New York Criminal Lawyer Blog

A twenty year-old man from Macomb faces charges for driving under the influence, marijuana possession, and a possible charge for contempt, as he spit on the floor in the courtroom during his hearing. The Illinois State Police arrested the accused early on Sunday, where he was driving with a suspended/revoked license, found to be in possession of marijuana, and driving under the influence of drugs.

Since the man failed to appear in court in the past, he is also wanted in the state of Tennessee. His hearing was held on Monday at the McDonough County Circuit Court, where in order to be released he would have to post $450 to make bail, but he claimed that he could only account for $300 total. The man seemed outwardly troubled, as he shared about the difficulties of traveling place to place, and struggling with family problems. A New York Criminal Lawyer expounds, that while the man was walking toward his seat in the courtroom, he allegedly spit on the floor, and was later questioned by the Sheriff's deputy as to whether this was an accident or not.

After the accused was dismissed, an assistant county prosecutor filed an appeal that the act of spitting was a direct sign of contempt toward the court. No ruling has been made yet, regarding the petition against the accused for spitting on the floor. The man is currently residing in the McDonough County Jail, until his next hearing on Wednesday.

Sometimes situations happen in life that set us back and leave us feeling trapped, but with the help of a skilled legal counse, you can find hope. There is no reason to try and navigate the legal system alone without any guidance, but with the assistance of a Stephen Bilkis and Associates you will have solid professional support on your side.

A Sag Harbor woman was charged with driving while intoxicated after she ran her car into a utility pole, according to reports from a New York Criminal Lawyer. The driver and her two small children sustained injuries in the crash.

The 34-year-old mother was charged with an aggravated felony, DWI, and a misdemeanor, endangering the welfare of a child, following the accident, a New York Personal Injury Lawyer was told. In Southampton Town Justice Court, her plea was not guilty, sources told New York Car Accident Lawyers. She was released on $5,000 bail.

The woman lost control of her vehicle while driving in Bridgehampton. She swerved into the northbound lane and knocked over several poles, dropping live wires over the road. Authorities had to close the street for several hours.

The woman and her children, ages 2 and 6, were taken by Fire Department rescue workers to Southampton Hospital, where they were quickly treated and allowed to go. Grandparents claimed the children at the behest of county Child Protective Services workers. No one could reach the mother of the children for comment.

A car accident is a traumatic event and having to go through legal proceedings does not make it easier. Whether you have been charged with a DWI, drug possession or sex crimes, it is important to obtain skilled legal guidance. When the time comes for you to be represented in court, speak to Stephen Bilkis and Associates for guidance and a free consultation. We have offices to serve you in New York City, including locations in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island. We also have locations in Nassau County and Suffolk County in Long Island, as well as Westchester County. Call us today to schedule an appointment at 1-800-NY-NY-LAW.

The Maryland State Police Department is encouraging friends to tell on their friends, states a New York Criminal Lawyer. The State Police are encouraging motorists to call in to 911 if they see people driving erratically or dangerously on the roads during the winter months. They believe that residents in the state would rather call and tell on a person who is driving drunk rather than allow that person to hurt someone else.

They started the campaign before the Super Bowl and wanted motorists to look out for fellow motorists who might have had a few too many to drink while watching the game. The campaign was successful and there were more people using designated and sober drivers instead of taking a chance behind the wheel themselves. They want to extend the campaign and have motorists looking out for other potentially drunk motorists all of the time to prevent injury accidents related to alcohol.

The program was created and advertised using grant monies. The push for the safe roads will continue on in to the spring months, because drunk driving is a year-round concern. In previous years, there were severe accidents and the police did not want to have a repeat of those days. They will continue to encourage all residents to get a designated driver, a sober driver or to call the police if they suspect someone is driving drunk on the roads.

Our office can assist you or a friend if you are facing a DWI. The New York Criminal Attorneys are trained to handle any type of court case you are facing. Consult with a New York Criminal Attorney iif you have an upcoming criminal matter to face.

A man accused of stealing a high dollar purse tells a Manhattan jury that he is too stupid to be a burglar, especially since he was not even aware that he was in a hotel where the crime occurred, according to a New York Criminal Lawyer. The Defendant is a convicted gun carrying car thief and shoplifter but claims to not have the intelligence to also be a burglar.

He was accused of sneaking into the Soho Grand Hotel in 2007 during a movie shoot and stealing a Balenciaga purse worth $2000. The purse belonged to Kirsten Dunst. He was arrested and went to trial on the burglary charge. His defense at the trial was that he was a drunk and was not even aware that he was in a hotel. He also used the defense that he is a myopic mongoloid who was incapable of the theft.

The Defendant then claimed to have been invited into the hotel by a friend who was involved in a drug deal at the time. His friend was allegedly going to the hotel to deliver drugs to an actor on the set and the delivery spot was the penthouse green room. The penthouse green room was being used by the British actor Simon Pegg and by the purse owner Dunst at the time.

The jury heard the details and spent a day deliberating the charges on the man but did not produce a verdict. The too stupid defense may have been effective. They will start their second day of deliberation to try and reach a verdict on whether or not the thief is smart enough to be a burglar.

If you have been accused of burglary, contact a legal counsel for your defense. There are many elements of your case that Stephen Bilkis and Associates will able to navigate you through.

Don’t plan on driving around in your tricked out car with the radio at full blast. New laws could make you a criminal in Florida if you have a car that is too noisy and police catch you, according to a New York Criminal Lawyer. Police are handing out fines and writing people up for laws that went in to affect that were meant to protect people’s hearing and privacy. Now, those laws are being challenged by people with tickets because they say the noise laws are too strict.

The “offenders” say they are not criminals and playing music within their car is not a crime. The law states that if someone – namely a police officer – can hear the music and they are at least 25 feet away, they can write you a ticket for the offense. People within the cars may have the music on and if the wind carries it the right way, police 25 feet away can come after you. The people riding in those cars believe that is not fair and that the distance by which a person can hear a radio or CD should be farther away.

Other cities besides the ones in Florida are also looking at tougher noise laws. Officials believe that if by making noise laws stricter and making them criminal offenses, people will pay attention to the law a bit more. The noise laws were created because citizens who didn’t have loud radios were tired of their cars shaking while sitting at a red light or a stop sign next to someone who had it up way too loud.

Whether you have been charged with criminal mischief, drug possession, or a DWI, it is important to speak with legal counsel as soon as possible. If you have questions or concerns regarding a potential case, call us today for a free consultation.

A bus driver in Mount Prospect is counting her lucky stars recently, claims a New York Criminal Lawyer. A judge granted the bus driver 2 ½ years of probation instead of a jail sentence for her crimes in a DWI case. The DWI occurred last March when the driver failed a field sobriety test. Her blood alcohol limit tested to be .226, which is more than three times the legal limit allowed for anyone to be behind the wheel.

The bus driver was driving under the influence as she dropped off approximately 45 students to their houses after school one day. She admitted to drinking two vodka tonic drinks during her lunch hour, before driving the students home from school. The bus driver was then fired from her position as driver. The driver’s supervisor was also fired for failure to report an incident.

There was a call made to the school district that alerted the supervisor that drinking might have been taking place during the lunch hour. The supervisor did not notify police, which the school says violated their policy. According to the New York Criminal Lawyer, the supervisor and the bus driver were fired for their conduct. The bus driver was charged with a DWI, and ordered 2 ½ years of probation, along with 480 hours of community service, attend alcohol counseling and pay a fine to the city. There is no word on if the supervisor faced any charges related to the incident besides losing their job.

Stephen Bilkis and Associates can represent you in a DWI case. Our skilled team of lawyersare trained to handle any criminal matter that you or a friend may face. Call us today for advice and a free consultation. We jhave offices located throughout New York City, including locations in Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island. We also have locations in Nassau County and Suffolk County on Long Island and Westchester County.

Officers of the New York Police Department have been accused of allegedly sodomizing a man during an arrest and claims to have proof, according to a New York Criminal Lawyer. The Brooklyn man, 27, claims to have information that the police officers altered the underwear he was wearing at the time of the event.

The attorneys for the man had called for a press conference to announce the new accusation but cancelled the event when the lawyers for the police officers demanded an emergency hearing and a gag order. The police attorneys succeeded in obtaining the gag order and a federal judge requested that the Plaintiffís attorneys not release the pictures demonstrating the proof of the altered underwear.

The man claims that the police baton used at the time of his arrest would not have produced the tear that was in his underwear. If the tear was from the baton, there should be a flap of cloth in the same area but the flap is no longer present. The Plaintiffís attorneys have concluded that the underwear was altered following the arrest suggesting tampering with evidence.

The new evidence is important in that during the police officer's criminal trial, an expert witness for the police officers testified that a flap should have been present. The officers were acquitted but the jury did not hear the evidence of the underwear tampering. Pictures taken at the
time of the arrest of the man did show a flap and this is the proof of tampering that he wants publicized.

The police officers and the NYPD are being sued, and do not want the tampered evidence presented to the jury. Prosecutors, on the other hand, stated that the jury did see all the evidence including the pictures obtained before the tampering
and still acquitted the officers.

Being charged with sex crimes is a serious offense. It is important that your rights are protected. There is no better representation for you than Stephen Bilkis and Associates.

Even though the body of a 10-year old disabled girl has been found, authorities have not had any luck finding the girl's severed head. The girl's stepmother has been charged with killing the girl and dismembering her body, reports a New York Criminal Lawyer. Law enforcement officials were able to locate the girl's body with assistance from the stepmother, who has been charged with the murder.

The stepmother, who has also been accused of abusing the girl prior to her death, appears to show little remorse for her actions. The girl, born in Australia, developed bone cancer when she was young and lost one of her legs and much of her hearing. She lived with her father and stepmother in the United States. Her biological mother still lives in Australia. Neighbors, friends and others report having seen bruises on the girl and also witnessed verbal and emotional abuse. The stepmother was apparently married to another man when she married the girl's father. The man lived across the street from the girl and her family and pretended to be the stepmother's brother.

Even though she was reported missing on October 9th of last year, law enforcement officials believe the girl went missing earlier than that. At the end of October, law enforcement found the girl's prosthetic leg and were able to identify it as hers using the manufacturer's serial number. Skeletal remains were found on November 3 and in the days that followed.

In addition to the kidnap and murder her stepdaughter, the stepmother also forged a ransom note. The ransom note asked for 1 million dollars. The stepmother is also being charged with hindering an investigation because police had to spend time to determine whether the note was real. The father has not been charged with any crime even though the stepmother has accused him of inappropriate behavior after the girl's remains were discovered.

While charges are pending against the stepmother, formal charges have not been filed because the girl's head has not yet been recovered. It is hopeful that the stepmother will reveal the location of the severed head so the girl may be put to rest in a compassionate manner. So far, the stepmother has shown little guilt or remorse for her actions and instead blames the girl and the father for her behavior.

Stephen Bilkis and Associates can help you through your legal troubles by providing insight and advice. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Taking the law into one’s own hands is never the best way to handle a situation. People tend to get hurt and once the actual legal system gets involved the process may become overwhelming. If you find yourself in a situation in which taking the law into your own hands has become an issue, contact a New York Criminal Lawyer. If this landlord had simply waited to see what was going to happen, perhaps this would not have escalated into assault.

Though the case has been forwarded to prosecutors, no charges have been filled as of yet. The 73 year old owner of the duplex in which the tenant lived ran over a man he said was standing behind his vehicle and refusing to move. West Fargo police state that Cass County prosecutors may charge the vehicle driver with aggravated assault. The tenant remains hospitalized and has been unable to speak to detectives following his injuries. In fact it is likely that the hospitalized man will not be able to speak to detectives for several more days.

The landlord told reporters that he felt threatened and scared by some man standing in the road who would not move. The landlord then states he saw another person coming up behind his vehicle and the fear was magnified. This all took place around 7:15 P.M. in the 600th block of Second Avenue West while the landlord sat in his Hummer.

Witnesses share a different story as two separate people state that the landlord struck the tenant on purpose, knowing where he was and who he was. Though he should probably hire a New York Criminal Lawyer for representation it does not appear the landlord has retained representation. This may be because no formal charges have been filed, but advice should still be considered. The landlord states that he will contest any charges that may be filed. He also adamantly says that he feared for his safety and did not purposely run over his tenant with his Hummer. It can be assumed that the landlord’s vision will be questioned as well as a history of disputes or arguments between the tenant and landlord. Witnesses will also play a large part in the decision of whether or not the prosecution is going to pursue this case as criminal.

If you find yourself in a position in which criminal charges are likely or pending, whether charges involve drug possession, a theft charge or assault, contact Stephen Bilkis and Associates immediately. No one should stand alone in a courtroom and our legal team will offer the best defense possible. We have offices throughout the New York area, including all the boroughs of New York City, Long Island and Westchester County. Call us today for a free consultation.

Those not wearing seat belts and driving under the influence of alcohol are now being targeted by police officers of both Iowa and Illinois. They now have more officers in those areas patrolling the streets looking for these violations, according to a New York Criminal Lawyer. Click It or Ticket and You Drink and Drive are two long time campaigns that are now linked together according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The extra patrolling being done in Iowa is know as the special Traffic Enforcement Program, or TEP. This will include 2,000 extra seat belt enforcement zones and much more patrolling at night to enforce these laws. This also includes 68 roadside safety checks.

Illinois has had a decline in deadly traffic accidents at a time of the year when numbers are usually on the rise due to increased travel with the holidays. Last years drop in fatalities was the first time since 1921 that there have been less than 1,000 people killed on the road. The state is also on track to be below 1,000 again this year.

Even though the numbers have been on the decline, the DOT is warning drivers to use caution on the road in this holiday season. Dan Wood of the DOT said."It's a time (of year) when we can forget that risky driving behavior can kill. Even one death, as everyone knows, is too many." There was a fatality on Halloween that killed a 40 year old trick-or-treating with her son.

If you have been charged with a DWI, then you need the assistance of Stephen Bilkis and Associates. Call us today for legal guidance and a free consultation. It is important to act promptly, to ensure that your rights are protected throughout your legal proceedings. We have offices located throughout New York City, including offices in Manhattan, Staten Island, Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn. We also have locations in Nassau County and Suffolk County on Long Island and Westchester County.

A woman in Arizona was found guilty of participating in the deaths of a father and his daughter. The killings took place in 2009. The woman, an anti-illegal immigration activist, and two men forced their way into the family's home, claims a New York Criminal Lawyer. The two men shot and killed the man and his daughter and wounded the man's wife. The wife survived and called the police to report the killings. She says that she misses her family and blames the woman for destroying her life.

The woman, who is the head of an anti-illegal immigration watchdog group called the Minutemen American Defense, claims she is innocent and did show any remorse for her actions during the trial. This lack of remorse may have prompted the jury to sentence her to death, reports a New York Criminal Lawyer. In addition to being convicted of first-degree murder, the woman is the third woman in Arizona currently on death row. According to the district attorney, even though the woman may not have actually shot the man and his daughter, she planned the attack and got the two men to follow through with her plans.

It is suspected that the woman suffers from emotional problems and may have been abused as a child. She claims she targeted the man because he was a suspected drug dealer. She told news reporters when asked about what she had done that no one with children should sell drugs. No drugs or other illegal substances were found at the home when police arrived on the scene. The apparent motivation for invading the man's home was to steal jewelry, money, drugs and other items to help fund the Minutemen American Defense, says a New York City Criminal Lawyer. Jewelry belonging to the family was found by police at the woman's home. After finding the jewelry, the woman was arrested and taken into police custody.

To gain entry into the home, the woman and two men posed as border patrol officers. The man, his wife and daughter were all natural-born United States citizens. They lived ten miles from the Mexican border. The two men suspected of firing the weapons that killed the man and his daughter go on trial sometime this year. The two men may also receive the death penalty if convicted of killing the man and his daughter.

Whether you have been charged with murder, sex crimes, a drug or theft crime, it is important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. Stephen Bilkis and Associates there at your side throughout the legal process to offer advice and counsel.

It’s a sad day when the ice cream truck driver in your local neighborhood is arrested for driving under the influence. And, not just driving under the influence, but being nearly three times over the legal threshold, reported the New York Criminal Lawyer.

