San Diego, California Criminal Attorneys

David Christopher Cruz was found guilty in the death of an infant, who is still five months shy of turning one years old.

The infant victim, the son of Cruz's girlfriend, was taken off life support a few days after he was brought into the hospital unconscious.

He suffered head injuries, several fractures and had bruises on his body.

Court heard that Cruz was the infant's baby sitter while the mother goes to work.

Cruz told the police that he had hit the baby because he keeps on fussing.

Michael Begovich, a criminal lawyer in San Diego defending for Cruz, said that the baby's mother also has a responsibility in her son's death because she had not consulted a doctor when the baby had an ear infection.

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.

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.

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.

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.