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Sex Trafficking in Arizona

Rescued Arizona Sex Trafficking Victim

Sex trafficking is so scary. It’s a real possibility for anyone and anywhere.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety officials say that a traffic stop near Kingman was lucky for one sixteen year old girl who was going to be sold for sex.

They said that the teen was in the company of a man and woman. Luckily their vehicle was stopped by the DPS Trooper, Jonathan Otto.

Otto had clocked the car going very fast, more than 100 mph as it was traveling towards Las Vegas.

Otto said that the first thing that he had noticed when he made his way to the vehicle that that was an “overwhelming odor of perfume”. There was also an adult woman in the front passenger seat who was “dressed scantily”.

Otto’s Statement:

She was actually wearing lingerie. That’s something I’ve never encountered on a regular traffic stop before.

Teen Victim

He then saw a teen in the back seat of the vehicle.

Once the smell of perfume dissipated, Otto noticed a new odor coming from the car…marijuana.

The driver of course denied having marijuana in the vehicle, but did admit to smoking it in the vehicle a could of days earlier.

After that, Otto had everyone get out of the vehicle and got to identifying the woman and the teen.

The teen was also not wearing a lot of cloths. She wasn’t carrying an ID, but she was compliant and told him her name and said that she was eighteen years old.

Otto then put the three of them in the back of his vehicle and started searching the vehicle. He then started noticing “a lot of indicators of sex trafficking”. There was even a document from a children’s court in California, it had the teen’s name on it.

The search ended up showing nothing but “debris” but he did end up running the name of the woman and the teen. That’s when he found out that the young girl was sixteen and not eighteen.

 

 

Otto’s Statement:

With the indications of sexual trafficking and then knowing that she was a juvenile now, I separated her from the adults and questioned her about her date of birth.

The teen said that she wasn’t a runaway. She claimed that she had been kicked out of her home.

When Otto asked about her guardians he found out that her most recent guardian was her grandmother. When Otto contacted her grandmother he found out that the teen was a runaway and wasn’t supposed to be with any adults or in Arizona. Otto also found out that there’s a chance that “prostitution was involved” in the case.

Since he had more information, Otto tried to go talk to the young girl again.

She continued to deny everything and said that she was “okay”.  Otto luckily knew she wasn’t.

Otto’s Statement:

I feel like I gave her a chance to get away from this situation.

One of the things that Otto noticed that the young girl was malnourished. She also had makeup caked on her face and they had little luggage in the car. A happy family traveling always over packs.

It was later found out that the girl had been taken from Southern California. She was trafficked in Arizona and was going to be trafficked again in Las Vegas. Thankfully Otto didn’t give up on her or his instincts.

Otto’s Statement:

She had come from a poverty-stricken life, and this was a way to make quick money. She was trying to get away from  her impoverished life. … I’m just glad was able to intercept her. I believe she got into the prostitution world when she was 15, last year. She had gone missing from San Diego in November. … At that time, I believe these two adults from Vegas had gone out to California and picked her up and took her back to Las Vegas.

The suspects were identified as Rasheen Adams and Chicha Harris. Both suspects are twenty-three years old and from Vegas. They’ve both been charged with three felonies each including: custodial interference, sex trafficking of a minor and theft of means of transportation.

Police think that Adams and Harris connected with the teen through common friends.

 

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

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Phoenix Crimes

Phoenix Police Searching for Woman

Starting a fire in a public place probably isn’t the smartest thing in the world. You’ll eventually get caught. Plus, that’s just plain rude.

The Phoenix police are needing help and asking for the public’s help finding a woman who recently started a fire in a local Phoenix restaurant.

According to reports, a woman entered a Los Toritos Mexican Restaurant which was located near 32nd Street and McDowell Road.

The police said that the suspect could be seen on surveillance video asking  an employee for a key to the bathroom and once inside she poured gasoline and then lit it on fire.

She then fled the restaurant in a dark colored pickup truck. The truck was waiting in an alley just north of the business.

The woman is described as being a Hispanic or as a white female. She was between twenty-two to thirty years old. She was described as 130-150 pounds and had dark colored hair. At the time she had baggy clothes on and a light colored knit hat. She was also reportedly carrying a large black purse. Police think that’s what she was carrying the gasoline in.