It’s a very lucky thing that the man was arrested, as he could have harmed others. As it was, the truck driver did almost hit a child and that is why the police were called. When they arrived on the scene, the trucker fell out of his ice cream vehicle and staggered over to the police. When asked what his address was, he gave them the date of his birth instead.

The man was arrested on the spot, indicated a Manhattan Criminal Lawyer, and was charged with DWI and spent some time in jail, sobering up. This case could have turned out a lot worse than it was, considering the man’s blood alcohol content was 0.227. In other words, he was more than just impaired; he was pretty much unable to function, talk, or walk coherently and had no business being behind the wheel of a vehicle. That being said, despite his arrest and time spent in jail, he is entitled to a well thought out defense.

Everyone charged with a criminal offense whether it be a DWI, assault or drug charge, is entitled to a vigorous defense. It is important to contact legal counsel right away if you have been arrested. Do not talk to the police or volunteer any information. Save the discussion of what you were doing for your lawyer.

It’s the law of the land that says those who are charged with a crime must be considered to be innocent, until they are proved guilty. Even in drunk driving cases, there are defenses that may be used to assist the driver to retain their license, have their sentence mitigated or possibly thrown out of court.

The important thing to remember is that even though something may “look” like it’s a crime or that the driver was drunk, there are cases where what you see is “not” what actually happened. Anyone charged with a criminal offense is entitled to have their say in court and the only way that will happen is with the assistance of a qualified legal counsel.

Contact the law offices of Stephen Bilkis and Associates for advice and guidance. We will advise you of your legal options and provide you with a free consultation. We have offices in New York City, including Manhattan, Staten Island, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens. We also have locations in Nassau County and Suffolk County on Long Island, as well as Westchester County. Call us today at 1-800-NY-NY-LAW.

This is a disturbing case in which a man under the influence of alcohol started to drive his car after his girlfriend had been arrested. He was taking over and trying to drive as there was no one else around to drive him. Sadly, the man drove his car into a tree and killed the woman’s 5-year-old boy, reported the New York Criminal Lawyer.

The ultimate result in this case was that the man was found guilty of aggravated driving under the influence and will do three to fourteen years in prison. This crash was particularly horrific in that it happened at high-speed and the little boy had no chance.

The facts of the case appear to be that the man driving the car stated that the police ordered him to drive after his girlfriend was arrested. He claims he argued with them that she was his designated ride. However, that argument didn’t go over with the police, as the girlfriend was driving with a suspended license.

The man took off in the car and a high rate of speed, slammed violently into a tree, bounced off the tree into a fence and the eventually tore up a pine tree by its roots. When arrested, his blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit. The little boy was alive when emergency response crews arrived at the scene, but died later in hospital.

Despite what this case may have looked like on the surface, there was a stated defense for this man and that was he was a victim of entrapment and necessity – meaning that he only got into his car to drive because a police officer ordered him to drive and said he’d be arrested if he didn’t do as he was told. The girlfriend in this scenario informed the police the man was drunk.

However, there was rebuttal testimony that indicated the girlfriend had actually pleaded with the police to let the man drive the little boy home.

Whether you have been charged with DWI, sex crimes, gun possession or assault, it is important to ensure that your rights are

A 16 year old girl and a 13 year old boy are shot and killed after talking back to their 50 year old new mom, as reported by a New York Criminal Lawyer. The mom didn’t deny the shooting and killing of these two children.

The mom was already confronted once by police a few months earlier when they went to her residence for an abuse call. The mom would slap her children in the face for talking back. The police couldn’t really do anything at that time for lack of evidence. A police spokeswoman said that this seemed like a normal incident of high tension between a frustrated mom and teenage children. The police didn’t think this woman would eventually shoot her children.

The daughter had been going to a school counselor because of her own lashing out at her mom. She regretted how bad she had talked to and treated her mother. The counselor did say that she was told the mom would sometimes slap the children in the face for talking back. This really frustrated the teen girl who was used to being grounded for discipline and not hit. The counselor told the teen that a mother should not be slapping anybody in the face.

The hitting did continue to get worse. One time the mom hit the girl in the face for about 30 seconds on the way home. Once home she tried to continue hitting her but the teen caught her mom’s hand, stopped the hitting and decided to stand up to her mother instead of allowing her to keep physically abusing her.

The mom is a step-mom and not the birth mom. The children would often tell the mom that she was not their mom and this lead to more hitting and helped increase the frustration felt from the mom and the children.

After shooting her children, this 50 year old Tampa lady is being held without bond until her trial. The trial date has not been set and she is being help in a Florida State Correctional Facility.

Whether you have been charged with domestic violence, a drug crime, or a theft crime, don’t ever go to trial without the help of qualified legal counsel. Even if it looks hopeless and you are facing serious charges, don’t give up.

A man held for 14 days in 2003 for alleged ties to a terror suspect has filed a lawsuit against a former Attorney General. The man claims that he was stopped at Dulles International airport in Virginia and taken to various places throughout Virginia, Oklahoma and Idaho for questioning. During these sessions, the man was grilled on various subjects including his religious beliefs, ties to terrorism groups inside and outside the United States and his relationship with the terror suspect police officials had in custody, reports a New York Criminal Lawyer. The man was eventually released and never had to appear as a material witness. The other man's trial resulted in an acquittal in 2004.

The man, a U.S. citizen, converted to Islam while attending the University of Idaho. It was there that he struck up a friendship with the other man accused of terrorism. On that day in 2003, the man was on his way to Saudi Arabia to learn more about his religion, study the language and learn more about the culture when he was detained at the airport. The man currently lives in Saudi Arabia and is being represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

This case will probably end up being heard in front of the Supreme Court. While most agree the court will side with the Attorney General, some believe the decision to do so will be a tough one. The man's case rests on the fact that he was wrongfully detained as there was no evidence he was a part of any criminal activity or that he knew of any terror plots against the U.S., explains a New York Criminal Lawyer. The man also claims that law enforcement coerced him into answering questions because they told him he was to be a material witness during the other man's trial.

Newly appointed Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan has recused herself from this case since she used to be President Obama's solicitor general. The remaining justices will hear the case and make their judgment based on the evidence presented. This is relatively new legal territory as the Supreme Court has heard few of these types of cases since 9/11. They must take into consideration the political climate at the time and the rights of the man suing former Attorney General Ashcroft. This decision may affect future court cases heard in the Supreme Court and in other courts throughout the United States.

If you have questions about pending legal proceedings, or have been charged with a drug possession, a theft crime, or white collar crime, contact legal counsel right away to ensure that your rights are protected.

An elementary school principal has been arrested for obstructing officers. The incident occurred Monday evening as police responded to a burglary call and was in the process of arresting the boyfriend of the principal’s daughter. At some point during the time that police were on the scene, the principal became loud and belligerent which led to the accumulation of a crowd outside. It was at that point that police say they had no other choice than to arrest the principal as her commotions were arousing the gathering crowd of onlookers. The principal’s daughter has stated that her mom was only questioning the officers and had done nothing wrong.

The day following the incident, the principal was noticeably absent from school, as the local school board had placed her on suspension with pay pending an investigation, which they say is standard procedure. The local parents and students were left wondering what happened and why should the incident have led to her being suspended from her job when she was apparently doing a good job with the children. Some other parents, however, are asking some different questions, such as how can a school principal lecture their children on anger management when she cannot control her own temper.

A New York Criminal Lawyer has also learned that the principal has had some controversy in the past that was a function of her job. The resulting investigation of the on-campus spanking was inconclusive.

There are so many other factors that have not discovered as of this writing, and we are still awaiting comments from local law enforcement officials and from the local school district. Both are continuing their investigations. Thus far, there have been no indications as to why the principal lost her cool, or why she did not heed the law enforcement officers when they advised her to remain calm or they would have to arrest her.

In the meanwhile, the principal was released on a $150 bail and is awaiting the results of the schools investigation that will determine how soon or even if she can return to work.

When you have an encounter with the legal system, it can be a frightening experience, as many just do not understand the way it works. Whether you have been charged with sex crimes, burlgarly, assault or other criminal matter, it is important that your rights are protected. our legal team and Stephen Bilkis and Associates are fully qualified to stand up for you or your loved one and work to resolve the issue and get you back on the path that you need to be.

A New York Criminal Lawyer has learned that one man who was getting a haircut has stabbed another man. While this in itself may not seem terribly out of the ordinary, the result is that one New Haven, CT, man is in the hospital and another is due in court on March 22 to answer to first-degree assault charges.

For the sake of this story, so as not to mention any names, we will refer to the man getting the haircut as man A, and the other as man B. The incident began when man A was sitting in a chair at an apartment while getting a haircut. About halfway through the haircut, man B walks into the apartment. Man A and man B had been arguing earlier and man A thought that man B had come to the apartment to harm him. Before it could truly be determined whether man B had the intentions of doing man A any harm, man A slashed man B in the back with a pair of scissors.

When police arrived at the apartment, man A was taken into custody without incident. As of this writing, the local police department has not returned calls left by a Long Island Criminal Lawyer . It has been learned however, that man A is also wanted by authorities for a second-degree failure to appear warrant that was issued for a previous arrest. No information on the victim (man B) can be learned at this time. Man A had cuts on his face and back and was being treated, but expected to recover.

The really bizarre thing is that during the course of the investigation, a photo of man A’s mug shot was spotted, which the alleged suspect is sporting half of a rather large afro type hair style, while the other half of his head had already received a hair-cut.

Thus far, there is no further information available, especially as to what the initial argument was about, or whether man B had actually gone to the apartment to finish the argument.

If you have been charged with assault, battery, or other crime, contact Stephen Bilkis and Associates for guidance and a free consultation. We have locations to serve you throughout the New York area, including offices in the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. We also have locations in Westchester County, and Nassau Couny and Suffolk County on Long Island. Call us today to schedule a consultation at 1-800-NY-NY-LAW.

A man was convicted in Chicago of killing a young boy when he crashed his car into a tree. The boy was five-years old, reports a New York Criminal Lawyer. The incident occurred after the boy's mother was arrested for driving with a suspended license. The police officer at the scene took the mother into custody, but allowed the man, who was under the influence, to drive the boy home. The man was sentenced to three to 14 years in prison.

The initial incident took place in the Chicago neighborhood. The boy was eventually killed not too far from where his mother was arrested.

Throughout the trial, the mother of the boy insisted that at the time of her arrest, she told the police officer at least three times that the man was drunk and that she was the designated driver. She claims that the officer ordered the man to drive the boy home and even threatened to arrest the man if he did not comply. The man's blood-alcohol limit was twice the legal limit at the time of the accident. While driving, the man lost control of the car and slammed into a tree. The car then hit a fence and uprooted another tree, says a Manhattan Criminal Lawyer. The man claims he had no choice but to follow the police officers orders or face being arrested just like the mother.

The officer on the scene denies the mother's story. According to the district attorney, the mother actually pleaded with the officer to let the man take the boy home. Witnesses at the hospital where the boy died stated they overheard the mother telling a relative that she did indeed ask the officer to let the man drive. The district attorney also claims several other inconsistencies in the man and the mother's story. Apparently, the jury felt the same way and convicted the man of killing the boy.

It is unclear if the mother will face additional charges. The boy was killed last spring. The man was only recently sentenced for causing the boy's death. The lawyer for the man stated during the trial that the man was a victim of entrapment because he was forced by the officer to drive while under the influence. The lawyer also claimed that is was "necessary" for the man to follow the police officers orders.

Contact a Stephen Bilkis and Associates when facing legal issues. Whether you have been charged with a DWI, drug crime or sex crime, we can ensure that your rights are protected. Our legal team will listen to you and expertly represent your side during a trial or during other legal procedures.

A mother was driving drunk in a school zone this last week in front of an elementary school. She was obviously under the influence after being seen crashing into a stop sign and then continuing to get in line at school in order to pick up her daughter from the elementary school according to a school crossing guard.

The Florida Highway Patrol responded to this accident as it was initially called in as a hit and run, explained a New York Criminal Lawyer. The school crossing guard actually recognized the woman and immediately called the school to notify them.

Of course all this happened at about 3:00 as students where being dismissed for the day from school. The Florida Highway Patrol found this lady waiting in line ready to pick up her daughter from the school as they responded to this call. At that time the police took her into custody and tested her blood alcohol level. She was well above the legal limit as she took the breath test. This mother tested at 2 ½ times the legal limit.

The legal limit is set at .08 and this lady had a blood alcohol level of .20. She wasn’t just charged with a DWI but the arrest included the fact that she had committed a hit and run by not stopping after running over the stops sign. This caused a lot of anger and outrage from the other parents waiting in line to pick up their children.

A Stephen Bilkis and Associates can help you if you are being charged with a felony. Stand up for your rights and get help today. We have offices to serve you throughout the New York area, including locations in Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, the Bronx, and Brooklyn. We also have locations in Nassau County and Suffolk County on Long Island, and Westchester County.

A New York Criminal Lawyer has learned that a former county official that lost her job after being arrested on corruption charges has been collecting unemployment benefits. Her former boss had approved the unemployment benefits before he left office, even though she had been charged with more than one felony for her alleged part in bids for county projects. The charges allege that the former county official directed contract awards either to companies that she owns, or to companies that her friends own.

The current County Board President reported that the unemployment approval was in place before she took office. The county commissioners had originally directed the former Board President to fight the unemployment benefit claim, but the claim was processed and approved regardless.

There is much discussion in the county at this time, as to how the former county official can be eligible for unemployment benefits, given the fact that she had been fired, arrested, and charged with multiple felonies. Her former boss had filed for unemployment benefits himself after losing his reelection bid. His claim was denied since as an elected official he had not paid anything into the system, reported a Bronx Criminal Lawyer.

During a recent interview, the former County Board President could not understand how his filing for unemployment “was such a big story.” Yet during the course of the interview, he did not address why he had approved his aide’s claim for unemployment benefits when the county commissioners had requested that it be fought due to the fact that she was charged with crimes against the county and the taxpayers.

There was something that the former Board President did address in the recent interview. He stated that he is seeking employment with a hospital in Turkey. He went on to say just how excellent the health care is in Turkey, and how much cheaper it is than here in the United States. His implication, it would seem, is to discover just how the hospital system in Turkey can be so good, yet can provide health coverage to its citizens at affordable pricing.

The legal system can be very complicated and intimidating at times, it is important to seek legal counsel that has the skills to traverse the system for you in order to achieve your desired results. Whatever the charge, it is important to act promptly and contact Stephen Bilkis and Associates. We will ensure that your rights are protected through every stage of your legal proceedings.

We have offices throughout the New York area, including locations in Manhattan, Staten Island, Queens, the Bronx and Brooklyn. We also have locations in Nassau County and Suffolk County on Long Island, as well as Westchester County. Call us today for a free consultation at 1-800-NY-NY-LAW.

A 19-year old female has been charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, which a felony that if convicted carries a maximum sentence of up to two years.

Before we continue, we must add that while some of the events contained in this article may seem bizarre, they are a factual representation of a true event that occurred within a large metropolitan city, and was first reported in one of its major newspapers. The names are being withheld due to privacy concerns of the parties.

It all began with the purchase of a hamster for the 19-year olds’ 9-year old brother. Her older brother, who is 25 and at the time was angered over something, had intentionally kicked the ball that the original hamster was in, which in turn threw the hamster from the ball. As a result of this action, the hamster died, the New York Criminal Lawyer was told.

The 25-year old brother, having felt absolutely horrible about what had just happened sought to make things right for his younger brother and bought him three new hamsters. While this may seem like the right thing for him to do, his 19-year old sister did not think too much of this and in the process she picked up one of the hamsters and “slammed it to the floor.” The hamster, of course, died on impact due to “blunt force trauma and liver damage.”

Thas yet to discover how the local animal society or local law enforcement first learned of this incident, but we had the chance to ask one local official about the incident. The local animal society told the New York Criminal Lawyer that animal cruelty laws apply to all animals regardless of size, and that the felony charge against the 19-year old female, as well as two additional misdemeanor charges of torturing animals and endangering the welfare of a child will also be pursued. Charges have not been filed against the 25-year old son.

The hamsters are no longer staying with the family. They were taken to a friend of the 25-year old son for safekeeping.

Criminal law can often take many twists and turns. Whether you or a loved one has been convicted of a drug crime, a weapons charge or DWI, it is important to ensure that your rights are protected at all times.

