San Diego Criminal Attorneys Blog

Carlsbad Woman Pleads Not Guilty to DUI & Vehicular Manslaughter

Published on: August 8, 2011 | by Leslie Legal Group

Julianna Elyse Thomson, 23, a Carlsbad resident was accused of killing Arthur Jacobs, 64, in a hit and run accident on July 27th. Ms. Thomson, whose case is taking place in Vista Superior Court, plead not guilty to charges of vehicle manslaughter, hit and run, and DUI/drunk driving on Tuesday, August 2nd. If found guilty of all these charges Ms. Thomson could face up to 15 years in a state prison.

In court on Tuesday, Ms. Thomson was placed back into jail due to the arraignment judge, Marshall Y. Hockett, increasing her bail. Her bail was originally set at $100,000 and was raised to $200,000 due to pleas made by the prosecution and the relatives of Mr. Jacobs. If Ms. Thomson’s family and supporters can come up with the additional the bail, she will be re-released from jail. The prosecution’s reasons for the bail increase were stated simply as wanting to keep the roads safe from someone who was driving while extremely intoxicated, along with Ms. Thomson fleeing the scene. The decision was finalized by Superior Court Judge Hockett after hearing Mr. Jacobs daughters statement.

The fatality accident happened on July 27th, around 9:45 p.m. on El Camino Real, when Mr. Jacobs was struck by a Ford F-150 driven by Ms. Thomson. Mr. Jacobs was riding his bicycle to work at one of the local hotels when the Ford F-150 veered into the bicycle lane striking Mr. Jacobs, sending him flying through the air into bushes and then a concrete wall. Ms. Thomson did not stop but instead sped away, taking a wide u-turn at the next cross street. However, because of her high speed she was unable to maintain full control of the vehicle, hitting a pole, utility box and some bushes. Despite damaging her own truck, she continued driving to a nearby apartment complex, successfully fleeing the scene. Police found her at this apartment complex where several witnesses stated she was acting very hysterical. Ms. Thomson appeared to be very distraught and shocked, as well as slapping herself when police arrived at the scene.

San Diego Police Drug Bust, 52 Arrested

Published on: August 5, 2011 | by Leslie Legal Group

San Diego Police Department’s crackdown on drug trafficking paid off for downtown San Diego cities. “Operation May Day” was in effect in Sherman Heights, Logan Heights, East Village and other inner city neighborhoods. It targeted street-level dealers for dealing and selling drugs. The plan was in effect for about six weeks were officers went undercover to discover the street dealers and distributes of drugs.

After the six week process which ran from approximately May 1st to June 30th, a total of 69 suspects were identified and 52 were arrested over the last week. Officers discovered these dealers buy making plainclothes, meaning dressed in street clothing attire, purchases from these dealers. Resulting in a total of 32 criminal cases of alleged sale of cocaine, 12 arrests of alleged methamphetamine sales, 3 alleged heroine sales and sales of marijuana and prescription drugs.

District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis hailed the operation, stating that San Diego Police are making downtown a safe place to live, visit and operate business.

San Diego Police Officer Accused of DUI Commits Suicide

Published on: August 3, 2011 | by Leslie Legal Group

San Diego Police Officer David C. Hall of the San Diego Police Department committed suicide around 9:50 a.m. Monday, August 1 2011. Mr. Hall, a 14 year department veteran, was awaiting trial for accused crimes he committed back in February. In May he was charged with two counts of felony drunk driving causing injury, one charge of a hit and run and allegations that his BAC or blood alcohol level was greater than 0.15%. Mr. Hall plead not guilty to all charges. If he was to be found guilty of all the alleged crimes he would could have face up to three years and eight months in state prison.

The charges originated from a February 22nd vehicle accident in Serra Mesa, where a driver of a Chevrolet Suburban reported she was injured by a drunk driver who also left the scene of the accident thereby committing a hit and run. Officer Hall was later arrested and placed on paid administrative duty. He was off duty at the time of the alleged crimes. Mr. Hall blood alcohol level was registered at a very high level, .32% according to police reports which is four times the legal limit. Despite his not guilty plea to the charges a judge ordered Hall to attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings at least twice a week pending the outcome of the case.

Officer Hall was one of at least eight officers of the San Diego Police Department that had been recently accused of misconduct prompting a change in the Department’s policy by Police Chief William Landsowne. Further information about these misconducts can be found here.

