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Recent Blog Posts in March 2010

March 29, 2010
  Arizona House Considers Concealed Weapons Law
Posted By Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer

Arizona lawmakers are considering new legislation that would make it legal for any U.S. citizen 21 years of age or older to carry a concealed weapon without needing a permit.

If the bill is passed, Arizona would be the third state in the U.S. to allow adults to carry a weapon without a permit, the other two states being Alaska and Vermont.

Under current Arizona laws, carrying a concealed weapon is a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to six months in jail and up to $25,000 in fines. If you were arrested in Phoenix or the surrounding areas for carrying a concealed weapon, it’s important to contact an attorney right away. The prosecutors won’t care if the weapon in your possession is legal or illegal, if you do not have a permit you will face criminal charges.

At the Knowles Law Firm, we have extensive experience in Arizona criminal law, and can provide you with the aggressive defense you need against your weapons charges. Although carrying a concealed weapon is just a misdemeanor offense, you could still be sent to jail and a conviction will still appear on your criminal record. As when facing any charges, it’s best to leave your case in the hands of trained criminal lawyer.

Please feel free to contact the Knowles Law Firm today if you are searching for an experienced and dedicated Phoenix criminal defense attorney to help you fight your charges!

Continue reading "Arizona House Considers Concealed Weapons Law" »

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March 24, 2010
  Phoenix Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Scheme
Posted By Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer

Last week a federal judge sentenced a man to 17 years in prison for his involvement in a $9.5 million mortgage fraud scheme.

According to Phoenix authorities, 51-year-old Mario G. Bernadel of Haiti led a scheme for a year and a half in which he would purchase multiple properties—37 to be exact—with fraudulent loan documents. When the properties would close he would receive cash back. 

Bernadel was convicted of 19 counts of mortgage fraud, including mail fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering.

Also charged in connection with the scheme were seven co-conspirators, each of whom pleaded guilty.

Experienced Federal Criminal Defense in Phoenix

If you are currently being investigated for a federal crime, such as fraud, it’s important to speak with an attorney right away. Federal charges are nothing to mess around with, as nearly all federal crimes carry heavy penalties and consequences. At the Knowles Law Firm, we have experience in federal criminal defense, something not all criminal defense law firms can claim. Defending a client in federal court is quite different than defending a client in state court, and not all attorneys are qualified to practice federal law.

At the Knowles Law Firm, we never shy away from the chance to help someone fight their charges. If you have been arrested for fraud, money laundering, or any other federal offense, you can turn to a Phoenix federal crimes defense attorney at the Knowles Law Firm for dedicated, experienced, and trusted representation!

If you're interested in discussing your charges in more detail, please contact the office today at (888) 332-5621 or (602) 702-5431.

Continue reading "Phoenix Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Scheme" »

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March 16, 2010
  Man, 20, Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Arson and Manslaughter
Posted By Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer

A 20-year-old youth center worker will spend the next 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to arson and manslaughter.

John Antonucci started what turned out to be a deadly fire at the youth center where he worked in order to cover up evidence that he stole money from the center.  According to officials, Antonucci was a former employee of Young Champions for America, and was under investigation for embezzlement.

Jack Balentine of the Phoenix Fire Investigation Department said that Antonucci set the blaze with an accomplice who also worked at the youth center. Antonucci’s job was to stand outside and keep watch while the other man doused the building in gasoline and set it on fire. Authorities say Antonucci told them he heard a loud explosion while he was outside, and then saw his accomplice run out of the building on fire.

Instead of staying to help his friend, Antonucci fled the scene without calling for help. It was Antonucci’s accomplice, 28-year-old Josh Robinson, that died in the fire.

Contact an Aggressive Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorney

Arson is a serious felony offense that warrants numerous penalties, including imprisonment, large fines, probation, and restitution to the victim. When arson is committed in an attempt to cover up another crime, as is the case with Antonucci, enhanced penalties are warranted.

At the Knowles Law Firm, we can help if you have recently been arrested and charged with arson. We understand arson charges require aggressive defense, and are prepared to do the hard work necessary to ensure you are in the best position possible throughout the criminal process. During this unsettling time, you can depend on us to be by your side every step of the way, protecting your rights and fighting for your freedom.

Contact a  Phoenix criminal defense lawyer at the Knowles Law Firm today to schedule an appointment to discuss your case.

