Month: May 2018

Categories
assault battery Crossing Accidents felony Homicide Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Wrongful Death

Deadly Hit and Run

Homicide Cases Keeps Phoenix Busy

Hit and Run

A car crash is often deadly. Early morning crashes are scary and it’s often a hit and run crash. If it’s super early out and there’s no witnesses then people are more likely to drive off from a scene of an accident.

On Friday morning in Litchfield Park, a hit and run incident sadly left one man dead.

According to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, the hit and run incident happened just after four o’clock int he morning. The deputies arrived to the scene which was near Dysart Road and is just south of Camelback Road. Which is a common place for car crashes.

According to the reports, they found a dead man who was in his sixties. The man was found in the roadway.

The deputies had to close Dysart Road between Camelback Road and Indian School Road as they investigated the death.

The road was luckily reopened around 8:30 in the morning

MCSO later found out that the man who was involved in the fatal car crash was actually a  hit and run incident. Now the police are asking for the public’s help in trying to find the driver.

Police think that the crash happened between 2 and 4 in the morning. The driver then headed northbound on Dysart Road struck. The driver struck a man then fled the scene.

There’s no suspect or vehicle description at this time.

If anyone has any information on this, they are asked to please call the sheriff’s office.

Phoenix Hit And Run Lawyer

Felony and Misdemeanor Hit and Run Cases

Hit and run violations happen, and often they are the result of the physically and emotionally jarring aftermath of being involved in a car accident with another vehicle, cyclist or pedestrian. It is common knowledge that in such circumstances the proper protocol is to stop, exchange information and report the situation to law enforcement, but often in the moment such procedure becomes confused in the overwhelming chaos of the moments following a collision. Despite knowing the proper protocol and the fact that leaving the scene of a car accident is considered to be a serious criminal offense within the state of Arizona, the fear of negative legal repercussions often outweigh sound reason. If you or someone you know has been involved in a misdemeanor or felony hit-and-run accident within the state of Arizona and the greater Phoenix area, the expert Criminal Defense Attorneys at the Law Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC will actively defend your rights and assist you in reaching a favorable outcome.

Hit and Run Examples

There are multiple variations of hit-and-run offenses that may result in a misdemeanor or felony conviction. They may include:

  • When a driver collides with another vehicle, causing property damage, injury or death
  • When a driver collides with a pedestrian or jogger, causing serious injury or even death
  • When a driver collides with objects, causing property damage
  • When a driver collides with an unattended, parked car causing property damage
  • When a driver collides with a cyclist, causing property damage, minor to serious injury or death

It is important to fully understand the nature of your hit-and-run offense to determine the severity of the criminal charge. Your level of offense will be decided based on how serious the results of your hit-and-run collision were. A collision that results in limited injuries will most like be charged as misdemeanors, whereas in a more serious injury accident that results in a lengthy rehabilitation period or even wrongful death, you may face felony hit-and-run charges.

Leaving the Scene of the Accident

Fear around secondary convictions for other offenses is often the motivating factor for why drivers leave the scene of an accident, hoping to avoid multiple charges that may include:

  • Driving under the influence (DUI)
  • Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
  • Driving a stolen vehicle
  • Driving with a stolen license
  • Driving under the influence of narcotics
  • Driving while transporting narcotics
  • Driving without insurance or registration
  • Driving with a warrant for your arrest

At the Law Offices of Criminal Defense Attorneys – our expertise and aggressive litigation practices result in regular favorable results for our clients facing hit-and-run misdemeanor and felony offenses.  It is essential that you contact a skilled criminal defense attorney immediately to ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to protecting your record. Consultation with a criminal defense attorney is always advisable before speaking to law enforcement or insurance companies, regardless of fault.

Schedule a Free Consultation – Hit and Run Lawyer

With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

 

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
2942 N. 24th St.
Suite# 114-562
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
assault battery felony Personal Injury

Bishop Involved in Sexual Abuse Case

Bishop Involved in Sexual Abuse Case

Bishop Faces Felony Charges

When you think of a Bishop you really don’t think of sexual abuse. However, sometimes it happens. You just never know now days, it can happen anytime and any where.

