|

Clearing Up Some Misconceptions About Assault and Battery | Temecula, Murrieta and Hemet Defense Attorney

Battery is a crime that frequently makes the news. For instance, in California, one recent case being reported in national news involves the alleged hate crimes and battery perpetrated by three college students against their African-American roommate. But while it’s common to see reports of battery, and to often see it as one of multiple…

|

Murder Mystery? Man found guilty of murder without being present at the crime scene | Temecula, Murrieta and Hemet Criminal Defense Attorney

The case of defendant, R. Johnson, is not so much a mystery as it is a matter of the nuances of criminal law. Johnson was found to be the “mastermind” of a 2009 home-invasion robbery in San Luis Obispo County, during which one of Johnson’s accomplices was killed by the intended victim. Johnson was never…

|

Marijuana Possession and Grand Theft Charges May Be Filed Against Occupant Of Jurupa Valley ‘Grow House’

Earlier last month, some 1,355 live marijuana plants were seized from a “grow house” in Jurupa Valley. The Press-Enterprise reports that officers from Jurupa Valley’s Special Enforcement Unit raided the residence the afternoon of Friday, Nov. 8. Apparently, they had been tipped off by suspiciously high electricity consumption at the home. Supposedly, the officers found…

| |

Marijuana Possession, Child Endangerment Charges May Await Moreno Valley Man

A Moreno Valley man was badly burned after his alleged marijuana-growing operation caught fire on Oct. 31. According to the Murrieta Patch, police were called to Walker Terrace Apartments in the 13200 block of Heacock Avenue just before 1 a.m. Police have described what happened as an “explosion” at a “concentrated marijuana lab.” Police have…

| |

Apple Valley Man Faces Sex Offense Charges In Victorville Courtroom

Earlier this month, an Apple Valley man who is accused of having unlawful sexual contact with a 17-year-old girl pleaded not guilty to four felony charges against him. According to the Murrieta Press-Enterprise, the 22-year-old man was a teacher at Granite Hills High School and the girl was a former student of his. The man…

| |

California Penalties for Domestic Violence Temecula and Murrieta Defense Attorney

Did you know that you can be charged with domestic violence when making even the slightest physical contact with the other individual? For example, pursuant to Penal Code section 243(e)(1), a person can be arrested for domestic violence if he or she made a “offensive” contact with a person with whom he or she was…

| |

Murrieta Teen Accused Of Sex Offenses Has Hearing Postponed | Murrieta and Temecula Defense Attorney

A Vista Murrieta High School football player who has been accused of committing sex crimes with underage girls recently had his hearing postponed until December. According to the Press-Enterprise, the 17-year-old boy is accused of committing sex crimes with six girls. He has been charged with two counts of forcible rape, two counts of lewd…

|

The complexity of an arson charge | Temecula, Murrieta and Hemet Defense Attorney

Looking through recent news reports from California, you’re bound to find a few discussing investigations of arson, ranging from an alleged attempt to cause an explosion at a fraternity house to the origins of a suspicious brush fire. Though arson can take on many forms, it generally involves setting a fire deliberately or recklessly to…

| | |

Trial Set To Begin For Riverside Co. Sheriff’s Deputy Accused Of Murder

The trial for a Riverside County sheriff’s deputy who is accused of shooting an unarmed man outside a Murrieta bar when he was off duty is nearing its start date. According to the Murrieta Patch, the fatal shooting occurred in Dec. 2011. Evidently, the deputy had been at Spelly’s Pub and Grille when an argument…

| |

Embezzlement — Understanding the Fine Line

California Penal Code 503, defines embezzlement as the “fraudulent appropriation of property by a person to whom it has been entrusted.” The crime of embezzlement may be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the specific circumstances involved. Keep in mind, embezzlement charges are appropriate only when someone has entrusted you with specific…