Category: Personal Injury

Categories
assault battery Homicide Personal Injury

Homicide By Hammer

Homicide By Hammer

Woman Gets Life In Prison for Killing Husband

Spouse abuse comes in many forms, it’s not every day that you hear about a woman killing her husband with a hammer though. A judge ruled Friday that an Arizona woman will spend the rest of her life in prison for brutally killing her husband with a hammer. She was also denied a chance at parole.

Judge’s Ruling for Woman who Killed Husband with Hammer

The jury that convicted Marissa Devault in the January 2009 killing of Dale Harrell had spared her the death penalty in late April and instead handed down a life sentence. It was up to a judge to formally impose the sentence and decide whether Devault would have a chance at parole.

Even though DeVault’s three daughters gave some pretty heartfelt pleas for lenience for their mother, the judge still picked the harsher punishment.

Superior Court Judge Roland Steinle, didn’t believe Devault’s claim of domestic abuse, he believed that she just killed her husband out of greed. He didn’t think she was remorseful and claimed that there was nothing in the record that showed that she deserved parole.

The prosecutors believe that the thirty six year old Devault killed her husband in a failed attempt to collect the life insurance policy. She needed to repay about $300,000 of debt from her boyfriend. According to Devault however, she told the police that she only killed her husband in self defense. He “physically” and “sexually” abused her in the past.

Her husbands passing was slow, the thirty-four year old didn’t die until after a month of being with hospice due to complications from his head injuries.

 

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
battery drug possesion Drug Trafficking Medical Marijuana Narcotics Personal Injury

Narcotics Found Near the Border

Narcotics Found Near the Border

Drug Bust At the Border

According to the reports over 1,800 pounds of drugs were found at the Southern California Border this weekend. The drugs were worth around $3.2 million.

CBP officers found 383 pounds of Meth, 51 pounds of Cocaine, 54 pounds of heroin, and 1,340 pounds of marijuana.

According to the CBP officers who found the narcotics, the drugs were found in several locations in different vehicles. They were found in the floors of the vehicles as well as the spare tire well, bumpers, tractor-trailer, seats, and quarter panels. Pretty much anywhere you could hide anything.

Peter Flores Statement:

CBP officers face many challenges on a daily basis.  The interceptions this weekend showcase CBP’s adaptability to an ever-changing smuggling trade.

The first incident happened when an empty tractor and trailer entered the Calexico East Port of Entry.

The officer brought a canine to search the vehicle where the dog alerted them to the wall. That’s when the officers found 54 large wrapped packages of marijuana stacked inside of non factory compartment wall of the empty trailer. Probably not the smartest idea the smuggler ever had.

Phoenix Business Involved in Marijuana Bust

Phoenix is always booming. Recently deputies were busy in Maricopa when the Sheriff’s Office took part it a drug bust on a South Phoenix Business.

MCSO spokesman, Chris Hegstrom tweeted about the incident which apparently happened in the area of 40th Street and Southern Avenue at around 8:15.

The investigators reportedly raided around nine unites of the industrial building. The reports say that there were three arrests and there were hundred of marijuana plants seized.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio said that the people who were apparently growing the pot were running a legal medical marijuana business.

Sheriff Arpaio’s Statement:

This is not just a marijuana problem. It can’t avoid danger to the citizens.

Phoenix Federal Drug Crimes Lawyer

Drug-Related

Any federal criminal charge is a serious matter, but a federal drug crime is often a high-level felony offense, which may result in a significant term of imprisonment. Many federal drug crimes carry mandatory prison sentences. If you have been arrested for a federal drug crime, it is critical that you protect your rights by retaining an experienced criminal defense attorney.

 

Our Federal drug charge attorneys defend clients against all federal drug charges in the greater Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area, including:

  • Drug trafficking (trafficking of narcotics and other controlled substances)
  • Drug smuggling
  • Drug conspiracy charges
  • Drug manufacturing
  • Drug distribution
  • Drug importation or exportation

 

Federal Drug Crime Defense Strategy

Federal drug charges can arise in a number of situations. Often such charges arise out of the transportation, sale, distribution or manufacture of large quantities of drugs. If you passed state lines while carrying drugs, you may also have triggered a federal charge.

