Murder - Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo

Second Hit & Run Offense Penalties

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 19:23:05 GMT

Earlier this year, Rebecca Grossman was found guilty of second-degree murder in the hit-and-run deaths of Mark Iskander, 11, and brother Jacob Iskander, 8. The hit-and-run occurred on September 29, 2020, in Los Angeles County. Grossman fatally struck the young brothers, who were in a designated crosswalk, with her white Mercedes. She had been driving 81 mph then tapped her brakes to slow down to 73 mph seconds before the collision, according to the data recorder in her vehicle.

The jury unanimously found Grossman guilty on all counts, including two felony counts each of second-degree murder and gross vehicular manslaughter, as well as one felony count of hit-and-run driving resulting in death. Grossman faces 34 years to life in prison.

As this case makes clear, hit and run can result in serious consequences. If you are facing allegations of a hit and run offense, call us today to speak with an Orange County criminal defense lawyer.

Hit and Run Offenses: The Basics

A hit and run offense occurs when a driver leaves the scene of an accident without stopping to exchange information or provide assistance to the injured parties. In California, it is a criminal offense, and the severity of the penalties depends on various factors, including the level of injury or property damage involved.

In cases of a second hit and run offense, the penalties are more severe. The court takes into account your previous conviction and can impose stricter penalties to discourage repeat offenses. It is critical to seek the guidance and representation of an experienced Orange County criminal defense lawyer if you find yourself in this situation.

Penalties for a Second Hit & Run Offense

The penalties for a second hit and run offense in Orange County can vary depending on the circumstances of the case, but generally include:

Mandatory Jail Time: A second hit and run offense often comes with mandatory jail time. The length of the sentence depends on various factors, including the level of injury or property damage.
Permanent Criminal Record: A conviction for a second hit and run offense will result in a permanent criminal record, which can have long-term consequences on your personal and professional life.
License Suspension: Your driver’s license may be suspended for a certain period as a result of a second hit and run offense. This can significantly impact your ability to commute, work, and carry out your daily activities.
Increased Fines: The fines for a second hit and run offense are typically higher than those for a first offense. You could be facing fines ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
Probation: The court may impose a probationary period as part of your sentence, where you are required to comply with certain conditions, such as regular check-ins with a probation officer and avoiding any further criminal activity.
Restitution: If you caused any property damage or physical injuries as a result of the hit and run, you may be required to pay restitution to the victims to compensate for their losses.
Vehicle Impoundment: In some cases, the court may order the impoundment of your vehicle involved in the hit and run offense. This can result in additional expenses and inconveniences.

Contact an Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyer Now!

Have a skilled Orange County criminal defense lawyer by your side. The Law Offices of William Bruzzo provides you with the legal support and aggressive representation you are entitled to. Schedule a free case review and legal consultation with us now.

Woman Kills Her Two Children Then Attempts Suicide in Orange County

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 22:20:00 GMT

The arraignment for Marilyn Edge was to occur on October 25 2013; however, in court on October 25th the arraignment was delayed until Dec. 13, 2013. She is being charged with two counts of murder for the deaths of her children, 10 year old Faith and 13 year old Jaelen. She is being held without bail. At her original arraignment hearing on September 17, 2013, when asked by the judge in court if she would agree to have her arraignment continued, Edge responded by requesting the death penalty.

The children’s bodies were found in a Santa Ana motel after she had told police where to find their bodies. Edge had crashed her car into metal posts in Costa Mesa in an attempt to kill herself. Police found a propane tank in her car; Edge had wanted to blow up the car with a crash. When the crash did not end her life, she tried strangling herself with electrical wires. Once she was taken out of the car she told police about the children. According to the LA Times the children’s father had full custody and lives in Georgia, while Edge lived in Scottsdale, Arizona. She had brought the kids to California on the pretense of taking them to Disneyland.

NBC 4 Southern California reports on this case, , you can see the video here.

