In looking at the allegations, the investigation into the alleged credit card fraud operation actually started last year after a man had his checkbook stolen during a burglary. After the checkbook was stolen, authorities claim the suspects started a rather elaborate scheme to make it look like other people were taking money out of the man's bank account.
]]> At some point, authorities were led to the suspects' home. When police arrived on the scene, two of those arrested were supposedly in the process of committing fraud online.Once in the house, supplies typically used to make fake credit cards, along with IDs and counterfeit money were found. Weapons and drugs were also allegedly found on the premises.
Three people were arrested and all are facing charges for credit card fraud, forgery, counterfeiting, possession of equipment to manufacture fraudulent documents and illegally obtaining personal information. Every one of these charges is a felony and their bail has been set at $5 million.
As this case goes to show, it is quite common for credit card fraud charges to be accompanied by other criminal charges. Depending on the circumstances of the charges, just a credit card fraud conviction can come with it a rather lengthy jail sentence, let alone the other consequences that can come from the other charges.
Due to the consequences of a credit card fraud charge, and the potential for these charges to affect the rest of a person's life, it is important for anyone accused of these types of crimes to not try and go at this alone. Rather, those facing credit card fraud charges in California need a criminal defense attorney on their side with experience handling these types of cases.
Source: Contra Costa Times, "Secret Service agents help halt suspected ID theft ring in San Jose," Mark Gomez, May 8, 2013
]]>The 2013 San Bernardino County Fair will take place between May 25th and June 2nd. The Fair Fun Run 5K will kick things off on May 25th at 1:40 p.m. Participants will be the first to enter the fair and will receive free entrance and a t-shirt, all while supporting a good cause. Participants will also have the chance to win prizes.
Registration costs $25.00. Proceeds go to the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department COP and Explorer Programs.
This 5K is meant to be fun and therefore will not be timed, making it a great opportunity for beginning marathon runners to get some practice. However, even though the event will not be timed, the first male and female to finish the 5K will be crowned the king and queen of "Get Your Kicks at Fair 66." The winners will receive a royalty package and photo opportunity in a classic car.
The race will take place at 14800 7th Street in Victorville, CA 92395. Participants need to check in at 11:00 a.m. on May 25th at Gate E.
For more information or to register, please visit the Fun Fair Run 5K website.
]]>The Classics Revisited concert is the fifth (and final) concert of the 84th season preview. It will feature music from three classical masters:
These three pieces will take you on a thrilling musical journey. While Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms belong to the classical genre of music, each has a very different feel that is quite distinct. This preview concert is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in classical music. It's also a great way to introduce younger individuals to the genre.
This concert will take place on Saturday, May 18th at 7:30 p.m.
]]>The San Bernardino Symphony performs at the historic California Theatre in downtown San Bernardino. It is located at 562 W. Fourth St. (San Bernardino, CA 92401). This venue was constructed between 1927 and 1928 specifically for orchestra performances.
Not only is this event a great opportunity to experience three classical masters performed by the talented San Bernardino Symphony, but it's also easy on the wallet. While ticket prices vary, they begin at just $20.00. Tickets can be purchased online. To buy tickets or for more information on this concert or other events, please visit the San Bernardino Symphony website.
]]>Sexting is the act of transmitting sexually explicit messages, videos, or (most commonly) photos between mobile devices. This act could be committed between an adult and minor, just adults, or just minors. For instance, if a 16-year-old girl sends her 17-year-old boyfriend a picture of her posing topless, this would be sexting.
Sexting has the potential for several serious negative consequences. Some of the consequences fall into the legal realm, and others do not. Let's start with those outside of the legal realm.
]]>Once a sexually explicit message (text, video, or photograph) has been sent out, the sender has no further control over it. The receiver may show it to his or her friends, coworkers, or anyone, really. In addition, the receiver may post it on the Internet, where it will exist in some form somewhere--forever. If the message falls into the wrong hands, it could lead to embarrassment, bullying, or worse, such as discipline at work or school. The consequences could be experienced almost immediately or in the distant future.
In most states, including California, sexting can also have serious legal implications. Producing sexually explicit images (including videos) can result in charges of producing pornography. Forwarding or otherwise sharing "sexts" can result in charges of disseminating pornography. Once a minor is involved (either as a receiver or sender) the charges become a lot more serious. You could be charged with possessing child pornography or soliciting a minor (depending on whether you are the sender or receiver). These charges can incur fines, probation, jail time, and sex offender registration.
The legal implications of sexting are not limited to adults. Even when the sender and receiver are both minors, child pornography charges (creating, possessing, disseminating, etc.) may be filed. These charges can result in anything from expulsion from school to jail time (either in a juvenile or adult facility) to having to register as a sex offender for life.
