Why is it important to “expunge” your criminal record?

“Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony…” Anyone who has applied for a job recognizes that question. Employers often refuse to consider any applicant that answers “yes” to that question, even if the candidate is qualified for the job. That question is also sometimes asked when applying for housing or student…

| | |

Lake Elsinore Man Targeted In Three-Year Fraud Investigation

Detectives in Lake Elsinore recently announced that they had concluded a three-year investigation by arresting a man whom they allege ran an extensive and sophisticated home loan modification fraud operation. Police think the 34-year-old man ran a business called First Universal Solutions that he used as front to take more than $50,000 from 16 homeowners…

| |

Hemet Man Convicted After Being Linked to Previously Unsolved Rapes by DNA

A Hemet, California man was convicted last month on two felony counts of forcible rape after his trial in Orange County District Court. Kevin Lawrence Saint John, 45, had his case go to an Orange County jury on August 20. The jurors came back with a unanimous verdict of guilty on both counts. According to…

|

District Attorney’s DUI Conviction Explodes into a National Political Scandal | Temecula, Murrieta and Hemet DUI Law Firm

A simple DUI conviction has sparked one of the biggest political scandals of a year, according to the Washington Post. It all began when Travis County, Texas District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg was caught driving drunk in April 2013 with an open container of vodka. She had three times the legal limit of alcohol in her…

| |

Reducing a Charge from Murder to Voluntary Manslaughter: When Might This Happen?

Recently in Riverside, a 17-year-old boy admitted to causing the death of his 11-year-old half-brother. According to news reports, he was initially charged with murder, but a deal with prosecutors brought the charge down to voluntary manslaughter. Under California law, what does voluntary manslaughter mean? First off, it’s important to note that in most cases…

|

Drug Possession and Related Crimes Can Also Involve Prescription Drugs | Temecula, Murrieta and Hemet Criminal Law Firm

When people think about drug crimes, what usually comes to mind is the usage, distribution, sale, or transportation of hard illegal drugs: Meth, cocaine, crack, heroin. But it’s also important to keep in mind that drug possession and related crimes can apply to prescription drugs, such as narcotic painkillers. For example, a California doctor was…

| |

Were You Arrested at a DUI Checkpoint? Contact a Temecula, Murrieta and Hemet DUI Attorney

Throughout California, and in other parts of the country, law enforcement officers can set up DUI checkpoints on the road. At these checkpoints, officers stop drivers, ask to see their license and registration and possibly test them for intoxication. The purpose of the checkpoints is to reduce the number of DUI accidents and deter DUI…

|

Officers Arrest Two Suspects In Strong-Arm Robbery Case | Temecula, Murrieta and Hemet Criminal Defense Attorney

Late last month on July 21, two young men were arrested by the Redlands Police Department in San Bernardino County and booked on robbery charges after officers responded to a series of purse snatchings in the area. According to the Press Enterprise, police stated in a news release that around 12:30 p.m. on July 21,…

| | |

Man uses arson to try to cover up murder: What are some of the ways people try to interfere with a criminal investigation?

Recently in Murrieta, a man allegedly shot and killed his wife in their home. According to local news reports, he then transported her body to an off-site storage locker, returned to the home and set it on fire. Once the house was on fire, he called 911 and said his wife was trapped inside. When…

| | |

Four Things You Might Not Know About Burglary in California | Temecula, Murrieta and Hemet Criminal Law Attorney

Burglary is a common crime in California. Between 2001 and 2006, there were over 200,000 burglaries each year in the state. And yet it’s often misunderstood, with people not being sure what constitutes burglary and possibly confusing it with other crimes such as robbery. The following are four things you might not know about burglary:…