Marine Who Killed Homeless Facing Death Penalty

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 00:53:00 GMT

Ex-Marine Itzcoatl Ocampo could be sentenced to death if convicted of murder. According to the Orange County Register he is facing six felony counts of murder, with sentencing enhancements for personal use of a deadly weapon during the commission of a crime, and special circumstances for lying in wait and multiple murders. Media outlets reported about the homeless men that had been stabbed to death and police eventually arresting Ocampo for the crimes. Now he also faces two other murder counts for the deaths of two Yorba Linda residents Raquel Estrada and her son Juan Herrera. Investigators found similarities at the crime scene where Estrada and Herrera were killed, to those of the homeless victims. The grand jury was presented with Ocampo’s interrogation recording where he confesses to the six murders. It is reported that Ocampo explained to authorities that he joined the Marines in order to learn how to kill.

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

Homeless killings in OC: Prosecutors to seek death penalty (abclocal.go.com)
Death penalty sought for ex-Marine charged in ‘serial thrill-kill spree’ (cnn.com)

Orange County Boyfriend and Father Faces Murder Charges

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 00:55:00 GMT

Shazer Fernando Limas has been charged with the stabbing death of the mother of his sons in Anaheim, Orange County California. His two children, one year old Fernando and three month old Emanuel are missing. Lima is being charged with their deaths as well. There are no clues suggesting where the boys are or if they are still alive. Relatives and authorities had been searching for Contreras and hoping to hear from her. Her body was found on April 25th next to a gutter covered by a tarp. Authorities are stipulating that Limas had stabbed her and their sons to death on April 14th. A cleaning crew discovered blood under the carpet, on the walls and on the floor at Limas’ apartment. He had moved out on April 28th and had been arrested on May 3rd after a high-speed chase that started near John Wayne Airport and ended near the San Clemente Border Patrol checkpoint. He faces sentencing enhancements for multiple murders and use of a deadly weapon which can result in his being sentenced to death.

Watch KABC Los Angeles News coverage of this story.

Criminal Law Updated by the Law Offices of Orange County Defense Lawyer William W. Bruzzo (714) 547-4636.

Slain Orange County mother’s 2 young boys missing, feared dead (abclocal.go.com)
Pursuit Suspect To Be Arraigned In Murders Of His Girlfriend, 2 Sons (losangeles.cbslocal.com)
Missing woman’s body found in L.A. (ocregister.com)
Calif. Man Charged With Killing Girlfriend, 2 Sons (abcnews.go.com)

Jury Unable to Decide if 1988 Rapist-Killer Should Get Death

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 00:57:00 GMT

There was still no verdict on the death penalty sentence for Jason Michael Balcom who was convicted in March of murdering and sexually assaulting a pregnant woman in Costa Mesa back in 1988. The DA is pushing for the death penalty on the count of the violent nature of the crime. She had been gagged and bound and stabbed in the chest. Deputy District Attorney Matt Murphy explains that Balcom deserve the death penalty because of his previous sexual assault cases. Also based on the tragedy the family had to endure. The defense attorney for Balcom, Dolores Yost argues for life without parole citing his upbringing in shaping his life. This mother was mentally ill, “needy, manipulative and self-absorbed” and her suicide on train tracks providing a troubling childhood for Balcom. The penalty retrial was scheduled to begin on May 14, 2012.

Seal Beach Shooter Appears in Orange County Court House

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 01:39:00 GMT

The arraignment for Scott Dekraai, the Seal Beach shooter, will be postponed to November 29, 2011. He is charged with eights counts of first degree murder, and one count of attempted murder according to the Los Angeles Times. The special circumstance of committing multiple murders was also included in the charges and carry the death penalty. The suspect’s attorney asked the court for more time in order to gather a defense team. District Attorney Tony Rackauckas believes Dekraai’s attorney will go for an insanity defense. Dekraai’s family law attorney spoke of his client’s need for medications to treat depression and one for preventing seizures. The judge will have the jail medical staff evaluate Dekraai. According to news reports the courtroom was full with relatives and friends of the victims from the Seal Beach incident. They did not speak with the media. The defendant is said to have opened fire at a salon where his ex-wife was working killing 8 and leaving one in the hospital. It is believed that Dekraai had been involved in a custody dispute with his former wife.

