The Umansky Law Firm

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Drunk Teen Allegedly Steals Police Cruiser

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 15:50:00 +0000

On a list of things to never do, getting drunk and stealing a police cruiser has to be near the top of the list. Yet, this is exactly what an 18-year-old Oregon teenager is accused of doing. He allegedly stole the Ford Mustang from an off-duty law enforcement officer's house over the weekend and took it for a joyride while under the influence.

Oregon State Police arrested the teen Saturday night after a trooper spotted the obviously marked cruiser parked near a road. When the trooper approached the cruiser, believing he was going to find a deputy inside the vehicle, he found the teen sleeping in the driver's seat. According to police, they had a report about 20 minutes earlier about a white Mustang driving recklessly on Highway 214.

The teen was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, reckless driving and recklessly endangering another person. If he is convicted on these charges, the teen will face monster fines and maybe even jail time.

It is never easy seeing young people get into trouble like this, especially for parents. However, we are a better society if we can rehabilitate teens. Rather than throw them in jail and give them a mark that will make future employment and scholarships difficult, we can use counseling and community service. Sealing and expunging criminal records in some cases is also in our best interest. With an experienced criminal defense attorney, there is a greater likelihood this can occur.

If your teen has been charged with criminal violations in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the criminal defense attorneys at the Umanksy Law Firm. We offer an initial confidential and free consultation.

Project Courage Aims at Orange County Domestic Violence

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:18:00 +0000

A program centered in Orange County called "Project Courage" is targeting a single six block area in an intense bid to prevent domestic violence, and is expected to last for several years. The neighborhood that is being targeted has not yet been announced, but the effort involves at least 40 different agencies and individuals. It was made possible with a $110,000 grant from 100 Women Strong, a local all-female "giving circle" where individuals give their own money to make community grants possible.

Project Courage is in response to University of Central Florida researchers who found high incidence of domestic violence in Orange County area codes. The two highest areas are Edgewood and Pine Hills. However, this does not mean that either of these communities will be part of the Project Courage effort.

There was a 12.5 percent increase in domestic violence calls to law enforcement from 2008 to 2009. The initial goal of Project Courage is community awareness and teaching first responders, students, parents, and those in business how to recognize warning signs of domestic violence and what to do about them.

If Project Courage is successful during its initial phases, it is hoped that it can be moved to other counties in Florida.

In addition to attempting to end domestic violence, several officials have noted that it is a "root cause of other evils," including child abuse, animal abuse, and homicide involving third parties.

Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer said, "In the seven years I've been mayor, if drugs have not been involved, domestic violence has."

If you have been charged with domestic violence in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial case consultation.

Corey Haim Doctor Shopping Before Death

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:03:00 +0000

Days before his death, 38-year-old actor Corey Haim was reportedly shopping around for doctors to give him prescription medication. In the past year, Haim obtained the names of at least 20 Los Angeles area doctors. All of these doctors can expect to be subpoenaed to tell California law enforcement what they know.

Haim's primary care doctor was giving the actor one day supplies at a time in an attempt to wean him off the drugs. He was also calling urgent care centers he believed were writing prescriptions for Haim. Just under two weeks before his death, Haim obtained prescriptions for a muscle relaxer called Soma and a pain reliever called Norco. These were filled out at a San Fernando pharmacy.

Doctor shopping has come to light several times lately due to the deaths of Haim, actress Brittany Murphy, and others. However, this is not limited to just actors and actresses. Although the famous may have an easier time obtaining prescription drugs due to their name recognition, illicit prescription drug sales and drug use are on the rise across the country, including in the state of Florida.

Being arrested for the sale or use of prescription drugs can affect your life for years to come. If you are a doctor and have been accused of selling prescription drugs to those without a prescription, you can lose your license to practice medicine.

If you have been charged with selling or obtaining prescription drugs illegally in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial and confidential case consultation.

Former Reality Star Charged with DUI

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:15:00 +0000

Late last month, Jason Wahler, a former star on the show Hills, was arrested and charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol in California. His blood alcohol content was allegedly 0.15, higher than the 0.08 allowed in California. What makes this DUI more notable than the average star arrested for driving under the influence is that it is Wahler's second alcohol-related arrest in a month.

One week prior to this DUI, Wahler was arrested for a bar fight in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. He was quickly bailed out and driven back across the border by a mysterious person where he seems to have continued his party.

As a result of Wahler's arrest, he faces up to six months in jail if he is convicted.

It may seem to the average person that stars are more likely to get out of trouble than others. That may be the case in some instances. However, an experienced DUI defense attorney, like those at the Umanksy Law Firm, work hard to see that charges are reduced or dropped. If you are a first time offender, we may be able to get you into alternative treatment. Once this is class or treatment is completed, your record may then be sealed or expunged.

