Category Archives: Criminal Defense
Female inmates sterilized without approval
The Center for Investigative Reporting has found that almost 150 women were sterilized by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation between 2006 and 2010 without state approval. Former inmates and prison staff both say that patients were coerced into being sterilized, and those who were targeted were often pregnant, and were those deemed likely … Read More
2.5 million put at risk from security breaches in 2012
There were about 130 breaches of consumer data in California in 2012, according to a recent report. This put about 2.5 million people at risk. The area that had the most breaches was the retail sector, with financial institutions and insurance providers following on the list. Personal data being compromised is not only newsworthy but … Read More
Physician charged with unprofessional conduct
A Tennessee physician was arrested for DUI and charged with unprofessional conduct. Ernest Kleier was unhappy with the state Medical Board Decision that took action against his license for a DUI. He argued the charge of unprofessional conduct was constitutionally vague because it did not spell out what “unprofessional, dishonorable, or unethical conduct” meant. On … Read More
Former Marine accused of killing girlfriend in Panama
The disappearance of 42-year-old Yvonne Baldelli took a twist on Thursday when her boyfriend was accused of murdering her, then concocting an elaborate cover-up. He allegedly sent fake emails from her account, telling her family that she was having a great time, and he withdrew money from her bank account. Brian Brimage, a 37-year-old former … Read More
The George Zimmerman trial begins
In February of 2012, George Zimmerman shot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, allegedly in self-defense. The crime sparked a nationwide debate about gun control and racial profiling. This week, his trial begins. Zimmerman will plead not guilty to second-degree murder for reasons of self-defense. The prosecution argues that Zimmerman racially profiled Martin, who was wearing a dark … Read More
Corrupt US border agents to be sentenced
Since 2004, over 150 Border Patrol agents have been charged with some form of corruption, including taking bribes and cooperating with human trafficking groups. Raul and Fidel Villarreal, who are both former Border Patrol agents, will both be sentenced today for running a smuggling operation. The operation, which was run along the international border in … Read More
FBI arrests 14 in connection with international gambling ring
The FBI staged raids on Wednesday during which they arrested 14 people, one of whom may be a manager in an international gambling ring. This violent ring, which has been operating for a decade, is alleged to have taken millions of dollars in illegal sports bets. The FBI launched a full-scale investigation into the case, … Read More
Attempted murder suspect arrested
Police arrested an attempted murder suspect in Vista on Tuesday, eight hours after he went on the run. Kenneth Wayne Welch, 42, allegedly beat his girlfriend, then left the scene in his pickup truck with their 5-month-old son. Welch left the unharmed child with a relative. Welch’s girlfriend said that he hit her on the … Read More
Alleyne vs. the United States
On June 17, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of  ALLEYNE vs. UNITED STATES, Case # 11–9335, in a 5-4 opinion, overruled the 2002 Supreme Court case of Harris v. United States, 536 U. S. 545, and in doing so held any mandatory minimum sentence that increase the penalty for a crime must be … Read More
Chargers doctor steps down
David Chao, the team doctor for the Chargers, stated this Thursday that he’ll be stepping down. He’s been with the team for 17 seasons. Chao said he wants time to spend with his wife and children, and also has a back injury that will require him to get surgery this month. He said his time … Read More