Recent Posts in Criminal Defense Category

In Muskogee, police say that they have arrested a piano and voice teacher that showed pornographic material to a 13 year old student.  The teacher, 43 year old Michael George Dunn, was charged this past Thursday with two felony counts of lewd molestation.  Following his arrest, he was jailed under a $100,000 bond.

 For the past 21 years, Dunn has worked as a piano and vocal lessons teacher for adults and juveniles.  He was charged after he forced a child to view pornography.  Court documents state that Dunn used his desktop computer to show the 13 year old graphic images and talked to the child about homosexuality.

If he is convicted of his sex crime charges, he could be sentenced with 3 to 20 years of prison for each offense.  Dunn was investigated by authorities after a parent told police about a possible crime committed against her son.

People who have been charged with sex crimes in Phoenix need help from a Phoenix criminal defense attorney.  Contact the Knowles Law Firm today to get the representation you deserve. 

In Phoenix, police say that the leader of a human-smuggling operation was sentenced with seven years imprisonment last week.  Attorney General Terry Goddard announced that 28 year old Rosalio Palacios, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, was sentenced on Friday.

In addition to having to serve time in prison, Palacios was also ordered to pay a $46,000 fine.  Palacios pled guilty to felony charges of:  participating in a criminal syndicate, illegal control of an enterprise, human smuggling, illegal use of a wire/electronic communication, and fraudulent schemes and practices.

According to reports, Palacios was the ring leader of a crime ring that engaged in human smuggling.  The organization managed to smuggle thousands of illegal immigrants into Phoenix from Mexico.  The immigrants were then sent to drop houses for $1,800 per person.

If you have been charged with serious felonies or white collar crimes in Phoenix, now is the time to contact the Knowles Law Firm and get help from a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer.

Police in Phoenix report that after an altercation two men had to be taken to the hospital for treatment.  Both men were outside of an apartment complex on the 300 block of west Dunlap when the fight occurred.

According to police, the two Hispanic men had been confronted by four black men, who may have tried to rob them.  During the alleged robbery, both men were shot.  Despite their gunshot wounds, both men are expected to survive.

When asked about the incident, Lt. Chuck Williams said, "Based on our preliminary investigation it looks like it's a robbery, tried to take some car keys…beyond that we have no idea of understanding what has happened here."

He also said that some of the people they have interviewed in relation to the case have not been cooperative.  Therefore, officers have no descriptions of the four suspects at this time.

Have you been charged with robbery in Phoenix?  If so, know that a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer from our firm can help you fight your charges.  Contact us today to learn more.

This week, a former student from Arizona State University has filed a lawsuit against the state Board of Regents.  She claims that she was sexually assaulted by a fraternity on campus nearly two years ago.  When she reported the incident, she said that it was not properly investigated by the school.

At this time, the woman is seeking an unspecified amount of damage.  However, in her suit against Arizona State University, she claims that the University's police department and disciplinary office failed to follow sexual harassment guidelines.  These guidelines are outlined by Title XI and combat gender discrimination in education.

According to the plaintiff, while attending a costume theme party in 2008, she was sexually assaulted by two members of the Sigma Chi fraternity.  The ASU Police Department has reports from the incident that say the woman reported the assault a day after it happened and that she was intoxicated when receiving treatment from Tempe St. Luke's Hospital.

ASU said that it would not comment on the pending litigation as it is the University's policy.

Charged with a sex crime in Phoenix?  If so, you should contact our law firm and seek immediate assistance from a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer.

This week in Phoenix, a man that stood accused of leading police on a massive car chase has pled guilty to numerous criminal offenses.  During the police chase, two news helicopters were trying to cover the news story and ended up crashing into one another, causing an explosion which killed pilot-reporter Craig Smith, cameraman Rick Krolak, pilot-reporter Scott Bowerbank and cameraman Jim Cox.

On Tuesday, Christopher Jermaine Jones pled guilty to four counts of aggravated assault.  Prosecutors say that in 2007, Jones tried to run over police with a stolen vehicle. Jones also pled guilty to auto theft, unlawful flight and failing to stay at the scene of the accident.  He is expected to receive sentencing on September 30^th.