It’s a tough environment these days when it comes to finding work to pay the bills. Sometimes that means taking jobs you might not normally consider, because you know you need to keep food on the table. In this case, indicated a New York City Criminal Lawyer, a former cocktail waitress found herself in a difficult situation at work. She stated in her federal lawsuit that she was fed handfuls of drugs and then expected to have sex with the customers.

There was no doubt a hostile work environment for this woman. She worked for one of the largest club operators in her area as a cocktail waitress. The work conditions just got to be too much for her and she chose to quit, move on and file a lawsuit.

The lawsuit was actually filed with several allegations in it that included assault, sexual harassment and conspiracy. Now this lady would have had a choice as to which type of lawyer she would need to file her complaint seeking compensation.

Given that it’s a federal lawsuit, she may have opted to discuss her situation with an employment lawyer. Since many lawyer’s specialize in more than one area, it’s like the attorney would have also been able to handle the other issues listed in the complaint as well, from a plaintiff’s perspective, added the Brooklyn Criminal Lawyer.

However, if this case was to proceed criminally, the defendant would also need legal counsel, as all defendants charged with a criminal offense are entitled to a thorough and well thought out defense in response to the charges.

Considering this case from the defendant’s point of view, the charges may well be refuted and proven wrong is there was any evidence that the woman who brought the lawsuit had a history of using drugs. In the alternative, if she was considered to be an escort or other sex trade worker then that information could also be used at trial to rebut her allegations.

In addition, there would likely be some background investigative work done on a case like this to check into the woman’s work history and find out what her friends and co-workers have to say about her, on and off the job.

Whether you are contending with a sex crimes charge, a weapons charge or theft crime, it is important to ensure that you rights are protected at every stage of your legal proceedings. Contact Stephen Bilkis and Associates for advice and a free consultation at 1-800-NY-NY-LAW today. We have offices located in all boroughs of New York, including the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island. We also have locations in Nassau County and Suffolk County on Long Island, as well as Westchester County.

An 8-year old boy was taken into custody by police after he assaulted a school employee in Florida. After disrupting his classroom, the boy, a special-education student, left the school grounds followed by one of the school's behavioral specialists. When the boy returned to the school, he found a pile of sticks and other objects and began throwing them at the behavioral specialist striking her at least once, reports a New York Criminal Lawyer. Other school employees intervened to calm the boy before he was arrested.

This is the boy's fifth arrest for assault and the disruption of an educational institution. In earlier incidents, the boy threw books, broke windows, chased other students and threw chairs at teachers and other school employees. During one incident, the boy insisted that he be sent to jail. School officials are unsure as to why the boy continues to act out in a violent manner, says a New York Criminal Lawyer. Last December, The Florida Department of Children and Families was notified about possible child abuse at the boy's home. Reports show that while the boy suffered an injury, there was not enough evidence to support child abuse was the cause.

Over the past few months, the boy's violent tendencies have increased, according to school officials. The boy was arrested in November and December for assault. The boy has since been arrested three more times. Charges ranging from assaulting students and teachers to destroying public property have been filed. In addition to throwing books and chairs in the classroom, the boy has also damaged computer equipment. Whether or not the boy is acting out due to abuse at home is unknown at this point.

The Florida newspaper covering this story is refusing to identify the boy since he is underage. After his arrest, the boy was taken into custody in handcuffs. He had to stand in front of a police camera for a mug shot. According to the newspaper, the boy did not appear happy or comfortable even though he had said after other incidents that he wanted to go to jail. Getting the boy treatment to discover what troubles him may be the next step. Further investigation into the boy's home life may also be another option for the Florida Department of Children and Families. It is unclear as to what will happen to the boy now or if he will be allowed to return to school.

Speak to a skilled lawyer who can clearly explain the legal process and your rights.

This was a really rough case for the local community and for all those involved in the search for a missing girl. The ten-year-old had lost her hearing and one leg as she fought bone cancer, said a New York Criminal Lawyer. Unfortunately, the girl was reported missing in October. It wasn’t until November that her body parts were found. Additionally, the police felt that the girl had been missing even before she was officially called in as a missing person.

The child’s stepmother was charged with murdering, abusing and desecrating her body. The police were unable to find the girl’s head despite a massive search over two different locations. There were indications of tool marks on the bones that were found, a fact that indicates the girl was dismembered after she was dead.

Based on evidence collected over the course of the investigation, the police were able to determine that the stepmother had consistently relied on verbal, physical and psychological abuse when interacting with her step-daughter, reported the New York Criminal Lawyer. Because the woman was in a position of trust, she was able to take advantage of that to kill the girl and then hide her body to delay detection and prosecution.

There were no reasons given why the stepmother chose to kill her stepdaughter. However, there were further allegations that the stepmom wrote a fake ransom note for one million dollars and that she wrote a letter while in jail, admitting the girl was dead and she felt sorry that she was caught. She tried to diffuse public reaction to her alleged crime by pointing a finger at the husband.

Even though this case does not look hopeful on the surface, it may not be what it looks like. This is the main reason to not assume that the woman is guilty of anything, until a case is actually made and she is proven to indeed be guilty. There are many criminal defenses that may be used to protect the stepmother’s rights and to make sure she is well represented, she would be best advised to speak to skilled legal counsel right away.

Everyone one, whether they are charged with a crime or suspected of a crime, including sex crimes, weapons charges or drug offenses , is entitled to a defense. That is why the whole foundation of the criminal justice system is innocent until proven guilty. To find out what your legal rights would be in a case like this.

If or a loved one has been charged with a criminal offense, it is important to speak to qualified legal counsel right away to ensure that your rights are protected throughout your legal proceedings.

Just when you think you have heard the entire story, new information has been revealed that prior to a well known baseball player's DWI arrest in February; he apparently had some choice words to say to some folks at a local restaurant.

The apparently intoxicated gentleman had stopped into a local restaurant at about 10:30pm when the manager told him that the restaurant was closing. He proceeded on into the restaurant when was informed by the manager again that the restaurant was closing. Was reported to have made repeated comments to the manager that he did not know who he was. A New York Criminal Lawyer was also told that he leaned into the manager’s face and said, "I know all of you, and I will kill all of you and blow this place up," as he patted the side of his shoulder bag.

It was at this point that the manager instructed a bartender to call 911, and the off-duty wildlife officer who had been inside the restaurant speaking with his friend, the manager, stepped out to his vehicle to collect his badge and firearm. It was at this point that the baseball player exited the restaurant and sped away in his vehicle while continuing to shout obscenities at everyone within hearing distance. It was not long afterwards that the police arrived.

About 30-minutes after the incident at the restaurant, the man's vehicle was spotted on the shoulder of the same road as the restaurant with smoke coming from it. When the deputy approached him, the deputy smelled alcohol, and according to the arrest report, the player actually turned up a bottle of scotch and took a drink in front of the deputy. It was at this point of the incident that he was arrested for DWI, and for resisting arrest without violence after he put up a small struggle with deputies.

Neither the baseball team, or his attorney had any comments. As of this writing, his attorneys have entered a plea of not guilty with the court.

Have you or a loved one have had a run-in with the law? If you have been charged with a criminal offense, it is important to speak to legal counsel right away to ensure that your rights are protected. Stephen Bilkis and Associates knows the way around the potential legal quagmire that awaits you, and can assist you in reaching a satisfactory conclusion.

An FBI SWAT team executed a search warrant on Wednesday, and made one arrest connected with the case, reports the New York Criminal Lawyer. The arrest is a result of the so-called isolated event that occurred on Martin Luther King Day that involved a backpack that was reportedly filled with enough explosives to cause lethal damage to bystanders.

Arrested is a 36-year old, ex-soldier that allegedly has ties to a white-supremacist group. This is reportedly the same group that was founded by the author of “The Turner Diaries,” that was the focus of setting the guidelines for the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. It is thus far unclear as to whether he is the only person of interest in this case.

The suspect has already been arraigned in U.S Federal Court, which he has waived his hearing for bail. The suspect could face life in prison if convicted of several felony offenses including of the attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction. A separate charge of possession of an unregistered explosive device could net the suspect another maximum sentence of 10-years in prison if convicted. His next scheduled court appearance is set for March 23.

The Suffolk County Criminal Lawyer has heard much discussion, thus far, as to whether this should be classed as a hate crime. In simple words, a hate crime is considered by most states as any crime that involves “threats, harassment, or physical harm and is motivated by prejudice against someone's race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation or physical or mental disability.” The facts of this particular crime fit many of these definitions, as the explosive device was planted along a parade route that was to be primarily frequented by persons of a certain race, color, or national origin, and sought to cause threats, and/or physical harm to those persons.

The homemade bomb that was found on MLK Day was no makeshift device, as the explosives were laced with rat poison, which serves as an anti-coagulant. These were all factors prompted officials to pursue this case as one of domestic terrorism.

When you have a question about the legal system or are dealing with a criminal charge, contact Stephen Bilkis and Associates. Our legal team has the education, background, and experience to ensure that your rights are protected. As stressful as a criminal charge can be, it is important to take prompt legal action. Depending on the charges, you could be facing prison, community servce, fines and probation. The sooner you enlist the services of a qualified lawyer, the better chances you will have for a positive outcome.

Continue reading " FBI Makes Arrest in MLK Bomb Case " »

Two alleged bank robbers have been arrested, claimed a New York Criminal Lawyer. While police and FBI spokespeople have had few public comments yet, the two robbers are believed to be behind other recent bank robberies in a different district this month.

The arrests are part of a joint law enforcement investigation that included officers and agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF), and officers from various state and local police departments. Both bank robberies had similar methods of operation (MO), that included what appeared to be a pipe bomb left at each location, that later proved to be fake.

The suspects are being called the ‘copycat robbers’ as they were copying a robber from another series of bank robberies that had occurred in the area that also used fake bombs while pulling off heists, a Queens Criminal Lawyer was told. The particular bandit the crime duo was mimicking was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison just last month for his crimes.

Agents were able to apprehend the suspects as a result of a tip that alerted the agents and officers to the possible whereabouts of one of the robbers and of his next planned target. As a result of that tip, they were able to find evidence in a dumpster behind a neighborhood house and were able to trace the robber from there. It has also been reported that when agents approached the robber, there was no altercation and one came clean to what his plans and intentions were for his next robbery attempt.

The arrests caused quite the stir in nearby office buildings, as many workers congregated at the nearby windows to catch a glimpse of the activity nearby. Some were citing that as many as six workers were cramped into one office just to see what was going on as the arrests took place.

According to recent statistics, bank robberies have been on the rise over the past few years, and are believed to be related at least in part due to the sluggish economy.

The legal system can be very complicated and daunting. If convicted, you could be facing substantial penalties including prison time, fines, probation, and community service. If you have been charged with a crime, it is important to obtain legal counsel as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected.

Continue reading " Bank Robbers Arrested " »

Biloxi, MS, police have arrested an armed robbery suspect that is suspected of holding up a Brinks security guard on Wednesday, a New York Criminal Lawyer has learned. The suspect had confronted a Brinks’ guard who had just completed making a pickup at a local store, and at gunpoint demanded the guard to lie on the floor. The suspect took the Brinks bag and ran away.

Witnesses at the scene described the suspect’s vehicle to police and the suspect was soon spotted by a patrol officer who attempted to stop the vehicle. Following a brief pursuit along a local highway and city streets, the chase soon led into a local neighborhood, police discovered the suspect’s disabled vehicle abandoned with a flat tire. Officers and K-9’s took to the pursuit by foot through the neighborhood yards and the local wooded area. The suspect was taken into custody shortly thereafter without further incident.

As reported by the Stated Island Criminal Lawyer, this incident could have ended badly. When the suspect entered the local neighborhood, there were families and children who were watching as the events unfolded and many were reportedly frightened as they observed the suspect running through yards, and jumping over shrubbery and through fences. The officers on the scene did an excellent job in not only capturing an armed robbery suspect, but also in community relations as when the officers entered the neighborhood, they informed many of its residents to lock their doors and to stay away from the windows for safety’s sake. The residents have stated that they are very appreciative of not only the officers capturing the suspect, but to their rapid response to the scene.

As part of their ongoing investigation, the police have located the Brinks bag, and an old cell phone they have yet to identify, but have thus far not located the weapon that was allegedly used in the robbery of the Brinks guard. Even if it was not a gun, but perhaps only looked like one, it is still armed robbery. Most state laws make that perfectly clear. The suspect’s bail has been set at $250,000.

Whenever legal charges have been filed against either you or someone you love, it is important to speak with legal counsel right away. If you are found guilty, you could be facing significant consequences including prison time, probation, fines and more.

Continue reading " Brinks Truck Robbery Suspect Arrested " »

A former CEO of a major financial firm was recently charged with several counts of white collar crimes that included wire fraud, securities fraud and money laundering.

As of February 28, the former Chief Executive Officer of a notable firm situated in Austin, TX was scheduled to be arraigned in a federal district court to hear his multiple charges. A New York Criminal Layer notes that the man is alleged to have fraudulently raised $50 million from investors in a malicious and manipulative scheme that involved money laundering, wire fraud and securities fraud. The allegations go into greater detail by describing the fact that the defendant manipulated contacts from church as well as former NFL football stars to cultivate this scheme, which had the personal enrichment of the defendant as its primary motivating factor.

The Austin-based firm, which specializes in investments, was placed in receivership in 2009 by the judge presiding over the case in its initial development. This event was a result of the sobering fact that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) took action against the firm by way of a securities lawsuit. Though the defendant and former CEO of the firm is facing a major indictment of 39 counts, A Brooklyn Criminal Lawyer explained that is has not yet been revealed what the outcome of the indictment was. What is known is that, according to authorities, the man did not act merely on his own behalf. It appears that his investment manipulation also benefitted the Chief Financial Officer of the Austin-based firm, who is not named.

These charges against the former CEO are quite serious and have no doubt devastated the lives of many investors. The significant amount of $50 million that was fraudulently raised from the deceived investors was described by an observer as “…an expanding Ponzi scheme”, implying that the defendant had no intention of backing down from the aggressive deception. What is disturbing is that the demographics of those cheated in this fraudulent scam consisted of former NFL stars and “church contacts”--- people who are generally known for non-profit volunteering and service to the community in tangible ways.

This multiple-count indictment involving extremely serious financial charges will result in major severance being charged to those involved. If you or a loved one finds yourself in in legal trouble, whether it involves sex crimes, a theft charge, or drug possession, it is important to ensure that your rights are protected and that you seek legal guidance as soon as possible.

Continue reading " Former CEO of a Texas-based investment firm indicted on multiple counts of fraud " »

A question of individual rights regarding a child who was rumored to have been allegedly sexually abused by her father has caused great controversy in the courts and between different interest groups

In 2003 in the state of Oregon, a nine-year-old girl was suddenly removed from her public school classroom by a child protection investigator who was accompanied by a deputy sheriff. Operating under presumed intelligence that the young girl had been sexually abused by her father, the two men interrogated her for a period of approximately two hours and sought confirmation that she had in fact been sexually abused. A New York Criminal Lawyer reports that allegedly, the young girl finally confirmed their suspicions; however, at a later date she confessed that she had only given the two men an affirmation because she was afraid and wanted to escape the interrogation.

The father of the girl was arrested, but later released when charges were dropped in regards to this specific case. However, it seems that the father agreed to a plea deal that involved a different charge of sexually assaulting a minor. In response to the interrogation by the deputy and child protection investigator, the family of the young lady filed a lawsuit, which was heard in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, located in San Francisco. A Bronx Criminal Lawyer notes that the case eventually made it to the Supreme Court, following an appeal by the state of Oregon.

A Bronx Sex Crime Lawyer commented that the divisive nature of this issue is evident by the claims made on both sides. Those who support the actions of the deputy sheriff and child protection investigator, such as the state of Oregon and certain child advocacy groups, make the claim that such an action should be allowed. They argue that the protection of the child is the most important factor, not the authority of the parents and the privacy of the family. Those who oppose the interrogation of the girl, such as the Family Research Council and the family themselves, argue that while the best interest of the child is definitely important, the repercussions of future “interrogations” and acts of government-sanctioned family separation have the potential for great abuse. A major concern seems to be: if this landmark case results in greater freedom for authorities to engage children without the knowledge of the parents, then conceivably arbitrary reasons for investigation would endanger the child and unnecessarily undermine the sanctity of the nuclear family.

