A Training Class, As Opposed to Jail Time

Every generation finds an iconic author who writes stories about everyday people to whom the public can relate. From the 1820's to the late 1960's The Saturday Evening Post served this purpose. As television became more a part of our lives people would often remark "there was an I Love Lucy episode about this!" Since the 1989 it has not been unusual to hear people say "Wasn't there a Seinfeld episode about this?"

In 1992 episode 20 of Seinfeld's third season was titled "The Good Samaritan". You might remember this episode. According to Wikipedia the basic plot is "Jerry witnesses a hit-and-run driver hitting another car. He is on the car phone with Elaine at the time, who tells him he has to go after the driver. He does, but when the driver steps out he realizes that she is a beautiful woman (played by Melinda McGraw) and decides to date her."

Today's post isn't really about comedy, it is about being charged with a hit and run, but on occasion comedy is the best teacher. Moliere, the17th century French playwright, once said: "The duty of comedy is to correct men by amusing them."

The truth is every hit and run is serious, not amusing. It is an offense that is not to be taken lightly. It never is by those on the receiving end of the act. While the justice system also serves to correct men and women, it does not do this by amusing them. But the justice system on occasion corrects men and women by offering a training class, as opposed to jail time.

Here is one client's experience:

"I was charged with hit and run (Vehicle Code Section 20002) for striking a vehicle and leaving the scene. I hired Attorney William Bruzzo to represent me in this case as I was told he is very familiar with the courts and the district attorneys in Orange County. In the end Mr. Bruzzo was able to negotiate a disposition where the District Attorney agreed to DISMISS THE CASE after I took a class. I am truly grateful to Mr. Bruzzo for his representation in this matter as it spared me from going to jail and having a conviction on my record as it would greatly affect my teaching career. I would enthusiastically recommend Mr. Bruzzo for any criminal matter." ~ EH, 1/21/2010

Criminal Law Updates by The Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo (714) 547-4636

Enjoy a clip from the Seinfeld's "The Good Samaritan" episode

Orange County Sting Operation

Los Angeles, Ventura, and Orange County police agencies believe that there is a group of criminals targeting shoppers of Apple stores. Once the customers go to their cars to drop off the items and continue shopping then the alleged thieves come in and break into the vehicles ( a violation of Penal Code section 459-460). A sting operation was conducted in Mission Viejo in Orange County and three men from Los Angeles were apprehended. Each is being charged with 28 counts of second-degree burglary, grand theft (Penal Code Section 487), possession of burglary tools (Penal Code Section 466)-unlawful tampering with a vehicle. An undercover officer went into the Apple store and bought a printer then took it to his car and changed parking locations in order to shop at other stores. It was not described how long the deputy was followed by the suspects before he parked at another location. According to the Orange County Register, officials noticed a pattern of break-ins during the holiday shopping season. The same type of incidents has happened in L.A. and Ventura County and officials in San Bernardino are also being informed of the trend.

Criminal Law Updates by the Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo (714) 547-4636

KTLA.com reports on Thieves Targeting Apple Store Customers

 

California AB144 Handicap Placard Misuse

Misusing a California Handicap Parking Placard has always been punishable with a fine, but did you ever think about facing a $1000 fine and also being charged with petty theft? What many people forget is that not only does the California handicap placard allow you to park in convenient spots, you are also allowed to park free of charge. Imagine the revenue dollars that go uncollected via this mode of theft. On January 1, 2010, a new law will go into effect in California AB144 Handicap Placard Misuse, an act to amend Section 1465.6 of the Penal Code, and to amend Sections 22511.57 and 42001.13 of the Vehicle Code, relating to vehicles. Recently, the New York Times had an interesting article about AB144 "In California, a Fight Against Faux Disabilities and Fake Permits."


As January 1, 2010 approaches, we invite you to view an
Informational Video on Suspected Placard Abuse video and read a testimonial from one of our clients who was accused of misusing a stolen handicap placard.





"I was charged with Penal Code Sections 496 (Receiving Stolen Property) and 485 (Petty Theft of Lost Property). I was alleged to have received a stolen handicap parking placard and unlawfully appropriating it for my own use. I hired Attorney William W. Bruzzo to represent me in this matter. My most important concern was keeping my record clean as I am planning on becoming a teacher some day. After Mr. Bruzzo made several appearances in court without my being present, he was able to negotiate a dismissal with the District Attorney once I completed a class. I truly believe that without Mr. Bruzzo’s knowledge of the courts and the District Attorneys in Orange County I would not have had such a favorable result. I highly recommend Mr. Bruzzo for any Petty Theft or criminal matter." ~ RC, August 7, 2009

Orange County Criminal Attorney Defends Aggravated Assault Cases

In California a common charge involving assault is Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Penal Code Section 245); if a person points a gun (or other dangerous weapon) at another person then he can be charged with assault with a deadly weapon. Even if the gun was not loaded and even if the person holding the gun had no intention of using the gun he can still be charged if the victim was in reasonable fear as a result of the person pointing the gun at him. Below you will read a recent testimonial received by William Bruzzo, an Orange County Criminal Attorney who defends aggravated assault cases.

"I was charged with Aggravated Assault/ Assault with a deadly weapon (Penal Code Section 245(a) (1)) with an enhancement for inflicting great bodily injury (Penal Code Section 12022.7(a); I was also charged with Battery with serious bodily injury (Penal Code Section 243(d)) also as a felony. I could have gone to prison for 5 years on this case and had a strike on my record. I hired William W. Bruzzo to defend me in this matter because I know he is an experienced attorney familiar with the courts, the judges and the district attorneys in Orange County. I believed I was innocent of the crime and that any action I took against the victim was in self defense. Mr. Bruzzo negotiated with the District Attorney and eventually set the matter for trial. On the day of trial the felony charges against me were DISMISSED. I pled guilty to a misdemeanor. That misdemeanor was also dismissed after one year and completion of Cal Trans. I never received any jail time. Mr. Bruzzo managed to get the most serious charges against me dismissed without risking a trial and without the additional expense. I would enthusiastically recommend Mr. Bruzzo for any criminal matter." ~ T.O. 10/23/09