People who have been charged with crimes in Phoenix, whether misdemeanors or felonies, need to hire a Phoenix criminal defense attorney immediately.  If you have been charged with a criminal offense, contact the Knowles Law Firm now!

This Thursday, a man who was wanted for the rape of a child was deported back to Mexico after being arrested in Phoenix.

US Marshalls say that 29 year old Miguel Manuel Hernandez-Beltran was arrested in Phoenix last month.  Police were on the lookout for Hernandez-Beltran after they were made aware that he molested his 7 year old nephew 15 times in 2005.  The molestation occurred in Cuidad Juarez, Mexico.

After reports were made to Mexico authorities, it is believed that Hernandez-Beltran illegally entered the United States near El Paso, Texas.  He eventually made his way to Phoenix.

One June 28^th, Hernandez-Beltran was ordered to be removed by an immigration judge.  He will be sent back to the Republic of Mexico where authorities are waiting to charge him with sex crimes.

If you have been charged with a sex crime involving a minor in the city of Phoenix, it is important that you hire a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.  Contact the Knowles Law Firm today!

Police report that a 19 year old boy by the name of Sonny Dwayne Thompson remains in the Muskogee County Detention Facility without bond.  Thompson was arrested and charged Friday with 11 sex related felonies.  His alleged victims were five boys ages 6 to 14.

Some of the sex crimes Thompson was charged with include:  forcible oral sodomy, lewd molestation, first-degree rape, indecent proposal to a child under 16 and rape by instrumentation.  Most of the charges are alleged to have occurred between June 1 and June 25.

When questioned by police, one of the young boys said that Thompson had befriended him and took him to his house where other boys were spending the night on June 25^th.  Many of the crimes allegedly took place on that evening.

Police seized Thompson's laptop and his cell phone.  They said that the 19 year old had child pornography on his phone which contained images of the victims.

When people have been charged with sex crimes, especially crimes involving children, they are facing some of the toughest legal penalties, which is why they need to obtain representation from a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer.  If you have been charged with sex crimes, contact the Knowles Law Firm now!

This week, four Mexican citizens were convicted of drug crimes in Phoenix.  The men were charged with conspiracy and possession of methamphetamine.  After a trial in the U.S. District Court in Phoenix, all were convicted by a federal jury. 

According to prosecutors, two members of the small crime ring were also convicted for felons in possession of a firearm charges. 

The drug crime charges carry a minimum sentence of 10 years to a maximum of life in prison.  Additionally, the man may be asked to pay up to $4 million in monetary finds.  The firearm charges could result in five years to life in prison as well as $250,000 in fines.   All are expected to be sentenced in October.

The four men were caught when they tried to sell methamphetamine to undercover agents in August of 2009.

Were you arrested for a felony offense, such as possession of a firearm, in Phoenix?  If so, discuss your case with a Phoenix criminal defense attorney by contacting the Knowles Law Firm.

On Tuesday, a Towson title agency officer was indicted for charges of mortgage fraud.  According to authorities, 45 year old Anthony Weis of Phoenix ran a scheme that led to him accumulating $3.4 million.

Weis was charged with 16 counts of fraud and if he is convicted he will face a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.  He will also face a $1 million fine for each of the counts.

Police say that while Weis was the president of Maple Leaf Title, he convinced lender to wire funding for real estate closings.  In return, the company was supposed to use the funds to pay mortgage holders.  Instead of making payments, Weis transferred $3.4 million out of the Maple Leaf escrow account and used it for his own personal needs.

Property owners then received notices that they were late on their payments from the entities holding mortgages or liens on their properties.  However, the notices took several months before sellers were alerted.  During the time lag, police say that Wies was able to replenish the funds in the escrow account with new real estate settlements.

Were you charged with a white collar crime, like fraud?  If you answered "yes", get the legal representation you need to fight your charges by hiring a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer from the Knowles Law Firm.  Contact our legal team now!

