San Diego Criminal Lawyer Blog

Federal officials have been making several arrests in Riverside County taking down members of the Mongol motorcycle gang, with roots in Hesperia, Corona, San Jacinto and Redlands, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reports. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agents raided homes in the middle of the night and in the wee hours of the morning, ransacked homes for illegal weapons and arrested individuals who they perceived to be members of this outlaw motorcycle gang.

According to the news report, in June, Temecula police officials made several arrests claiming that the Mongol motorcycle gang caused chaos on the 15 Freeway by “pulling off stunts and closing parts of the freeway en route to a rally in San Diego. Mongol leaders in Riverside and other areas have said in the past that they have been unfairly pursued by police and federal agents for having gatherings that are perfectly legal.

Whether it’s a federal or state prosecution, if you have been accused of a weapons charge or any other federal crime, you would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced and knowledgeable Riverside criminal defense attorney, who is well-versed in dealing with both state and federal prosecutions.

The other important issue to look at in this case would be if the federal agents who conducted these raids did so in a legal manner following procedures that are required by California law. If they have searched and seized evidence that violated the Constitutional rights of the defendants, the defense attorney can make an argument in court to prevent that evidence from being used during a trial.

Ahn Quang Ho, 54, was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a woman at a Moreno Valley nail salon, according to this news report in the San Diego Union-Tribune. Riverside County Sheriff’s officials have booked him on rape and sexual battery charges after a woman accused Ho of forcing himself on her while they were inside the suspect’s workplace, Creative Nails Salon on Perris Boulevard.

In the State of California, a person can be charged with rape if they had sexual intercourse with a person who could not give legal consent because they were drunk, drugged, unconscious or did not have the mental capacity to give legal consent. A person may also be charged with rape if they physically force another person to have sex with them.

An important factor in a sexual assault or rape case involving two adults is whether the accused rapist knows the victim. In such cases, the issue of whether the victim agreed to have sex with the accused rapist becomes all important. Police investigators will usually question the victim about the alleged rape. The Sexual Abuse Response Team (SART) will also give the alleged victim a medical exam to see if there is any physical evidence of rape.

A sexual assault conviction usually results in severe punishment including a lengthy jail sentence. It is very important to have an experienced and knowledgeable Riverside rape defense attorney on your side, who will examine the evidence, conduct an independent investigation and listen to your side of the story. If you have been charged with a Riverside sex crime, please call the Law Office of Stephen R. Brodsky for a free consultation.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department officials served a narcotics related search warrant in Indio Hills and uncovered a clandestine methamphetamine lab on October 17, 2008, according to this news report. The search warrant was reportedly issued at 29181 Desert Charm Road, a 9-acre property, which is located in an unincorporated area of Indio Hills. Apparently, this was a large-scale operation capable of producing several pounds of methamphetamine.

Police arrested three people at that Indio Hills location: Apolinar Estrada Arellano, 51 and Ricardo Ramirez of Coachella on drug charges; and Rodrigo Dominguez Arellano, 33, of Indio Hills on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

In a drug or narcotics crime charge, there are always two important factors that can determine the seriousness of your charges and also whether it will be investigated and prosecuted by state law enforcement officials or federal officials. First, it depends on the kind of drugs and the quantity of illegal drugs or narcotics that led to your arrest. The quantity makes a difference because if your arrest involves several pounds of illegal drugs, then you face the charge of possessing drugs for sale, which is an extremely serious charge. Secondly, if you already have a prior criminal record for drugs and narcotics convictions, your charges and the consequences of a conviction will be more severe.

Whatever your situation, if you have been accused of a drug crime in Riverside County, please contact Riverside drug crime attorney, Stephen R. Brodsky for a free consultation. For more than two decades, we have successfully defended hundreds of people who have been charged with committing state and federal drug or narcotics crimes. Call us today to find out how to build a winning defense.

Police in Hemet arrested two men on suspicion of possessing drugs after employees at a Target store called officials to report an attempted shoplifting incident, according to this news report. Randell McNeil, 32, was reportedly arrested on suspicion of possessing heroin, a parole violation and resisting arrest in the Target store on West Florida Avenue.

Another man, Frederick Weber was arrested on suspicion of unlawful possession of methadone and released on bail. McNeil is being held without bail. Police reportedly had to use Taser to subdue McNeil because he allegedly ignored police commands and reached into a pocket where he had a knife and a “replica firearm.”

