San Diego Criminal Lawyer Blog

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

Per a report from TV station KTLA, two OC citizens have been arrested and charged with 106 felony counts for a massive workers compensation scam valued at $38 million--a California state record.

The husband and wife defendants--Devon Kile and Michael Petronella--own and operate two large area roofing companies. According to allegations, the couple underreported how many people worked for them and actively discouraged injured employees from filing for workers comp. Additional counts against the couple include "filing false tax returns" and "grand theft."

An investigation of the couple's home and assets revealed a luxurious lifestyle. Officers found ½ million dollars worth of jewelry; luxury name-brand shoes, bags, and other artifacts; and a veritable convoy of top-end cars, including a Range Rover, a Bentley, and two Ferraris. Investigators also found Kile's application to be featured on the next season of "The Real Housewives of Orange County."

Petronella's attorney, Joe Angelo, stated that the couple will likely plead "not guilty" to the charges pending. The state has seized the couple's personal and business assets, so "Real Housewives" wannabe Kile will rely on a public defender provided by the state.

Meanwhile, business interests throughout the state reacted with predictable outrage to the charges. California's State Insurance Commissioner, Steve Poizner, lambasted the alleged scheme, citing the fact that insurance premiums for workers comp are already sky-high and that the couple's actions likely constituted "unfair practices" because legitimate competitors have had to pay full price for their insurance.

If you or a family member has been accused of a crime in Orange County, you may feel like the entire world--particularly the press--has turned against you. Instead of making rash and impetuous decisions which could affect your future, get council from the Law Offices of Stephen Brodsky. Peruse www.CriminalAttorneySanDiego.com today for help, or call or e-mail us for information about how to handle your criminal charges.

On Tuesday May 26, 2009, the Sheriff’s Department of San Diego County announced a sweeping new biometrics program designed to identify “removable” criminal aliens in the city’s jails. This project is a joint venture between the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Commonly known as “Secured Communities,” the program extends information-sharing capabilities among various law enforcement agencies.

The basic idea is that these agencies can now more quickly track and integrate information from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency to determine whether given inmates might be “deportable.” In particular, Secured Communities focuses on preventing criminals convicted of aggressive offenses--such as assault, murder, rape, and kidnapping--from roaming free on San Diego streets.

The biometrics initiative evolved from an earlier ICE pilot project, The Criminal Alien Program, which ID’d hundreds of thousands of deportable aliens in jails across the U.S. DHS officials estimate that at least $1 billion will be spent on efforts to ID and deport removable criminal aliens… over the coming year alone!

Although officials at the DOJ and the Sheriff’s Department appear hopeful that this effort will keep dangerous criminal aliens off of San Diego’s streets, opponents have questioned whether Secured Communities violates civil liberties. Some have also argued that the program has the potential for “Big Brother”-like abuse and that biometrics analyses are not as bulletproof and accurate as proponents might have people believe.

Given San Diego’s intensified efforts to crack down on crime; if you’ve been charged with a felony or misdemeanor in CA, now, more than ever, you need an intelligent, empathetic and aggressive attorney to vouch for your rights and help you navigate the justice system. Look to Stephen Brodsky & Associates to build the smartest possible defense strategy. Find out more information at www.CriminalAttorneySanDiego.com.

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.

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.

Oceanside police arrested two men in connection with a robbery in a local bagel store, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. A 21-year-old man and a 19-year-old man were arrested after officers served search warrants at two homes following the robbery at Bruegger’s Bagels on Oceanside Boulevard. Police said the men entered the store through a back door, threatened one of the employees to lie face down on the floor at gun-point while telling another employee to open the safe.

The suspects reportedly got out through the back door with $1,000. Oceanside police detectives identified the suspects and conducted a search of their homes when they reportedly found weapons, disguises and illegal drugs. Both men, whose names have not been released, were arrested and booked into Vista jail on suspicion of robbery and conspiracy. The teenager, in addition, faces a narcotics charge.

Armed robbery is considered a violent crime in San Diego because it involves the use of a weapon and more importantly, the use of force. Violent crimes can result in very serious convictions and punishment and will benefit tremendously from an aggressive defense by an experienced San Diego criminal defense lawyer. The seriousness of a violent crime obviously depends on the severity of the injury or injuries to the alleged victims, but use of a weapon can result in enhancements to the charges, which will add to the severity of the punishment.

Don’t leave your future and your freedom to chance. If you or someone you know is being accused of a robbery or violent crime in San Diego, please call the Law Office of Stephen Brodsky to discuss your case.

A couple was arrested on suspicion of robbery in Vista at a grocery store after a sheriff’s deputy spotted Arizona license plates on their car and connected them to the robbery, the North County Times reports. Police arrested Manuel Palacio, 33 and his girlfriend Maria Angeles, 27, when they were driving in the 300 block of West Los Angeles Drive when San Diego Sheriff’s Deputy Paul Michalke recognized their vehicle as the one described by a witness in a May 29 robbery at the Stater Bros. on East Vista Way, the article states.

Police say the couple was in the getaway car used by three alleged robbers, one of whom filled a cart with groceries and tried to get out without paying for them. When a store employee tried to stop them and demanded that they pay for the merchandise, one of the three people brandished a gun at the employee, officials say. Palacio and Angeles were also reportedly seen on a surveillance video obtained during the robbery investigation. Police also say that their statements immediately after their arrest “tie them to the robbery.” Police are still looking for the man who brandished the gun.

Robbery is among the more serious of property crimes, especially because it involves the elements of physical threat, violence and use of a weapon. A robbery conviction could mean a lengthy prison sentence, a permanent dent on your record and of course, fines and penalties. If you or someone you know has been charged with robbery, theft or burglary, please call the Law Office of Stephen Brodsky for a free consultation.