Such landmark cases as this, which made headway in the Supreme Court, have a special importance. In the future, it may be that such cases become more common, due to the attention shown this one.

Sex crimes are complicated offenses, particularly when a child is the victim. Often the alleged perpetrator is a family friend or relative, which causes even more shock and pain for those involved. Whether or not the accused is guilty of the crime, these charges carry with them an emotional stigma, which creates very real challenges for the accused. The accused may experience difficulties with personal relationships, and problems with housing an employment.

If you have been charged with a crime, it is important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. The sooner you seek the guidance of qualified counsel, the better your chances are for a positive outcome in your case.

Continue reading " A divisive case of child abuse and parental rights launches to the Supreme Court " »

A city official referred to as the “Street Czar” and entrusted with serving the community of San Diego was recently charged with a serious sex crime: he allegedly subjected an underage female to molestation, as documented by a New York Criminal Lawyer.

According to court documents, the young woman, now 21, was younger than 14 at the time of the alleged sexual misconduct charges, which happened around seven years ago. The accused city official is relatively new to his line of work, being commonly referred to as the “Street Czar” for the city of San Diego. A Bronx Criminal Lawyer notes that on February 28, the 47-year-old man pleaded not guilty in court. The exact statement from the prosecutor in the case says that the defendant allegedly enticed the then-underage victim to touch his private area, a claim that is also said to be corroborated by an external evidence source.

Though the city-employed defendant will not have to undergo jail time during the time of subsequent hearings, a New York Criminal Lawyer stated that according to an official for the city of San Diego, the defendant had been placed on “administrative leave” that does not include compensation. Upon inquiry, the legal counsel of the defendant declined to comment; at the same time, the president of a local union admitted that the arrest was “surprising”, thought went on to affirm the truth that according to American courts, a defendant is innocent until proven guilty. The union president oversees the employment and economical interests of all but 2,000 city employees in San Diego.

For now, the judge presiding over the case has issued a protective order upon the defendant, forbidding him to associate with the alleged victim in any manner whatsoever. Disobedience toward this order would likely result in further consequences for the defendant. The charge pending against the defendant currently carries a felony status, with a matching maximum term of eight years in prison.

Being charged with a sex crime is serious, and can carry many serious penalties that can include prison time, monetary fines, community service and more. Whether or not you are found guilty of the charges against you, these type of charges can create problems with your personal relationships and employment. While these charges can be stressful and embarrassing, it is important to take prompt action and consult legal counsel. The earlier on in the process you do this, the better you chance you have for a positive outcome.

Sexual misconduct is one of many serious sex crimes that carry serious legal consequences, yet is not beyond the scope of legal proficiency for a skilled legal counsel. Serious repercussions accompany the accused in such cases, and it is wise to seek the representation and counsel of a qualified legal counsel. If you or another of relation are currently experiencing a situation similar to that described above, a Bronx Sex Crimes Lawyer has the resources you need to ensure a fair trial and receive comfort and encouragement.

Contact Stephen Bilkis and Associates for guidance and a free consultation. Whatever your charges, we will provide an aggressive defense and ensure that your rights are protected throughout your proceedings. We have offices to serve you throughout the New York area, including locations in Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, the Bronx, and Brooklyn. We also have locations in both Nassau County and Suffolk County on Long Island, and Westchester County. Call us today to schedule a free consultation at 1-800-NY-NY-LAW.

A 20-year old college student has been arrested in Boulder, CO, for allegedly picking up a box that contained fake identifications, sources have told a New York Criminal Lawyer. The University of Colorado sophomore had allegedly gone to the local grocery store to pick up a box that had been delivered to the store bearing a friend’s name.

Although the young man initially told police that he simply got “caught in the middle” of his friend’s scheme to distribute fake ID’s, police soon discovered there was more to the story that what they were just told by the suspect. During a routine check for weapons, officers discovered the suspect’s wallet. Within the wallet was a fake id. This was all the arresting officers required in order to charge the youth with “suspicion of forgery, criminal possession of a forged instrument and unlawful acts,” police told the NY Criminal Lawyer.

Authorities were tipped off as to the contents of the package when the package was delivered to the a grocery store by UPS, and an employee opened the package by mistake. She discovered a total of 22 fake ID’s that were grouped in pairs for 11 people. Sources went on to inform a Staten Island Criminal Lawyer that although each of the ID’s did match a real person as well as their address, each of the ID’s listed the person as being at least 21 years of age.

Why the package was shipped to the grocery store rather than to one of the parties, is one question that the police may already have an answer. The youth has been at least partially cooperative with Boulder Police as they investigated during the arrest. His words were to the effect that since he had used the Western Union services at the grocery store to pay his friend for the ID’s, that his friend must have gotten the addresses confused when he shipped the fake ID’s. A critical error apparently.

The investigation is continuing and thus far, the police have not yet made any further arrests in this case. The 20-year old college sophomore has been released on bond.

Whether you are found innocent or guilty of criminal charges, they can have a last effect on your personal and professional life. If found guilty, you could be facing jail time, fines, probation and community service. Even if you are found innocent, criminal charges can affect your employment, housing opportunities and personal relationships. Whether you have been charged with sex crimes, a drug possession charge, or a white collar crime, it is important to your case to obtain legal guidance as soon as possible. The sooner legal counsel is called, the better your chances of obtaining a favorable result.

At Stephen Bilkis and Associates, we will provide you with legal guidance and a free consultation. We have office locations throughout the New York area, including offices in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Staten Island and Queens. We also have locations in both Nassau County and Suffolk County on Long Island, as well as Westchester County.

Continue reading " College Student Arrested for 22 Fake ID’s " »

Just when you think you have heard it all, another story comes along that leaves one asking what were they thinking. A New York Criminal Lawyer has learned that a Maryland man was arrested for DWI early Sunday morning. While sadly that is nothing unusual, what makes this a little different is that the suspect backed his truck onto the hood of a police car.

The 26-year old man had reportedly been in an argument with someone at a local bar, when he decided to give chase to the person, he had been arguing with. That chase ended with the man’s truck having pushed the other person’s car into a utility pole. The story gets better. With the man’s judgment heavily impaired due to too much alcohol consumption, and having just been in an adrenaline inducing car chase, and then being involved in an accident, the man took it upon himself to place his vehicle into reverse and back up. The problem with this is that in so doing he backed onto the hood of an unmarked police car that had come upon the accident scene and had attempted to block the driver of the pickup by using his police cruiser as a barricade. The officer’s tactic worked overall, as the police vehicle did stop the truck from leaving the scene. It just was not exactly the way the officer had originally intended.

Luckily, the officer received only minor injuries and was treated and released from the local hospital soon after. The driver of the pickup, however, was not so luck. Although the man was not aware at the time of the presence of the police car beneath his truck, police were able to convince the man to exit his truck where he was then placed under arrest and charged with DWI, reckless driving, negligent driving, and two counts of second-degree assault.

After posting a $10,000 bond, the man was released later Sunday morning. This was most likely, after he had slept off his dreams of monster truck greatness.

If you have been charged with a DWI, it is important to obtain legal counsel as soon as possible. Whether you are found guilty or innocent, a DWI charge can have a lasting impact on your life. If convicted, you could be facing jail time, probation, fines and community service.

Continue reading " DWI Suspect Arrested on Top of Police Cruiser " »

Police in Nova Scotia have issued an arrest warrant for a 16-year old male they believe to be responsible for at least some of the shots that were fired at a high school this past Monday. The youth is facing multiple charges that include at least eight offenses involving possession of a weapon, and two counts of attempted murder. While Halifax police believe that only two persons, who have not been named thus far, were targeted by the youth, multiple gunshots were fired outside of the high school that the youth does not attend as a student.

Investigators have also learned that the shooting is believed to be a payback for another recent shooting of which a 16-year old was shot on Saturday, a New York Criminal Lawyer was informed. Police have confirmed they are exploring the possibility the two incidents are related.
While it is unusual for police to announce publicly information on a juvenile, a judge has given them five-days to announce his name and photograph publicly due to the nature of the incidents. The fact that the incident involved seemingly indiscriminate violence with a firearm at a school weighed heavily in the judge’s decision, sources. However, if police have not arrested the 16-year old within that five-day time period, the permission to use his name and photograph publicly will expire.

Within hours of the shooting, police had executed a search warrant at a home they believed the youth may be located, sources have confirmed to a Suffolk County Criminal Lawyer. While police did take two women in for questioning, they were released on Tuesday with no charges being filed.

Halifax police are asking that anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of this young man to notify the Halifax Police Dept, and are advising not to approach the youth if he is spotted and to notify the police immediately as he is considered armed and dangerous.

The school where the shooting took place was open on Tuesday morning as usual, only with an increased police presence in order to put students, parents, and teachers at ease. Sources say they will likely be there on Wednesday also.

Serious criminal charges can have a significant impact on your life, whether you are found guilty of the charges or not. If you are found guilty, you could be facing prison time, fines, probation, community service, and the offense will be marked on your permanent criminal record. Even if you are found innocent, these types of charges can affect personal and professional relationships. If you have been charged with a criminal offense, it is important to take prompt action and speak to skilled legal counsel as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected.

Continue reading " High School Shooting Puts Police on a Manhunt " »

Three accident victims were shot after being injured in a car accident in rural southern town, said a New York Criminal Lawyer. The accident occurred at night in the early evening. The victims included the driver and his two young daughters, ages four and seven.

Local police officers at the scene revealed that the victims’ car was rear-ended by an African American male, 21, early Tuesday evening near an intersection. Once he left his car, the African American male walked up to the car with a .22 pistol and began shooting frantically into the victims’ vehicle. The driver was shot three times. The seven year old daughter was shot four times. The youngest daughter was not injured by the gunfire.

According to authorities, the gunshot victims were treated for minor injuries at a local hospital. Their injuries were determined not to be life-threatening. The father was released the next morning, Wednesday, following treatment. No information was available concerning the status of the two daughters or when they were released.

The assailant was arrested and later charged with two criminal counts against his victims. The assailant was charged with using a deadly weapon to assault his victims, intending to kill them; and, using a deadly weapon to inflict serious injury on his victims. More charges could be filed at a later time. The assailant is still in jail at a county jail nearby, close to the crime scene where the accident first occurred. His bail was set by a local judge at $100,000 in the form of a secured bond. The felonious assault charges carry a heavy sentence if convicted on both counts. No details were released by investigators as to whether there were eyewitnesses to the felonious assaults or the initial accident prior to the shootings. The random gun violence in the case was the basis for the intent to kill portion of the charges as discharging his weapon 7 times into the victims’ bodies was evidence enough for such charges to be filed.

According to a Westchester County Criminal Lawyer, the driver who was shot and hospitalized with his daughters was not available for comment following release.

Whether you are found guilty or not, a serious charge such as this can create a multitude of problems in your personal and professional life. Defendants may experience not only serious legal penalties for their offenses, but also problems with employment and obtaining housing. Family relationships can also be irreparably damaged. If you have been charged with a crime it is important to seek skilled legal representation to ensure that your rights are protected at all stages of the legal process.

Continue reading " Accident Victims Shot " »

County Sheriff's deputies have a 19-year old man in custody, and sources have told a New York Criminal Lawyer that the arrest may have prevented further development of a serial killer. The 19-year old was arrested following a report by his girlfriend’s mother who had reportedly received a call from her daughter who said that she was being held hostage by the young man. During the course of this call, the woman’s daughter reportedly told her that her boyfriend was holding her hostage, mutilating and killing dogs, and had threatened to murder her and any police who may come to arrest him.

The accused has an alleged history of torturing and killing animals, and during the course of their investigation, police discovered carcasses of at least 29 dead dogs that either had been buried in the backyard or had been tossed into the woods near the dwelling. Sources also informed the Manhattan Criminal Attorney that he had forced his girlfriend to participate in the mutilation and killing of 29 dogs or puppies. Police also discovered a rifle and a shotgun as they searched his home.

Experts who have examined this case explained to the Suffolk County Criminal Lawyer that the suspect has at least one of the characteristics of a serial killer, and from all indications, his violence was escalating. Police have stated to that they have no doubt that he would have eventually killed his girlfriend.

According to at least one expert, serial killers exhibit at least three behaviors, “animal cruelty, obsession with fire setting and persistent bedwetting past the age of five to violent behavior.” Each of these have been linked to violent behavior as both police and science attempt to understand the mental workings of these types of killers. While there has thus far been no indication that the suspect in custody exhibits any of the other two behaviors, there is little doubt that based on the evidence that an obsession with animal cruelty exists. Prosecutors have stated that a defense of temporary insanity should not be applicable in this case due to the accused alleged long and methodical obsession with animal cruelty.

Often when this type of crime is involved, other crimes are uncovered as an investigation continues. Frequently, there may be additional allegations of a sex crime, drug possession or weapon possession. It is important that if you or a family member has been charged with a serious offense, you act promptly to protect your rights. Whether you are found guilty of the charges or not, these allegations can have a significant impact on your personal life. If convicted, the criminal punishments can be significant, and include jail time, monetary fines, community service and probation.

Continue reading " Animal Abuse Case May Have Prevented a Serial Killer " »

A Benicia, CA, woman was taken into custody last Friday by California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers; sources have told a New York Criminal Lawyer. While a woman being arrested for an alleged DWI is, unfortunately, not uncommon, what brings more to this case is that the woman’s 8-year old daughter was involved.

The incident occurred as the woman was westbound on I-780 at approximately 6:18 p.m. when she apparently lost control of her vehicle which then rolled over, sources reported to a Nassau County Criminal Lawyer. As a result of this, the mother’s 8-year old daughter was seriously injured due to her being thrown from her seat into the front seat. The head trauma that the child suffered necessitated her to be airlifted from the crash site to Children's Hospital in Oakland, CA, for treatment. The mother had only sustained minor injuries.

According to the CHP, they performed a series of field sobriety tests on the girl’s mother. Field sobriety tests are given in order for officers to determine the sobriety of individuals they suspect may be intoxicated. Based on the results of the sobriety tests, the mother was taken into custody and taken to a DWI processing center. The woman refused a breathalyzer and requested that a blood test be done instead. The results of that blood test had not been returned as of this writing. After the blood sample was taken, the woman was taken to the County Jail and booked for DWI and child endangerment charges. The woman’s bail was set at $55,000.

Although the woman stated that both she and her daughter were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash, it has not been confirmed. The condition of the 8-year old child is also unknown at this time.

In the State of California, anyone over the age of 21 that has been arrested for driving under the influence (DWI) that has taken a blood or breath test, or (if applicable) a urine test, and the results showed 0.08% BAC or more can expect to lose their license. If the court determines that, the accused will lose their license they can be subjected to that loss of license for 4-month suspension for a first offense DWI and a 1-year suspension for a second DWI conviction within a 10-year period.

A DWI charge can greatly impact your life, whether you are guilty of the charges or not. Criminal charges can affect employment, and personal relationships. If you are charged with a crime it is important to always sure your rights are protected. Whether you have been charged with a DWI, sex crimes, or theft charge, take prompt action and seek legal counsel right away. If convicted, the penalties for a criminal charge can be significant, and include jail time, monetary fines, probation and community service.

Continue reading " CHP Arrests Mom for DWI and Endangering Her Child " »

Over the past several years, DNA science has made extraordinary progress and its implementation in many criminal cases has both convicted the guilty and exonerated the innocent. A New York Criminal Lawyer has learned that one federal crime lab is struggling to keep its reputation afloat following reports that one of its more senior and experienced forensics examiners not only blotched, DNA tests, but also falsified records.

A worker at the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory, near Atlanta, is being investigated for alleged mistakes that may have allowed the guilty to go free and may have contributed to many to be wrongfully convicted of crimes they did not commit, sources tell.

Unfortunately, the problem appears to go much deeper than just one worker that was making mistakes and then attempting to cover them up. Sources alleged to a New York City Criminal Lawyer that the forensic examiner’s supervisors were not only slow to recognize his mistakes, but also wanted to keep any investigation of these mistakes in-house so that the facility would not lose its accreditation.

Although there have been many instances where DNA results have been retested by a different examiner, this is not one of those instances. Although there have been many problems with having retesting completed on work this individual had done, the U.S. military does not keep DNA evidence in storage beyond a set time-period. After that time has passed, the DNA is destroyed. This military policy has preempted any testing on the results that would have been possible in a similar situation at a civilian lab.