Possession of drugs is a serious crime in Riverside. If you are arrested on suspicion of a drug or narcotics crime, your case can be determined by the kind and amount of illegal drugs involved and whether you have a prior criminal record for drugs or narcotics convictions and arrests. Other convictions, probation and parole could also play a role in the nature of your charges.

If you have been charged with a drug crime in Riverside, you need a truly experienced Riverside criminal defense attorney who knows the politics and law of drug or narcotics crimes. Your defense lawyer must know how the world of drug or narcotics crime investigations works. Your attorney must know and understand how police investigators and prosecutors think when they work together as a narcotics law enforcement team.

When you retain Stephen R. Brodsky as your defense attorney, you are getting a drug crime defense attorney with a much-needed winning attitude. Our philosophy is not to give up and plead guilty to a crime you never committed in the first place. Our goal is to keep you out of jail, protect your legal rights and obtain justice for our clients. If you or someone you love has been charged with a drug crime, please call our law offices for a free consultation.

A longtime Murrieta Valley Unified School District employee has been sentenced for stealing money from the school district over a period of 18 months, the North County Times reports. Wilhelmina De Guzman Ignacio, 49, was working as a kitchen supervisor at Murrieta Valley High School when she was arrested in December 2007. She reportedly pleaded guilty to grand theft.

Ignacio has been sentenced to three years’ probation and a year in county jail. But with time she has already spent in jail and credit for time served, she won’t have to spend any more time in jail, the news report stated. She was, however, ordered to pay $20, 042 in restitution and fines and ordered not to have any contact with the school district.

Riverside theft and burglary crimes cannot and must not be taken lightly. If you have been charged with robbery, petty theft, grand theft or burglary, you will be well-advised to retain an experienced Murrieta theft defense attorney as soon as possible so that your defense attorney can evaluate your case and begin to prepare a winning defense strategy. Your charges will of course depend on the value of property stolen and your prior criminal record. Remember that even a conviction for residential burglary could become a “strike” under California law and lead to serious, lifelong consequences.

Please do not let this happen. An experienced Riverside criminal defense lawyer will have the incident professionally and independently investigated and ensure that you get the best possible result in your case. If you have been charged with a theft crime in Riverside, please call Stephen R. Brodsky immediately for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.

David Eric Hunsaker, 37, of Riverside has been arrested on suspicion of possessing marijuana for sale. According to this news report, Hunsaker allegedly grew pot in the backyard of a vacant, foreclosed home bordering his own property. Police reportedly received an anonymous tip about Hunsaker’s marijuana growing operation.

Investigators found 53 fully-grown marijuana plants, some about 6 feet tall, the report stated. During surveillance they also found that someone had been climbing over the fence between Hunsaker’s property and the foreclosed property to tend to the marijuana plants and also reportedly saw “drying marijuana plants” in Hunsaker’s backyard.

Drug crimes, especially drug possession for sale, can mean serious consequences for those who have been charged with it. If convicted, the severity of the charges and penalties usually depends on the quantity of drugs that are seized and the drug crime defendant’s prior criminal record.

If you have been accused of a drug crime, you need an experienced and knowledgeable drug crime defense attorney, who has a thorough understanding of “search and seizure” laws and how they apply to your case. A skilled criminal defense attorney will also make an accurate evaluation of the prosecution’s case in order to start building a solid defense right away.

If you or someone you know has been arrested on suspicion of a drug crime, please call the Law Office of Stephen Brodsky to discuss your case and build your defense.

A 40-year-old child care center operator in Norco has been arrested on suspicion of abusing seven children under her care, five of them younger than 24 months. According to this Associated Press news report, Connie Lynn Barrett has been charged with seven counts of inflicting injury on a child.

Police officers obtained an arrest warrant for Barrett after several claims that children under her care at the Barrett Family Child Care Center had been severely injured. One 8-month-old girl stopped breathing and went into cardiac arrest, reportedly displaying all of the symptoms of “shaken baby syndrome.” Two other children allegedly suffered broken bones and several other children were severely bruised, according to court records. Barrett’s business was shut down by the Department of Social Services on Aug. 29, the report said.

Child abuse charges, whether it is against a parent, relative or caregiver, carry serious consequences. The consequences are particularly devastating if you are a licensed caregiver. Conviction on child abuse or sexual abuse charges can lead to loss of your professional license and put your livelihood in jeopardy.