San Diego Summer Crime Spike

Published on: August 2, 2011 | by Leslie Legal Group

Crime Spike.jpg Escondido police warn citizens of Escondido and all San Diego citizens of the summer crime spike. Police aren’t exactly sure what brings up crime during the summer but there are several theories on how and why it rises. One is that during the long warm summer days many people keep windows and doors open even when leaving the house. Inviting burglars and thefts to come in with little effort. Another is that because school is out, meaning that more students have idle time and nothing to do.

Whatever the cause may be you need to be aware of the potential dangers and be prepared to protect yourself and family. Escondido Police urge people to call in 911 reports of any suspicious activity or if you witness a crime in progress. Lt. Craig Carter of Escondido police stated, “You can get involved to whatever extent you want, just get involved.” Taking an active role in your community helps to prevent crime, and make neighborhoods safer and more desirable place to live.

Many of the crimes consist of property theft of items valued under $400 dollars as well as car thefts. Many of these crimes are opportunity crimes only happen because windows, doors, and garages were left open while no one was home. One good way to deter small petty thefts is to remember to close and lock all doors, and windows to your house and car when leaving them unintended.

San Diego Police Detective and High School Graduate Murdered in their Rancho Penasquitos Home

Published on: July 29, 2011 | by Leslie Legal Group

Early morning on Monday, July 19, 2011, San Diego was shocked by the murder of a veteran police detective, Donna Williams 52, and her teenage daughter, Briana Williams 18. Both women were stabbed to death early Monday morning in their Rancho Penasquitos home. Residents in the area said they were startled by screams, at 1 a.m. Monday morning. Witnesses said screams were originating from the Williams home which pierced the silence. One witness who heard the screams of pain was so startled that she was scared to look outside to see what was happening.

Donna Williams, was a veteran Police Detective who had been working for the San Diego Police Department for over 30 years. She also worked as a child abuse investigator and recently on a high profile case of the 2002 murder of Danielle Van Dam. Co-workers and friends of Donna Williams stated that she was a very caring person with a warm welcoming heart.

Briana Williams know as Bree just graduated from Mt. Carmel High School and planned to continue her education at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco this fall. She also played softball for the San Diego Renegades a traveling softball team, and was a very talented athlete. Don Portugal her couch described her as a caring, hard working and talented athlete.

Del Mar Racetracks Result in DUI Arrests Including Jockey Mike Smith

Published on: July 22, 2011 | by Leslie Legal Group

Del Mar opening day nets numerous DUI arrests including hall of fame jockey Mike Smith! Wednesday, July 20, 2011, was opening day at San Diego’s Del Mar racetrack, however, it wasn’t just the horses and jockeys who took the spotlight. San Diego police cooperating with several north county police departments, including Oceanside PD, patrolled the racetrack area from 3 p.m. to midnight. Police patrols stopped a total of 349 vehicles, a large number given the small area they were working in.

Police arrested a total of 15 people on suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol. In addition to these 15 arrests, 2 more individuals were arrested on suspicion of drug possession and 4 other for driving with a suspended license. In addition to these 21 arrests, 35 traffic citations were issued during the course of the patrols. Traffic citations include parking tickets, illegal u-turns, speeding, running a stop sign or red light, and many more. These citations are payed with a fine or traffic school in some situations. Police totaled 56 arrests and citations during the course of the nine hour period.

One of the 15 arrested on suspicion of DUI (driving while under the influence) was Mike Smith a Hall Of Fame Jockey. Mr. Smith blood alcohol level content (BAC) was not released by police and is still questionable. We know that Mr. Smith drank three glasses of wine before getting in his car and driving home. He was arrested on the 13900 block of Via Abertura in Carmel Valley around midnight, about 5.5 miles away from the racegrounds. Mr. Smith stated that he blew a little over however he was not speeding or driving recklessly, he was just going home after a good day at work. Police stated that they pulled him over because he was slightly weaving between lanes at a very slow speed.

San Diego DUI Checkpoints Net More Arrests, Driver Killed in Linda Vista from DUI

Published on: July 18, 2011 | by Leslie Legal Group

San Diego police held a driving under the influence or DUI checkpoint Saturday night in the 2100 block of El Cajon Blvd. along with their usual DUI patrols in the North Park and Hillcrest areas to net more DUI drivers. At the DUI checkpoint, 404 vehicles were inspected by San Diego Police searching for valid drivers licenses, DMV registration, and proof of insurance. Of the 404 vehicles inspected 13 were pulled over into secondary inspection for further investigation of the driver’s sobriety. A total of seven DUI arrests were made of these 13 drivers.

