Recent Blog Posts

Shoplifting Suspect Arrested after Assaulting Officer

Rivas Law Group — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:00:00 GMT

Recently, law enforcement officers in Corpus Christi say that they were able to arrest a man that assaulted an off-duty city marshal. Prior to the assault, the marshal had tried to stop the man from shoplifting.

Upon learning of the incident, police in Corpus Christi issued an arrest warrant for 32 year old Orlando Garcia.

On June 23^rd, City Marshal R. Guerrero was off duty when he was involved in a scuffle outside of a local Home Depot with the defendant. During the assault, Guerrero suffered cuts on his arms.

Garcia was arrested in Robstown on suspicion of aggravated robbery following the incident. He is currently being held in Nueces County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail.

If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Orlando, such as shoplifting or assault, you need to protect your best interests and hire an Orlando criminal defense lawyer. To speak with an attorney, contact Rivas Law Firm today!

Hit and Run Suspect Caught

Rivas Law Group — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:10:00 GMT

In Staten Island, police were able to arrest a man that was connected to a deadly hit and run accident. The accident led to the death of a 47 year old woman.

According to police, David Lozan was behind the wheel of a black four door sedan that hit the victim while she was pulled over. The victim had stopped her vehicle and was checking on a mechanical problem when she was struck on the corner of Targee Street and Laurel Avenue.

Before the hit and run, a good Samaritan saw the woman in distress and had pulled over his jeep to help her. Moments later, Lozano tried to squeeze between the two parked vehicles and hit the victim's car, the victim and the car that belonged to the 23 year old Samaritan.

After hitting the woman, Lozano sped north and was later apprehended by police who charged him with DUI and leaving the scene of an accident.

Charged with hit and run in Orlando? If so, contact Rivas Law Firm and consult with an Orlando criminal defense lawyer!

Attempted Rape Suspect Caught by Police

Rivas Law Group — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:30:00 GMT

Last month, an attempted rape in a pool restroom was reported to law enforcement. Now, police say that they have made an arrest.

This month, police arrested 22 year old Fernandito Carpio in an attempted homicide. Police say that while a female victim was entering her apartment, Carpio approached her. He then sexually battered her before cutting her throat. The 24 year old victim was able to escape from the back entrance of her residence and is currently recovering from her injuries.

Following the incident, police canvassed the area looking for the suspect. Through an anonymous tip, they were able to bring the suspect into custody.

After they arrested Carpio, they noticed similarities between the recent attack and the attack that took place last month. They showed a picture of Carpio to the first victims and she made a positive ID. The second victim also identified Carpio as the man that had attacked her.

The Rivas Law Firm represents those who have been charged with serious felonies in Orlando. If you have been charged with a felony, contact Rivas Law Firm and speak with an Orlando criminal defense attorney today!

Couple Found in Apparent Murder-Suicide

Rivas Law Group — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 21:10:00 GMT

In Orlando, police say that they found a married couple dead inside of their Florida home. Officers believe that the deaths were a murder-suicide.

According to the Orange County Sheriff's Office, 52 year old Jose Duran shot his wife, 47 year old Aida Duran. After killing his wife, he then turned the gun on himself. Police found the bodies after the couple's adult son asked officers to check on his parents.

At this time, the sheriff's office is not saying what may have led to the murder and suicide. However, they have revealed that there is no documented history of domestic violence.

Last week, the couple celebrated their 30^th wedding anniversary.

If you have been charged with a felony offense, such as murder, it is imperative that you seek help from an Orlando criminal defense lawyer who can protect your rights. Contact Rivas Law Firm to discuss your charges with a legal professional.

Woman Charged with Prostitution in New York

Rivas Law Group — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 02:40:00 GMT

In Syracuse, New York, a woman was charged with prostitution and endangering the welfare of a child. The charges were brought against 20 year old Constance M. Hollister after her customer saw a young child in the woman's home while the two were engaged in business.

After the man went to police, officers moved forward and charged Hollister with two misdemeanor offenses.

On June 29^th, police had received anonymous complaints of prostitution at Hollister's apartment, so they began an investigation. One of the complaints came from the man who had spotted a child in the apartment while he was having sex with Hollister.

An undercover officer was sent to Hollister's apartment and she offered to have sex with him for $190. The officer said that the child was present when Hollister offered her services. Following her arrest, Child Protective Services was notified.

Even though prostitution is a misdemeanor offense, people should still hire an Orlando criminal defense lawyer when they have been charged with this sex crime. To ensure you get the representation you deserve, contact Rivas Law Firm now!

3 Suspects Arrested for Attempted Burglary

Rivas Law Group — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:00:00 GMT

Police in Florida say that they were able to arrest three men that had tried to break into an ATM at Publix in Flagler County. The men were caught by police while heading to the beach and removing their clothing.