If you or someone you know has been accused of child abuse or child sexual abuse in Riverside, please call an experienced and knowledgeable Riverside criminal defense attorney for an immediate consultation. Stephen R. Brodsky has years of experience successfully defending those accused of serious crimes. Call us and find out how we can help you build a winning defense.

An Oceanside police lieutenant has been arrested in Carlsbad on suspicion of domestic violence after officials say he choked and dragged his former girlfriend through his home. According to this news report, Oceanside Police Lt. Shawn Murray was taken into custody at his home after Carlsbad police received a call about an argument between Murray and his ex-girlfriend.

The woman reportedly told police that her neck was “red and sore” and that she was pushed down and “dragged around by her pants and left arm.” Murray is apparently the subject of an internal investigation by his own department regarding this domestic violence case. It is not clear if he has been suspended or put on administrative leave.

San Diego domestic violence cases are prosecuted more aggressively than ever before now because of extensive funding law enforcement agencies receive from special interest groups that are devoted to the cause of domestic violence. Before these agencies took this aggressive stance, police would not arrest anyone in a domestic dispute without obvious evidence of serious abuse. But now, officers are required to make an arrest if someone in the household has the smallest visible injury on them.

Police agencies just don’t take much time to investigate these cases. That’s why if you have been charged with domestic violence, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side, who has the knowledge and resources to successfully complete the investigation and build a defense that will get you out of this situation. If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, call the Law Offices of Stephen Brodsky today.

Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies arrested two men in Thousand Palms on suspicion of possessing illegal drugs and stolen property, according to a news report in the Desert Sun. Deputies reportedly arrested 33-year-old Loren Barkley and Carl Smith, 47, and charged them with possession of a controlled substance and possession of stolen property. The arrest stemmed from a routine search warrant in the 31000 block of San Miguelito, the report stated.

“Search and seizure” can become important issues where drug crime charges are involved. The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. In drug cases, the legality of how the evidence was obtained is often challenged. If police officials violated the Constitution, the evidence cannot be used against you in a court of law.

Without the evidence, in this case the drugs, the prosecution will not be able to prove its case and the case itself may have to be dismissed. If you have been charged with a drug crime, an experienced Riverside criminal defense attorney can help determine whether the evidence which led to your arrest and subsequent charge was the result of an illegal search or seizure.

Drug crime convictions can have tremendous consequences and adverse impacts on your life and your career. If you or someone you love has been accused of a drug crime, please call Stephen R. Brodsky to discuss your case and build a solid defense. We’re on your side and will remain on your side fighting for your legal rights. Call us today for a free consultation.

A Temecula man who was on probation and driving on a suspended license when he reportedly caused a DUI crash killing an Orange County man, has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, Kenneth Lawrence Perez was handed the maximum sentence on a second-degree murder conviction in connection with the death of 65-year-old Chun Hong Kim in a DUI auto accident Aug. 25, 2005.

Prosecutors argued during the trial that Perez had two prior DUI convictions before this fatal accident. Eyewitnesses who testified during the trial also said that Perez was driving at a high rate of speed on an Orange County surface street when he tried to squeeze between two cars and slammed into Kim’s Mercedes Benz. Kim was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said Perez’s blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time was 0.18, more than twice the legal limit in California, which is 0.08 percent.

Very often repeat DUI offenders suffer because they do not get the help they need. Jail or prison is not the answer to alcohol or drug addiction. A knowledgeable and experienced San Diego DUI Lawyer will be able to secure alternative sentencing for DUI offenders such as enrollment in a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program.

In most cases where a person has prior DUI convictions, the punishment for a repeat offense, especially if it involves serious injury or fatalities, is bound to be harsh. If you or someone you love has been charged with a repeat DUI offense, please call the Law Office of Stephen R. Brodsky, a DUI Lawyer in San Diego and in surrounding cities for a free consultation. Also remember that just because you have prior DUI convictions, you cannot be arrested or charged with a DUI without strong evidence. Call us today to discuss your DUI case.

Riverside police arrested seven men on suspicion of solicitation during an undercover sting, according to this news report. The men reportedly approached undercover police officers who were in the guise of prostitutes. Police conducted the sting after residents and business owners in the University Avenue corridor complained of prostitution activity in that area.

Police impounded the suspects’ vehicles. One of suspects was also arrested on suspicion of driving without a license and another was booked on suspicion of attempted robbery after he allegedly threatened an undercover officer.