Phoenix Man Dead

Police say a Phoenix man was shot dead after confronting a suspected burglar outside his neighbor’s home late Wednesday.

The victim, whom police have not named, approached the burglar just before 10 p.m. in the 13000 block of North 34th Avenue, according to Sgt. Vince Lewis, a Phoenix police spokesman.

The burglar pulled out a firearm and shot the man before fleeing in a vehicle, Lewis said..

Phoenix Felony Defense Lawyer

Felony Criminal Offenses

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC of Phoenix offers expert representation to clients accused of felony criminal offenses in the greater Phoenix, Arizona area. Felony Offenses are serious accusations where the court may sentence an individual to an Arizona State Prison rather than being sent to a county jail. If you are faced with a Felony criminal charge, contact our skilled attorneys immediately for a free consultation to discuss your case and begin working toward a legal resolution. Felony offenses can significantly impact your record and reputation and may be detrimental to your ability to obtain or continue viable employment positions. A Felony offense may carry large repercussions that can negatively impact your personal and civil rights.

 

Understanding Your Rights

It is important to fully understand your rights when you are facing a felony criminal offense and our expert attorneys will provide you with the necessary information that you need to be equipped for a successful case. In some circumstances, a Diversion Program may be established with alternative options other than jail or prison time. Felony Criminal Offense cases require careful examination to determine the status of your legal situation and to make efforts toward dismissing or removing detrimental felony allegations from your permanent record.

 

First Time Felony Defense

First-time offenders may be entitled to certain programs that can result in the dismissal or minimization of your charges. The Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC will go to battle on your behalf in an effort to find creative and alternative solutions that may result in the dismissal of your case and the removal of charges. Knowing the specific felony defense laws of Arizona is essential, and the expert attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC are well versed in Arizona-specific statutes. We can assist you with all elements of your case and will aggressively approach your situation for the most favorable possible outcome of full dismissal or your record expunged/sealed when possible.

 

Contact a Law Firm Right Away

If you or someone you know has been recently charged with a felony offense in the greater Phoenix area, please call the skilled Felony Offense Attorneys at the Law Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC today for a free consultation. Whether you have been convicted of a First, Second or Third Degree Felony, our attorneys will assist you in maneuvering the Felony challenges of a DUI, a probation violation, traffic violations, failure to appear in court, if you have a warrant for your arrest or any other form of felony accusation.

 

Understanding the Different Types of Felonies

It is crucial to understand what type of felony offense you are facing so as to determine whether diversionary programs or alternative options may apply. Often times a pre-trial intervention is possible and our skilled attorneys will work hard to find any and all alternatives to avoid conviction and the negative impacts a felony offense will have on your permanent record.

Free Consultation – Phoenix Felony Defense 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
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

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Phoenix Sexual Assault Cases

Phoenix Man Sentenced to Live In Prison For Killing  2 Year Old

According to the local authorities, a Phoenix man has now been sentenced to a natural life in prison for the 2010 death of his girlfriend’s 2 year old son. It’s so sad someone could harm a little two year old child. This man probably deserves worse than what he got.

The Maricopa County prosecutors say that Walter Munoz, who is only twenty- eight years old was sentenced on Monday for first-degree murder. Munoz pleaded guilty for the death of 2 year old, Daniel Resendiz at the West Phoenix apartment complex. The young boy’s mother also made some statements that led to the arrest of Munoz.

Man Gets Drunk and Kills 2 Year old Boy

The court records show that Munoz claimed that he was drunk on that October 30, 2010. While he was drunk, he tripped over the boy in the apartment complex. First of all, why in the world would you be drinking or be drunk around a toddler? How irresponsible could someone be? Where was this boy’s mother? Why wasn’t this poor little boy looked after better?!

This next part of the story, is absolutely sickening. The court records showed that Munoz actually started to bite the 2 year old little boy and then beat him with his own fists until the little boy died. This is so sad, and heartbreaking. That poor baby boy. How could anyone be low enough to do this?!

The mother returned home later, that is when Munoz told her something was wrong with her 2 year old.  The mother grabbed the little boy then ran across the street to call 911. Sorry, to this mother, but it’s a little late to be protective after the baby is dead. I’m so heartbroken over this story.

 

Children Taken From Sexual Abuse Home

Two children have now been reportedly rescued from a home of a Phoenix woman. The woman who allegedly admitted to sexually abusing them and even creating child pornography.

