego Congresswoman Susan Davis has helped to secure a guarantee $1.9 million for the City of San Diego to combat crime. The House Bill in question, HR 2847, is set to head to the Senate for review after it passed the House of Representatives by a wide margin, 259 to 157.

Representative Davis claims that the money can be used for a wide variety of San Diego crime fighting purposes. A breakdown of the monies follows:

• $350,000 earmarked for a Crime Lab Technology for the city.

• $200,000 to help the County’s DA to track gang and drug investigations and to purchase breathalyzers for police fieldwork.

• $200,000 to support a program designed to help officers in the streets coordinate anti-gang actions and to tamp down on violent crime

• $1.2 million to update data sharing systems among San Diego officers and update local, California, and Federal communication efforts.

These monies are part of a much broader Congressional package known collectively as the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, that also include funding to combat global warming and nearly $7 billion in a National Science Foundation money.

While better technologies for San Diego law enforcement agents will hopefully lead to improved coordination and a reduction in violent crime in the city, individuals arrested for crimes in Southern California may have a more difficult time exonerating themselves in the future. If you’ve been wrongly accused or incorrectly charged, you will need resources to fight back against your charges efficiently. Fortunately, you can trust the law offices of Stephen Brodsky & Associates. Attorney Brodsky boasts tremendous and varied experience with criminal defense matters in Southern California, and he understands how to negotiate with judges and prosecutors to get his clients fair and appropriate sentence reductions. To explore more about the firm’s track record history, please visit CriminalAttorneySanDiego.com. You’re also invited to set up a free consultation with attorney Brodsky at any time regarding your criminal defense matter.

San Diego’s North County Times wire services reports that, on Saturday, June 20, a man named Albert Estrada allegedly went on a bizarre spree of armed robberies in the Logan Heights area. According to San Diego Police Sgt. Ray Patrick, the police apprehended the suspect after he had wreaked havoc with a full day of criminal activity.

Mr. Estrada’s alleged first crime occurred mid-morning, when he backed a pair of men into an alleyway at gun-point and took some of their belongings, including their mobile phones. A few hours later, the alleged suspect knocked on the door of 716 Beardsley Street and held the woman who answered hostage at gun-point. The suspect then forced his way into the women’s house and held her and two other men inside at gun-point while he rifled through their things and then stole car keys from the men. The suspect absconded in a 2004 Nissan owned by one the men. The victims alerted the police, who tracked down the suspect and pulled over the Nissan. Due to the police presence, the suspect abandond the vehicle and fled on foot. But police officers caught up with him and placed him under arrest. Several victims later identified the suspect as Albert Estrada. A handgun was found on Estrada’s person, as were some of the items taken from the victims.

It’s unclear what may have motivated this robbery spree. But the law entitles individuals arrested for crimes in San Diego to a sturdy and thorough defense. If you or a family member has recently been charged with multiple counts of robbery, assault, or other violent or theft crimes, you may required immediate and effective legal assistance to avoid the most severe penalties. Trust the San Diego Criminal Attorneys at the Law Offices of Stephen Brodsky to provide a free, confidential, and comprehensive consultation about your San Diego criminal defense matter. Learn more about attorney Brodsky’s background and excellent trial record here at CriminalAttorneySanDiego.com.