There were a few charges that have been dropped against the Arizona Roman Catholic bishop. However, the former church officials still face the sexual misconduct charges for the allegations that he molested a young boy thirty-five years ago.

According to reports, a Maricopa County Superior Court judge actually dismissed counts of public nuisance, fraud, fiduciary fraud and even negligent infliction of emotional distress. That still leaves eight of the original fourteen counts.

The retired bishop, Thomas O’Brien was accused of sexually abusing a little boy on several occasions. This happened at parishes in Phoenix and Goodyear. This was in 1977 to 1982. However, O’Brien still denies the allegations.

O’Brien led the diocese in Phoenix then it became a global scandal. The allegations rocked the Catholic church, now rumors spread about pedophiles priests going unpunished.

Bishop Sexual Assault

The Bishop said that in 2003 in an immunity deal that he would let the church employees who were accused of the sex abuse would continue to have contact with the children. How sick is that? Just weeks after the immunity deal, O’Brien resigned as the Bishop and was later arrested for a hit and run death of a pedestrian.

O’Brien had been a bishop in Phoenix for at least 21 years. The bishop resigned in 2003. This was after being accused of hit and killing, 43 year old Jim Reed with his vehicle.

The bishop didn’t even stop to help Reed or even report the accident to the authorities. Later, he did tell the investigators that he didn’t even realize that he had hit a person.

He also said that he thought he had hit a dog or cat or that someone had even threw a rock at his car. The prosecutors said O’Brien tried to have his windshield fixed. So there’s a pretty good clue that something was wrong. If he didn’t know for sure why wouldn’t you report it or even stop to be sure.

The man was sentenced to probation as well as 1,000 hours of community service this was after he was convicted of leaving the scene.

Phoenix Assault Lawyer

Criminal Defense Cases

A verbal altercation in a bar or at your own home could be misconstrued as an assault charge. If you are accused of starting a bar fight or engaging in domestic violence, secure experienced legal help immediately. Understandably, you may feel tempted to explain your side of the story to law enforcement. But, any details you provide could be used against you.

At the Phoenix Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, we will act quickly to develop an effective defense strategy against battery and assault charges. Comprised of former prosecutors with comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system, our team knows firsthand how prosecutors develop cases against individuals suspected of criminal assault. We are prepared to stay ahead of the prosecution through identifying any procedural errors, contradictory evidence or violations of your civil rights.

Types of Assault Cases

The highly skilled Attorneys at the Phoenix Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC come equipped with a substantial background in defending individuals throughout Arizona and the greater Phoenix Metropolitan area who have been accused of offenses ranging from simple assault to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. These offenses may include:

 

  • Domestic Violence
  • Spousal Abuse
  • Child Abuse
  • Sexual Assault
  • Assault and Battery
  • Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon

 

Choosing an Effective Assault Defense Strategy

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC will devote the right resources to develop an effective defense strategy against any damaging charges. They will meet with any eyewitnesses to understand the series of events before the alleged criminal activity occurred. We are prepared to craft a strategy around self-defense, if you were in fear of your life. They will also seek to illustrate any weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence or contradictory statements from the plaintiff. When appropriate, we work with psychologists to illustrate the plaintiff’s state of mind and tendency to exaggerate or lie. Your case will be properly analyzed from every angle possible. If your civil rights were violated or procedural errors were made, we will fight for an acquittal.

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Assault Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime such as Assault, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
2942 N. 24th St.
Suite# 114-562
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
assault Homicide Narcotics Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Wrongful Death

Shooting Near Phoenix Freeway

Homicide Shooting in Phoenix Area

Phoenix Freeway Shooting

Phoenix has an abundance of shootings in the area. Sadly a woman has lost her life due to another shooting. This lady was shot in the head while driving on a Phoenix Freeway. According to reports this happened on a Wednesday night.