What can seem like relatively harmless, albeit ill-advised, behavior between consenting minors or adults has the potential to incur serious consequences. If your son or daughter sends or receives a sexually explicit photo, it could negatively impact his or her life forever. Because the ramifications of sexting are so severe, it is crucial that you seek legal help if you or a family member are facing charges associated with sexting.
1http://what-is-privacy.com/2012/02/22/what-children-and-teens-should-know-about-sexting/
]]>The raid took place in May 2011. Narcotics agents went undercover, obtained medical marijuana cards and acted like customers at three dispensaries. In connection to these raids, nine people ended up getting arrested.
]]> Aside from the recent dismissal, of the others who were arrested, one pled guilty to possession of marijuana for sale and two others appealed their cases. Charges were dropped in February 2012 against two of those arrested.One of the defendants, whose case was dismissed on the drug trafficking charge, did plead guilty to possession of psychedelic mushrooms. However, at the completion of a drug treatment program, the possession charge will be dropped.
In looking at the charges related to allegedly selling marijuana for profit, a criminal defense attorney said a review of the collectives' bookkeeping -- conducted by a forensic accountant and certified public accountant -- found the collectives were not operating as a for-profit business.
In the end though, the district attorney claims it was a lack of consistency in the law over the past two years that ultimately weakened the evidence against the collectives.
As one can see from reading about this recent dismissal, the law and criminal proceedings regarding alleged drug crimes in California can become quite confusing. However, an attorney with experience handling drug crime cases in the state can help develop a defense strategy that makes the most sense.
Source: The Union Democrat, "DA drops pot traffic charges," Christina O'Haver, May 2, 2013
]]>An article in the Los Angeles times by Jerry Hirsch entitled "First drunk-driving conviction can cost nearly $16,000 in California" states that the Automobile Club of Southern California has calculated that a first-offense DUI conviction can cost as much as $15,649 in the state of California. That's a pretty steep price tag--especially considering it's an entirely avoidable expense. What's more, the price jumps up for individuals under the age of 21 to $22,492. That money could pay for a year of college tuition at many schools or even a new car.
]]>Like many things, the cost of a first time DUI conviction is going up. In 2011, the price was about 29% lower.
This price was calculated by totaling up state and local fines, penalties, restitution, legal fees, and increased auto insurance rates. However, many potential costs were left out. For example, lost time at work, bail, car repairs (in the case of a crash), medical bills, other civil or criminal related charges, and new transportation (in the case of a suspended license) were not factored in.
While the price is certainly high, the potential for loss of life cannot be associated with any cost. A truly scary figure is that a recent report from AAA showed that 10% of drivers admit to operating a motor vehicle when they thought their blood alcohol content was above the legal limit in the last year alone. That percentage probably jumps even higher if you look over a longer period of time--say, two years or five years.
]]>This interview, as part of the court's efforts to determine whether or not Holmes was legally insane at the time of the mass shooting, will use a "truth serum," such as sodium pentothal. (An article in Slate defines a "narcoanalytic interview" as an interview between a psychiatrist and a patient--in this case, Holmes--during which the patient is given a drug such as sodium amobarbital. The patient is then questioned about the event by the psychiatrist after showing one or more symptoms of the drug's effects.)
]]> This article opines that the use of a truth serum is "magical thinking," an opinion with which we concur. "Truth serums," the stuff of Harry Potter movies and other fantastical works, have long been a dream of scientists and law enforcement. The original "truth serum," discovered in 1936, is still used during surgery to keep patients unconscious. The side effect of this drug encouraged many to think of it as a "truth serum": it made patients suffer a loss of inhibitions, meaning they would jabber on.But does a lack of inhibition mean that someone is necessarily telling the truth? The answer is no. Though people on the drug do talk more uninhibitedly, they may not stop lying. In addition, they are apt to "grow more compliant, tending to agree with those asking them leading questions." Because of this compliant tendency, a "truth serum" used to find the truth could have the opposite effect.
The use of actual, reliable "truth serums" would be an immense benefit to law enforcement during interrogation. Unfortunately, they do not exist. There is a complete lack of evidence that people under the influence of a "truth serum" reliably communicate the truth. As a result, it is preposterous to allow this pseudo-science as sound evidence in a court of law.
The author of the article notes that the judge's decision may pave the way for Holmes' defense lawyers to argue that his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination are being violated if he (Holmes) is questioned while drugged.
]]>In California, it is OK to check "no" on employment applications when it asks about prior convictions if the conviction took place when the applicant was a juvenile. For example, a 17-year-old who was recently applying for a job in Oakland at a smoothie shop could have checked no when asked about convictions as his weapons charge was from when he was 14 years old.
