Sacramento, California Criminal Attorneys

Donnell Deshawn Stean was cleared of manslaughter charges for the death of Bernard Howard Jr. whom he shot during an altercation.

The jury had found that Stean had only shot Howard in defense.

Howard was found to have more than the legal limit of alcohol in his blood while Stean had tested positive of an ingredient found in marijuana.

Howard was one of the people whom Stean found in his apartment when he went home on the night of Nov. 3. They were drinking and helping out a roommate of Stean's who was moving out.

The group got upset when Stean hit an older man who was also living in the apartment.

Howard had punched Stean, who retaliated by pulling out his gun.

Sacramento defense attorney Alan Whisenand said his client, Stean, had felt threatened by the group thus his actions.

Stean was also cleared of seriously wounding the female roommate's brother during the incident.

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.

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.

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.