Parents’ Murder Conviction for Neglect Upheld

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 01:44:00 GMT

The Georgia Supreme Court upheld the murder convictions of an Atlanta couple. The parents had been found guilty by a jury in 2007 for malice murder, involuntary manslaughter, felony murder, and cruelty to children. The incident is from 2004, when the parents took their 6 week infant to the hospital for breathing problems. The infant boy died at the hospital and doctors determined the cause of death to be extreme malnourishment or starvation. The baby weighed 3.5 lbs. Police were sent to the home of the couple and found empty cartons of soy milk. The prosecutors alleged that the couple had intentionally neglected their child.

‘Caylee’s Law’ will Make a Crime of Failing to Report

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 04:29:00 GMT

In response to Casey Anthony’s acquittal lawmakers in Florida, New York, West Virginia and Oklahoma are preparing to create a law that requires the immediate notification to the authorities of a child’s death or disappearance. The idea started as an online petition on the website Change.org. What is being called Caylee’s Law would make it a crime if the parent or guardian does not report a child’s death within the hour. It would also be a crime if the guardian or parent does not report a child’s disappearance. In the Anthony case Florida does not have such a law, therefore the District Attorney could not charge her for failing to report. While Anthony’s behavior was suspicious, apparently there was not enough for a jury to convict her of murder. It is hoped that creation of this new law will cause more responsible parenting if not avoiding an outcome as unfortunate as the one that befell little Caylee Anthony.

Orange County Woman Shoots Husband and Son

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 04:35:00 GMT

A mother accused of murder and attempted murder will face additional charges in a shooting incident that occurred on Mother’s Day in Tustin Ranch. Annamaria Gana reportedly fired a gun toward her bedroom ceiling. Her husband and teenage son then entered the room. Gana subsequently fired at her husband hitting him in the chest. She then shot her teenage son in the arm as he was running away. He ran outside and managed to call police. Her youngest son, who is 9 years old manage to wrestle the gun away from his mother. The father of the two boys was found dead inside the home. Gana is facing an additional attempted murder charge and special circumstances murder allegedly because she was lying in wait for her husband. Enhancements were also added, one for personal discharge of a firearm causing death and shooting a gun causing great bodily injury. She could be facing life in prison without the possibility of parole. It is possible that the woman suffered from mental health issues and had recently had her medication changes.

Irvine Parents Killed by Daughter’s Boyfriend

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 17:54:00 GMT

Three men are going on trial for the deaths of two Irvine residents. The victims were the parents of a young woman who was dating one of the Defendants. Another daughter suffered serious injuries in the attack. The parents were found dead, their bodies showed evidence of being stabbed and beaten. The remains were found at a park in Irvine early in the morning; they had been set on fire. Officials explain that the victims were targeted by the boyfriend of the youngest member of the Dhanak family, who was unharmed and not at the house during the incident. Her parents had told her to end the relationship with Iftekhar Murtaza, who they did not approve of. Vitaliy Krasoperov, a friend of Mr. Murtaza, will go on trial for aiding and abetting, since according to prosecutors he participated in the planning and cover up of the incident. His defense attorney will argue that his client was at home recuperating from a motorcycle accident. He is being charged with conspiring to commit murder, two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, sentencing enhancements for multiple murders, murder during a commission of a burglary, and murder during a kidnapping. The third defendant, Charles Murphy is a long time friend of Murtaza and faces life in prison with out the possibility of parole for similar charges. Penal Code Sections 664-187.