If you have been charged with DUI in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced DUI defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial case consultation.

Rip Torn Pleads Not Guilty in Bank Break-In

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:45:00 +0000

This morning, actor Rip Torn pleaded not guilty to burglary and firearms charges in Connecticut. These charges stem from the 78-year-old actor's arrest in January after he was found extremely drunk inside a bank after hours. State police report that Torn was so intoxicated that he broke into a bank with a loaded gun thinking it was his home in Salisbury, Connecticut.

Torn has been charged with criminal trespass, burglary, criminal mischief, carrying a gun without a permit, and carrying a gun while intoxicated. He is free on a $100,000 bond under the condition he stay away from alcohol.

Last year, Torn was given probation in a Connecticut DUI case. He has also been arrested in New York for alcohol-related arrests. Torn claims he has been through rehab before and had been sober for a time before the night he was arrested.

You're not Rip Torn and probably can't simply pay a $100,000 bond at the drop of a hat. However, if you contact the Umansky Law Firm to defend you against criminal charges, we will try to get the bond reduced and charges dismissed. We offer an aggressive defense and an understanding of your situation.

If you have been charged with burglary or DUI in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial consultation.

Baseball Star Dwight Gooden Arrested for DUI

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:52:00 +0000

Former New York Mets player Dwight Gooden was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of drugs in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey yesterday after being involved in a car accident. His five-year-old son was also in the car with Gooden. Police say his son was unrestrained at the time of the accident, but that no one was injured in the crash. Gooden was apparently taking his son to school when the accident occurred.

The police report states the 45-year-old was charged with being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance, driving under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance, endangering the welfare of a child, driving while intoxicated with a child passenger, leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving, failure to keep right and failure to change his address on his driver's license.

Some people, especially baseball fans, may know Gooden as the star pitcher of the Mets back in the 1980's, but just as many may recognize his name as someone who has had drug and alcohol problems in the past. He spent six months in jail in 2006 for a parole violation.

If you have been charged with a DUI in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial and confidential case consultation.

Orlando International Airport Toll-Booth Worker Allegedly Defrauded Customers

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:36:00 +0000

An Orlando International Airport toll-booth employee is facing fraud charges after allegedly using a credit card scanning machine to skim money from parking garage customers. The 43-year-old Orlando woman was charged with three counts of fraud, including possessing the identification of another person without consent, swindling people to obtain property, and fraudulent use of a pay card scanning device.

The alleged thefts were first discovered in December by a CitiBank investigator. The investigator notified Orlando law enforcement that they had uncovered as many as 17 acts of fraud. All the card owners used the same parking garage exit toll booths at OIA. An investigation was then opened by Orlando law enforcement.

The employee at first said her boyfriend sent her the card scanner and told her to use it to charge her cell phone earpiece, but then changed her story. She then said she was swiping the cards and sending the information to her boyfriend. The customers of the alleged theft were reimbursed almost $3000.

The OIA employee said she knew it was wrong, but did it because she was in love.

Love often makes people do foolish things, up to and including breaking the law. Stealing for those you love is obviously wrong, but this is a tale as old as humankind. However, with the laws we have, and the technology available, you will most likely be caught. If you are, you need a criminal defense lawyer who can help you through this period of your life.

If you have been accused of fraud in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial consultation.

UPS Store Manager Allegedly Stole Money Orders and Gift Cards

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:09:00 +0000

A 28-year-old manager of an Orange County UPS store was arrested and charged with grand theft. Investigators allege the manager has stolen over $8000 worth of gift cards and money orders since February 2009. He was arrested this week as customers and others looked on and led away denying he was a thief.

A criminal history report allegedly shows the man uses six different aliases and has arrests dating back to 1996. He has been labeled a "serious or habitual juvenile offender" for those arrests. He also has a grand theft conviction stemming back to 2002. He pleaded guilty and was convicted of aggravated stalking of a minor under the age of 16.

According to investigators, video surveillance shows the man using gift cards in various locations, and cashing out money orders at a bank using his own name. The investigation came about when a customer contacted police about missing money orders he had sent to Puerto Rico. The customer said he sent the money orders through the UPS store where the accused works.

After looking into where the missing money orders were cashed, the customer found out the name used. When he called the UPS store, he discovered the man he was speaking with was the alleged thief.

It is unclear if there was a background check performed on the alleged thief because each UPS store franchise owner must enforce the company policy on their own.

The Sheriff's Office is currently working on four cases involving this individual and it is believed he will be charged with further crimes.

If you or a family member has been charged with theft in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial and confidential consultation.

Alleged Shoplifting Ring in Brevard County

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:43:00 +0000

Brevard County police allege thousands of dollars worth of Turbo Tax software has been stolen from Target stores in several towns. The alleged thieves hit stores in Merritt Island, Melbourne Village, Titusville, and Viera.