The Sgt. of the Phoenix Police Department, Jonathan Howard told the station that there was three men in a white, work style pickup truck. The truck was carrying ladder racks and were chasing the woman as she was heading to Interstate 10 to State Road 51.

According to the reports, the lady was shot while she was on the phone with emergency responders. She then crashed her vehicle along the center divider.

Shooting Victim

Sgt. Howard said that the woman was taken to the hospital and was in “extremely critical condition” she sadly later passed away due to the severity of her injuries. How sad, to be running from people for your life, be on the phone with emergency responders then to be shot while on the phone with the ones who are there to protect.

The police are still searching for the white truck. At this time it hasn’t been found. Apparently there were two to three crashes involving at least four vehicles. All of which are related to the shooting.

Two of the people who were in the crashes had to be taken to the local hospital.

Phoenix Homicide Lawyer

Criminal Defense Cases

If you have been charged with murder, the attorney you choose to defend you will likely be one of the most important decisions you ever make. Obtaining a strong defense could be the difference between freedom and a life behind bars.

 

At the Phoenix based Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, you will find the experienced, dedicated and highly skilled trial attorneys you need to protect your rights. Each of our attorneys made a conscious decision to become a criminal defense lawyer. We could have chosen any other field of law, but defending the freedom and liberty of people who are facing the possibility of incarceration was our first choice. We believe strongly that skilled and passionate defense attorneys can make a difference in the lives of their clients. We go into every case feeling that we can make that difference.

 

Hiring the Right Homicide Lawyer in Phoenix

Having a skilled homicide defense attorney is important in any criminal case, but it is even more critical in a murder case. To properly defend a client against a murder charge, a defense lawyer must be prepared to effectively challenge the prosecution’s evidence. To do so, a Phoenix Murder Defense Attorney must be prepared to effectively cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses, including any expert witnesses.

Expert Witnesses

In some cases, a Phoenix Homicide Defense Attorney may need to use expert witnesses on behalf of the defendant to challenge forensic evidence, ballistics evidence and other scientific evidence presented by the prosecution. We are prepared to do so and have worked with expert witnesses in the past to provide a vigorous defense on our clients’ behalf.

In addition to fighting your charges at trial (or seeking a case dismissal for lack of probable cause), we can also negotiate with the prosecution to seek a favorable plea agreement. A plea agreement might involve a plea to a lesser offense or an agreement on sentencing that will significantly reduce the penalties you face.

 

Homicide Defense Strategy

We will take the time to talk to witnesses, investigate what really happened in your case, understand what evidence is in the prosecution’s possession, look for holes in the prosecution’s case, and determine if the police violated your constitutional rights or made other critical errors that can be used to your advantage.

We are committed to raising a strong and comprehensive defense on your behalf. Depending on the facts of your case, the following defenses and strategies may be helpful:

 

  • Self-Defense
  • Insanity
  • Mistaken Identity
  • Suppression of Evidence
  • Challenging DNA, Fingerprint Evidence and other Forensic Evidence
  • Challenging Ballistics Evidence (Relating to Firearms and Bullets)
  • Challenging the Reliability of an Eyewitness
  • Challenging Whether the Evidence Sustains a Murder Conviction
  • Negotiation with the Prosecution to Determine if a Plea Agreement Could

Significantly Minimize the Charges or Penalties you Face

We have defended clients against murder charges and other felony violent crimes. You can be confident that you will have a highly skilled and dedicated defense lawyer who will advise you of your rights, help explain the process and work diligently to seek the best possible outcome on your behalf.

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Homicide Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime such as Homicide, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
2942 N. 24th St.
Suite# 114-562
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
assault battery felony Homicide Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death

Stabbing Cases Near Phoenix

Murder Charges and Investigation

 Stabbing Suspect Arrested for Suspicion of Killing a Roommate

Recently, a man had been arrested by the police after he found his roommate who was involved in a stabbing to his death in a Phoenix Apartment. According to the authorities, the officers had to respond to a call at a restaurant near 19th and Northern Avenues around eight thirty in the morning. The workers claimed a male had not paid his bill.