As a parent, this article is heartbreaking to read let alone write about. How could anyone let a lone a PARENT harm a child? How could someone be so sick as to do anything sexual with a child?! This is just horrible, and sadly these cases are on the rise. What the heck is wrong with people?

According tot he Phoenix Police, Roxanne Chapin who is only twenty-six years old admitted to molesting the children. How horrible. The children were only three and six years old. She also admitted to taking photos of the abuse and distributing the images.

Police Keep Sexually Abused Children’s Identity Secret for Their Protection

Police are not going to exposes these children’s names. First of all they are underage and this whole ordeal is horrible, they don’t want to make things harder on the children. They are also keeping quiet about the relationship between the woman and the children for extra safety precautions.

Police have been searching Chapin’s home which is near 23rd Avenue and the Loop 101. They found some more images of other children being abused as well. Ugh, makes me sick.

The Arizona Internet Crimes Against Children were able to rescue these innocent children after the department was able to find some imagines of the children online.

Chapin was arrested on Friday night. She was then booked into jail on one count of child molestation, two counts of sexual conduct with a minor and ten counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.

Police are asking that if anyone thinks their children might have been involved, please let them know. Anyone with information please call Internet Crimes Against Children at 623-466-1828 or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.

 

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

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Phoenix Domestic Abuse

Phoenix Principal and Wife Accused of Abuse

When you think of school, you think of safety. You don’t think of some one assaulting someone. However, according to reports, a Phoenix high school principal as well as his wife are both are accused of assault.

Ricardo Cordova is the principal at Carl Hayden High School.  Brisa Cordova, his wife is a teacher at Trevor Browne High School.

According to police their arrests come from a domestic violence issue at their home. They are now facing charges for misdemeanor assault.

Statement from Phoenix Union High School District:

“Phoenix Union is aware of the recent arrests. This is a police matter.  We will make the appropriate steps when and if necessary to address this issue internally, and ultimately make a decision that is in the best interest of our students, staff and community.”

Man is Dead After Domestic Abuse Call

A domestic abuse case can always turn pretty ugly, but one doesn’t usually end in death.

However, according to the police a man is dead after a car chase. The car chase stemmed from a domestic violence call in Sahuarita.

The man was identified as twenty-nine year old, Richard T. Herrera Jr. The Sahuarita Police Department said that the domestic violence call came in just a little before 11:30 on Saturday night. That’s when three officers went to the scene.

Police said that Herrera tried to run them over in a small car, however they since have rescinded that claim.

Herrera was accused of assaulting other people and being heavily intoxicated before beginning the chase.  The chase ended rather quickly, just five miles away in the 1300 block of Calle de la Plaza. Herrera had a gun and there were three officers were involved in the shooting. Luckily no officers were injuried but Herrera was pronounced dead at the scene.

 

News Release Statement:

Officers gave verbal commands for Herrera to raise his hands; however, he raised a loaded 9mm pistol, fired at least one shot while sitting in the driver’s seat. It’s unknown the exact direction the gun was pointed when it was fired, but Herrera then pointed the gun toward officers. Officers returned fire, striking Herrera. Herrera was the sole occupant of the car and there are no other outstanding 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
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
assault battery

Phoenix Criminal Cases

Phoenix Burglary Suspect Injured

Well if there isn’t enough scary stuff going on in the world today. like terrorism, IsIs and major wars. People just can’t live peacefully or do what’s right.

A Phoenix police officer says that a suspect was shot on a Saturday morning. It wasn’t by the police though, it was by the resident who had reportedly interrupted a burglary. Talk about a scary moment for both parties.

The officers were quick to respond to the scene. It happened near the 83rd Avenue and McDowell Road. It happened very early, just before daylight at five o’clock in the morning.

One of the nearby neighbor’s say that he could hear the gunshots. He said he could also hear someone screaming “I’m sorry, I’m sorry”. At first the neighbor thought it was a young child screaming at first. According to the reports, it was actually a woman who was in hiding.

One of the residents told the police that they did see a woman and she was burglarizing a work vehicle and had an altercation with her.

The Police say that the resident did fire some gunshots at the suspect and was able to hit her at least one time.  Luckily the suspect suffered from non-life threatening injuries, according to the police reports.

