Recent Posts in Orange County Criminal Defense Category

In Santa Ana, an Orange County bail bondsman has been charged with two felonies by district prosecutors.  Allegedly, 50 year old Ronald Lee Brockway conducted a referral scheme where he promised attorneys and jail inmates financial incentives if they directed business his way.

Brockway is the owner of Respect Bail Bond and was placed under arrest last week Thursday.  He was then charged with two felony counts of violating bail license regulations.  If Brockway is convicted, he could be sentenced with three years and eight months of jail time.

According to prosecutors, Brockway sent emails to lawyers stating that he would increase their earnings if they simply referred bail bond customers.  He is also accused of offering to refer clients to attorneys and mailing "get out of jail free" flyers to jail inmates that promoted his business.

When people have been charged with felonies in Orange County, it is important that they contact the Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry and arrange to speak with an Orange County criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. 

This past Monday, former NASCAR driver James Neal was arrested for attempted rape, which is a misdemeanor sex crime in the state of California.  Shortly before his arrest, he had been released from the Orange County Jail after serving a brief sentence for a misdemeanor driving offense.

Hours following his release, 56 year old Neal was booked on suspicion of attempted rape and false imprisonment and placed back in jail.  News sources report that police were called to the apartment of a Lake Forest woman.  She reported that there had been a fight and that Neal has attempted to rape her.  She also said that Neal, whom she knows, would not leave her residence.

In May, Neal was arrested by officers after leading them on a high speed chase on Interstate 5.  Police tried to stop him for not having a front license plate, but he refused to stop.  They were able to arrest him later when they found him standing next to his sports car on the freeway.  It appeared that his engine had blown out, causing him to finally pull over.

Were you charged with a sex crime in Orange County?  Now is the time to have your case reviewed by an Orange County criminal defense lawyer.  Contact the Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry today!

This week Monday, former The Hills star Jason Wahler was officially sentenced for driving under the influence (DUI).  His sentencing took place in Orange County, California.   The star pled guilty to his Dui charges and was sentenced to three years of probation.

The 23 year old was also ordered to attend a three month alcohol offender program and two days worth of jail time.  However, he was given credit for time he already served.

Two months ago, the star was stopped by Newport Beach police for driving under the influence. Police say that at the time of his arrest, Wahler had a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of .19%, which is twice the legal limit in the state of California.

Were you arrested for or charged with DUI?  If you answered "yes", know that an Orange County DUI defense lawyer from the Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry can protect your rights and best interests.  Contact us today to learn more about your legal options.

In Anaheim, a school gym was transformed into a court room.  The school, Canyon High School, was used as a live court room during the sentencing of a local criminal offender who was caught driving under the influence (DUI) in California.

Over 800 students crowded the benches and floors of the gym as a 28 year old college student who had pled guilty to DUI was sentenced by an Orange County Superior Court judge.  The defendant, Darren Nicas, has a BAC of .19% when he was arrested by law enforcement.  While driving under the influence, Nicas struck the back of the car of a 57 year old driver.

When Nicas addressed the 800 students he said, "I thought I wouldn't get caught."  He also admitted that he felt embarrassed.   The judge presiding over Nicas' case sentenced him to 6 months of DUI school, 30 days of community service and also 3 years of probation.

Nicas would have had to pay $1,800 in fines.  However, due to his participation the school assembly, the fines were waived by the court.  A prosecutor spoke to the students prior to sentencing to inform them of the facts surrounding the case.  The entire assembly cost $500 and was funded by a grant. 

If you have been charged with DUI in Orange County, now is the time to speak with an Orange County DUI defense lawyer at the Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry.  Contact us today to discuss your case!

Tito Ortiz, the Ultimate Fighting Champion, was arrested Monday on charges of beating up adult film star and live-in girlfriend Jenna Jameson in their Southern California home. Ortiz was hauled off to jail after police responded to a  911 call about a domestic disturbance.

He was charged with felony domestic violence. It was Jameson herself who called the police, and she had visible injuries when the police interviewed her about what happened.

Ortiz was booked at the Huntington Beach jail and Jameson says she plans to press charges.

Charged with Domestic Violence in Orange County?

If you or someone you know has been charged with domestic violence or abuse, you should consider contacting an Orange County domestic violence attorney at the Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry for help. To learn more about our domestic violence defense services, please contact our office today at 866-902-6880 .

A woman who worked as a teacher at an Orange County juvenile correctional center was arrested following reports that she kissed and fondled a 16-year-old boy.

The teacher, 43-year-old Dawn Marie Baloun of Lake Forest, is facing one misdemeanor count of child annoyance, a crime punishable by up to a year in jail.