While the investigation is ongoing, there have been many questions arise in both military prosecution and especially in defense circles as to the validity of some cases of which an individual was convicted due to what may be a faulty DNA analysis. Many military attorneys had not even heard of the issue at the military DNA lab before the story broke. At least one person who was convicted by means of a faulty DNA test did not learn of this issue from the military. Rather he learned of it from another inmate. Many lawsuits have already been filed and more are expected to be filed in the near future.

The offenses discussed here come under the heading of a white collar crime. These types of crimes generally include criminal acts that are committed by someone of higher social status and respectability, and often involve fraudulent activity.

Whether you have been charged with sex crimes, or a DWI offense, or theft charge, it is important to speak to legal counsel without delay. Whether you are guilty or not, a criminal charge can have lasting impact on your life. If convicted, penalties can include jail time, fines, community service and probation.

Continue reading " Army Crime-Lab Worker Blotched Tests Leaving Many DNA Cases in Doubt " »

The trial of former major league baseball player, Barry Bonds, is underway in U.S. District Court, a New York Criminal Lawyer has learned. The former San Francisco Giant all-star is accused of “obstructing justice and three counts of making false statements to a grand jury.”

During their opening arguments to the jury, prosecutors stated that when Bonds testified to the grand jury in 2003 that he had immunity and that all he had to do was to tell the truth, which they allege that he did not, the New York Criminal Lawyer was told. His testimony was in regards as to whether he had knowingly used anabolic steroids, which Bonds denied. Bonds baseball career was essentially over when he tested positive for “banned substances” during a team administered urine test. He has not played major league baseball since he was indicted in 2007.

One of those expected to testify against Bonds, is his former mistress who will reportedly testify that Bonds told her that he suffered from sexual dysfunction due to steroid use. His mistress was reportedly with the former ball player for more than 10-years and during two of his marriages.

As part of the courtroom drama unfolded, the presiding judge sent the jury from the room while she sentenced Bonds’ former personal trainer to jail for contempt of court for his refusal to testify. She went on to add that he would remain in jail until he chooses to testify. His lawyer has appealed the contempt charge, sources told a NYC Criminal Lawyer. Prosecutors contend that the former trainer is one who provided Bonds with illegal steroids and growth hormone injections.

Accusations of drug possession and steriod use in sports are nothing new. The first instance was just before the 1954 World Weight Lifting Championships. Major League Baseball was perhaps the last major sports organization to put a drug testing policy into force. Rumors abound that before Mark McGwire broke the record that a bottle of “supplements” was seen in his locker. He retired soon after. It was not long afterwards that other athletes would make headlines for admitting to steroid use. At least one of the problems is that with multi-million dollar contracts on the line, the temptation to gain an edge by any means may be a temptation that some are unable to resist.

Whether the charges involve sex crimes, a theft charge, or a drug possession charge, it is important to act promptly and seek legal counsel right away. Changes are, with skilled legal guidance, you will obtain a more favorable result than going it alone.

Continue reading " Barry Bonds on Trial for Allegedly Lying to a Federal Grand Jury " »

It’s always fun until somebody gets busted for alleged insurance fraud. A crew of friends staged a car accident during the summer in NYC, and then attempted to collect on insurance payments. Authorities said some Bronx residents were responsible in a report picked up by a New York Criminal Lawyer. Officials got to the bottom of the caper by viewing surveillance video recorded above the crash site.

Investigators noticed the slow motion appearances the crash had. It didn’t add up for them so they became suspicious and probed further in their investigation. There was even an attempt by one of the drivers involved where they repeated a move to make it look more convincing. All of this was in the recording.

Police told a Bronx Criminal Lawyer that the participants made their cars collide at the scene. Moments later, they reappeared at the same location, following a brief spin around the block. Once they had returned the drivers pretended to back into each other, which caused further damages. The drivers called 911 and filled out false police reports. They even alleged injuries and sought medical treatment at a local Bronx medical facility. The medical facility billed over $30,000 in medical costs in less than a half days’ time.

Damages to vehicles were light and didn’t approach the level of “totaled” one might suspect from so many cars being involved in close quarters. Police became suspicious that all of the vehicle occupants, passengers and drivers, all knew one another. The suspects were all in their 20s to mid-thirties and primarily males. Reviewing the surveillance tapes led the investigators to checking further into the situation.

No information was available at the time the report was being made regarding the formal charges being brought against the suspects. It was not clear whether the suspects were being held pending bail. No information was made available by investigators about the backgrounds of the suspects. It is uncertain whether all passengers were aware of the intentions for staging the accident or were unsuspecting of the plot.

Insurance fraud is a crime that comes under the classification of a white collar crime. This offense can involve bribery, bank fraud, mail fraud and identity theft. If you have been charged with a white collar crime, it is important to seek legal assistance right away. The penalties you could be facing are serious.

Continue reading " Car Accident Insurance Frauds Busted " »

A Midwestern university community is in mourning after the death of an undergraduate coed. Authorities reported that she died in a car accident near Columbus, Ohio. The situation involved one other vehicle, a van, which crossed three lanes of traffic and plowed into the young woman’s car after going over a median and the exit ramp of a major interstate highway.

The driver of the van is 19 years old. The accident the old coed who was on her way home for spring break. The female student was in her second year of college studying education. Authorities reported to an Manhattan Criminal Lawyer that the male driver had his attention from his driving while speaking on his mobile phone. The distraction caused him to lose control of his van.

The country highway patrol revealed to a New York Criminal Lawyer that the male driver was headed northbound in a company-owned cargo van. The female driver was pulling out of a rest area when the out-of-control van crossed three lanes of traffic, a median, then hit her car. The female victim was driving a Pontiac sedan. The male driver was uninjured following the collision. The female crash victim died at a nearby hospital after being transported by first responders from the scene of the accident.

The county prosecutor’s office is still studying the case to determine if charges will be brought against the male driver. It has been reported that the county highway patrol is recommending that charges be filed against the male driver.

The female victim was highly thought of by her teachers at the university and her roommate. There was not any information available at press time regarding her surviving family members. Her roommate said that her friend who died would be missed because she was one of the best women she had ever known.

The exact cause of death was not noted in the accident report. It was assumed by investigating officers that the high rate of speed the van traveled at in order to cross the median and three lanes of traffic must have been high. The impact marks on the female victim’s car suggested as much.

Continue reading " Dead Student Mourned Following Accident " »

Following an undercover police investigation that resembled a Dateline type sting, deputies in Florida arrested 21 men and one woman, ages from 20 to 59, according to a New York Criminal Lawyer. The arrests are the fruition of a week long investigation that brought individuals from different parts of the state for the sole purpose of having sex with 14-year old boys and girls.

The sheriff's office used undercover officers that posed as 14-year old children online and included age-regressed photographs of the undercover officers, a Brooklyn Criminal Lawyer was told. The deputies communicated with the suspects electronically via email, instant messages, and over the phone. The individuals are those who responded to ads placed by deputies on Craigslist. The Sheriff’s Office also worked closely with the State Attorney's office, so that any legal issues that can often arise due to the nature of these types of investigations, most notably entrapment, could be avoided.

Following the arrests, the County Sheriff stated that he did hate to say that the investigation was fruitful. He also asked just how many more of these child predators are loose on the children in Florida that they are unaware. In the Sheriff’s own words, “The sheriffs of this state are tired of it.”

Many of those arrested do not have a criminal record. According to the arrest reports, when deputies entered the home many of the suspects attempted to run away. Deputies also wrote in their reports that one individual wailed loudly as he was being handcuffed. The woman is reported to have told deputies that she was only there to try to talk the 14-year old girl out of participating in the sex. According to the Sheriff, each of the individuals involved had been given the opportunity to either participate or not, and it is apparent to him that everyone who was present when his deputies raided the home were knowing and willing participants who had come for one reason—to have sex with a child.

In total, deputies filed 50 felony and three misdemeanor charges against those involved and their bonds totaled in excess of $1.2 million.

Sex crime charges are serious, and whether you are guilty or not, can have long lasting consequences. These charges can impact your personal relationships, your employment, and much more.

Continue reading " County Investigation Results in Sex Arrests " »

Two New England motorists were involved in an automobile accident last week, authorities revealed to a New York Criminal Lawyer. The vehicle operator was killed. There was one passenger in the car, who was injured and hospitalized. Local caregivers told authorities that the passenger was in serious condition.

Authorities explained that the incident was a one vehicle accident.The vehicle operator was found dead in the car when officers arrived. Formal announcement of his passing was announced a short time later.

Friends of the deceased organized a temporary memorial. The vehicle operator’s car had struck a service pole, which killed the driver on impact according to forensics estimates of vehicle speed. Friends of the deceased placed the memorial right next to the service pole. Visitors to the memorial commented on seeing the deceased relatives lighting candles. Memorial scenes have in recent years become very popular ways for friends and relatives to convey respects to the victim and the victims’ families.

Relatives were speaking openly to those gathered about their lost loved one. Some of the comments were about how “cool” he was. Others addressed how he cared so much about his kinfolk. The deceased is survived by his mom, a brother, and a sister. It was relayed to authorities that the deceased was the middle child in the family. The deceased was going to be celebrating his birthday next month.

The apparent cause of the accident is unknown at this time, according to a Long Island Criminal Lawyer. Of course, weather, driver vision impairment, condition of the vehicle, and the status of the relationship inside a moving vehicle between driver and passenger are all being investigated. No information was available at press time from hospital records as to whether police were yet ready to interview the injured passenger, or if the passenger was in any condition to recall events as they occurred during the accident

Continue reading " Crash Casualties, One Dead and One Injured " »

The police department in Seattle has launched a major internal investigation into the alleged mishandling of dozens of DWI cases by members of the department's DWI Squad. This means some cases will have to be placed on hold while the investigation goes on.

A local attorney made a statement that his criminal division will go over recent and past driving-under-the-influence (DWI) cases to figure out if they may be affected by what might be found during the police investigation, a New York Criminal Lawyer alleges about the case.

Sources familiar with the matter and later confirmed by the department states that there were arrest warrants that weren’t properly filed and investigated.

Other officers will put on special assignment to take charge of the night shift squad's regular DWI-enforcement jobs during the investigation and street officers will keep up their watch for drivers who may be under the influence, the department said.

The head of the Seattle police union who happens a 32-year veteran, very often did not report to work and approved DWI arrests by phone, one reliable source confirmed.

A rubber stamp was then used by DWI officers to stamp the sergeant's name to reports, the source said. This routine has been going on for around a year, confirmed a Bronx Criminal Lawyer. The Police Department is looking into the likelihood that the sergeant's name was stamped on reports without first getting in touch with him, said some sources inside the department.

The investigation is just part of the latest trouble to hit the unit, which is under review by the U.S. Department of Justice over accusations that officers used extreme force in a couple of high-profile cases. The Justice Department, among other things, is looking at whether the Police Department has good procedures to make sure that front-line officials are keeping up with their jobs.

In a written statement, the Police Department began to review of some "supervisory inconsistencies" within the DWI Squad. That investigation is still pending. “After a closer inspection, it was figured that administrative policy violations were in fact going on,” the statement said.

The case is still under investigation.

Continue reading " DWI Cases Suspended " »

Initial reports from a New York City Criminal Lawyer have revealed an 8 year old girl was molested and sexually assaulted by the college student who was paid to be her tutor.

The girl said a tutor in her third-grade classroom at a local elementary school had put his hand down her pants many times, and molested her. Then, the college student would very often touch her on the shoulder and tell her, “Good job,” the young girl told police. On Thursday, she said, that tutor –who was identified as a junior at a local college, indicated reports from a Brooklyn Criminal Lawyer—proceeded to rape her.

Later on that same day, she sought treatment at a local hospital, say the local police. Late Monday afternoon, police arrested the college student who is 21 years old. He was charged with rape of a child with force and indecent assault and battery of a minor under 14.

The defendant was arraigned Tuesday in District Court, where he decided to plead not guilty and was held on $20,000 bail.

He was ordered by a judge to stay away from the third grade girl, and also told he was to have no contact with minor children under the age of 16 unless they had parental supervision present at all times during the visit. He was also told he has to stay away from all elementary, middle and high schools until further notice.

The defendant’s parents declined to make a statement while leaving the courthouse after the arraignment. They told the local news station that they support their son. The case is scheduled for a probable-cause hearing on April 21.

The college junior tutored students at a local elementary school as part of a work-study program. Police said the supposed abuse happened on a several different dates. The young girl told police the events happened in the back of her classroom and other children were present while it was happening.

Sex crimes and other offenses against children create lasting scars. These offenses create emotional and physical scars that often take a lifetime to heal. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a sexual assault, rape or other physical abuse offense, be sure to obtain not only prompt medical and emotional support, but also contact an attorney promptly for guidance.

Continue reading " 8 year-old Molested by Tutor " »

Lindsay Lohan's father, Michael Lohan, was apprehended and charged with 3 felony counts. Lohan was arrested at his West Hollywood home on suspicion of three different counts of domestic violence against a female living with him, according to authorities.

The arrest occurred during the same stretch of days in which his famous daughter, former child actress Lindsay was putting to rest a plea deal for her recent legal imbroglio the media has been calling "necklacegate."

Michael Lohan had been living with his lover, Kate Major, for the past few years. While out walking in his West Hollywood neighborhood, Lohan was en route past the sheriff's station when he was arrested.

Major alleged that Lohan had held her hostage, harming her physically, causing minor injuries, and prevented her from calling 911. The extent and nature of these injuries were not known at this time.

At the time of his arrest Lohan was charged with bodily harm to a cohabitant, hostage taking, and obstructing the filing of a victimization report, authorities explained to a New York Criminal Lawyer.

During his stay in lockup, Michael Lohan claimed to be suffering from an undisclosed medical condition for which he needed immediate treatment. Authorities transferred him immediately to a local hospital, while being held on $ 200,000.00 bail, according to a Long Island Criminal Lawyer.

It remains unconfirmed whether Lohan has posted bail. In a bizarre twist, his victim, Kate Major, said she has no idea where he is.

"I have no idea where he is, but I pressed charges because he tried to kill me!" said Major in her televised interview. Sources indicate that the domestic violence dispute was triggered by Lohan's insistence that Kate Major be interviewed with him on the show "Celebrity Rehab." During the time Major was in LA, Lohan was angry because he couldn't access funds he was owed, not being able to cash a check. Major told a friend she was fearful he would take his anger out on her.

Major was quoted by her friend as saying "...he has that look in his eye."

Continue reading " The Lohan Family Crime Spree Continues in Tinsel Town " »

The Tennessee State Board of Medical Examiners in TN, unanimously voted to reinstate the medical license of a doctor who was recently acquitted of rape charges. The State Board had previously suspended the doctor’s license after the rape charges were filed against him.

Four male patients, all in their twenties, had accused the doctor of performing unnecessary medical procedures during exams in 2008. A New York Criminal Attorney also confirmed that each of these male patients were all exhibiting symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and the doctor had performed these procedures on their rectums and genitals.

Throughout the doctor’s rape trial, members of his staff had testified on his behalf stating that the alleged rapes did not occur, nor was there anything improper being done as there was always a staff member in the room with the doctor and his patient during these procedures.

Another TN doctor had also testified that had the doctor not performed the medical procedures that he did on the male patients, that he would have been negligent.

Although the doctor was acquitted and has had his medical license reinstated, this is not his first run-in with the legal system, explained a Westchester County Criminal Lawyer. In the 1990s, his medical license was suspended for one year while he faced similar charges in Pennsylvania. This case occurred while the doctor was working as a resident. One charge was dismissed by the judge and the other case the jury acquitted him.

The doctor patient relationship is very complex. There may be few other instances that anyone would allow someone outside of those they are the most intimate with to not only see the most private parts of their bodies, but also to touch those parts as well. Some folks may be comfortable with that, while others will cringe at the very thought of it. If you experience the least amount of discomfort, you should speak with your physician and if necessary request that a staff member be present during that examination. The discomfort may also be experienced by your physician, who as in this case learned from a past experience and had a staff member present during the more personal exams.