 

  • As with any other drug charge, there are a number of defenses and effective defense strategies that may be utilized in a federal drug case, including:
  • Use of pretrial motions to seek the suppression of evidence obtained as a result of an illegal search

and seizure.

  • Use of pretrial motions to seek the suppression of evidence obtained as a result of a search

performed pursuant to a search warrant that was not supported by probable cause.

  • Fighting charges at trial if the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence to prove all necessary

elements of a drug crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

  • Negotiation of a favorable plea agreement that minimizes a defendant’s exposure to potentially harsh

penalties normally associated with the conviction of a

 

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Federal Drug Crimes lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a federal drug-related 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

Categories
assault battery felony Personal Injury

Martial Dispute With Extreme Results

Martial Dispute With Extreme Results

Phoenix Woman Arrested for Husbands Death

Being married fights are bound to happen. Does that mean it gives you an okay to shoot your spouse? Probably not. Amanda Lynn Miller is now facing twelve years in prison due to shooting her husband which resulted in his death.

Amanda at first, pled guilty to 2nd degree murder after she shot and killed her spouse. The husband was thirty-six year old, Jesus Nevarez-Galindo.

According to the reports, Amanda had told the police that her husband started a fire in the kitchen before she shot him. When the police arrived to the scene he was already dead.

The investigating police said that there had been a history of domestic violence between Amanda and her husband. The investigators found out that they had been arguing over “financial difficulties” just before the shooting.

Divorce Due to Spouse Abuse

When a marriage is so toxic that you have to put tracking devices on the other person’s vehicle, it’s probably time to get away from the marriage.

Celebrities are no different when it comes to martial disputes. Jason Kidd is a point guard for The Nets is struggling with spousal abuse of his own. According to Kidd his wife, Joumana kicked and punched him and put tracking devices on his vehicles, computers and even taunted him during his games. Due to this extreme behavior he has filed for divorce.

This isn’t something new though, since 2001 the Kidds’ couple has had multiple reports of spousal abuse. Joumana Kid had someone call 911 while Kidd had played for the Phoenix Suns. Why did she call the police? She claims that he had punched her in the face because she didn’t want him eating their son’s French fries.

Things aren’t calming down in the situation though, now Joumana Kidd is filing a lawsuit against her husband. She is claiming there has been “years of spousal abuse” and infidelity. There is a twenty-seven page lawsuit that describes Jason Kidd as a crazy “S.O.B.”.  She also claims that Kidd often beat her, smashed her head against the middle console of their vehicle, threw objects at her, and would frequently go days without talking to her while he was on the road.

Spousal Abuse

Joumana said that she tried to work through their troubles since in 2004 Kidd said he “recommitted” himself to Christianity. Then one time he said that he had a “chemical imbalance” which would cause the issues. Of course things didn’t get any better. According to Joumana there was constant drinking, cheating with strippers and other women, there was also gambling. He would use buying her jewelry to apologize for his horrible behavior.

The local news actually has a map of where Kidd allegedly fool around behind her back.

Friend of Joumana Statement:

She isvery focused. She’s trying to spend as much time with her kids as possible. She’s doing fine. She didn’t want a measure of payback. She tried to have the record sealed.

There are rumors that the Nets are going to trade Kidd before the deadline. Kidd went to Las Vegas for the NBA All Star Game however, he was injured so he couldn’t play.

Criminal Defense Cases

The highly skilled Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC advise and represent people facing criminal charges for domestic violence often described as Spousal Abuse, Spousal Battery or Domestic Dispute, such charges do not always reflect a case between married people, but include those living in the same location (cohabitation), or sometimes just engaged in a domestic (dating) relationship.  Such cases can also lead to violation of a restraining order or protective orders.  They are NOT the same as a Domestic Violence Restraining Order however.

 

With a team of former prosecutors, Phoenix based Criminal Defense Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC offer a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system. They understand the necessary steps to take in developing an aggressive defense strategy focused on securing a dismissal or minimizing any potential penalties associated with a conviction.