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

668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

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assault battery Crossing Accidents Homicide Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Wrongful Death

Recent Murder Crimes

Murder of a 14 Year Old Girl Being Investigated

 

When a child is taken or runs away from home, you can’t help but imagine the worse. For one set of parents, they might be closer to having some answers about what happened to their little girl. Even if they are horribly sad, answers.

Police are investigating the murder of a fourteen year old girl. They think that maybe the case might be linked to a case where a twelve year old girl might have ran away from home.

On Wednesday morning, the San Diego Police Lt. Mike Hastings, stated that the body of a Anna Hernandez was found in a canyon, just off the 2900 block of Market Street on November 18th. Even though they found her on the 18th, they weren’t able to positively identify the girl until November 23rd.

According to the report, the young girl’s body was badly decomposed. The San Diego Medical Examiner’s autopsy proved that she sadly suffered from at least one gunshot wound to her upper body. Who in the world would want to shoot a fourteen  year old little girl?!

Lt. Hasting’s Statement About the Murder:

Regarding Anna’s homicide, the investigation continues including the processing of many items of evidence. The homicide team has served search warrants and conducted many interviews in the last seven days.

 

Nelly Espinoza who was twelve years old, was a friend of Hernandez. She lives in an apartment complex close to where Hernandez’s body was found. Nelly was last seen on November 13th. According to the police, the young girl isn’t considered a missing person, but a juvenile runaway.

The San Diego police recieved information that Nelly was with a family member in Northern Mexico She reportedly talked to her family, who live in San Diego, by phone. She told them that if they tried to look for her, then she would go deeper into Mexico.

Lt. Hastings said that Nelly could be with the sixteen year old runaway Janeth Mendoza. Janeth was last seen in October of this year. Both Tijuana and the San Diego police have put out missing persons fliers and are doing what they can to get to the bottom of this.

Lt. Hastings did not confirm if the investigating officers think that there is a link between Hernandez’s murder and Nelly Espinoza.

Hernandez recently transferred to the San Diego High School from High Tech High. Police have not released a possible motive in her killing. There has also been no arrests at this time.  The police are actually keeping quite about the possible suspects as well. Them being minors, I’m sure this case will be hard to handle publicity wise. I’m sure they’ll keep the public and the families updated as new information come in.

Phoenix Manslaughter Lawyer

At the Phoenix based Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, we have defended many clients charged with a violent crime, including murder charges and other high-level violent crimes. We can provide the strong defense you need if you have been charged with voluntary manslaughter or involuntary manslaughter.

If you discovered your spouse in bed with a lover and as a result killed your spouse in a sudden rage, you may have been charged with first-degree murder. However, you may only be guilty of voluntary manslaughter, an offense that carries a maximum prison sentence of 11 years, as opposed to a life sentence.

Manslaughter is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being without malice. The term malice is used in a highly technical sense and does not simply imply a feeling of anger.

 

Types of Manslaughter Defenses

If you have been charged with murder and the evidence is stacked against you to show that you did unlawfully kill another person, seeking a conviction to the lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter may make a significant difference in your case.

To effectively raise such a defense, you must be able to establish that you were provoked, that a reasonable person in such a situation might be similarly provoked to kill, and that you did not have sufficient time to cool off and further contemplate your actions. If retained as your counsel, we will thoroughly investigate the facts of your case to determine which defense strategy gives you the best opportunity to protect your freedom.

 

Types of Manslaughter Cases in Phoenix

In the state of Arizona, you may be charged with involuntary manslaughter under two separate circumstances:

  • If you committed a crime (other than a felony) and unintentionally caused the

death of another person.

  • If you were engaged in a lawful act that might cause death and acted without

“due caution and circumspection.”

 

Manslaughter Conviction and Sentencing

A conviction for involuntary manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of four years imprisonment. If you caused the unintentional death of another person and you were not committing a crime, it is not sufficient for the prosecution to allege that you made a mistake. The phrase “without due cause and circumspection” implies something more than a simple mistake. Our Phoenix Attorneys can raise a number of issues and defenses on your behalf to raise the strong defense you need. A plea to a lesser offense or a plea that allows you to avoid a criminal conviction may be possible depending on the facts of your case. If you choose to fight your charges at trial, we have the skilled trial lawyers to aggressively defend your rights in the courtroom.

 

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Manslaughter Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime such as Manslaughter, 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
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me