According to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office, the three suspects matched the description and were spotted heading to Flagler Beach pier less than 10 minutes after the attempted theft occurred.

The clothes that they were removing matched the clothes that were worn by the suspects on a surveillance tape. Officers also found burglary tools.

Grant Morse (45), Patrick Giovine (20) and Ethan Gaboury (19) were all arrested by authorities. Following their arrest, they were charged with attempted burglary of an ATM, wearing a mask during the commission of a felony, possession of burglary tools, obstruction by disguise and destruction of evidence. At this time, they are being held in the Flagler County Inmate Facility in lieu of bail.

If you have been charged with a theft crime, such as burglary, now is the time to discuss your case with an Orlando criminal defense lawyer. To speak with a legal professional, contact Rivas Law Firm now!

17 Year Old Attempted to Kill Librarian during Burglary

Rivas Law Group — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:00:00 GMT

In Orlando, a 17 year old was arrested by police after he allegedly stabbed a local librarian. It is reported that the librarian had interrupted the boy while he was trying to rob the facility, which was closed for Independence Day weekend.

According to police, the boy fled into nearby woods and stayed there until he could no longer bear the bugs. After he emerged from the woods, a store employee called 911 and police found the boy at a local restaurant.

Officers say that the librarian had stopped at the facility while it was closed to empty the book drop. The boy then stabbed her in the throat, face and chest with a dull knife. Thankfully, she survived despite her wounds.

The boy is now facing charges for attempted first-degree murder, occupied burglary, grand theft and possession of burglary tools. He will be turning 18 next month.

If you would like to speak with an Orlando criminal defense attorney about your charges, contact Rivas Law Firm to set up an initial case evaluation.

Repeat Drug Crime Offender Gets 10 Years

Rivas Law Group — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 01:05:00 GMT

This week, a 34 year old man from Daytona Beach received a sentence of 10 years in prison. The judge presiding over the defendant's case ruled that he was qualified as a habitual offender and ordered jail time.

On March 9^th, Jermaine Bernard Riley was found guilty of selling cocaine. In Riley's arrest affidavit, it is stated that a confidential informant was working with police when Riley sold him $80 worth of narcotics.

State Attorney's spokesman Chris Kelly told news sources that Circuit Judge Patrick Kennedy sentenced Riley to 10 years in state prison. Once that sentence is completed, he is ordered to serve 10 years of probation.

People who have been charged with drug crimes can face some of the toughest legal penalties imaginable. For this reason, they should always hire an Orlando criminal defense attorney. If you have been charged with a drug crime, contact Rivas Law Firm now!

Homeless Man Arrested for 150 Counts of Child Pornography

Rivas Law Group — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:45:00 GMT

In Leesburg, Florida, a man was placed under arrest at a city library. Police say that 42 year old Kevin Baker had used a laptop and free WiFi to download child pornography.

Baker told police that he was homeless when they questioned him. Now, he is facing 150 counts of possessing child pornography after detectives looked at his laptop and found illicit images of children.

Officers say that Baker admitted to using the library's free wireless to collect images through Limewire, a file sharing network. One of the files was a video of a young girl engages in sex acts.

According to Sgt. James Vachon, police discovered Baker's illegal activities while they were in the midst of another investigation. After being confronted by police, Baker voluntarily surrendered his computer. Police then obtained a search warrant and conducted a forensic investigation.

Baker's bond amount has been set at $1.5 million ($10,000 per felony count).

People who have been charged with sex crimes in Orlando need to get help from an Orlando criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Contact Rivas Law Firm today if you have been charged with a sexual offense.

Officer Charged with Second DUI

Rivas Law Group — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:05:00 GMT

For the second time, a correctional officer from the Florida Department of Corrections was charged with driving under the influence (DUI).

The officer, 46 year old Christopher Eric Hudson, was arrested near Island Park Road and U.S. 41. Hours after his arrest, he was released on pre-trial supervision.

A deputy said that he saw Hudson in a 2003 PT Cruiser speeding on U.S. 41 South. He paced Hudson at 69 MPH in a 50 MPH zone. When the deputy approached Hudson's vehicle, Hudson raised his hands in the air. The deputy said that he could smell alcohol on Hudson's breath and that Hudson had bloodshot eyes. Hudson also admitted to having a few drinks and told the deputy, "I might be a little intoxicated."

The officer asked Hudson to perform field sobriety tests and he failed three. He refused to take a breath test. During the deputy's investigation, he learned that Hudson was a DOC employee.

In 1998, Hudson was convicted for DUI. He has been employed with the DOC since May 25, 2001.

If you have been charged with multiple DUI, now is the time to speak with an Orlando criminal defense attorney. Don't wait - contact Rivas Law Firm now!