Suspect in Natalie Holloway Case Facing Murder Charge in Peru

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:54:00 GMT

The FBI was scheduled to fly to Peru in order to investigate Joran van der Sloot’s laptop. They will be looking for any evidence connected to the Natalee Holloway case from 2005. Ms. Holloway was found murdered on the island of Aruba during her spring break; her killer has never been found but Mr. van der Sloot was a suspect. In Peru, van der Sloot is being accused of first degree murder and robbery involving the death of Stephany Flores in 2009. The suspect met Flores in a hotel in Lima at a gambling table. He has confessed to the killing but refuses to plead guilty to first degree murder. His defense attorney Maximo Alvarez explained that there was no premeditation by his client, and that the incident was out of “violent emotion” as quoted by CNN. Under Peruvian law van der Sloot could plead guilty to a lesser charge, similar to a manslaughter charge. The crime of passion type charge carries 3-5 years in prison in Peru. The Dutch national confessed to killing Flores after she was prying online on his laptop and found his connection to the Holloway case. He said she hit him in the head, and during the incident he elbowed her in the eye, strangled her with his hands and in the end used his shirt to cover her face until she stopped breathing. He then fled to Chile where he was captured by authorities. Van der Sloot faces charges in the US for extortion and wire fraud. Authorities explain that he had asked Holloway’s parents for money in exchange for the location of their daughter’s body. That information turned out to be false.

Missing Women’s Husband Injured Evading Sheriff

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 21:05:00 GMT

The husband of a missing woman has been arrested under suspicion of murder. David Viens was arrested as he recuperates from the injuries he received last week when he jumped off a cliff. He was trying to evade Sheriff’s deputies in Rancho Palos Verdes where the height of the cliff was 80 feet. Today officials were at his restaurant in Lomita where Coroners and cadaver dogs were on sight as portions of the restaurant were being excavated. Last week Veins was listed as being in critical condition at Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Blood was found at his former residence and it was noted that he never reported his wife missing. She has not been seen since October 2009 and is presumed dead. Dawn Viens was last seen leaving her husband’s restaurant.

High Stakes Attempted Murder Trial in Orange County

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 21:12:00 GMT

A fight at an Irvine home sent one man to the hospital with a stab wound to the chest back in April of 2009. The victim was Andre Murillo, and on February 8, 2011, a trauma surgeon, Dr. Nastanski, testified at the preliminary hearing of Defendant Abdullah Wahadi. The defendant is charged with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. Dr. Nastanski explained that the cut had severed the outer layer of Mr. Murrillo’s heart and further explained that such a cut could cause bleeding into the chest which could have been fatal. Mr. Wahadi’s defense attorney asked the doctor about traces of marijuana and amphetamines in the victim’s blood. According to the Orange County Register the defense attorney asked Mr. Murillo about a previous incident involving him and his father. Specifically, whether or not Murillo pushed or head butted his father, which Murillo said “I don’t believe that happened”. An Irvine police officer testified as well, giving accounts from two of Mr. Murillo’s friends. Officer Flores described how one witness described seeing Wahadi punching Murillo several times, and on one occasion saw a knife. Also one witness said that the physical altercation occurred outside of the house, after an argument between the two inside the house. The article did not explain why the men had been arguing.

Generally questions about whether a victim was under the influence of drugs is only admissible where if the Defendant intends to claim self defense toward a drug crazed assailant-victim. Otherwise, such questions are usually irrelevant, not admissible and may not be asked. It is unclear what relevance asking the victim about an incident with his father since that would not appear to be relevant unless the Defendant was trying to show he was acting in self defense and the victim had a propensity for violence.

Mr. Wahadi’s only possible defenses to this case are that it simply did not happen or that he was acting in self defense or defense of others. Notably, self defense usually only permits like force with like force to be applied. So if Mr. Murillo was using his fist and Mr. Wahadi used a knife that may not qualify as self defense.

