Los Angeles, California Criminal Attorneys

A recent DUI incident at the Oregon Dune National Recreation Area near Coos Bay underscores the critical need for safety and sobriety on the coast. Driver Jamison Ellis, 43, faced allegations of intoxication after a high-speed crash on September 2 left him and an unnamed passenger with serious injuries. Coos County Sheriff Gabe Fabrizio confirmed that Ellis was cited for DUII, while the Coos County District Attorney may impose further charges. The swift actions of witnesses and the Hauser Fire Department helped save the trapped passenger. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of responsible behavior while enjoying Oregon's natural beauty.

Bridget McDermott, a former inmate at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Oregon, was wrongly imprisoned for an additional 21 months due to a clerical error by the Oregon Department of Corrections. Initially expecting to be released on October 4, 2024, McDermott’s release was recalculated to July 5, 2022, revealing the chaotic nature of recent prison releases. Sarah Bieri, an attorney for the Oregon Justice Resource Center’s Women’s Justice Project, is exploring potential legal avenues for her client, who now seeks employment as a counselor. The transitions from prison have proven challenging for McDermott, who aims to reintegrate into society amidst significant changes.

Portland police have arrested 23-year-old Alex Brown-Golden in connection with the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Shepherd in Northeast Portland. The incident occurred on Beech Street, where witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots before finding Shepherd collapsed on the sidewalk. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of legal representation in such severe criminal cases, highlighting the role of competent criminal lawyers in Oregon. This arrest underscores ongoing efforts to enhance public safety throughout the state. Further investigations are ongoing as the community seeks justice.

Bridget McDermott's release from Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, originally set for 2024, was delayed by 21 months due to significant errors by the Oregon Department of Corrections. After serving 14 years for robbery and kidnapping related to past addiction issues, she felt overwhelmed upon sudden release before having a proper reintegration plan, missing key support services. Despite the challenges, McDermott aims to rebuild her life and pursue a career as a drug and alcohol counselor. Her case raises critical concerns about the agency's sentencing calculation procedures and emphasizes the need for improved transition support for inmates in Oregon. Legal representatives are exploring options for accountability related to her unjust incarceration.

The US Supreme Court has ruled that cities in the western states, including Grants Pass, Oregon, can legally impose fines and jail time on unhoused individuals for sleeping outdoors, even when no shelter is available. This decision comes from a case involving Debra Blake, who faced penalties under Grants Pass's strict policies against camping in public spaces. Advocates for unhoused people, including civil rights organizations, warn this ruling may lead to increased criminalization of homelessness, negatively affecting job access and essential services. Justice Sonia Sotomayor's dissent emphasized the ruling’s potential to worsen the crisis as cities may now prioritize punitive measures over effective employment and housing solutions. The decision underscores the complex intersection of criminal defense, social welfare, and human rights within Oregon and surrounding areas.

In a concerning trend for local enterprises, video footage has surfaced showing burglars breaking into multiple North Side businesses in Chicago. The suspects, three males equipped with hammers, targeted spots in Andersonville, Norwood Park, and Edison Park early Friday morning. Authorities reported that the thieves successfully made off with cash and other valuables, including register drawers. Chicago police are actively investigating these incidents, urging anyone with tips to step forward to aid in apprehending the suspects. Criminal defense lawyers may soon see an uptick in cases linked to these burglaries as the investigation unfolds.

Chicago police are investigating a series of violent robberies that transpired early Tuesday across the Loop, Lincoln Park, and Lakeview, affecting five victims. Notably, a 22-year-old woman was attacked near the Lincoln Park Zoo, while four individuals were robbed in the Loop, including a 49-year-old man and a 46-year-old woman, both treated at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Officials report that robberies in these neighborhoods are on the rise, with Lincoln Park experiencing a 4% increase compared to last year. The suspects are described as Black males in hoodies, prompting heightened criminal defense measures in the area. Local authorities urge residents to remain vigilant amid this spike in violent crime.

A new lawsuit has unveiled allegations of widespread sexual abuse at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center on Chicago's Near West Side, claiming hundreds of victims since 1995. Attorneys Jerome Block and Todd Matthews highlight the tragic stories of former detainees who suffered repeated violations at the hands of staff members. The lawsuit, representing nearly 400 survivors, calls for urgent reform, urging Chicago officials to shut down the facility. Survivors, including Temarkus Washington and Phillip Goodwin, recount their harrowing experiences and demand accountability. Amid growing scrutiny, the Cook County Chief Judge's office has proposed new community care centers as alternatives to youth detention.

Survivors, including Temarkus Washington, have filed lawsuits against the state of Illinois, detailing decades of sexual abuse at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center in Chicago. Two lawsuits represent 193 victims who allege systemic misconduct, including rape and unlawful strip searches, between 1995 and 2022. Attorney Todd Mathews emphasizes the urgent need to end this cycle of violence and negligence within the facility. As national scrutiny increases, survivors are seeking justice and accountability from state officials. With nearly 400 accounts documented, further legal action is anticipated in this civil litigation battle.

A Chicago man, Jonathan Byars, 26, has been sentenced to 25 years for orchestrating a series of armed robberies targeting cellphone stores throughout Illinois. In collaboration with several accomplices, Byars committed six robberies and attempted two more between 2019 and 2020, brandishing firearms to intimidate and assault employees. The crimes occurred in cities including Lansing, Rockford, and Joliet, prompting significant concern over community safety. U.S. Attorney's Office emphasized the danger posed by such delinquent conduct, as Judge Philip G. Reinhard imposed the sentence. Four additional Chicago men received sentences ranging from seven to 12 years for their involvement in these criminal acts.