Police Find Marijuana and 26 Snakes during Drug Raid

Rivas Law Group — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 22:30:00 GMT

Police were in for quite a surprise when they conducted a house raid in Ormond Beach. Agents investigating a marijuana-growing operation had entered a residence only to find the owner had 26 snakes - some were large and others were venomous.

Police say that the owner, 51 year old James Walsh, had 13 marijuana plants which he had tried to hide among tomato plants on his patio. Officers also say that aside from the marijuana and snakes, Walsh had a monitor lizard and an opossum. He kept all of his pets in aquariums, glass cases and storage tubs.

After months of investigating the home, Ormond Beach Police and agents from the multi-agency East Volusia Narcotics Task Force raided the home. Agents also seized 49 grams of cultivated marijuana, drug paraphernalia, growing equipment and a sawed off shotgun.

Following the raid, Walsh was charged with cultivation of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

If you have been charged with serious drug crimes, contact Rivas Law Firm to discuss possible defenses with an Orlando criminal defense lawyer!

DUI Arrest Occurs After Woman Crashed into Three Cars

Rivas Law Group — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:00:00 GMT

After crashing into three other vehicles, a woman from San Carlos Park was placed under arrest by law enforcement.

Police say that 23 year old Judith Ponce of the 18000 block of Doral Drive was charged with DUI (driving under the influence). She was also charged with leaving the scene of an accident and four counts of property damage.

Police reports from the Lee County Sheriff's office indicate that officers were call to the scene of the accident. When they arrived, they found a 1995 Toyota Camry parked at a house on Haitian Drive. Family members told police that Ponce had been driving.

When police questioned Ponce, she said she rounded the corner at 30 MPH and lost control of her vehicle. However, she failed three field sobriety tests and was not able to comprehend instructions for the one-leg stand test.

Ponce agreed to a breath test and her result was 0.058%. In Florida, a person is presumed to be intoxicated if he or she has a breath test result of 0.08%.

Charged with DUI in Orlando? If so, contact Rivas Law Firm to set up a consultation with an Orlando criminal defense lawyer.

State Seeks Death Penalty in Kidnapping and Murder of FSU Student

Rivas Law Group — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 17:15:00 GMT

Florida State prosecutors announced that they will seek the death penalty in the case of three men accused of kidnapping and murdering Vincent Binder, a Florida State University student. A notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Peter Hughes, Kentrell Johnson, and Quentin Truehill was filed by Seventh Circuit State Attorney R.J. Larizza.

Binder disappeared on his walk home from a friend's house in Tallahassee on April 2. It was a month later before his body was found off I-95 near St. Augustine. The three men accused of Binder's murder were initially arrested in Miami on the charge of kidnapping Binder. Police then found receipts in the stolen truck the men were driving that showed the men had used Binder's debit card along the road. After Binder's body was found, murder charges were laid against all three.

If you have been charged with a federal crime, such as kidnapping, an Orlando criminal defense lawyer from the Rivas Law Firm can help. Contact us now!

Man Caught with Nearly 600 Pills

Rivas Law Group — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 04:50:00 GMT

SWAT and narcotics officers were preparing to search a Lincoln residence when other officers stopped a vehicle carrying two of the house's residents. One of those residents was Jerry Brown, 49. After getting permission from Brown's roommate, officers searched the vehicle, house, and Brown and discovered a handgun and nearly 600 pills, a narcotics investigator reported.

440 of the pills are believed to be Oxycontin and Hydromorphone, both painkillers, and 141 have not yet been identified. The remaining five pills are believed to be Alprazolam, an anti-anxiety medication. Brown allowed himself to be pat down and had a bottle of pills on him. A .22-caliber semi-automatic handgun was found in the house. He was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

If you have been charged with a drug-related crime or weapon crimes, it is important that you discuss your case with an Orlando criminal defense lawyer. Contact the Rivas Law Firm now!

Central Florida’s ‘Operation Pain Killer’ Results in 172 Arrests

Rivas Law Group — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:45:00 GMT

A multi-agency probe that has lasted for months has resulted in the arrests of 172 people, including two doctors, and the seizure of more than 20,000 prescription pills. The probe, called "Operation Pain Killer" targeted street-level dealers and doctors who are involved in peddling prescription narcotics. 49 of those arrested live in Lake County, FL, and others lived in Orange, Oseola, and Seminole County.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey reported, "I'm pleased that this investigation neutralized numerous distribution points in Central Florida. There will be follow-up operations to attack this lethal supply chain." Most of those arrested were charged with trafficking Schedule II narcotics. The drugs seized included oxycodone, hydrocodone, and alprazolam. The two doctors arrested operated pain management clinics. The probe began on January 1 and the final round of arrests was made on June 2.

If you have been charged with drug crimes in Orlando, contact the Rivas Law Firm to schedule a time to meet with an Orlando criminal defense lawyer.