Continue reading " Doctor’s License Reinstated Following Rape Acquittal " »

Reports are indicating that golf pro, Tiger Woods, may have a new girlfriend. What makes this so significant to a New York Criminal Lawyer is that this young lady was arrested on a DWI charge in Orlando, FL, last year. This story was just broke this past Sunday and has been making its way around many of the news outlets this week.

The DWI arrest came after the 22-year old rear-ended a truck and caused it to roll. During her interview with the Orlando police officers who responded to the crash, she stated that she had not had any sleep for about four days and that all she had eaten in two days was an apple. She also admitted that about six hours before the collision that she only had two “tiny” glasses of wine, sources told a NY Criminal Attorney.

As part of the officer’s investigation, he asked the suspect what her level of intoxication was on a scale of zero to 10 with zero being sober, and her response was (expletive) 10. Her blood alcohol concentration measured at almost three times the legal limit at .21. A Bronx Criminal Lawyer was also informed that she was also barefoot during her sobriety tests and had difficulty in maintaining her balance. There was at least one point during the sobriety test that she exclaimed to the officer that she could not do it. She was arrested and charged with DWI with property damage or personal injury. The charges would be downgraded later to reckless driving.

DWI is very serious and unfortunately, the only reason this DWI case is getting much publicity is that the girl has been linked to Tiger Woods. Her stepdad allegedly works for an agency that had once represented the golf pro. She is also reported to have been a key part of his relationship with the agency. This would also be the latest in a series of personal relationships that Tiger Woods has been involved with in recent years that has both made headlines and has caused problems with his career.

Being charged with a DWI is a serious offense, the can alter relationships, affect your employment and leave you with a host of serious consequences. If you have been charged with this offense, it is important to act promptly and seek legal counsel to ensure that your rights are protected.

Continue reading " Is This Tiger Woods’ New Girlfriend? " »

A 30-year-old PA veterinarian was arrested Tuesday in connection with last week's alleged murder of a 27-year-old co-worker and their unborn son. The police reported that the suspect has been charged with one count of criminal homicide and one count of criminal homicide of an unborn child. The suspect was arraigned Tuesday morning and was denied bail.

The woman was last seen alive last week outside her apartment, according to a previous police report. PA State police found her body on Friday morning, after more than a day of searching. According to court documents received by a NY City Criminal Lawyer, the victim had been shot three times, twice in the head and once in the back.

Those court documents also revealed that after the woman was initially reported missing, police received a call concerning a suspicious vehicle left in an area parking lot. After arriving on scene, the authorities determined that the car belonged to the missing woman. More concerning still, court documents confirmed that the car’s windshield was broken and investigators found a large amount of blood, human tissue, and gun-shell casings inside the vehicle.

Police interviews with the victim’s roommate revealed that the woman was two-months pregnant with the suspect’s child and was planning to meet with the suspect the night she went missing, police said. The autopsy determined the woman was pregnant with a healthy male fetus.
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According to a New York Criminal Lawyer, state police went to the suspect’s home to speak with him, and received permission to search his car. Their search revealed a gun in the trunk of the vehicle, and police revealed that theshell casings found inside the victim’s car matched that gun. After obtaining a search warrant to further search the suspect’s car, the victim’s cellphone was also believed to have been found under a seat in the suspect’s car.

The victim’s family released the following statement to local area 69 News: "We are very thankful an arrest has been made. Please understand that we are dealing with preparing our family for the next two days. Our focus has been and will continue to be (mother) and her child. She was a loving kind peaceful girl. She and her baby did not deserve this. She was so happy to become a mom and share motherhood with her family. We ask for you to respect our privacy and allow us to grieve (mother) and her baby boy."

Continue reading " Man killed Girlfriend, Unborn Son " »

A city official stepped down from his position early Tuesday morning following his arrest earlier this month on DWI charges in a borough of New Jersey. His resignation was made official in the form of a letter to the mayor.

The former official faces not only the charges of driving while intoxicated, but a police report obtained by a New York Criminal Lawyer allege that the 67-year-old man also asked officers at the scene of his DWI to reduce his charges. He reportedly asked officers on the scene to speak with their superiors when they failed to recognize who he was.

Copies of the letter, were sent to the other council members, along with the township’s clerk, manager, and attorney. In the letter, the man said he enjoyed not only his service with the council, but also “working to provide the highest level of public service to the residents of the community.”

The former official was arrested on March 1, following a 7:45 p.m. traffic stop. He was initially stopped when a patrolman noticed he was speeding and driving recklessly, according to a police report given to a Queens Criminal Lawyer. The report also stated that the man “repeatedly stated ‘You know who I am!’” after being taken into custody.

“While processing him, he was adamant about me calling police officials on his behalf. He repeatedly told me that this wasn’t going to happen and that once I made these calls, he would be released with a couple points and a fine,” the report continues. “At one point, he asked me what I wanted out of this and what I wanted for this.”

The defendant is slated to appear in court April 6 to answer to charges. His resignation letter stated “Though the case is still pending, I think it is best that I resign my position on because I do not wish this situation to diminish or distract from the important work being done by the council or reflect negatively on the council’s past achievements.”

Continue reading " City Official Resigns After Controversial Arrest for DWI " »

A 33-year-old man fought with police about his arrest for driving under the influence at almost 3am March 18 near a busy intersection, revealed a New York Criminal Lawyer.

The man was pulled over after supposedly stopping his car inside the cross streets at a red light and weaving in and out of his lane.

He apparently reeked strongly of alcohol, had bloodshot and glassy eyes and at first told officers he had just a couple of drinks, but then said he had not been drinking and again later said he had a few drinks. He changed his story repeatedly, leading to doubts about his credibility in this case. That and the fact that he could not pass sobriety tests that were given to him over the course of the night.

He had problems keeping his balance while standing and was arrested after failing several field sobriety tests, according to Brooklyn Criminal Lawyer. On the way to the police station and while he was being tended to, the man allegedly asked police over and over again how they could arrest him for DWI because he said he was walking home from the bar. He refused to do a breath test, although he repeatedly insisted that he was in fact walking, not driving at all.

He will face charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and disobeying a traffic control device, unless it can be proven that he was in fact walking and not driving. At this time, it’s too soon to tell if that can happen since his car was found at the scene.

He was released on a $1,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court April 27. His car was removed from the scene and his wife came to the station to pick him up.

Whether you are found innocent or guilty of a DWI charge, it can create significant problems in your life. If you are charged with this offense, it is important to take prompt action to ensure that your rights are protected.

Continue reading " Man Accused of DWI Says He Was Walking, Not Driving " »

A former multi-sport, All-American football player from a Florida university was arrested on March 16 and charged with DWI, a New York Criminal Lawyer learned. The former high school and college standout had been observed by police officers driving first at a low-rate of speed, then at a speed of up to 10-miles per hour, over the posted speed limit, and unable to maintain his lane.

After the Orlando police officer pulled the 24-year old over, the officer stated that when he approached the vehicle that he smelled alcohol when the young man exhaled. The officer then suggested that the driver undergo a field sobriety test, which he agreed to do. As a result, of the field sobriety test, the Suffolk County Criminal Lawyer was told, the former All-American was arrested and taken to a DWI center so a breath test could be administered. The driver provided two valid breath samples, both of which were 0.46. The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in the State of Florida is 0.08, but if the driver fails the field sobriety test, they can be charged with DWI with a BAC of less than the legal limit. The former collegian was then cited for a misdemeanor charge of DWI and was then taken to the Orange County Jail.

The arresting officer included in the affidavit that he filed with the DWI charges that during the entire process the young man was both cooperative and polite, according to the arrest report. His arraignment is set for April 14.

In high school, this talented athlete excelled at both basketball and football, and chose to focus his energies on football when he went to college.

In addition to his high school and college accolades, he was drafted by the popular football team franchise as a fifth round draft pick in 2009. He played two seasons on this team before being released in September 2010. In January 2011, he signed a contract as a reserve player for a new team. It is unclear at this point how, or if, his prospective NFL career will be affected by the DWI charges.

Continue reading " Former All-American Football Player Arrested for DWI " »

A single vehicle operated by a man 20 years of age rolled several times in the wee hours of the morning in a fatal crash. The driver was transported to a nearby hospital still alive. It was not long after his arrival there when the authorities pronounced the vehicle operator dead, a spokesperson informed a New York Criminal Lawyer.

There were two other people in the car at the time of the accident. They were both the same ages as the vehicle operator. The passengers were injured. No details about their injuries could be furnished to the NYC Criminal Lawyer. The men were treated at the same hospital where the vehicle operator was pronounced dead.

The vehicle operator was driving a newer, mid-sized vehicle. Witness statements and forensics clarified the nature of the car accident. The vehicle operator was driving when his steering became erratic and the vehicle went out of control. The lack of steering control caused the vehicle to move forcefully into an embankment. The vehicle bounced off of the embankment and glanced off a nearby utility services pole. The force of the blow to the vehicle caused the car to flip. The car came to a stop right-side up on all four of its wheels.

There was no information available as to the condition of the vehicle following the accident. It was not known if the passengers and the victim were properly fitted under their seatbelts. Authorities are verifying witness statements about how the accident occurred. No information is available at this time regarding the victim’s family or surviving members. Next of kin could not be located at the time this article went to press. There is no information available regarding the involvement of alcohol or drugs or driver impairment as possible causes of the accident. Inquiries are being made. There was no indication of faulty vehicle equipment or failures in vehicle brakes or tires as possible causes. It appears that the remaining investigation has a ways to go before a final report is filed on the matter.

Continue reading " Crash Kills Solitary Motorist " »

A late Thursday night crash has left one man dead and another charged with aggravated DWI, sources have confirmed. The incident occurred at approximately 10:15 p.m. Thursday in Chicago, IL, when one Chicago man was standing outside of his broken down vehicle that he had parked along the shoulder, as he awaited a tow truck. Another Chicago man was seen driving across the fog line and then struck the stranded motorist before speeding away from the scene. The man who was struck was pronounced dead at 11:34 p.m. as a result of his injuries.

A passing motorist who had witnessed the incident immediately phoned 911 and reported a description of the vehicle that had sped away from the scene. Police located both the driver and his pickup about 15 minutes after receiving the initial call from the motorist. When they approached the man, the police report says that officers could smell a “strong odor of alcoholic beverage,” and that his eyes were both bloodshot and glassy. The report also added that his speech was slurred. According to a New York Criminal Lawyer, the police report stated that when officers approached the man, they noticed an open can of Modelo beer inside the cab of the truck. The beer can reportedly had some alcoholic beverage remaining in the can.

Officers went on to include in their report that the subject agreed to their request to perform a field sobriety test, and that he subsequently failed those tests. He was arrested and charged with one count of aggravated DWI, and is being held on a $1 million bail. A Nassau County Criminal Lawyer went on to add that it is expected that more charges will be filed against the 40-year old man during his first hearing. The least of those charges that are anticipated could include vehicular homicide, which is normally filed when a death occurs as a result of a traffic violation or action.

The Chicago Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the 32-year old man had died as a result of his injuries after completing an autopsy on the man’s body on Friday.

A DWI charge can be life changing, even if you are proven innocent. It can create problems with personal relationships, employment and much more. If you have been charged with a DWI or related offense, seek prompt legal advice to ensure that your rights are protected.

Continue reading " Fatal Hit and Run on I-55 " »

A Massachusetts, a School Committee member has decided not to seek re-election. The decision seems to have been a year in the making, since many of his colleagues have repeatedly urged the 46-year old man to step down following his arrest last year for DWI.

The incident began on New Year’s Day 2010 following a call to 911 where the caller reported the driver of a pickup truck that was driving erratically, sources explained to a New York Criminal Lawyer.

An off-duty police sergeant was in his personal vehicle after completing his shift and heard the call over the police radio of what was happening. He spotted the pickup, radioed the location to the police dispatcher, and proceeded to follow it. Soon after he would observe the driver of the pickup, drive recklessly and almost hit two joggers. Soon afterward, a police cruiser arrived and stopped the truck. As part of the police’s investigation, they learned that the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 0.25 percent, which is more than three times the Massachusetts legal limit of 0.08 percent.

The school committee member’s attorney and the prosecutor reached an agreement during the man’s arraignment in District Court that “allowed him to admit there were sufficient facts to find him guilty of drunken driving,” a Westchester County Criminal Lawyer was told. Rather than try the case forthwith, the case was continued for one year. This was in large part due to it being his first DWI offense and the court placed him on supervised probation. During his probation, he was eligible for a hardship license that permitted him to drive to and from work.

Although many of the school committee members have stated that his decision to step down from the school board following his DWI arrest was a personal one, many have urged him to step down for the good of the committee, staff, and students of the school district. Some had even inquired as to whether they had any legal recourse to remove the man from the committee, of which they learned that they had no legal options available to remove him. They must therefore wait until after the election that he has stated that his name will not be on the ballot for him to leave.

Whether you are found guilty or innocent, a DWI charge can turn your life upside down. It is important to ensure that you receive quality legal representation to ensure that your rights are protected.

Continue reading " School Board Member in Massachusetts Not Seeking Re-election After DWI Arrest Last Year " »

A former star of the a popular baseball team, was already in trouble for driving recklessly and forcing two cars off the road, even before he was arrested for DWI in February.

A New York Criminal Lawyer obtained evidence from the State Attorney’s Office in Florida that showed the defendant forced a truck off the road before his driving caused another car to take “evasive action and (go) totally onto the grass shoulder in order not to hit the sport utility vehicle head-on”.

This was from one of two drivers who claimed to see the SUV driving erratically. The 911 call revealed the driver felt the SUV operator had to be drunk or under the influence of drugs.

Later, the SUV was identified as the baseball player’s vehicle. It was reported to be by the side of the road with smoke pouring out of it.

Police found defendant next to the vehicle when they arrived. The athlete had blood shot eyes and “heavily slurred” speech, police sources reported. He was even drinking from a bottle of scotch when authorities were on the scene. The defendant initially resisted arrest, police explained.

Everyone deserves a fair trial, to be treated as anyone else in a court of law, no matter how famous they happen are, or the offense they have committed, including drug offenses, a sex crime or theft crime. Their treatment should be no better nor any worse than it would be for someone unknown to the general public. Sometimes, that’s easier said than achieved. Fortunately, there are skilled criminal lawyers whose job is making sure all sides are equal when it comes to a criminal trial.

Continue reading " Baseball Star Faces DWI and More " »

A 27-year old San Antonio Police Officer was killed Tuesday, when her police cruiser was struck by a man that police suspect of being drunk at the time, a New York Criminal Lawyer was told.

Police say that the 32-year old driver of the SUV was driving the wrong direction on Interstate-35 in San Antonio when he struck the police cruiser head-on.

Having just finished with a call involving a fight, the young officer was responding to another call involving another officer who might be in trouble when her vehicle was struck. Another officer nearby witnessed the crash and immediately began CPR on the downed officer. When other first responders arrived on the scene, they were able to remove the officer from her vehicle and then rushed her to the hospital where she later died as a result of her injuries.

The first officer on the scene that rendered CPR had stated that he saw no oncoming headlights from the vehicle that struck the officer. On scene investigators had found a bar receipt in the pocket of the other driver, who also died in the crash. The investigation is continuing and police are awaiting the results of the toxicology report to either confirm or refute their suspicions of whether the other driver has been drinking, according to a Suffolk County Criminal Lawyer.

If it is learned that the SUV driver had been drinking prior to the crash, the authorities explained that it would not be his first DWI offense. He was convicted of DWI last September following his arrest for hitting another car after running a red light in June. In Texas, first-time DWI offenders are often given probation instead of jail-time. As part of his probation, he was required to report once a month, and had an ignition interlock device installed on his vehicle.

As authorities were only aware of the man’s one vehicle, a motorcycle, they think that the SUV the man was driving was borrowed. The interlock device is supposed to stop the individual from driving if they have been drinking. The motorcycle is the vehicle that had the interlock device installed.

Continue reading " San Antonio Police Officer Killed by Drunk Driver " »

The state of Indiana passed an immigration bill (the vote was 31-18) that may encourage racial profiling. Racial profiling occurs when law enforcement officials assume a person may be guilty of committing a crime based on their ethnic background, explains a senator. State officials who support the bill maintain that racial profiling will not occur if this bill becomes state law.