This week, a man that robbed a gas station in West Scranton and a drug store was sentenced to 23 years in state prison in Lackawanna County Court.  The man told police that he robbed the gas station and store to support his crack addiction.

30 year old Amin Gibson was sentenced by Judge Michael J. Barrasse after being charged with two counts of robbery. 

The incidents allegedly took place on November 20^th.   Police say that Gibson held up a Sunoco gas station on the 1200 block of South Main Avenue and then four hours later, he targeted a CVS drug store.  While robbing the gas station, Gibson allegedly held a knife to the throat of the clerk.

On November 24^th, police issued an arrest warrant in Gibson's name.  He later confessed to committing both crimes after being detained by police on December 21^st.  He told officers that he was motivated to steal because of his crack habit.

If you have been charged with robbery, it is important that you retain legal representation from a Phoenix criminal defense attorney who can protect your rights.  Contact the Knowles Law Firm today!

This Monday, a Phoenix doctor was accused of inappropriately touching a female patient.  Now, reports indicate that the doctor, 54 year old Galen Johnson, has been in the process of closing his practice for the past two months. 

According to reports, the doctor worked as a gynecologist for 10 years at a health center that is located near 99^th Avenue and Indian School Road.  During the past two months, Johnson was "ramping down" from his position at the health facility.  On Monday, the doctor was placed under arrest for sexual abuse and physical assault of a female patient.

Documents from the Maricopa County Superior Court show that police suspect two separate incidents of sexual assault and sexual abuse.  One incident allegedly took place on April 27^th and another on May 18^th while Johnson was performing a routine checkup on a patient.

Court documents state that Johnson inappropriately touched a 28 year old patient that was eight months pregnant.   Officers stated that Johnson grabbed the woman's buttocks during the first incident and during the second incident he allegedly put his hand down her shirt and touched her breast.

Johnson was arrested on June 14^th and questioned by police.  He was later booked in the Fourth Avenue Jail, but was released without posting a bond.

Have you been charged with a sex crime?  Now is the time to contact the Knowles Law Firm and discuss your case with a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer.

In Phoenix, it is reported that the top prosecutor for Maricopa County plans to seek the death penalty for a man that was charged with shooting and killing a police officer in May 2010.

County Attorney Rick Romley made an announcement last week Thursday.  He confirmed that he had decided to seek the death penalty in a case involving 30 year old defendant, Danny Ledezma Martinez.

According to court documents, Martinez was indicted on 11 counts, including first-degree murder.  He stands accused of fatally shooting Officer Travis Murphy with an AR-15 rifle.  The shooting took place on May 26^th in front of a residence in central Phoenix.

This is not the first time Martinez has been in trouble with the law.  He served 5 years for attempted sexual assault and was released in 2003.  He also served 3 years for charges of felony weapons misconduct before being released in April of 2009.

If you have been charged with a serious crime in Phoenix, contact the Knowles Law Firm and set up an initial consultation with a Phoenix criminal defense attorney immediately.

At this time, Phoenix law enforcement is requesting assistance from the public in finding two men that are wanted on warrants.

According to a recent news release, the first man police are looking for is 22 year old Melvin Leroy Grayson.  He is wants for failure to appear on charges of misconduct involving weapons and possession of marijuana with intent to sell.  Police say that Grayson is 6'2" and approximately 210 pounds.  He has black hair and brown eyes and also has tattoos that read "get money stay true" and "MLG".  Law enforcement officers reiterate that Grayson may be armed and should be considered dangerous.

Police are also trying to locate 29 year old Christian Cerna.  He is wanted for aggravated DUI and violating his original charges.  Officers report that Cena is 6 feet tall, 200 pounds, has a shaved head and green eyes.  He reportedly has a tattoo of a lizard on his left shoulder.

If you have news about these men, police encourage you to contact them immediately.

Have you been charged with a criminal offense in Phoenix?  If so, a Phoenix criminal defense attorney can help you fight your charges.  Contact the Knowles Law Firm now!