Prostitution or solicitation crimes are usually misdemeanors. These types of sting operations are a concerted effort on the part of police departments that deploy female officers to attract the attention of unwary male motorists driving by an area where there is a high incidence of prostitution. Once these undercover officers lure a man and get them to agree to a sex act for money, they would direct them to a location, typically a hotel parking lot where the man would be placed under arrest for solicitation.

An experienced San Diego prostitution defense lawyer will be able to evaluate your interaction with the undercover female decoy and determine if an entrapment defense can be a successful defense for you. If you have been charged with prostitution or solicitation, please call the Law Office of Stephen Brodsky for a free and completely confidential consultation. Whether you decide to enter a plea or fight your charges, we will remain on your side and respect your decisions.

A DUI suspect in Perris reportedly crashed into a motorcycle and then left the scene inadvertently driving away with the motorcyclist’s dead body lodged in the rear window of his car. Tony Martinez, 54, reportedly cut off motorcyclist Nicholas Justin Campbell as he was pulling out of a parking lot, according to this news report on Fox News’ Web site. California Highway Patrol officials said Campbell was traveling at 80 mph when Martinez reportedly cut him off.

The motorcycle slammed into Martinez’s vehicle and Campbell was thrown through the car’s rear window. Martinez only realized Campbell was in his car after he got home. He then drove Campbell’s body to a Riverside County fire station where the 20-year-old motorcyclist was pronounced dead. Martinez was reportedly arrested and booked on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter, hit-and-run and driving under the influence.

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense. In California, it is a crime to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. A DUI arrest in San Diego or elsewhere can adversely affect your job, mobility, auto insurance and quality of life. In some cases, where repeat DUI offenses are involved, a DUI conviction could result in significant jail time.

Do not let this happen to you. If you have been charged with drunk driving or vehicular manslaughter, which is a serious felony, please call a truly experienced San Diego DUI lawyer. Call the Law Office of Stephen R. Brodsky. We will help you prepare a winning defense and fight your DUI.

Riverside police officials arrested two juveniles who reportedly tagged Norte Visa High School October 15, 2008. According to this news report, school security officers told police that they spotted a group of taggers who ran away when they realized they had been seen. Police officials said they apprehended two of the juveniles who were positively identified by security. They were released to their parents pending juvenile petitions. Damages were estimated at $2,000 to $3,000, the report stated.

Tagging is one of the most common juvenile crimes in Riverside. It is not among the more serious crimes, but it can still have severe consequences especially if the juveniles have a prior record, are affiliated with gangs or if the damages from the tagging are high.

However, under California juvenile law, except in rare instances, juveniles are not entitled to a jury trial. In most juvenile cases, it is a judge who hears the evidence and decides whether the individual is guilty or not guilty. If your son or daughter has been accused of any crime in Riverside County – be it tagging, graffiti, theft or a violent crime – you need the counsel and guidance of an experienced and knowledgeable Riverside juvenile crime defense attorney. You need a lawyer who has the skill, experience and confidence to challenge the judge – especially if the judge shows bias against your child or does not understand some important evidence issues or substantive law in the case during trial.

Riverside juvenile defense lawyer Stephen R. Brodsky has more than two decades of experience defending young people and helping them get that important second chance in life. Our attorneys have the skill and sensitivity it takes to handle these cases. Call us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.

A 57-year-old repeat drunk driver was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with a November 2006 DUI auto accident in Murrieta that left one woman dead and two others with serious injuries. According to this news report in the Riverside Press-Enterprise, Douglas Kent Hale was driving his Ford pickup on Palomar Street in Murrieta Nov. 17 when he swerved into oncoming traffic and crashed into a Mitsubishi Mirage. Officials reported that Hale’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was 0.28 percent, which is more than three times the legal limit of 0.08 percent.

Hale reportedly told a DA’s investigator that he has had a drinking problem for years and two prior DUI convictions. An ignition lock device was installed in his car a few years ago. This device is one where the driver has to blow into a tube for the car to start. Hale also admitted to attending alcohol education classes and AA meetings. Hale has been charged with second-degree murder and DUI resulting in death and serious injury.