While many in the State Senate support the bill, there are many small and large businesses such as Eli Lilly and Co. and Cummins, Inc. that do not support the bill. Many businesses in Indiana fear a decline in business conferences, trade shows and other commerce events due to the fear that participants in these events may be subject to racial profiling. Some out-of-state businesses have already canceled plans to hold company events in Indiana because of the potential for racial profiling and harassment. This has nothing to do with drug possession.

The piece of legislation, called the "Immigration Matters" bill, would require, among other things, all legal documents and hearings be presented in English only. The bill also states that local law enforcement would have added responsibility to enforce the federal immigration laws, which could lead to additional work by departments and personnel.

The "Immigration Matters" bill was authored by Indiana State Senator Mike Delph, R-Carmel. Delph was absent during the senate vote, however, because he was taking the state bar exam. The bar exam is given to those who want to legally practice law in their state, said a professor. Senator Delph claims that the bill will not encourage racial profiling and only serves to reinforce existing state and federal laws regarding immigration. Some in the Senate now fear additional lawsuits and other legal action if the bill becomes law.

Not all senators felt the bill should pass. Five Republican senators joined Democratic senators in voting down the bill. And even though the bill passed through the State Senate, it still needs to pass through the Indiana State House of Representatives to become law, reports a station.

Those who support the bill say their intentions are to protect Indiana from threats or acts of terrorism from those coming to the United States via Mexican borders. Supporters like those in Brooklyn and Staten Island also say they are concerned that more illegal immigrants will take away jobs from U.S. citizens, increase taxes and cause a lowering of wages because local businesses pay for cheaper labor when hiring illegal immigrants.

Continue reading " The Indiana Senate Passes Immigration Bill " »

Barry Bonds is famed for being the greatest hitter of home runs in baseball history – now he’ll be known for his criminal conviction for obstructing justice, as well.

The jury on the Bonds case was unable to come to a decision regarding whether or not Bonds lied about the use of steroids. Only the obstruction of justice charge stuck, though it is a felony charge, a New York Criminal Lawyer points out. The prosecution wanted all the charges to stick, but Bonds didn’t get what he wanted either – as a convicted felon, he cannot own a firearm, vote, or serve on a jury.

In 2003, Bonds said under oath before a grand jury that he never took performance-enhancing drugs, to his knowledge. What matters most to baseball fans is that he did take them, which makes his otherwise impressive baseball record dubious, at the very least.

The fact that he took steroids, willingly or not, may never be a matter for the law – only the fact that he wasn’t as cooperative as he might have been in the investigation. Even that, Bonds’ lawyer will fight to the very end, emboldened by the fact that their client has been found not guilty on all other charges. A federal judge may very well decide if the appeal will go forward, possibly as soon as May.

The Giants told a NY Criminal Lawyer, “This case is ongoing and we expect it will proceed in a fair and orderly manner. Accordingly, we have no comment at this time.” For many people, the conviction has little bearing on what made Barry Bonds famous in the first place – his ability to hit home runs. No matter what happens to him legally, that legacy will remain.

The 46-year-old Bonds is very unlikely to return to baseball, but there are signs that his record will be broken, possibly soon. Alex Rodriguez is well on his way – though he has already admitted to using the same drugs that likely got Bonds into so much trouble.

A white collar crime, such as obstruction of justice, can bring serious penalities. It is important to ensure that the individual's rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Continue reading " Barry Bonds Has Murky Legacy in San Francisco " »

After a 911 call was placed, a man was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence. A trucker was the one who placed the call, reports a New York Criminal Lawyer. The trucker said that the SUV was driving erratically and the truck driver felt that the driver of the SUV was obviously under the influence.

The driver’s SUV was smoking as the driver sporadically changed lanes, directions and speeds. The trucker driver attempted to avoid a collision with the other vehicle. The driver of the SUV also crossed the center line and drove into oncoming traffic. At one point the trucker was forced to drive on the shoulder to avoid the SUV as the SUV attempted to pass the trucker. The trucker driver felt that the SUV was endangering the lives of the other drivers on the road.

Within a few minutes, police responded to the trucker’s call and attempted to arrest the driver of the SUV. At the time the police responded, the driver of the smoking SUV had pulled over to the side of the road of his own accord. According to the police, the driver initially resisted arrest. The police report also states that the driver had exhibited signs of a possible DWI at the time of arrest.

A second trucker also witnessed the events and confirmed the accounts of the first trucker who placed the 911 call. At the time of the incident, the two truckers were communicating via radio discussing the situation. Though no one was hurt in the incident, the driver faces criminal charges of driving under the influence and later resisting arrest. A Staten Island Criminal Lawyer advised that the defendant plead not guilty to the charges against him.

The evidence and witness would make this a difficult case to defend. The existence of two eye witnesses may be an especially difficult obstacle to overcome in defending the case. At this point, a trial date for the driver had not been set and no further updates were available.

Continue reading " Trucking Accident Leads to Suspected DWI Case " »

Mustafa Mohamed Abdel-Jalil, a former Libyan justice minister, claims that Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi ordered the bombing of PanAm Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland on December 22, 1988. Many of the passengers on the plane were American citizens. Eleven Scottish citizens on the ground were also killed. In an interview with Kassem Hamade of The Expressan newspaper, Abdel-Jalil says that Colonel Gaddafi tried very hard to get convicted bomber Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi out of Scotland. Al-Megrahi was granted “compassionate release” from a Scottish prison in 2009 because he has prostate cancer. Scottish officials released him because they were told he would die within months. Al-Megrahi is still alive and living in Libya.

Even though Gaddafi has compensated the families of victims over the years financially and admits that Libya was responsible for the bombing, he has never taken responsibility for personally ordering the attack.

Though Abdel-Jalil claims to have evidence that Colonel Gaddafi ordered the bombing, he has not presented any evidence to newspapers or government officials. Abdel-Jalil recently stepped down as justice minister to protest Colonel Gaddafi’s handling of uprisings throughout Libya. It has been estimated that over 1,000 people have died since government protests began.

After the announcement of Al-Megrahi’s release, families of victims and others in the United States and Britain were furious because they felt “compassionate release” was not the right decision to make considering the number of people killed. There were allegations of UK officials making trade deals with Scottish officials and Libya in exchange for Al-Megrahi’s release. Over the years, more and more people have begun to believe Gaddafi had more to do with the bombing than it was originally thought, explains a source.

Other people, however, do not believe Abdel-Jalil’s claims or that Britain or Scotland were part of any secret deals with Libya or each other. These people cite evidence that Al-Megrahi does have prostate cancer and that people who have prostate cancer can live longer than expected. Al-Megrahi’s health is not good and may be getting worse, says a comrade. He is at home with his family in Tripoli.

After the bombing two men were arrested; Al-Megrahi and an unnamed suspect. Eventually, only Al-Megrahi was charged and convicted in the Lockerbie, Scotland bombing. This was considered one of the worst acts of terrorism to happen in the UK, reports a source.

Continue reading " Former Libyan Justice Minister Says Colonel Gaddafi Personally Ordered Lockerbie, Scotland Bombing " »

Jaime Pressly was booked for a DUI offense after she was pulled over for a traffic violation. Pressly, the “My Name is Earl” star who plays Joy Turner, was given a breathalyzer test. She registered at .22 on the blood alcohol level test, a reporter was told.

The .22 blood alcohol level was almost three times the California’s legal alcohol limit, tells a policeman. California’s legal alcohol level is .08 for legal drinkers. It is against the law to drive under the influence no matter how much alcohol consumed. It is also against the law to drink if you are a minor.

She was not involved in a traffic accident. Drugs are not believed to have been found in her car. The police found no indication of any drugs in the blood test taken. No children were in the car when the cops pulled Pressly over for a traffic violation. It is unclear what the traffic violation was.

Pressly was driving around 11 p.m. in Santa Monica before officers stopped her, they told the newsman. Police in Manhattan and Suffolk are constantly on the lookout for drunk drivers.

She spent the night in Santa Monica Jail. She was released the next day on $15,000 bail. The normal amount of bail is $5,000. The amount of bail is usually raised if the individual is involved in an accident or if they have an alcohol blood level greater than .15. Pressly had an alcohol blood level greater than .15. It is unclear if this is her first offense.

Continue reading " Jaime Pressly booked for DUI " »

A Texas man drove his vehicle into a parked car and knocked over a power pole, police reported. Officers responded to a call before 2 a.m. The police explained that the the driver ran his vehicle into another car, then spun around and hit the power pole, which fell onto a tree. Only one customer seems to have lost power, according to Texas officials, and a crew was quickly at work to repair the pole.

Officers said that the driver was taken straight to the hospital. His injuries were non life-threatening. While at the hospital, his blood was drawn for a possible DWI charge. As of this writing, the driver was still hospitalized.

Handling these kind of events are just what a New York Criminal Lawyer is for. Everyone who is accused of a crime requires a legal advocate. It is more than just the law – it is the right of everyone in the United States to have legal representation. Still, such representation comes in many forms. Not all legal counsel are equal. Make sure, if you ever have a date in court, you have only the best speaking for your side of the story. Only a qualified criminal lawyer has the tenacity, integrity, and discretion you need when it comes to a criminal trial.

It may come to pass one day that you or a loved one are the subject of criminal allegations, whether it be DUI or just a simple traffic ticket. It could even be something much greater. Any such accusations are always a burden, taking up valuable time and costing money, both of which would be better served taking care of your family. The nature of the charges doesn’t really matter. What matters is what you do about it. What matters is who you have defending you against the prosecutor.

Continue reading " Alleged Drunk Driver Knocks Over Power Pole in Texas " »

A 27-year-old man rammed his vehicle into the back of another on an interstate in Riverside, California, then went on to drive the wrong way down the freeway, eventually getting into a head-on collision with another vehicle, California Highway Patrol officials said. The driver is suspected of a possible DWI.

The driver suffered a number of major injuries. He was trapped in the wreckage of his vehicle until emergency crews could finally extract him and take him to a hospital. An officer told a New York Criminal Lawyer that investigators would seek drunken driving charges from the driver.

It all began at 1:59 a.m. on the morning of April 2011, when the suspect was driving his vehicle at around 100 mph going south, authorities revealed. His first crash was into the back of a vehicle being driven by a 63-year-old man.

“Following this collision, [the driver] drove … (the) wrong-way northbound on southbound I-215 where he collided head-on with a another vehicle, driven by a 23 year old female.

Both the 63-year-old man and the 23-year-old woman suffered only minor injuries after the accident and were treated at a local hospital, investigators found.

The case may seem to be open and shut, but there are always two sides to any story. Even if everything is just as it seems, however, it is the right of everyone involved to have legal representation. When that time comes, it is important to have the best possible advocate. A criminal conviction, no matter how minor, could be a life changing event. Even the trial itself can turn life upside-down, whatever the outcome, according to a Queens Criminal Lawyer.

Major or minor, every allegation deserves a response. This should always be the best response possible, even if that response boils down to “guilty”. There are always other factors to consider due to the complexity of the law, extenuating circumstances, or the simple fact that the punishment should fit the crime. Every single person in the country has rights, and these rights deserve protection.

Continue reading " DWI Probable Cause of Back-to-Back Wrecks in California " »

Ventura County, California is looking at the possibility of throwing out hundreds of DWI convictions, thanks to a defect found in some handheld Breathalyzer machines purchased earlier in the year. Sources state these devices have been giving inaccurate readings of blood-alcohol.

Memos have been sent to local attorneys from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, stating there are eight breathalyzers that have shown “erratic results” in blood-alcohol tests taken between January 20 and March 31, an attorney with the felony unit told a New York Criminal Attorney.

There were 128 of the devices in all, each of them costing about $4,800.
The attorney did not know how many people charged with DUI were tested with the devices in question during that time.

“I don’t have the actual numbers,” he said. He said his office was investigating it. “Obviously, we are trying to do what’s right in this situation.”

He further stated that gaining the information should not be too difficult, since data on who used the defective Breathalyzers is entered into the machine. According to him, that brand of Breathalyzer device is no longer being used.

A police spokesman said it was a defective mouthpiece that caused “irregular readings”. He told a Manhattan Criminal Lawyer the broken detectors would be returned to the county in three months after being repaired and tested. In the meantime, the department has returned to using the older model.

There were about 160 clients who were convicted of drunken driving during that period, or have cases pending from that period according to authorities. They will be contacted by police.

According to police, the defective machines could have resulted in false convictions or guilty pleas, thanks to faulty tests.

The Sheriff’s Office will check on a “case by case” basis when it comes to the defective devices and determine where to go next from there.

“These machines have never been infallible and that’s something that defense attorneys have tried to point out for years,” said the a police spokesperson said.

Continue reading " Defect in Breathalyzers May Throw Out Hundreds of Convictions in Ventura County, CA " »

A jury of his peers found a 19-year-old man guilty of driving drunk. The Lancaster County jury found him guilty of DUI, a New York Criminal Lawyer was told.

An officer pulled him over in the wee hours of Nov. 1. He was stopped near 37th Street and Huntington Avenue in Nebraska. The police officer noticed the 19-year-old man had watery eyes, slurred speech and an alcohol scent.

He was wearing a homemade breathalyzer costume when he was stopped. He had been at a Halloween party before being stopped. It is unclear why the police pulled the young man over before discovering he was drunk.

Officers found a bottle of vodka, a half-full bottle mixture of Mountain Dew and vodka, and empty cans of beer. They found all of the alcohol in his truck.The Lincoln Police chief took a picture of the man and put it on his blog. It gained notice just several days after the man was arrested. When officers took his blood alcohol test, he was almost two times the legal limit of legal drinkers, which is .08. The legal drinking amount for minors is zero.

Not only was he found guilty of drinking under the influence, but also a judge found him guilty of a minor under the influence and drinking carelessly with open alcohol container. Sentencing will be held in February for the minor.

Continue reading " Nineteen year-old is found guilty of DUI " »

A New York Criminal Lawyer has learned of a close friend of President Obama who was arrested in Hawaii for allegedly patronizing prostitution. Unfortunately for him, this prostitute was an undercover police officer.

The 49-year-old man was caught in “a reverse prostitution operation by Honolulu police,” police sources revealed.

The resident of the state of Hawaii, a childhood friend of President Obama, was one of four men who were arrested in that sting, involving police officers who would lure in would-be johns through a phony escort site on the Internet, local news reported.

The suspect was released at 11 p.m. the same night of his arrest, after posting $500 bail for the crime, which is only a misdemeanor. It was not the first arrest for him, however. A Bronx Criminal Lawyer has learned that the suspect, who has been a commercial fisherman and an airline worker, was also arrested back in 1987 on drunken driving charges. In that case, his driver’s license was suspended for 90 days and he had to pay a fine of $150.

The latest incident was about 45-minutes by car from his home, which lies on the North Shore of Oahu. This home has been host to Obama, his wife Michelle, and their two daughters, Sasha and Malia, in the past.

Just a few months ago, Obama spent a day of his Christmas vacation at the suspect’s home to attend an annual luau. The suspect also played golf with the president over the weekend.

Obama, also 49-years-old, spent many years of his youth in Hawaii. His half-sister still lives in the state. The suspect and the president attended the same high school, as well, though they were a year apart.

On Obama’s 49th birthday, he and the suspect played golf, just outside of Washington, along with other friends from Hawaii.

The White House issued no comment on the arrest. He is due to face the charge on May 2, 2011.

Continue reading " Friend of President Obama Caught in Prostitution Sting " »

A recent study produced by a leading medical facility in Scotland finds that chronic pain risk is higher among car accident victims than other members of the population. Researches shared their findings with an New York Criminal Lawyer. Chronic pain is defined in the study as pain on both the lower and upper halves of the body, or on the right or left sides of the body, lasting 90 days or longer.

The new study drew from results of a previous study conducted over a four year period involving subjects who fit the criteria for widespread pain lasting 90 days or longer. The subjects had muscular and skeletal pain symptoms along with psychological distress from constant pain due to car accidents, job injuries, giving birth to children, broken bones, surgeries, and time in a hospital.

12 percent of those studied reported that they had new onsets of widespread pain over a 90 day period. Researchers relayed another findings that were particularly relevant to car crash studies. Eighty-four percent of this specific group representing 12 per cent of the over 2000 subjects in the study had been in vehicle accidents prior to the onset of new pain patterns.