 

Domestic Violence cases have become extremely political and are regularly treated as “guilty until proven innocent.”   Even with minor cases, that do not involve a documented injury, proactive and rapid action by a caring defense attorney may be they key to not only avoiding a damaging no contact order, but may play a significant role in custody issues and an eventual resolution in the case that does not result in a life-time ban on the possession of firearms, tragic orders separating you from your family and other consequences that can interfere with work, school and life.

 

At the Law Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, we are committed to helping you achieve a resolution to your immediate problems, while seeking opportunities to improve the troubled family dynamics that might be underlying factors.

 

In domestic violence cases, the district attorney and the judge will be especially interested in what you’re willing to do to improve relationships, conflict resolution skills, and anger management. Your demonstration toward positive change will often make the difference in the outcome of your case. We work closely with people charged with domestic assault or battery to obtain a dismissal, diversion to community treatment or deferred entry of judgment prior to eventually achieving a dismissal.

 

Phoenix Domestic Violence Lawyer

Our creative approach to difficult criminal defense problems can help you avoid the consequences of a conviction in situations such as the following scenarios:

 

  • Violence or assault between spouses, unmarried parents, or cohabiting adults
  • Elder Abuse
  • Child Abuse, Cruelty to a Child, or Child Endangerment
  • Restraining Order Violations
  • Criminal Threats
  • Harassment or Stalking

 

Our ability to connect you with the programs and services that are right for your circumstances can give you an extra layer of legal protection. At the same time, we work hard to help you get the most out of the presumption of innocence that stands between you and a conviction.

 

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Domestic Violence Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime such as Domestic Violence, 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 Personal Injury

Domestic Child Abuse Cases

Domestic Child Abuse Cases

10 Year Old Boy Dies from Abuse

Child abuse is sadly becoming more and more common. It seems like every day there’s more and more child abuse cases on the news.

Now a ten year old boy has suffered from second and third degree burns thanks to his mother and her boyfriend. The little boy sadly died from his injuries.

Ten year old, Christian Pearson died at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. According to the Chino Valley Police Department, on Monday morning, thirty-four year old, Julianna Moreno and thirty-six year old, Daniel Terry are going to face charges of first degree murder.

Moreno and Terry were both arrested on Thursday for suspicion of attempted murder as well as child abuse and aggravated assault. This was after Christian was found with his burns on his back, extremities, torso, neck, head, along with extensive bruising. That poor little boy.

Police said that the evidence suggested that he was tied up and couldn’t flee when he got the injuries. Police were called about a child who wasn’t breathing.

Police said that Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority arrived tot he scene and performed the emergency treatment. The little boy was then flown to Phoenix Children’s Hospital where he sadly died later.

Police did report that Christian’s young life wasn’t wasted, his organs were donated. Christian’s paternal grandmother lives in Tucson said that the family had no fair warning about his death, there were no previous signs of abuse.

Phoenix Couple Arrested

Both Wendy and Kansas will now have a long road ahead of them. As should they, something is definitely off with their stories and if there was foul play with that poor baby’s life then they both definitely deserve whatever sentencing they get. Although, it kind of seems like Kansas is covering for Wendy?

If you were wondering why the investigation was ongoing it’s because  of  Wendy’s inconsistencies in her stories. Plus how and why did the dad have a gunshot wound to his upper arm? I guess we’ll just have to wait for the trial for the full details, if Wendy doesn’t confess before then so that she could get a lesser sentence.

Either way it’s sad that a young little boy lost his life due to someone’s carelessness or worse. Why is it always the kids that suffer the most? If you don’t want the kids put them up for adoption there’s families everywhere wanting a child.

Please, if you have a gun leave it unloaded and locked up where your kids or visiting kids can’t get to it. It’s never worth the risk. Why would she ever take that chance is beyond me. If you know someone that is careless with their firearms, maybe explain the worries and if they ignore you maybe tell your local authorities.