Irvine is generally considered one of the safest places in America and is consistently on top 10 lists for American cities with little crime. For such a serious crime to have been committed there has been a shock to the locals. If convicted Mr. Wahadi could face life in prison. See Penal Code Sections 664-187, 245(a) (1).

Death Sentence Upheld by California State Supreme Court

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 21:21:00 GMT

In 1993 , James Florville, 82, and his wife, Madelynne, 72 were stabbed to death in their Mead Valley home. Today, January 31, 2011, Albert Jones, the convicted murderer, was sentenced to death by the State Supreme Court of California. While the state court upheld the death sentence, two justices expressed concern about racial bias in the case; Jones is African American, while his victims were both white.

While the majority ruling, written by Justice Ming W. Chin, states that the prosecution exercised its challenges to obtain a fair jury, and did not eliminate African-American jurors, Justice Kathryn Mickle Werdegar and Carlos R. Moreno dissented on grounds that the prosecutors’ reasons for excusing three of five black prospective jurors were not backed by the evidence, and could have been racially based. This 6th Amendment right, the right to a jury of your peers, is part of the foundation of our legal system.

Former USC Student Back in Court

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 21:51:00 GMT

In 2005 former USC student, Holly Ashcraft, arrived at a Southern California Hospital showing signs of having just given birth. Police were unable to locate the infant which she claimed was still born. Los Angeles Prosecutors tried unsuccessfully to try her for murder but settled for a lesser child of endangerment in 2008. Ms. Ashcraft was put on probation which included requirements that she attend mandatory counseling and pregnancy testing. Last week a Los Angeles Judge found that she had not complied with all the terms of her probation and incarcerated her pending a hearing until January 3, 2011. Penal Code Sections 273a (a), 273a (b).

Orange County 88-Year-Old Charged with Murder in “Mercy Killing”

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 22:03:00 GMT

By any measure Roy Laird appeared to be a doting husband when it concerned his ailing 86 year old wife Clara. Even as she deteriorated to the point where her daughter described her mind as being “gone”, he continued to take care of her. Finally, he reluctantly put her in a senior home. Then on November 21, 2010 he intentionally shot her in the head with a gun killing her.

The couple’s 68-year-old daughter described the act as a “mercy killing” because of her mother’s incapacitated state. However, the Orange County District Attorney has charged him with murder in the death of his wife. While there is some sympathy for Mr. Laid from the public and even his family, the law does not have a mercy killing exception to murder in these “vegetative state” situations.

This issue is reminiscent of the situation with Dr. Jack Kervorkian who assisted those with terminal illnesses with committing suicide. Dr. Kervorkian was found guilty of breaking the law even though he did not actually directly cause the person’s death. He would just show them how to administer the poison which eventually killed them.

Mr. Laird of course moved directly in killing his wife. Mr. Laird is facing a life sentence or as much as 50 years for this killing. Of course any sentence at his age would be a life sentence. This case brings to light the horrible angst the incapacitation of a loved one can bring.

Drunk Driver Who Killed Angel’s Pitcher Found Guilty of Murder

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 02:18:00 GMT

A jury found Andrew Gallo guilty of three counts of second-degree murder, two felony counts of driving under the influence resulting in great bodily injury and a felony hit and run. After colliding with the victim’s car as he went more then 65 miles an hour, Gallo fled the scene on foot. His injured stepbrother was at the scene. The twenty-three year old will be sentenced on December 10th with a possible sentence of 51 years and eight months to life in prison. Relatives of the victims and Mr. Gallo were present to hear the verdict. District Attorney Tony Rackauckas told reporters that this sends a message regarding the consequences of driving under the influence and the severity of the issue. Gallo’s defense attorney released a statement expressing her disapproval of the verdict of second degree murder instead of what she explained was the more appropriate charges of vehicular manslaughter. See, Vehicle Code Sections 23153 (a) (b)

Criminal Law Updates by Law Offices of Orange County Defense Attorney William W. Bruzzo (714) 547-4636

Here is the AP video covering the verdict:

New Evidence Revealed in Amanda Knox Case

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:43:00 GMT

Who can forget the infamous case of Amanda Knox, the young American girl sentenced to 26 years for brutally murdering her British roommate while studying abroad in Perugia, Italy?