The study is of particular interest to insurance companies who process accident claims involving medical treatment of accident victims. The findings of the study suggest that car accident victims are likely to manifest new pain symptoms after being treated immediately following their accidents. The likelihood of needing additional medical care is higher among auto accident victims than work injury victims experiencing widespread pain over 90 days or longer following their injuries, according to a Westchester County Criminal Lawyer.

The findings also suggest that higher cost injury claims can be sought in advance based on the high likelihood of re-occurring pain following a vehicular accident. These claims can be sought in the form as “actuarial contingencies” at the time of injury settlement by the victim. Victims of an auto accident should consult with their attorney for a legal definition of their rights.

The study was published in a leading medical and rehabilitation journal.

Continue reading " Pain Study Car Crashes Lead to Higher Risk of Chronic Pain " »

A man who was wanted in connection for abducting his son was arrested in February by agents of the U.S. Marshalls Service, sources told a reporter. The man is waiting to stand trial on charges of interference with child custody and contempt of court. The contempt of court charge is reported to be a violation of probation that was part of a previous charge of domestic violence.

The incident began innocently enough in October 2010 when the 46-year old man picked up his son at his ex-wife’s residence. The former couple shared custody of their son, and this was a part of the scheduled weekend visitation that was included in their divorce settlement, sources informed a friend.

Based on the police reports, it appears that things went wrong just before the man was to return his son to his mother. He had just discovered that a civil warrant had been issued for his arrest for failing to follow the terms of the divorce. It is unknown at this moment what stipulations of the divorce that he violated. Sources further add that when he was en route to returning his son that he observed a deputy in the area near to her home. It is thought that he then panicked and fled with his son. Sources have been unable to confirm or refute whether the deputy was in the area looking for him, or if the deputy was simply on routine patrol.

Before the end of 2010, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children submitted a request to the U.S. Marshalls Service, and specifically the Florida Regional Task Force, for their assistance in locating the missing child. With the vast resources of the United States Government at their disposal, agents of the Marshalls Service conducted an extensive investigation and learned that the boy’s father had taken him throughout the United States in an attempt to elude law enforcement, and keep the child himself. The task force thwarted those efforts by locating him and the boy in Wolverine, Michigan. The boy was safe and unharmed. The same laws apply in New York City and Suffolk County.

Continue reading " Man Arrested in Child Abduction Case " »

A serial killer’s graveyard was thought only to contain the bodies of women, sources told a New York Criminal Lawyer. Police were therefore shocked to find the body of an infant or a child buried there.

“One doesn’t match the others. It’s a young person, possibly as young as an infant, or a child,” one witness reported. The same source also suggested the victim may be due to another killer entirely.

There have been seven other murder victims found on that stretch of Long Island beach. Four of these people were found close to each other in December 2010 and were all confirmed to be prostitutes on Craigslist who disappeared after meeting a john. The other four, which includes the body of the child, were discovered just a few miles away. The second set of four were all within half a mile of each other. Sources explained that while the first set of four have been identified, the second set remains unknown.

Suffolk County’s monetary woes may have played a role in the difficulty of solving the murders, according to a Suffolk County Criminal Lawyer. Officials are trying to avoid paying overtime, which means reduced patrols along the beach area where the bodies were buried.

Patrols of the area were once the job of the Marine Bureau, placed on the beach, but the job was given to police authorities, which could be as much as a 40-minute drive away. This lasted from early 2009 to the end of 2010, when the first bodies were found. There have been no weekend searches, either, thanks to fears of overtime costs.

Investigators believe the killings are related to the murders of four prostitutes in Atlantic City in 2006, due to similar aspects in both cases. “It’s the same guy,” one person alleges.

The four bodies found in December were all strangled, just like the bodies found in Atlantic City in 2006. In Atlantic City, the bodies were also dumped near water, near each other, in deserted areas.

Often with criminal offenses, there are multiple crimes involved, including a domestic violence issue, drug offense, or sex crime. It is important to seek quality legal representation to ensure that your rights are protected.

Continue reading " Police Uncover Child’s Remains on Long Island " »

Some Ohio immigration-reform groups claim a program created to catch criminal illegal immigrants is also sending away people who have not committed any crimes.

These groups claim that 25% of the people deported by the federal Secure Communities program had never had any criminal conviction. In other places, they claim more than half of those deported through the program had no criminal record.

“We’re not talking about people who are truly dangerous criminals,” a representative of the ACLU explained. “These are people who are getting caught in the dragnet of law enforcement.
“We’re talking about people who want to work, who want to pay taxes, who just want to be left alone to live.”

A New York Criminal Lawyer has looked into ICE records and learned that from January 2010 through February 2011, 240 people were deported from Ohio. 123 of them had never been convicted of anything. This did include, however, people were charged with misdemeanors or felony charges that were either unproven or later dropped.

As for ICE, they claim it is their top priority to deport criminals. They told an NYC Criminal Lawyer that their Secure Communities program has identified more than 21,000 illegal immigrants convicted of such crimes as murder, rape, and child abuse in the three years of its operation.

Others say the agents are focusing on immigrants who are working, have families, or are high school students. They have been urging the president and other federal leaders to cause a change in the immigration program.

Even the union of immigration agents was unhappy with ICE. “Senior ICE leadership dedicated more time to campaigning for immigration reforms aimed at large-scale amnesty legislation than advising the American public and federal lawmakers on the severity of the illegal immigration problem,” the union stated.

Groups against illegal immigration claim these opposition groups are always trying to “water down immigration laws.”

“Being in a country illegally is a deportable offense,” a member of anti-illegal immigration groups said. “They’re in this country illegally, and they’re taking jobs from Americans. Their criminal status shouldn’t matter.”

Continue reading " Civil Rights Groups in Ohio Rail Against Crimeless Deportation " »

A woman from has died after being struck by a police car as she was walking home.
The 63-year-old woman was struck by a police cruiser at 10:41 p.m. on a Saturday night as she walked home during a rainstorm, family members and police told a New York Criminal Lawyer.

She was taken directly to the hospital, but was pronounced dead at 11:25 p.m. She was only a few blocks from her home when the accident occurred, during a spate of severe weather.

The officer was also taken to the hospital to treat bruises on his knees. He was since released. He had been patrolling at the time of the incident. According to a Manhattan Criminal Lawyer, the police did not release his name and their investigation is ongoing.

The victim’s family had been hoping to gather at her house for the first night of Passover, only a few nights later. Instead, they will be mourning her passing.

The woman’s son-in-law explained that his mother-in-law was a warm, friendly person. She loved to have people over her home for gatherings. He described her as “very friendly and sunny, and just a very happy person, fun to be around.”

He said she “loved to celebrate the holidays, hosting holiday celebrations. We were supposed to go to her house tomorrow night for the first seder.”

If you or a loved one has charged with a crime, whether it be a sex crime, dug offense or gun possession matter, it is important to seek legal guidance promptly to ensure that your rights are protected.

Continue reading " Woman Killed by Cop Car Collision " »

A local man was shot and the violence triggered a car accident. The victim, according to witnesses who spoke to a reporter, was standing outside of a local bar minding his own business when shots were fired. The shots came from the gun of an unknown assailant. The fusillade of gunshots resulted in the unsuspecting man being shot in the leg.

The shooting of the man outside the bar didn’t trigger the accident. That shooting was just the beginning of the gun violence.

The 31 year old man lay wounded on the street when a couple nearby ran into trouble. The man, a 28 year old, and the woman, a 25 year old, were sitting in a car parked on the side of the bar. When they heard shooting, they tried to get out of the area. They were leaving the scene at a high rate of speed when their vehicle struck another vehicle that was parked on the street, authorities reported to a local station.

After recovering from the sudden impact of hitting the parked car, the man and the woman emerged from the vehicle. They proceeded to flee on foot, running to the 100 block of a nearby street close to the crash scene. There they approached a residence; the fleeing woman had a facial cut and was bleeding. The homeowner they approached noticed the injury and called for an ambulance.

Emergency medical technicians arrived at the residence quickly. They were able to assist the gunshot victim who was nearby on the street, and the bleeding woman, taking them to the local hospital. In Manhattan and Queens gun possession is not tolerated.

Meanwhile, police responding to the call about shots being fired and the wounded man found shell casings on the sidewalk that ran along the south side of the drinking establishment. The weapon was not recovered and the investigation is continuing. There hasn’t been any public disclosure by authorities on the status of the investigation other than it is ongoing. It is not known if any suspects are in custody or the police are pursuing specific leads at this time.

Continue reading " Shooting Triggers Accident, Wounds Victim " »

As a New York Criminal Lawyer explains, criminal law is very different in the US as it is to Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities condemn and forbid any demonstrations or protests over the way the country is run.

There is however an increasing dissatisfaction over the way that the country is run. There have been many anti-government protests over the past few months.

The government is cracking down on these protests to try and limit their impact on the country. Eye witness accounts indicated that many of the protestors were detained for taking part in the protests.

According to a Nassau County Criminal Lawyer, in a recent report, over 160 activists have been detained since the start of February. People are being arrested every day, without fail.

The government is hardest on people who frequently attend protests. However, the Saudi police are also detaining ordinary law abiding citizens for just taking part in one protest. The Saudi authorities track down these normal people and arrest them from their homes or when they are at work.

There were over 10 arrests this week and all of these individuals were imprisoned. While the exact reason for the arrests has never been published, many of the families believe it is because they have been part of protests and demonstrations.

Saudi Nationals are continuing to protest over the suppression or people’s rights and imprisoning people without a trial or charge. Unemployed Saudi citizens are also protesting over the lack of job opportunities in the country.

Saudi authorities are ruthless in their crackdown on peaceful protests by using violence. They are said to of opened fire, and used grenades to disperse an otherwise peaceful public protest. Human rights protestors are outraged at the lack of a freedom of speech in the country and have urged the authorities to consider relaxing the ban.

Although protests are officially banned in Saudi Arabia, many more are planned throughout the month. It's thought that Saudi's crackdown will get even more violent as the government tries to retain power.

If you or a family member is facing criminal charges, whether it is a drug crime, sex crime, or gun possession matter, it is important to ensure that your rights are protected.

Continue reading " The Saudi Arrest Campaign Explained " »

A former hedge-fund manager sits in a New York City jail today after he was arrested January 13 for making death threats against federal regulators, a collegue discovered. The government alleges that the accused sent emails that were laced with profanity to at least 47 current and former members of the SEC, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTA), the National Futures Association (NFA), and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FIRA).

Sources report to a reporter that U.S. prosecutors further allege that the former 50-year old commodities trader maintained an “execution” list of these regulatory officials on his company website. They are including the words that are alleged to have come from his website, “Go buy a gun, and let’s get to work in taking back our country from these criminals,” and that “I will be the first one to lead by example.” One of the government’s pieces of key evidence is that one of the emails that was reportedly sent by the accused to the NFA’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) reportedly reads, “It wasn’t ever a question of ‘if’ I was going to kill you, it was just a question of when.”

As is always the case, there are two sides to every story, and this story is no different, claims a source. The accused former trader says that these charges are the result of those officials in the regulatory agencies that have a grudge against him that began about 10-years ago after he was acquitted of charges of mail fraud and for allegedly making false statements. Following his acquittal, he applied to have his licenses reinstated, which was denied. Completion of the appeals process would also see the denial of reinstatement of his licenses. Following these denials, the accused had allegedly sent out threats to those involved at that time as well. These threats resulted in the accused agreeing to undergo therapy for anger management.

Regardless of which side of the story one believes, the accused is to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This is true everywhere including New York and Suffolk County.

If convicted, the former Wall Streeter faces up to two federal counts of “transmission of threats to injure" that he has been charged, that could result in a maximum of 10 years in federal prison.

Continue reading " Former Hedge-Fund Manager Accused of Making Death Threats Against Regulators " »

One man has been arrested in connection with copper wiring thefts from mobile homes in the area, and the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office put out a warrant for a second man in connection with the thefts, officials told a newsman.

The arrested suspect was booked into the St. Landry Parish Jail on three counts of simple criminal damage to property, due to damage sustained when the copper wiring was removed, one count of theft, and one count of failure to report an accident. A Warrant has been issued for the arrest of the second suspect, who is also wanted for theft, simple criminal damage to property (three counts), aggravated criminal damage to property and failure to report an accident.

The Sheriff’s Office revealed that the arrest and warrant were a result of an incident on Mar. 17, when their office received a report of robbery and criminal damage to property in Opelousas. The unidentified caller told police that two suspects were seen removing copper wiring from several mobile homes in the area.

That same caller also told the Sheriff’s office that the two suspects fled the area, and that the caller’s son was following a four-door gray car the suspects were believed to be driving. The exact make of the car was not yet available. Sheriff’s Deputies explained to they were advised later that same night that the subjects had wrecked the gray car into a utility pole and another parked vehicle on Cushman Road in Opelousas. By the time St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Deputies arrived on the scene, they discovered that the suspects had abandoned their vehicle.

Deputies reported to officials that they were unable to locate the suspects at that time, though they were seen fleeing on foot through an open field in the area. Further details weren’t readily available about the initial incident. The Sheriff’s office is still looking for the second suspect in the copper wiring thefts, though details about the man are limited. Anyone with information is asked to contact the area Sheriff’s Office.

Continue reading " One Suspect Arrested; St. Landry Parish Still Seek Other Suspect in Copper Wiring Thefts " »

Acting on a tip, officers from the Lexington County Multi-Agency Narcotics Enforcement Team (NET) raided a home near Lexington, SC, led to the arrests of two men and two women, sources revealed to a reporter.

A Lexington County Sheriff’s Department spokesman said that NET officers had received a tip that the four persons were manufacturing meth at a clandestine meth lab in the home of one of those arrested. Officers from the multi-agency cooperative effort executed a search warrant just after 2:00pm Friday and found that meth was being manufactured in the master bedroom. Officers said that a small amount of marijuana was also located inside the home.

Local firefighters from the Lexington County Fire Service were on the scene and assisted the officers to dismantle the meth lab and to assist with the disposal of any chemicals and other hazardous substances that were associated with the meth lab.

Those arrested have been charged with multiple drug related charges including distributing meth, manufacturing meth, possessing marijuana, and possessing illegal narcotic drugs. All of those arrested are currently being detained in the Lexington County Detention Center, where they are awaiting a bond hearing.

Methamphetamine, a form of amphetamines, in various forms has been around since it was first discovered in Japan in 1919. The patterns of abuse have persisted in New York and Suffolk ever since Methamphetamine abuse can be extremely debilitating, and has caused many problems over the years. This powerful narcotic stimulates the central nervous system after the user smokes, snorts, orally ingests, or injects the drug into their system. Some of the side effects of meth include convulsions, high body temperature, stroke, stomach cramps, and shaking. Chronic abuse can lead to psychotic behavior, paranoia, and many others.

Manufacturer of methamphetamine is a process that those involved literally take their own lives into their hands. Without going into much detail, producing meth requires the use of some very hazardous chemicals, and reports of meth labs exploding are plentiful. These have resulted in the physical injuries and even deaths of anyone who happened to be in the dwellings at the time of the explosions, including any children who are nearby, since many meth labs are contained in people’s homes.

Continue reading " Officers Take Out Meth Lab, Arrest 4 in Lexington County " »

Driving is something that many of us take for granted. We are used to being able to get from place to place with ease and on our own schedule, barring any unforeseen traffic jams. Police enforcement of driving under the influence DUI is on the rise, according to a study, and motorists need to be on the lookout for situations where police presence might be heightened, to avoid accidents with police officers who are just trying to keep our roads safe.

Being a police officer requires putting oneself in danger each and every day for the safety of all, and that is something that many motorists overlook, says the authority. Heightened police presence, especially during peak holiday seasons, raises the danger factor. Police who are in pursuit of motorists could be involved in a chase, for example, which puts citizens at risk. The risk of a drunk driver DWI killing someone is greatly reduced once they are caught, but catching them can sometimes turn into a deadly game in itself.

The best course of action, believes the expert, is to play it safe, especially over the holidays. Even something as innocuous as St. Patrick’s Day in New York City and Westchester County and Mardi Gras brings party animals out of the woodwork and unfortunately, often puts them behind the wheel of their vehicle. Extra caution and vigilance is required by all drivers during such peak times, to help keep each other and the officers who risk their lives each and every day.

Continue reading " Motorists face heightened police presence, especially during peak holiday seasons " »