Phoenix Domestic Violence Lawyer

Criminal Defense Cases

The highly skilled Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC advise and represent people facing criminal charges for domestic violence often described as Spousal Abuse, Spousal Battery or Domestic Dispute, such charges do not always reflect a case between married people, but include those living in the same location (cohabitation), or sometimes just engaged in a domestic (dating) relationship.  Such cases can also lead to violation of a restraining order or protective orders.  They are NOT the same as a Domestic Violence Restraining Order however.

 

With a team of former prosecutors, Phoenix based Criminal Defense Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC offer a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system. They understand the necessary steps to take in developing an aggressive defense strategy focused on securing a dismissal or minimizing any potential penalties associated with a conviction.

 

Domestic Violence cases have become extremely political and are regularly treated as “guilty until proven innocent.”   Even with minor cases, that do not involve a documented injury, proactive and rapid action by a caring defense attorney may be they key to not only avoiding a damaging no contact order, but may play a significant role in custody issues and an eventual resolution in the case that does not result in a life-time ban on the possession of firearms, tragic orders separating you from your family and other consequences that can interfere with work, school and life.

 

At the Law Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, we are committed to helping you achieve a resolution to your immediate problems, while seeking opportunities to improve the troubled family dynamics that might be underlying factors.

 

In domestic violence cases, the district attorney and the judge will be especially interested in what you’re willing to do to improve relationships, conflict resolution skills, and anger management. Your demonstration toward positive change will often make the difference in the outcome of your case. We work closely with people charged with domestic assault or battery to obtain a dismissal, diversion to community treatment or deferred entry of judgment prior to eventually achieving a dismissal.

 

 

Phoenix Domestic Violence Lawyer

Our creative approach to difficult criminal defense problems can help you avoid the consequences of a conviction in situations such as the following scenarios:

 

  • Violence or assault between spouses, unmarried parents, or cohabiting adults
  • Elder Abuse
  • Child Abuse, Cruelty to a Child, or Child Endangerment
  • Restraining Order Violations
  • Criminal Threats
  • Harassment or Stalking

 

Our ability to connect you with the programs and services that are right for your circumstances can give you an extra layer of legal protection. At the same time, we work hard to help you get the most out of the presumption of innocence that stands between you and a conviction.

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Domestic Violence Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime such as Domestic Violence, 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 Personal Injury

Homicide Shooting in Phoenix Area

Homicide Shooting in Phoenix Area

Overnight Shooting

Phoenix never lacks in the shooting or criminal department, sadly a lot of areas don’t lack in those areas any more. Two more people have been shot in the Phoenix area. This time in an overnight altercation. It happened in a west Phoenix apartment parking lot.

The shooting happened around midnight and in the area of 27th Avenue and Camelback Road.

According to the police, a man and woman were in a parked car which was in the rear part of the parking lot. The pair was met by two other people who stood outside of their vehicle and was talking to them. Then, an unknown suspect came towards them and started firing at them. The shots ended up hitting the woman who was in the car and a man who was standing on the outside of it.

The police say that the woman who was shot was thirty-eight years old. She was sadly shot in the head and had to be airlifted to the nearest hospital. She’s in critical, but stable condition.

The reports said that the shooting suspect fled the scene on foot.

Police Try to Identify Shooting Suspect

Police are working hard to try to find the identity of a shooter who allegedly killed a woman and left a man critically injured. The man had multiple gunshot wounds. This happened in South Phoenix, according to the Police.

According to Phoenix Police spokesman, Sgt. Vince Lewis, the officers had found the two gunshot victims at around 12:35 p.m. They were able to find the gunshot victims after they were called to the 400 block of West La Mirada Drive which is near South Mountain.

According to Sgt. Lewis, the man had to be taken to the hospital due to his critical condition.

 

 

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.

 

 

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

Categories
assault bank robbery battery Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Spinal Cord Injury Wrongful Death

Criminal Shooting At Best Buy

Criminal Shooting At Best Buy

Scary Criminal Best Buy Shooting

According to reports, there was a deadly shooting at Best Buy in Avondale. The criminal from the shooting has died.

The Avondale police said that, twenty-seven year old, Henry Cota Jr. passed away from his injuries on Tuesday.