In this case, clearly, Hale faces a murder charge because of his prior convictions. Repeat offenders who face a DUI investigation should immediately retain the services of a truly experienced Riverside DUI defense attorney who will help protect your legal rights. If you or someone you love has been arrested on suspicion of DUI with priors in Riverside, please call the Law Office of Stephen R. Brodsky a Riverside County and San Diego County DUI lawyer to find out how to fight your DUI. Our goal is to keep you out of jail and get you the help you need.

A person suspected of driving under the influence reportedly crashed his minivan into a Hillcrest restaurant after getting into an argument with his female passenger. According to San Diego police, the driver smashed into the storefront and stopped near the Rice Kind on West Washington Street, losing control of his van, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Police said the couple was fighting, but that the man had let the woman out right before the crash. The driver, who has not been identified, was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. The woman was transported to the hospital for evaluation, but it is not known whether she suffered any injuries.

Penalties for a DUI in San Diego can be very serious. The punishments may include losing your license, probation, jail or prison time, costly fines, mandatory court imposed alcohol programs as well as much higher auto insurance rates. DUIs also wreak havoc on defendants’ personal lives, jobs and harm future career prospects. There may be even higher penalties if certain violations occur. It's important that you call a DUI Lawyer in San Diego.

If you or someone you know has been arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in San Diego, please call the Law Office of Stephen Brodsky, a DUI Lawyer in San Diego for a free consultation to discuss your case and defend your DUI charge. Don’t assume you are guilty. Mr. Brodsky will give you an honest evaluation of your case, listen to your side of the story and give you the best course of action for your defense. Call us today.

Riverside County sheriff’s deputies arrested 24-year-old Garnett Junior Reid of Winchester after officials said he beat up his girlfriend and led deputies on a high-speed chase. According to this news report, Reid was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence, reckless driving and evading a peace officer after an incident which began at the Motel 6 in the 6800 block of Valley Way in Jurupa.

Deputies reportedly responded to a call at the motel and found Reid’s GMC Yukon accelerating away from the motel’s parking lot. Police asked him to stop, but Reid did not comply. Reid led officials on a high-speed chase on the Moreno Valley (60) Freeway. Reid finally surrendered on the Interstate 215 near the junction of Route 74. The victim reportedly suffered visible injuries to her face, but declined medical treatment.

Police officers and prosecutors are aggressively pursuing domestic violence cases because a number of special interest groups committed to fighting against domestic violence are providing a lot of funding to law enforcement and district attorneys. The way officers deal with domestic violence cases has changed drastically over the years. Previously, a police officer would never arrest someone unless there was visible and obvious evidence that serious physical abuse was taking place. But now, even a visible bruise is sufficient to make a domestic violence arrest. In this Jurupa case, the female victim was injured, but declined medical treatment, which means it was not a serious injury.

Never admit guilt in any domestic violence case without talking to an experienced and knowledgeable Riverside criminal defense attorney. If you or someone you know has been accused of domestic violence, please call the Law Office of Stephen R. Brodsky for a free consultation.

Michael Bejasa, a 35-year-old Sage man, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs after he crashed into a car on State Street and seriously injured his passenger, 37-year-old Stasha Lewellyn, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reports. The accident reportedly occurred on State Street, north of Domenigoni Parkway, when Bejasa crashed into another car. Bejasa’s car rolled over and Lewellyn was ejected from the vehicle.

Bejasa was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, in this case, a hypodermic syringe. Police say Bejasa was drifting into oncoming traffic, but that the driver of the other car took evasive action and avoided a head-on collision. Bejasa’s vehicle was still struck on the passenger side, causing the car to overturn, ejecting Lewellyn.

The seriousness of a DUI charge usually depends on the nature of the accident, the level of the suspect’s intoxication or impairment and whether any deaths or injuries were caused as a result of the accident. Any DUI accident that involves severe injuries will result in a felony charge. This is true even when the victim is a passenger in the suspect’s car and even if he or she made a choice to ride with the suspect.

A DUI conviction could have a severe adverse impact on your life. It could affect your job, your career and could result in the suspension of your driver’s license. Do not let this happen to you. If you or someone you love is facing a drunk driving charge, please call the Law Office of Stephen R. Brodsky to find out how to defend your DUI.

Robert Rogelio Salas, a 28-year-old Banning man, pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting his friend’s 11-year-old daughter, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. Salas has been charged with sexual penetration with a foreign object causing bodily injury and committing lewd acts against a child under 14.

