San Francisco, California Criminal Attorneys

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.

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.

Larry Brinkin, who used to work for the Human Rights Commission of San Francisco, entered into a plea deal agreement on his child pornography charges.

The plea deal saw a second charge of child pornography distribution dropped against the 67-year-old Brinkin.

Under the plea deal, Brinkin will spend six months behind bars and another six months of house arrest. Afterwhich, he will undergo probation for four years.

Brinkin, who is a staunch supporter of the LGBT advocacy, will also be entered in the list of sexual offender and is ordered to go through therapy.

Randall Knox, an attorney in San Francisco, said that Brinkin has been deeply sorry for what he has done and has fully understood the damage that child pornography can inflict on victims.

Richard Thomas may only be 16 years old but he will be facing the charges filed against him as an adult.

Thomas is facing several charges including "hate crime" after he set another teenager, Luke "Sasha" Fleischman, 18, on fire.

Both were riding on a bus when the incident happened with Fleischman wearing a skirt.

Fleischman's parents said their son does not identify himself either as a male or female.

According to police, Thomas had told them he set Fleischman on fire because he is homophobic.

San Francisco defense attorney Michael Cardoza said his client, Thomas, if convicted would be facing a longer sentence because of the hate crime charge.

The Macy couple, Kip and Nicole, will be spending more than four years in prison less time already served for their conviction in attacking and threatening the people renting their apartment building in San Francisco.

The couple, who had escaped to Italy when the charges were filed against them, had admitted to the crimes.

While in Italy, they tried to fight getting extradited to the US but failed.

Court heard that the Macys wanted to evict their tenants because they planned to renovate the apartment building and put it on sale.

San Francisco criminal lawyers have acted as defense counsel for the couple with Lisa Dewberry for Kip and George Borges for Nicole.

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.

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.

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.

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.