Continue reading "Man, 20, Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Arson and Manslaughter " »

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March 11, 2010
  Northern Arizona Couple Arrested After Deputies Find Over 50 Pot Plants
Posted By Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer

When deputies from the Coconino Sheriff’s Department were called to a home in Williams to investigate reports of domestic abuse, the last thing they expected to find was dozens of marijuana plants.  

While the deputies were talking to the couple on their front porch, they could smell burning marijuana. The couple told the deputies they had been smoking marijuana just before they arrived, but both Roy Maciejewski and Mary Ann Schmidt were arrested and taken into custody.

The next day, the deputies and the Northern Arizona Street Crimes Task Force returned with a search warrant. Inside the home they found a special light for growing immature marijuana plants and more than 50 mature plants in a hidden room off the garage. The deputies also found marijuana plants drying throughout the house.

Both Maciejewski and Schmidt have been charged with possession of marijuana, cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale, possession of a dangerous drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Drug offenses are taken very seriously in the state of Arizona, so seriously in fact that it’s imperative to contact an experienced drug defense lawyer if you’ve been arrested in connection with a drug crime. At the Knowles Law Firm, we have extensive experience in Arizona criminal law, and have helped many clients successfully fight their drug charges. We understand the consequences a conviction carries, and are dedicated to using our experience, resources, and knowledge of the law to help our clients beat their charges.

For more information about our drug defense services, please contact the Knowles Law Firm today to schedule an appointment with a   Phoenix drug crimes lawyer at the office.

Continue reading "Northern Arizona Couple Arrested After Deputies Find Over 50 Pot Plants" »

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March 08, 2010
  10 Sex Offenders Arrested for Registration Violations in Yuma
Posted By Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer

Ten registered sex offenders have been arrested by Yuma County Sheriff’s deputies for failing to register their e-mail addresses and online user names, a requirement of the their sentences.

Over the course of two days, with help from the Yuma Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Marshals, and Yuma County Adult Probation, officers were able to make their arrests.

The arrests are the culmination of a month-long investigation. As part of their sex offender registration requirement, all of the men were required to report their username and email address if they joined a social networking site.

Since their arrest, each of the ten sex offenders has been booked in the Yuma County Jail.

Arrested for a Sex Offender Registration Violation?

When a person is ordered to register as a sex offender, it is very important that they adhere to any rules or guidelines set forth by the judge.  Failure to register or violating any aspect of a sex offender registration order can result in arrest and additional criminal penalties. If you are facing criminal penalties for failure to register, you can trust an experienced  Phoenix sex crimes defense lawyer at the Knowles Law Firm to provide you with committed and aggressive defense against your charges. To set up a consultation to learn more about the defense services offered at the firm, please call (888) 332-5621 or (602) 702-5431!

Continue reading "10 Sex Offenders Arrested for Registration Violations in Yuma" »

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March 03, 2010
  3 Arrested for Stealing Tons of Gas—Literally!
Posted By Knowles Law Firm

Three men have been taken into custody for stealing hundreds of gallons of gasoline from two Circle K gas stations.

After an alarm had been activated signaling the station was losing large amounts of gas, the clerk immediately contacted the police. When police arrived at the scene, they were able to successfully detain the suspects, Jared Desanti and George Brabakos. Upon searching their vehicle police found another suspect inside the vehicle who was passed out from the fumes. The man, Robert Jeter, was taken to the hospital where he later regained consciousness.

According to police, the men would stop a white van over the gasoline pumps and then park an Altima next to the van to make it look like the Altima was assisting the van with mechanical problems. The van was equipped with a false bottom, siphoning equipment, and a 450 gallon tank, making it possible for them to steal gasoline.

At the time of the arrest, the men had already filled the tank with 200 gallons of gas, and their equipment was still in the ground.

All three suspects were arrested and booked in the Fourth Avenue Jail for armed burglary.

Aggressive Defense Against Burglary in Phoenix

The Knowles Law Firm offers experienced defense representation against all types of theft crimes, including armed burglary. If you have been arrested for burglary, a Phoenix criminal defense attorney at our office can provide you with the protection and aggressive defense you need to reduce your chances of going to jail for this offense. There ways to fight burglary charges, and we are committed to preparing the strongest defense possible.

Contact the Knowles Law Firm today to set up a consultation to discuss your case!

Continue reading "3 Arrested for Stealing Tons of Gas—Literally!" »

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