The DUI patrols also arrested eight additional drivers for driving while under the influence of alcohol and or drugs. The night resulted in a total of 16 arrests with 15 of the vehicles being impounded. Two of the 404 drivers stopped by the checkpoint were cited for driving with an expired drivers license.

Sadly on Saturday morning Bryan Larman, 28, died from a drunk driving collision in the Linda Vista area. Officers reported that Mr. Larman lost control of his vehicle, a white Mitsubishi, as he attempted to pass a slower moving vehicle. Crossing into the wrong side of the road he collided with a Nissan Frontier carrying four passengers, two of which were children. The passengers in the Frontiers were hospitalized suffering moderate to major injures. No more details have been released on the condition of the passengers or the extent of their injures.

Oceanside DUI Checkpoint

Published on: July 15, 2011 | by Leslie Legal Group

Oceanside Police Officials have stated that there will be a DUI checkpoint somewhere in Oceanside today Friday July 15th, 2011. The DUI and drivers license checkpoint location has not been released due to security reasons. However, we know that it is scheduled to take place from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. This checkpoint is intended to prevent drunken drivers from being on the road and to provide overall road safety.

Article can be found:
OCEANSIDE: DUI checkpoint set for Friday, North County Times

Ryan Dunn, ‘Jackass’ Star, Killed from Drunk Driving

Published on: June 27, 2011 | by Leslie Legal Group

The star, Ryan Dunn, of the popular TV show and movies ‘Jackass’ died Monday night in a drunk driving accident. The show and movies featured American stunt artists performing dangerous, crazy, and ridiculous stunts and pranks. Mr. Dunn, 34, had a blood alcohol level which registered at 0.196, over double the legal limit. The legal limit for drivers over the age of 21 is 0.08 per cent which takes around one to three drinks, depending on your weight. For those under the age of 21 any blood alcohol content level above 0.00 is illegal. Also called the “No Tolerance” in many States.

According to reports, Mr. Dunn was driving his Porsche 911 GT3 130 miles per hour(mph) in a 55 mph zone. Unable to maintain control at that speed, the Porsche jumped a guardrail, flew into a wooded ravine, hit a tree and burst into flames. Zachary Hartwell, 30, the passenger in the vehicle also died in the crash on Monday night. The collision left the vehicle chard, unrecognizable and contorted except for a door which flew off sometime in the duration of the crash.

Mr. Dunn and Mr. Hartwell were both drinking at a West Chester, Pennsylvania, bar called Barnaby’s of America, several hours before the crash took place. The general manager of the bar stated that Mr. Dunn, ” came in hop, skip, jumping, he left hop, skip, jumping”. The manger also stated that he was speaking and walking clearly, showing no signs of abnormal drinking. Employees at the bar also agree that Mr. Dunn wasn’t visibly drunk and acted the same upon leaving as he did upon arriving. Video surveillance agreed with both the statements made by employees and the manager of the bar. The bar is cooperating with police to further investigate the case.

Nancy Hildebrand, a Valley Center Middle School Teacher, Suspected of providing Alcohol To Minors

Published on: June 16, 2011 | by Leslie Legal Group

Nancy Hildebrand, 56, a middle school teacher at Valley Center, was arrested on suspicion of providing alcohol to minors at a high school graduation party. The party was for her daughter in celebration of her upcoming high school graduation. San Diego County Sheriff Deputies responded to her residence due to someone reporting an out of control party. The reports included fighting, loud noises and alcohol consumption at Mrs. Hildebrand’s house in the 14600 block of Puma Trail.

Upon arrival police found 75 teenagers between the ages of 17 and 18 in and around the home. Sgt. Bob Bishop of Valley Center Sheriff’s Substation stated that many of the teens appeared to be drunk upon arrival at the scene. None of the guests at the party were over 21, and Mrs. Hildebrand was the only adult present at the scene.

Mrs. Hildebrand stated that she didn’t know that the teens were consuming alcohol and fighting at the party. However, one teen stated that he had seen her walking around at the party drinking with the underage teens. I addition, the teen also stated that she was wearing a name tag that said Mrs. Hildebrand and “I’m (her daughter’s) mom.” Deputies arrested Mrs. Hildebrand on suspicion of providing alcohol to minors, thereby violating the county’s social host ordinance. This ordinance forbids adults to host parties where minors are consuming alcohol or where alcohol is provided to minors. She was booked into the Vista Detention Center where she would later be released on bail.