According to prosecutors, Baloun’s inappropriate relationship with the boy occurred between March and April 2009 at the Joplin Youth Center in Trabuco Canyon. They allegedly would meet in empty classrooms, closets, and offices and kiss and fondle each other.

When the boy was transferred to another facility, they continued to correspond through letters, mostly about their sexual relationship. Police were alerted when a counselor at the facility found the letters.

Since their affair was discovered, Baloun has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. She is scheduled to be arraigned April 12.

A man has been arrested in connection with a hit & run accident that took place in Anaheim last week.

The accident occurred on the 700 block of Anaheim Boulevard at about 3:30 p.m.  According to police, a two-year-old boy wandered into the street from the sidewalk. That’s when he was hit by a Ford F-450 pickup truck carrying a trailer. Fortunately, it is believed the boy only suffered a cut on the head, but at this time the full extent of his injuries are not known.

According to police, a witness saw the driver hit the small child and fail to stop. The witness followed the driver in his vehicle and called to report the hit & run accident to the police.

Anaheim police say the driver knew he had hit someone, but kept driving anyway. They were able to arrest the driver and bring him into custody on suspicion of hit and run.

It is not clear whether or not the driver was actually formally charged with hit & run. An investigation was not able to turn up any physical evidence that connects the truck to hitting the toddler.

Four people suspected of attacking and robbing a man in downtown Huntington Beach are now in police custody.

According to police, three men and one woman approached the 25-year-old victim around 6:45 p.m. They then jumped out of their vehicle and assaulted the man, inflicting multiple puncture wounds and lacerations.

Huntington Beach Police Lt. John Domingo said authorities were able to stop the suspects after a brief pursuit.

Those arrested include Brandon Espinoza for suspicion of robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, Aaron Salinas for robbery and evading police, and Viana Arelalo for robbery. A fourth suspect was also arrested, but because he is a minor the police have not released his name.

A former Orange County gymnastic coach will be sentenced later this month after he was found guilty of having an unlawful sexual relationship with a 16-year-old girl.

Prosecutors say Jason Wayne Scofield, 37, met the girl while working as a coach at Wildfire Gymnastics in Tustin. The girl’s parents contacted the police after receiving a concerned email from one of the girl’s friends. By the time investigators were informed of the relationship, Scofield had joined the Army and was living in Arizona. Investigators got a warrant and went to Arizona to arrest Scofield and bring him back to Orange County.

Scofield pleaded guilty to the felony charges. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 30, and it is expected that he will serve one year in jail and three years probation. The prosecution also wants the judge to order Scofield to register as a sex offender.

Scofield’s relationship with the girl lasted from February to June 2009. They reportedly would meet in his car and at his home.

Having unlawful sex with a person under the age of 18 is considered statutory rape in California, an offense that carries a number of different penalties, including time in jail or prison, large fines, probation, and possibly sex offender registration. Perhaps the even more unsettling than these penalties is the stigma associated with having a sex crimes conviction on your record. If you or a loved one has been accused of statutory rape or another sex crime, it’s crucial to speak with an experienced attorney right away. The Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry has experience defending people against serious felony crimes, such as statutory rape, and can ensure your case is given the attention and dedication you deserve!

To schedule a consultation with an  Orange County criminal defense lawyer at the firm, please  contact the office today at (866) 902-6880.

An Orange County man will spend the next 15 years in prison for spying for China over a 30-year period.

Dongfan "Greg" Chung, a Chinese-born citizen who worked for Beoing Co., was convicted on six counts on economic espionage and other federal charges for storing 300,000 pages of sensitive material in his home. In his position as a stress analyst, Chung had high-level security clearance, which made it possible for him to access the documents.

According to the prosecution, the papers Chung brought home included information about a U.S. space shuttle, a booster rocker, and military troop transports.

The judge who sentenced Chung wasn't exactly sure what information Chung had been passing to China, but said Chung definitely compromised national security and hurt Boeing, a key military contractor.

Chung denies spying for China, and maintains he brought the papers home to write a book. In his own words he said, "I am not a spy, I am only an ordinary man. I love this country...I beg your pardon and let me live with my family peacefully."

The judge sentenced Chung after seeing evidence that proved he was passing information to Chinese officials.

Although prosecutors sought a 20-year sentence, the judge sentenced Chung to 15 years due to his age and frail health.

Espionage is one of the most serious offenses a person can commit. The federal government takes this offense extremely seriously, and federal prosecutors will not hesitate to seek the toughest penalties possible. When faced with espionage or other federal charges, it's imperative to obtain the services of an attorney with extensive defense experience. If you are searching for an experienced, dedicated, driven Orange County criminal defense attorney, the Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry can help. To learn more, contact the office today by calling (866) 902-6880.