The alleged assault reportedly occurred Sept.1 or Sept. 2 in the home of the young female victim, whose father has been a friend of Salas’ for about 16 years. On the night of the alleged assault, Salas had gotten intoxicated at a bar near his friend’s home. He asked his friend if he could spend the night at their home. The man agreed saying that he and his wife wouldn’t be home, but Salas could sleep in his son’s room. Salas reportedly entered his friend’s daughters’ bedroom in the middle of the night and sexually assaulted one of the girls.

A child sex abuse accusation is extremely serious. Even if you are a first time offender, a child molestation or sexual assault conviction in Riverside will result in a lengthy state prison sentence and require the defendant to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. In many child sex abuse cases, we see that false accusations are made against innocent people. Prosecutors and law enforcement officials influence the minds of young children who think they have allegedly been abused. This has especially been true in cases where friends or close relatives have been accused of these horrible sex crimes.

If you or someone you know has been accused of a child sex crime in Riverside, you need the best sex crime defense attorney, who has years of experience fighting for the rights of those who have been wrongfully accused of crimes they did not commit. Call the Law Office of Stephen R. Brodsky for a free consultation.

Craig Robinson, star of NBC’s “The Office” is facing felony drug charges, the Associated Press reports. According to documents cited in this article, police arrested Robinson in Culver City June 29 on suspicion of possessing ecstasy and methamphetamine. He was released after posting bail. The Los Angeles County District Attorney has charged Robinson with two felony counts of drug possession and one count of being under the influence of illegal drugs.

If you have been charged with a drug crime in San Diego, an important factor in determining the seriousness of your case is the type and quantity of illegal drugs involved. Possession of a few pounds has more serious consequences than possession of a few ounces, for example. The severity of the drug charges will also hinge on whether you have a prior criminal record.
The first line of defense in any drug case is to evaluate whether or not the police conducted an illegal search of your home, car or your person. You need an experienced San Diego defense lawyer who has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the law of illegal searches and seizures in drug charges. Under the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, you have right to be protected against such illegal searches and seizures. A skilled drug crime defense lawyer will not only know what the law is, but how it applies to your defense.

If you or someone you know has been accused of possession and/or sale of illegal drugs, narcotics or prescription drugs in San Diego, call the Law Office of Stephen Brodsky to schedule your free consultation.

A Santa Ana high school music teacher has been sentenced to 90 days in jail and has been ordered to register as a sex offender for child annoyance involving a 16-year-old student in his campus office during school hours, The Orange County Register reports. An Orange County jury convicted 40-year-old Bijon Savero Watson in May of three misdemeanor counts.

Prosecutors alleged that Watson, director the jazz program at the Orange County School of the Arts, knew the girl when she was 12 and worked to gain her and her family’s trust over the years. While appearing to be sympathetic to her, Watson kissed and fondled the girl, sent her sexually suggestive text messages and then tried to force her to perform sex acts, prosecutors said. Watson was not charged with felonies because the girl was 16 at the time of the crimes and because sexual conduct with a girl who was at least 16 is not considered “substantial by law.”

Sex crime charges – even misdemeanors as in this particular case – can be extremely serious. Consider what happened to this teacher. He not only got 90 days in jail, but he must register as a sex offender wherever he goes for the rest of his life. The stigma of a "sex offender" follows you for the rest of your life.

That’s why you need an experienced and skilled criminal defense attorney, who will find inadequacies in the prosecution’s case. A lot of times, child sex abuse cases are spurred by wrong accusations and misunderstandings. If you have been accused of a child sex abuse crime, please call the Law Office of Stephen Brodsky to schedule your free and confidential consultation today.

Murrieta police arrested a motorist on suspicion of drunk driving after a high-speed chase early morning on October 24, 2008. Steve Scott, 26, has been charged with evading arrest, hit-and-run traffic collision, driving under the influence and driving without a license, according to an article in the North County Times.

Police officials reportedly tried to pull over Scott for a traffic infraction. During the pursuit that lasted about 12 minutes, Scott reportedly crashed his sedan into a police cruiser’s front bumper causing minor damage. He also weaved in an out of traffic, sometimes driving in opposing traffic lanes and blew through several stop signs and traffic signals. Scott was finally arrested at the driveway of his Murrieta home, where the pursuit ended.

In the State of California, driving without a license, driving under the influence of alcohol and hit-and-run are extremely serious offenses. In this case, the motorist apparently did not have a valid license. But if you do have a valid license and are accused of these crimes, it will result in a suspension or sometimes, even a revocation, of your driver’s license.