According to authorities, a native of Mexico has been arrested and is facing additional criminal charges.  Prior to his recent arrest, 47 year old Evelio Padilla-Ortega had served time in jail for prison and was deported at least twice to Mexico.

Last Friday, police arrested Ortega and he was charged with re-entering the United States after deportation.  It is a felony offense that could result in 20 years of jail time if Ortega is convicted.

Police report that Ortega was deported to Mexico in 2003.  He was also deported in 2005 after he served one year of prison time for aggravated DUI and auto theft charges.   Officers say that in 1988, Ortega committed murder in the state of California.  He then fled to his native Mexico to avoid prosecution.   He was later arrested in Mexico and found guilty of homicide committed in a foreign country.

If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Phoenix and you are in need of legal representation, contact the Knowles Law Firm to schedule a consultation with a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer.

Phoenix police recently reported that six individuals have been detained for the crimes of identification theft and forgery. 

On Monday, police said that the three women and three men were not arrested.  Police were able to detain the individuals on Friday after they attempted to pick up stolen credit cards and falsified driver's licenses.  Officers say that the cards and licenses were shipped to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport via a commercial airline.

Law enforcement was alerted then an airline employee became suspicious of the package and opened it.  The employee found three fake Taxes driver's licenses and two credit cards that had been reported as stolen.

After coming to the airport to pick up the package, police detained all six people, who arrived in Phoenix from California on June 3^rd.  Officers say that the suspects used a stolen credit card and fake driver's license from Oregon to rent a car.  They then went to a metro area in the city and withdrew thousands of dollars from banks using cash advances from the stolen credit cards.

Have you been charged with a theft crime or a serious felony in Phoenix?  If you answered "yes", it is imperative that you have a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer on your side.  Contact the Knowles Law Firm to retain the legal services you need.

In Phoenix, a 15 year old Liberian refugee was placed on probation after being charged with sex crimes.  The juvenile was charged after allegations surfaced that he participated in the gang rape of an 8 year old girl in Arizona. 

Several boys came together to rape the young victim in a storage closet in a Phoenix apartment complex.  The ages of the rapists were 9, 10, 13 and 15. 

The oldest in the attack, an unidentified teenager, pled guilty to criminal charges of kidnapping, sexual assault, sexual conduct with a minor and also attempted sex with a minor.  He told police that he held the girl down while the other boys attacked her. 

The youngest of the boys were found incompetent to stand trial and the 13 year old is due back in court on June 14^th.  The outcome of his case will largely depend upon a psychological evaluation.

All of the children involved in the incident, including the girl, are refugees from Liberia.  They have all been placed in foster care and remain there at this time.

If you have been charged with a sexual offense in Phoenix, you need to speak with a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer from the Knowles Law Firm. Contact our law office today.

Last Friday, it is reported that a 17 year old girl died during what appears to be a domestic violence dispute.  Police say that the teenager was stabbed to death during the afternoon hours in a complex located near 25^th Avenue and Glenrosa. 

Police say that the young girls and her 26 year old boyfriend got into a physical fight.  During the altercation, the boyfriend supposedly grabbed a knife and stabbed his girlfriend.

The 17 year old tried to defend herself and police report that a 31 year old even tried to stop the fight.  The woman suffered minor cuts while trying to help the girl and then finally fled the apartment to call police for help. 

Officers say that the girl died as a result of her multiple knife wounds.  Her boyfriend was also rushed to the hospital where he also died.

If you have been charged with serious violent crimes in Phoenix, like domestic violence, you should contact the Knowles Law Firm and arrange to speak with a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer from our office.  We can listen to your side of the story and provide you with the representation you need to fight your charges.

In Phoenix, firefighters gathered together to promote national Arson Awareness Week.  Firefighters in the city started an educational program called "Firesetters" that targets juveniles and tells them of the dangers of starting fires.

