Glynn Johnson, a former Los Angeles County assistant fire chief, was found guilty in Riverside County Superior Court to charges of animal cruelty (California Penal Code Section 597(a)) and use of a deadly weapon (California Penal Code Section 12022) for beating a puppy to death outside his Riverside home. The deadly weapon used to kill the mixed breed shepherd, Karley, was a 12-pound rock. Johnson was accused of the crime after a long standing feud between him and his neighbors back in 2008 where he left dog feces in his neighbors' mailbox along with a letter warning them to keep their dogs off his property.
Weeks before Johnson's arrest, protesters from various animal-rights groups were gathering in front of the District Attorney's Office asking that Johnson be prosecuted. Johnson is now facing custody time as well as a hefty fine for his crime.
Criminal Law Updates by the Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo (714) 547-4636
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
A Battery occurs whenever one person touches another without consent. A Battery can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. The amount of injury to the victim will usually decide whether the case is charged as a felony or a misdemeanor. Here is one client's experience facing a battery charge in Orange County:
"I was charged with Assault on a Peace Officer (Penal Code Section 241(b)); Battery on an Officer(Penal Code Section 243(b))and Resisting Arrest (Penal Code Section 148(a) (1)). These charges occurred as a result of an altercation I got into with a Police Officer in Orange County. I was looking at up to one year in jail for these offenses. I hired William W. Bruzzo to represent me because of his reputation and his familiarity with the courts in Orange County. I told Mr. Bruzzo that not only did I not assault the officer in question but that he assaulted me without reason or provocation. I realized that for the most part it would be my word against the officer's. Mr. Bruzzo took my case and began investigating the officer by filing motions which requested the personnel records of the officer in question. The County of Orange fought to keep the records from being revealed but Mr. Bruzzo won in the end. The personnel records of the officer in question revealed that he had had problems with violence in the past. Mr. Bruzzo used this information in his negotiations with the District Attorney. In the end, the District Attorney agreed to DISMISS all the charges against me! I am very grateful to Mr. Bruzzo for his work and I would enthusiastically recommend him for any criminal matter." ~ WR, 01/15/2010
Criminal Law Updates by the Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo (714) 547-4636
If you "Google" the phrase "shoplifting during the holidays" you will find hundreds of news items from across the country discussing how shoplifting increases during the holiday season. Not surprising, the number of shoplifting arrests increases as well. Here is video from WBKO which discusses how one major US retailer, TARGET, deals with shoplifters.
If you find yourself or a family member being accused of shoplifting (petty theft), remember retaining legal counsel is very important. Here is one client's experience.
"I was charged with Penal Code Section 488 (Petty Theft). I was alleged to have taken items worth $415.00 from a store without paying. I hired Attorney William W. Bruzzo to represent me in this matter. My most important concern was keeping my record clean. After I hired Mr. Bruzzo he made the appearances in court without my being present. Prior to my hiring Mr. Bruzzo I learned that he is extremely familiar with the District Attorneys in Orange County and this permits him to get better results for his clients. 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 community service and other requirements. 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." ~~ AL, May 14, 2009
The degree of injury to the victim will decide if a domestic violence case is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Regardless of whether the matter is charged as a felony or a misdemeanor if the client is found guilty or pleas guilty he/she must complete a 52-week batterer's course, 8 hours of community service and pay various fines and fees.
In order to avoid a client doing the 52-week batterer's class an agreement must be negotiated with the District Attorney whereby a non-domestic violence charge (Disturbing the Peace, Assault) is substituted for the domestic violence charge.
Each domestic violence charge needs to be thoroughly investigated by defense counsel. Depending on the facts of the domestic violence case and the record of the client, agreements can be reached whereby even if the crime occurred attendance at an anger management class (10-weeks) or counseling can relieve a client of the normal requirements of a domestic violence charge.
Here is a recent case result:
"I was charged with Penal Code Section 243(e) (1) [Domestic Violence Battery on a Spouse]; a conviction of this crime could have caused me to spend up to 1 year in custody. This case arose from an incident whereby I was alleged to have struck my spouse causing injury. I hired William W. Bruzzo to represent me in this matter because of his effectiveness in court and his knowledge of the law. Mr. Bruzzo told me that a conviction for a violent act such as this would have been detrimental to my record and therefore my future. In addition I was told that such a conviction could cause me to lose my job. This was especially significant because I have a family to feed and my spouse does not work. Mr. Bruzzo worked hard to get the charge changed to include going to the supervising district attorney. In the end he had the charge reduced to a Penal Code Section 415 [Disturbing the Peace]. The Domestic Violence Charge was dismissed. I truly believe that without Mr. Bruzzo's familiarity with the Orange County Courts and the law I would not have received such a good result. I would enthusiastically recommend him for any criminal matter." ~~JC, December 2, 2009
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