The police will continue to investigate the double shooting at the Avondale shopping center which happened on Monday.

The reports say that the call came around noon and it was for the Best Buy off of Interstate 10 which is near 99th Avenue and McDowell Road.

The Avondale Police Department showed up at the Best Buy and there was one man and one woman injured inside of the store, both from gunshot wounds. Both of those victims were transferred to hospitals.

The woman died from her wounds on Monday.

Best Buy said that the woman who passed away was actually one of the store’s Team Members. She was only twenty-six years old and her name was Melissa Mendez.

According to the investigation, there seems to be a history of domestic violence between Cota and Melissa. Cota has actually been outside of Melissa’s house waiting for her before. He was apparently very violent and stalkers with her.

Cota and Melissa have two children together. Apparently they had reconciled and tried to co-parent together for their children, however there was an “instability” in the home. This was in 2015 court records.

Present day, Melissa had moved on and Cota wasn’t taking it well.

 

Best Buy released a statement to ABC15 which read: 

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and children of Melissa Mendez after she was senselessly shot and killed on Monday. Domestic violence has no place in our society, and this tragic event is an example of how destructive it can be. Melissa, an employee at our Avondale store for more than seven years, was well-liked by her colleagues and great at her job. Counseling has been made available for our employees. Our Avondale store remains closed at this time.”

 

Phoenix Criminal Threats Lawyer

Criminal Defense Cases

Formerly referred to as terroristic threats, the crime of criminal threats may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony offense, depending on case specifics. A criminal threat occurs when an individual threatens to kill or injure another person and that person has a reasonably sustained fear for his or her safety, or the safety of his or her immediate family. A defendant may potentially be convicted of making criminal threats even if he or she did not intend to carry out the threat, provided that the alleged victim had a reasonable basis to fear for his or her safety.

Arrest in Phoenix for Criminal Threats

If you have been arrested for making a criminal threat, it is critical that you protect your rights by retaining an experienced criminal defense attorney. For a vigorous defense, contact the Law Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC immediately.

Arizona prosecutors have considerable discretion to charge criminal threats offenses as a misdemeanor or a felony. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor criminal threat, harassment or stalking offense, you could face up to one year in county jail. If you are convicted of a felony criminal threats offense, you could face up to four years in state prison. You could face significantly greater penalties if you used a firearm or other dangerous weapon while making criminal threats.

 

Types of Criminal Threats

A Criminal Threat is a strike offense, which means that you could face significantly enhanced penalties if you are convicted of a future felony. Even a nonviolent felony could result in twice the prison sentence if you have a prior strike offense. A third strike could result in a prison sentence of 25 years to life.

Criminal Threats Defensive Strategy

There are many ways that our skilled Phoenix Defense Attorneys can raise a strong defense on your behalf. First, we will examine the facts of the case to determine if the prosecution has enough evidence to obtain a conviction. In particular, we will look at any evidence of the alleged communication. Does the prosecution have copies of an email or voicemail? If the state has nothing more than a he-said-she said case, the prosecution will have a tougher time proving its case.

Taking Your Criminal Threats Case to Trial

Even if the prosecution has evidence of the alleged communication, we will examine the nature of the communication. Was the threat a serious one? In other words, did the alleged victim actually fear for his or her safety and was he or she reasonable to have such fear? The prosecution does not have to prove that you intended to carry out the threat, or even that you had the current ability to carry out the threat. However, the prosecution must establish that the threat you made is the type that would have caused the defendant to have a reasonable fear.

If you choose to take your case to trial, we offer skilled Phoenix trial lawyers who will aggressively defend your rights in the courtroom. If you do not want to fight your charges at trial, we can negotiate with the prosecution to seek a favorable plea agreement. Depending on the facts of your case, we may be able to help you keep this off of your record. If that is not possible, we can seek a plea to a lesser offense, including a non-strike offense, or we can seek an agreement on sentencing that will limit the penalties you face. With a team of former prosecutors, the skilled attorneys at the Phoenix Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC are highly adept at finding creative solutions for their clients.

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Criminal Threats Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime such as a Terrorist Threat, 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.

 

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