When the officer arrived to the scene, they found a twenty three year old, Mykel Cooper. He did eat, however he had no money for his meal.

Police thought Cooper’s behavior was different, leading the officers to think that he had some type of mental health issues. The officers paid for Cooper’s bill and tip, with their personal money and then too the suspect to a nearby mental health facility. The police then turned him over to the mental health staff.

Police Get a Confession from Stabbing Suspect

While Cooper was at the mental health facility, he told the staff he had done something bad to his roommate. The staff then quickly called the police to fill them in.

Police went to the apartment around 9:25 in the morning. That is where they found twenty-nine year old, Steven Horkovy. Police believe the young man was stabbed to death.

Police said that the homicide investigators were able to find out that Cooper had actually stabbed and kill his roommate, Horkovy the day before.

Police say that Cooper’s neighbors were sad, however they didn’t act too surprised.

 

 Neighbor, Aaron Upson’s Statment

They both argued a lot. They didn’t get along.

 

Phoenix Police Sgt. Tommy Thompson’s Statement:

There are many times as police officers that we don’t find out the rest of the story, so to speak, until later down the road.

 

Cooper was taken into the custody of the police while an interview was going on. During that interview he admitted his crime to the police.

Cooper is now in the Maricopa County Jail with one first degree murder count. He’s held on One Million Dollar bond.

Stabbing in Point Loma Heights

According to the San Diego police, three people were involved in a stabbing in the Point Loma Heights area. This was after multiple suspect broke into an apartment.

The police stated that the suspects that entered the apartment in the 3800 block of Midway Drive just a little bit before, two:thirty in the morning. There were three men, all in their twenties, aging 20, 22, and 29. They were stabbed according to the news bulletin from the San Diego Police Department.

According to the report, the twenty-nine year old man suffered from serious stab wounds. The wounds were in his head and his back. The twenty-two year old sustained only minor stab wounds on his back. The youngest out of the three men, the twenty year old, received minor wounds to his right arm.

Police have no description of the suspects.

Phoenix Violent Crimes Lawyer

Criminal Defense Cases

If you are suspected of murder, aggravated assault or another violent crime, an experienced criminal defense attorney can secure your rights. A skilled lawyer will not only look for ways to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed but will also focus on developing an effective criminal defense trial strategy. At Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, we have a substantial background defending clients accused of violent crimes in the state of Arizona and the greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Our lead criminal defense attorney, Daniel Perlman, is a former prosecutor who previously pursued charges against individuals suspected of violent crimes. Mr. Perlman and the entire Perlman Law Group offer a comprehensive view of the criminal justice system and know the right steps to take in developing a defense strategy while seeking to mitigate any potential damage.

Our ability to work with the facts in plea negotiations can turn a weak defense into a strong one. In our experience, a creative approach to your defense strategy can result in a sentence of probation or work release, even on a felony plea.

Effective Defensive Strategy for Violent Crimes

As a starting point for an effective defense strategy, we will evaluate the police report, witness statements and any physical evidence. Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC takes its approach a step further through identifying creative solutions by focusing on the actual risk of punishment you are currently facing. The threat of prison will probably be based as much on your prior record as it will be on the facts of the current criminal charges.

 

Our firm handles cases involving all types of Violent Crime allegations, including:

  • Assault and Assault with a Deadly Weapon
  • Murder, Attempted Murder and Manslaughter
  • Weapons Offenses
  • Armed Robbery
  • Kidnapping and False Imprisonment
  • Criminal Threats
  • Gang-Related Crimes
  • Resisting Arrest and Assault on an Officer
  • Domestic Violence

 

If weaknesses in the government’s case mean that you stand a good chance of success at trial, we will aggressively represent your interests before a jury. If the evidence against you makes a trial too risky, we will advise you and work with all parties — including prosecutors, probation officers, court services and community agencies — to show that you are an excellent candidate for favorable treatment.

Schedule a Free Consultation –  Phoenix Violent Crimes lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
2942 N. 24th St.
Suite# 114-562
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me