]]> In that case, the 17-year-old admits that he did bring a gun to school. At the time, he said he did it to be cool. Now, that bad decision continues to haunt his life, even if he has drastically changed his behaviors.In his case, the 17-year-old did put down "weapon charges" on the smoothie shop application. However, according to a recent news report produced by Youth Radio, he could have put "no."
In California, juveniles are adjudicated instead of convicted. And while the differences in these two terms are rather small, it can matter quite a bit when it comes to whether or not a person will end up getting the job.
However, while the question about convictions can be answered with a no, questions about arrests still need to be answered with a yes, which could still end up having a negative effect on employment possibilities.
When looking at the issue as a whole, with more than a third of adults getting arrested before turning 23, many are juveniles at the time of their arrest. This means there are a large number of people in the U.S. who continue to be haunted for decisions that were made when they were young and naïve.
Many argue this creates a system that makes it hard for people to achieve. What do you think? Should employers ask applicants about juvenile crimes?
Source: Marketplace.org, "Young, with a juvenile record, and looking for work," Ashley Williams, April 11, 2013
Few charities have inspired more joy than the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Since granting its first wish in 1980, the foundation has been making dreams come true for over 250,000 children with life-threatening conditions across the globe.
This month, you can support the laudable efforts of the local Orange County and Inland Empire chapter of Make-A-Wish at Walk for Wishes Inland Empire. This year's walk will be particularly exciting, as the chapter celebrates its 30th year of wish-granting.
Walk for Wishes Inland Empire will feature a number of delightful activities that the whole family can enjoy. The event includes a walk and several themed World of Wishes festivals.
Walk for Wishes will be held at Castle Park in Riverside. You and your family can register now through April 19. Registration costs $25 before April 12 and $35 thereafter. On the day of the event, the cost is $40. With registration, you'll receive a Make-A-Wish t-shirt, food, and entry to the festivals. You can register online at http://walkforwishes2013ie.kintera.org.
To find out more about this event, visit the city of Riverside events calendar.
]]>Just about everyone enjoys a good laugh. Fortunately for Riverside residents (and comedy fans in particular), one of the nation's funniest comedians will be gracing the Riverside stage: Brian Regan.
Beloved by generations of fans for his clean jokes and uproariously funny observational humor, Brian Regan has made a name for himself as one of America's favorite comedians. Brian spins the most mundane daily tasks--from going to the eye doctor to visiting the grocery store--into comedic gold everyone can relate to. Because the overwhelming majority of his jokes are clean, this is a great comedy show to enjoy with the whole family.
Brian Regan comes to the Riverside Fox Performing Arts Center on April 11. The show and the laughs begin at 7:30 p.m. The show is scheduled to end at 9:30 p.m., but you might be chuckling all the way home long after. Tickets cost $53.00. You can purchase tickets by visiting the venue website.
To find out more about this event as well as other events in our area, visit the Downtown Riverside website.
]]>The case before the Supreme Court centers on Alonzo King, who was arrested in 2009 on misdemeanor assault charges and whose DNA was collected at the time of his arrest. His DNA was then submitted to the federal DNA database to find out if it matched DNA collected as evidence in any other crimes. King's DNA was found to match the DNA from a rape case six years prior. For this crime, King was tried and sentenced to imprisonment for life. However, King appealed, and the Maryland Court of Appeals overturned his conviction. The court found that King's DNA was not collected as evidence in the crime for which he was arrested; therefore, "the DNA collection was nothing more than a state fishing expedition for anything prosecutors could catch." Maryland prosecutors subsequently appealed the court's decision.
]]>The Supreme Court recently heard arguments from both sides. The attorney representing Alonzo King argued that DNA collection, unlike fingerprinting, is invasive, as it gives law enforcement access to a person's entire genetic history. In addition, the lawyer argued that collecting DNA without a warrant or suspicion of a crime is a violation of a person's Fourth Amendment protection from unreasonable search and seizure.
Currently, 26 states as well as the federal government have laws related to the collection of DNA, none of which require a warrant or suspicion to do so. While some state's laws, such as Maryland's, only collect DNA during arrests for serious crimes like felonies, this is not the case for all states. King's lawyer argued, "As matters currently stand, if you are arrested for any federal offense, including speeding on the GW Parkway, the federal government will, as a matter of course, collect your DNA and prepare a profile and enter it into the federal database."
The Attorney General for the state of Maryland responded that being handcuffed, searched, and sitting in jail after arrest are all more invasive than DNA collection, but are allowed. Those arrested, he argued, give up some liberty when they enter the criminal justice system. In addition, DNA can be used to find the perpetrators of unsolved crimes.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court seemed divided on the issue. Their decision could determine whether law enforcement's desire to collect DNA during an arrest to solve cold cases trumps an individual's right to privacy.