The Phoenix Fire Youth Firesetter Prevention Program works closely with kids that were ordered to attend courses instead of serving jail time for juvenile crimes.  The program also reaches out to children whose parents have ordered them to attend courses due to their habitual fire starting.  Through participating in the program, kids have the opportunity to learn about the dangers of international fires, which are responsible for causing 7,800 deaths or injuries on an annual basis. 

Every month, firefighters take the time to work with about 25 children and tell them about the dangers of arson.  Since its inception, the program has helped over 7,000 families in Arizona.

If your son or daughter was charged with a juvenile crime in Phoenix, such as arson, now is the time to hire a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer from the Knowles Law Firm.  Contact us today to discuss your case and explore your child's legal options.

This past Friday, it was reported that a man was unable to pay his $1 million bail, so he had to remain in police custody.  The man, 42 year old Thomas Jay Pollard, was charged with rape and other criminal offenses.

Last Thursday afternoon, police in Phoenix arrested Pollard, who was staying at a residential motel on the 500 block of North Main Street.  Police say that Pollard had been living at the motel for some time.

Police arrested Pollard after a 45 year old woman, who rents another room at the hotel, called for help and reported that she was raped.  The woman said that Pollard sexually assaulted her while she was intoxicated, unable to consent to intercourse and unable to fight him off. Once police arrived at the scene of the crime, they had the woman escorted to a local hospital so she could be examined.

On Friday, Pollard was arraigned on two counts of first degree rape, strangulation and also fourth degree sexual assault.

If you have been charged with sex crimes in Phoenix, it is important that you retain the services of a Phoenix criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.  Without help from a criminal defense lawyer, you may have to serve time in jail and face other harsh legal penalties.  Contact the Knowle Law Firm today to discuss your case.

Police in Phoenix are happy to report that after a seven month long investigation, they were able to arrest seven men who were acting as a criminal syndicate.

Officers arrested 21-year-old Calvin Howard, 20-year-old Darmon Lee, 23-year-old Christopher Roy, 20-year-old Tony Blue, 25-year-old Darnell Lemons, 21-year-old Tymothy McCrun and 21-year-old Stevvan Loai after grueling investigative work. 

According to the police, the seven men defrauded several local banks and bank customers through a "check kiting" scheme.  In order to get the scheme to work, the men recruited numerous Arizona State University students to participate.  The participants would then open bank accounts and cash checks.  These checks would then go toward paying the party crew, who managed to steal $55,000.

Later, police discovered that over 50% of the checks given to the students were stolen or forged by members of the syndicate.  The seven men were also involved in other felony and misdemeanor offenses throughout Scottsdale, Mesa and Chandler.

Charged with fraud in Phoenix?  Now is the time to consult with a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer by contacting our law office.

An East Valley man is facing manslaughter charges after fatally striking an 8-year-old boy crossing the street with his family.

The accident occurred last Wednesday around 5:30 p.m.  According to the police, traffic stopped to let the boy, his step-father, and his two siblings cross the street.  That’s when Juan Miguel Aguirre allegedly swerved around the stopped vehicles and hit the boy, whose name has not yet been released.

Despite being rushed the hospital, the boy passed away.

Investigators are saying that Aguirre left his vehicle at the scene and ran away.  Officers were eventually able to catch up with him and bring him into custody.  He has since been booked at the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office jail.

Although Aguirre was booked on manslaughter charges, he could face additional charges for hit & run and DUI.  Police suspect Aguirre could have been drunk at the time of the accident.

After robbing an apartment complex and crashing into a wall, two teenagers in Scottsdale were arrested Saturday on burglary charges.

Bridgette Egbert and Joshua Milton, both 19, were trying to flee an apartment complex after robbing several vehicles when Milton lost control and crashed into a wall.

Once officers from the Scottsdale Police Department arrived at the scene, they reportedly found three golf bags, multiple electronic devices, and several other items in the trunk of the vehicle.   It was clear the items did not belong to either Milton or Egbert.

Milton and Egbert eventually admitted to stealing the items, and were consequently arrested and booked on burglary charges.

If convicted of the charges, Milton and Egbert could be sentenced to prison, probation, license suspension, community service, restitution to the victims, and more.