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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A teacher in the Corona-Norco Unified School district was arrested and charged with having sex with a 17-year-old boy, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reported. Wendie Estrada Fernandez, 45, is accused of having unlawful sexual intercourse and oral sex with the high school boy and has also been placed on administrative leave.

The article also reported that Fernandez has been married to her husband 24 years and that they have four children. Her biography suggests that Fernandez was an accomplished student and teacher. It is quite obvious that a conviction in a sex crime case will not only jeopardize her job, but her entire career. If convicted, she may not only face jail time, but also be required to register as a sex offender and may not be allowed to work with children ever again.

Anyone who has been charged with a sex crime needs to retain an experienced and knowledgeable Riverside criminal defense lawyer who has what it takes to get them an acquittal. Sex crime cases are often complex. They often involve young “victims” who must be treated tactfully and sensitively. A defense attorney needs to find the balance between aggressive questioning and sensitivity in order to be convincing before a jury.

If you or a loved one has been accused of a sex crime, please call the Law Office of Stephen R. Brodsky to find out how you can build a successful defense, clear your name and get your life back. Don’t let a false accusation ruin your life. Call us today for a free consultation.

A Riverside jury has convicted 33-year-old Marisol Garcia of second-degree murder in connection with a DUI accident, which killed her 11-year-old daughter, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reports. The jury also found Garcia guilty of gross vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence causing great bodily injury and driving with a blood alcohol level greater than 0.08 percent.

The drunk driving accident reportedly occurred on April 23, 2005 when Garcia, who had gone out for drinks after work in Irvine, picked up her teenaged son Steven and daughter, Marissa and drove to Riverside. Garcia hit a parked car at Van Buren Boulevard and Clay Street in Riverside and then crashed into a stop light and pole on Central Avenue. Marissa died at the scene and Steven was severely injured. Prosecutors said Garcia’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 0.18, more than twice the legal limit in California.

This case clearly shows that California has harsh DUI laws and penalties that are intended and designed to stop drivers from operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. California’s Vehicle Code Section 23152 states that it is a misdemeanor to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and that it is misdemeanor to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent. However, the charges will become significantly more serious if the DUI accident involves injuries and/or fatalities, as in this Riverside DUI crash. Drivers in such cases could face vehicular manslaughter charges. If they have had prior felony DUI convictions, they could face murder charges.

If you or someone you know has been accused of drunk driving in Riverside County, please call, Stephen R. Brodsky, the top Riverside and San Diego DUI Lawyer for a free consul and case evaluation. You need the best representation you can possibly get in your DUI case because the stakes are extremely high.

Two Murrieta men – Levi Tucker Cowell, 20 and 19-year-old Jon Cody Mader – were arrested on suspicion of attacking a young man in Temecula, leaving him severely injured. According to this news report, police were looking for two more juveniles who they believe were involved in this assault. Murrieta police officials said the victim was walking with friends on Chantemar Way in Temecula when he was attacked by the four individuals.

Mader was booked on suspicion of battery with serious bodily injury and conspiracy to commit a felony. Cowell was arrested on suspicion of using force to inflict injury, drug possession and disobeying a court order.

Violent crimes are often treated as a felony. The severity of the charges in violent crimes depends on the severity of injuries suffered by the alleged victim. If you have been accused of committing a violent crime in Riverside, it is extremely important that you seek the counsel of an expert Riverside criminal defense lawyer who has the experience, knowledge and skill to defend violent crime cases.

If you are convicted of a violent crime, it could mean some serious jail time. At the Law Office of Stephen R. Brodsky, we believe in preparing a winning defense, even in the most serious violent crime cases. We don’t approach a case with the idea of plea bargaining. Our main goal is to keep you out of jail. We work very hard to protect our clients’ legal rights at all times and help them get the justice they deserve. Call us today to find out how we can help.

A man suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol reportedly caused a rollover accident that killed his female passenger. According to an article in the San Diego Union Tribune, Steve Red, 39, of Riverside, was booked into county jail on suspicion of murder, gross vehicular manslaughter and DUI causing an injury.

Officials say Red was traveling north on Washington Street when his vehicle hit a curb, a mailbox, a wooden fence and a fire hydrant before flipping over at least once. His passenger, 38-year-old Lisa Moreno, died after being ejected from the vehicle. Red, who police said was under the influence of alcohol, suffered minor injuries.

This is an example of how a DUI case can turn into something extremely serious. If convicted, the defendant in this case faces 25 years to life in prison. That is why, whether your DUI case is a misdemeanor or a felony, you need a competent DUI defense attorney on your side who has years of experience not only handling these types of cases, but winning them.

An experienced Riverside DUI defense attorney will listen to your side of the story and conduct an independent investigation to build your defense and find discrepancies in the prosecution’s case. If you or someone you know has been accused of a felony DUI or vehicular manslaughter, please contact us at the Law Office of Stephen Brodsky for a free, comprehensive and completely confidential consultation. Don’t assume automatically that you are guilty. We will evaluate your case honestly and give you the best course of action for your defense.

Police arrested a man on suspicion of DUI and hit-and-run in Lake Elsinore, according to a San Diego News Services report. Kenneth Allen Hodgson, 31, was arrested and booked on suspicion of drunken driving, aggravated mayhem and hit-and-run causing injury.

The incident reportedly occurred, eyewitnesses said, when Hodgson struck a motorcycle and fled. Patricia Hogan, 47, of Corona, the injured passenger was taken to the hospital. She is listed in critical condition. Police were able to arrest Hodgson based on eyewitness reports that he was driving a green truck, the news report said. Initial investigations also showed Hodgson ran a red light, officials said. Police officers who arrested him also detected evidence of alcohol intoxication, the report said.

How police officers determine a driver is drunk or intoxicated plays a significant role in how a DUI case plays out. If you are arrested on suspicion of a DUI in San Diego, you have the right to refuse field sobriety tests and the portable breath test that the police want you to take in their field investigation. California law requires that you take a blood or breath test after you are arrested and brought down to the police station.

Don’t take a chance with a DUI case. If you or someone you know has been accused of a DUI, get help from the best and most experienced San Diego DUI defense attorney. At the Law Office of Stephen Brodsky, we have that experience, successful track record and reputation of providing the best service to our clients. Contact us today, toll free, at (877) 878-3435 or via our criminal defense website to discuss your DUI case.

Police arrested teenager on suspicion of stabbing a man in Lake Elsinore during a fight. According to an article in The Californian, the boy is 17 years old and remains unidentified because he is a minor. Officials say the incident occurred in the 28500 block of 11th Street. Police arrested the teen after receiving reports of the stabbing. Officers stopped a speeding car and determined the teen, who was in the vehicle, stabbed the man.

Police also arrested the second person in the car about whom no information is available. According to the article, the victim who was admitted to an area hospital, talked to officials and confirmed the two people’s involvement in the stabbing. The 17-year-old reportedly pulled out a knife and stabbed the man on the left side of the chest during their fight. The victim, who has also not been identified, is said to be in stable condition and his injuries, non life-threatening.

When older minors commit violent crimes such as homicide, assault with a deadly weapon, robbery or gang-related crimes, they could be tried as adults. The difference is while juvenile court proceedings are shielded and protected from the public and the media, proceedings in adult court are wide open.

It takes an experienced criminal defense attorney with a thorough knowledge of San Diego juvenile defense law to handle these cases in a competent yet sensitive manner. If your child has been accused of a crime, call the Law Offices of Stephen Brodsky for a complimentary and confidential consultation.