]]>However, as a recent case goes to show, Facebook can also be used as a tool by police.
Recently, a 25-year-old and 40-year-old were charged with crimes related to credit card fraud after police posted photos of the suspects on the department's Facebook page. This led to a follower tipping off police regarding the suspects in the photos.
]]> The two are accused of stealing credit cards out of an employee's purse at a professional building. These two credit cards were then used at such stores as Target, Office Depot and Lowe's. More than $3,000 was spent at the stores.Many of the stores the two went into had surveillance videos. These videos were then used by police in order to grab still images of the two suspects and post them to Facebook where a tip led police to the suspects. The two were not arrested, but were rather charged by criminal summons.
The 25-year-old is facing eight counts of theft, one count of conspiracy to commit theft and six counts of credit card fraud. The 40-year-old is also facing eight counts of theft, one count of conspiracy to commit theft and four counts of credit card fraud.
In looking at these charges, while not violent accusations, being accused of credit card fraud still comes with some serious risks affecting personal and financial freedom. This is why it is important to talk with a criminal defense attorney as soon as charges are pressed.
Source: The Baltimore Sun, "Facebook tip leads to charges for fraud suspects," March 28, 2013
]]>Right now singer Bobby Brown is even on an electronic ankle bracelet. Due to overcrowding in the county jail the singer will have the monitoring device on for 55 days. This sentence is in connection to a second DUI conviction he received in the same year.
]]> For this second DUI, Brown was originally sentenced to serve 55 days in jail and four years of informal probation. Even at the time though, it was estimated he would serve no more than nine days due to the overcrowding in the county jail. However, he ended up only being in jail for eight hours before being released.But even though Brown is not in jail, the stipulations to his sentence are still surely having an impact on his life. Typically with an electronic ankle bracelet an inmate is not allowed to leave their home. Additionally, when Brown can leave, he has been ordered to go to a minimum of three Alcoholics Anonymous meetings per week and to complete a year and a half long alcohol treatment program.
In the case of Brown, while it made the news due to his celebrity status, anyone in California with DUI charges may be facing similar consequences. However, while Brown reached a plea agreement, an attorney with experience handling DUI cases could examine the facts of the case and offer advice on what to do from there.
Source: Los Angeles Times, "Bobby Brown wearing ankle monitor for DUI sentence," March 22, 2013
The Riverside Metropolitan Museum is a much-loved and popular museum in our community. The museum provides Riverside residents and visitors with the opportunity to experience the culture and history of our region, offering educational programs, cultural events, permanent and special exhibits, and a collection of hundreds of thousands of artifacts in the areas of Natural History, Anthropology, and History.
As a non-profit organization, the museum is free to the public and depends on the support of gifts, volunteering, and fundraisers to continue its mission.
This February, you can support the Riverside Metropolitan Museum at the organization's latest fundraiser: Tour and Taste. The Tour and Taste Fundraiser will feature hors d'oeuvres and wine from Riverside's finest restaurants, performances by jazz musician Vaughn Fahie, and the debut of the museum's John Muir exhibit. Guests of the fundraiser will enjoy sampling the delicious appetizers while learning more about naturalist John Muir.
The fundraiser will take place on February 28th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission costs $40 per person. Two wine tickets are included in the price. For more information about this event or the Riverside Metropolitan Museum, visit the city of Riverside website.
]]>Looking at what happened, the 57-year-old was reportedly bribing purchasing managers at certain food giants, such as Kraft Foods Inc, PepsiCo Inc. and Safeway Inc. The buyers from these food giants have also pleaded guilty to accepting the bribes. In total, there are 10 co-defendants tied to this case.
]]> In addition to bribing the managers to purchase the company's tomato products, it was also found that the quality of the tomatoes was not always up to par. With some bribes, food quality tests were faked. In fact, moldy tomatoes were allowed to be processed and fake organic labels were put on some of the products.In total, roughly $100,000 was given out in bribes for price-fixing and processing lesser quality tomato products.
In looking at this case, it should be mentioned that there were not any reports related to consumers getting ill. The former agricultural giant also has expressed remorse for his actions, with his attorney claiming the 57-year-old is an alcoholic who made impaired decisions.
In addition to the six years in federal prison, he will also receive some counseling around his alcohol use.
Cases such as this one show how seriously the government takes white collar crimes. For while these types of crimes are often referred to as "victimless" this does not mean that the consequences are any less severe.
White collar crimes also have a certain stigma surrounding them. In fact, these crimes can end up seriously impacting someone's life, even well after their prison sentence is served.
Source: Huffington Post, "Frederick Scott Slayer, Agriculture Executive, Sentenced For Tomato Price-Fixing Scam," Tracie Cone, Feb. 12, 2013