A DUI when combined with all these other offenses that Scott has been charged with, can have a devastating effect on his life. If you have been charged with DUI, hit-and-run or vehicular manslaughter in Riverside County, please call an experienced and knowledgeable Riverside DUI defense lawyer for a free consultation and evaluation of your case. Riverside criminal defense attorney Stephen R. Brodsky, a DUI Lawyer of San Diego and Riverside County has successfully defended numerous clients in DUI cases. He can and will help you too. Call us today.

An Apple Valley man was arrested after he reportedly fought with a friend and ended up shooting him fatally, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reports. Michael Jay Cummins, 70, has now been charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of 52-year-old Jimmie Franklyn Mancell of Hesperia.

Police reportedly found Mancell while investigating a call which reported a shooting at Cummins’ home along the 7800 block of De Francesco near Apple Valley. Officials have not determined how the fight began or what caused it, but Mancell reportedly died at the scene.

A murder charge is probably the most serious criminal charge anyone can face in the state of California. A murder conviction could result in a life sentence or in some cases, a death sentence. If you are charged with committing a murder or any violent crime, you must hire an experienced Riverside criminal defense lawyer who has a successful track record of presenting a winning defense strategy at trial.

You need an aggressive criminal defense attorney who won’t approach cases with the idea of plea bargaining. You need a skilled trial attorney who will approach cases with a “winning attitude” – whose goal is to win cases, not to plead clients guilty to a crime they did not commit. If you or a loved one has been accused of murder in Riverside County please call the Law Office of Stephen R. Brodsky to discuss your case and build a winning defense that will keep you out of prison and clear your name.

Carlos Rodriguez, 35, of Long Beach was arrested after officials say he caused a DUI accident in the Morongo Valley, which injured four people including two people on a motorcycle. According to a news report in the Hi Desert Star, Rodriguez was driving his 2001 Honda west on the Twenty-nine Palms Highway when he rear-ended a motorcycle injuring 24-year-old Marco Garcia and his passenger Erica Jacome, 20. Two of Rodriguez’s passengers were also injured in this Morongo Valley DUI accident.

Rodriguez was arrested on suspicion of felony drunk driving. In the State of California, driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is a misdemeanor under the California Vehicle Code. However, this could become a serious felony if there are injuries or fatalities involved in the DUI accident. In this case, had there been any fatalities, Rodriguez will be facing vehicular manslaughter charges, a far more serious offense that could result in a lengthy state prison sentence. Some DUI defendants also face murder charges depending on their prior criminal and DUI conviction record.

A drunk driving charge – whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony – could have a devastating effect on your life. Within 10 days of your DUI arrest, you will need to set up an appointment for a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles. The outcome of this hearing could well determine if you will continue to hold your driver’s license. Losing your driving privilege can put your employment in jeopardy.

Please do not let this happen to you. If you or someone you know has been accused of driving under the influence in Riverside County, please call Riverside DUI defense lawyer Stephen R. Brodsky for a free consultation and case evaluation. We will fight your DUI and represent you at the DMV hearing so that you can continue to drive, work and earn a living. You can continue to live your life while we build your winning DUI defense.

Two men have been arrested in Murrieta in connection with an alleged assault in a parking lot on California Oaks Road, according to a news report in The Californian. Murrieta police say the two men – David Short, 22 and Jonathan Santos, 20 -- tried to rob two people of their wallets and cell phones by threatening them with a baseball bat. One victim was struck with the bat and suffered minor injuries, authorities say.

Officers apparently chased the men’s car on the Interstate 15, but the men fled on foot after jumping off the vehicle. Short and Santos were arrested and booked into the Southwest Detention Center in French Valley. Short was charged with being under the influence of controlled substances while Santos was arrested on suspicion of strong-arm robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.

Assault with a deadly weapon and robbery, especially those robberies involving physical threats and use of a weapon or a firearm, are considered violent crimes. A conviction on these charges can result in lengthy prison sentences depending on other factors such as seriousness of injuries to the victims, use of weapons and the defendant’s prior criminal record.

If you have been accused of a violent crime, you need the best and most experienced criminal defense attorney you can get. It can make the difference between freedom and a long time behind bars. If you have been charged with a violent crime in Riverside, please call the Law Office of Stephen Brodsky to discuss your options and build your defense.