Well, an interesting twist has now developed in this sordid tale which may help Knox’s appeal. An Italian mobster currently serving time, has given a videotaped statement saying his brother, not Knox, killed the 21-year-old Meredith Kercher back in 2007.

Luciano Aviello said he tried contacting the Perugia court three times last year with his story, but was unsuccessful. He finally gave his statement to Knox’s attorneys last month when they visited him in the Italian prison, which will be used by Knox’s lawyers in her upcoming appeal.

Aviello, who comes from Naples, is a member of the Mariano crime family and is currently serving 17 years for his association with the mafia. He has testified against the mob in several criminal trials, but always from behind a screen so as to protect his identity for fear of retaliation.

In his statement, Aviello points the finger at his brother, Antonio, for the murder of Kercher. He says that Antonio confessed to him about killing Meredith and then asked him to hide a blood-stained knife and set of keys. Knox’s attorneys say Aviello’s information is significant and worth investigating, since the keys to the house where Kercher and Knox lived were never found.

Orange County Prosecutor: Killer’s Photos Could be of Additional Victims

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:29:00 GMT

Convicted murder Rodney Alcala has again been sentenced to death for two murders from the 1970’s. The case gained attention outside of Orange County and has been featured in print and television news as Alcala represented himself on his third trial for multiple murders after the prior trials were reversed on appeal. Alcala also defended himself during the penalty phase of his trial where a jury recommended the death penalty. News reports of his death sentence brought attention to the many photos Alcala took during the 1970’s. The Huntington Beach Police Department in Orange County released the photos to the media to see if it generated information from the public regarding the subjects in the photos. According to the Orange County Register prosecutor Matt Murphy expressed a concern that the people depicted in the photos were missing or possible additional victims of Alcala. The police were able to get a search warrant for a storage locker in Seattle and Alcala’s home in Monterrey Park. Authorities explained that they have received calls from people stating that they are the subjects in the pictures. Some photos had addresses and the police have followed up with family members at those locations with no one being identified as missing. The photos can be seen on the Orange County Register website.

Anyone with information can contact Huntington Beach PD Detective Patrick Ellis at 714-375-5066, pellis@hbpd.org or Supervising District Attorney Investigator Ed Berakovich at 714-347-8492.

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

Here is an Associated Press video regarding Alcala and the photos:

Fortune Teller Murder Orange County

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 04:10:00 GMT

A death penalty hearing is set for Tanya Jaime Nelson in Orange County Superior Court; she was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder for stabbing Ha “Jade” Smith and her daughter Anita Vo. The motive for the murders was that Ha Smith a fortune teller, told Nelson she would do better by moving her business to North Carolina. In the end Nelson’s business relocation failed and she lost her house. Her co-defendant Phillipe Zamora who was also charged with two counts of first-degree murder, agreed to testify against Nelson in exchange for a 50 year to life prison sentence, avoiding the death penalty. Zamora testified he agreed to travel with Nelson to Orange County because she would in turn introduce him to gay sexual partners according to the Orange County Register. He described the April 21, 2005 incident in which he and Nelson were at the victim’s home, which doubled as her place of business. He explained how his co-defendant stabbed Vo which made Smith scream and Nelson yell “Don’t let her scream!” Zamora’s reaction was to hit Smith with a wine bottle and once on the floor stabbed her with two knives. Before leaving the residence Nelson took some jewelry, credit cards and money. In the end the stolen credit cards she used led to her arrest in addition to police finding she had a scheduled appointment on the day of the murders.