Police have video surveillance of the suspected thieves and two vehicles that may be linked to this group. There are six people that may be involved in the Turbo Tax theft, but there have been no arrests.

Turbo Tax is a popular software people can use to file their taxes from home. Police are concerned the software that was taken from the Target stores may wind up on the black market, or flea markets and garage sales. They also speculate that the thieves may be collecting the software for people who are going to file illegal tax returns in order to get refunds.

Shoplifting is a crime that costs retailers millions of dollars a year. Tax fraud, while not as widespread as shoplifting, is a serious crime that can keep you in prison for years. Shoplifters may find themselves charged with a misdemeanor if the stolen goods are under $300. If they are over $300, the charge is grand theft felony. In either case, you can find yourself unemployed, your driver's license suspended, and publicly shamed.

For a vigorous defense of these charges in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm.

Spring Break and First Time Offenders

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:40:00 +0000

By now everyone knows that college students flock to warm beaches for Spring Break. This year has been no different. The beaches and bars of Florida fill up with young people letting off steam and shaking off winter in a time-honored rite of passage. Unfortunately, just like every year, there will be some who take the partying too far and do things they will later regret.

It's easy to get caught up in the moment with people your own age in a place that seems full of like-minded people. However, when the drinking turns to charges of public intoxication or driving under the influence, getting caught up in the moment can ruin the plans you have developed for after you graduate.

Going through the Florida criminal justice system as a first time offender can be a frightening experience. If you are from out of state, all you want to do is get back home. Florida is full of tourists and out of state college students this week who are here for a good time. If this good time turns into a run-in with law enforcement, you need to know that there are local attorneys who can help you.

Having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side is one of the best things you can do for yourself if you have been charged with a crime during Spring Break. The attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm understand what you are going through and will work hard to help you through this time.

A first time offender has a much better chance of having charges dropped and his or her record expunged. The Umansky Law Firm can help make this happen.

If you have been charged with a crime while on Spring Break in Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm. We serve Orange County and Orlando, Florida, as well as the rest of the state of Florida.

Texas Man Sentenced to 35 Years for Marijuana Possession

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:48:00 +0000

A Tyler, Texas man will have to spend the rest of his life in prison for possession of just over a quarter pound of pot. A jury convicted him and he was sentenced to 35 years, but the Smith County prosecutor in the case wanted a sentence of 99 years.

According to the report, someone tipped off police to the smell of marijuana coming from a vehicle. He was found with marijuana and a digital scale within a thousand feet of a day care center. The local newspaper noted that the man was convicted of two felonies in the '80s and was accused of possession of marijuana in a drug free zone in 2008.

Some in the local media are astounded at the sentencing. A Houston Press blog said, "We just hope Texas Department of Criminal Justice can free up room for this menace to society; maybe the state can release a child molester or serial arsonist to find a cell for [the accused]."

It has also been noted that the 35-year sentence is identical to that of another man convicted in Del Rio, Texas. However, that man was involved in a multimillion dollar marijuana smuggling ring, and had transported 24 tons of pot into the United States.

Though the convicted had two prior felonies and was within a drug free zone when he was caught, a 35 year sentence seems excessive. It is unclear how the man was defended, as well as why the jury gave him such a long sentence. It isn't as if he murdered anyone.

We encourage anyone who has been charged with drug possession to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney to learn your legal options, and to avoid long prison sentences.

If you are in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, please contact the experienced drug offense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial consultation. We serve clients across the state of Florida.

California State Senator Charged with DUI

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:53:00 +0000

A California state senator and family values legislator was arrested March 3 for driving under the influence in Sacramento. California Highway Patrol pulled over the senator after spotting him weaving down the road in his state-issued vehicle. He was allegedly leaving a gay nightclub with an unidentified male passenger, and was stopped at 13^th and L St.

The senator allegedly identified himself when approached by a law enforcement officer. The father of four was then arrested and charged with driving under the influence, and driving with a blood alcohol level higher than .08. He was released after posting a $1400 bond.

After being released, the senator issued a statement that stated his apologies and his acceptance of responsibility.

It goes without saying that if you are famous, or at least well-known, and get into trouble with the law, your name is going to be in the news. If you're a senator and you get into trouble, your name will be known beyond the state where you are from.

Though politicians and sports stars frequently must go before the public and apologize, most people do not have this luxury. We make mistakes that our friends and family know about, and maybe this is for the best. If you are charged with a DUI, you don't necessarily want this fact broadcast to the nation. At the Umansky Law Firm, we offer a confidential consultation so that your name is kept out of the public sphere.

If you have been charged with DUI in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm. We serve clients across the great state of Florida.

Orange County Deputy Accused of Domestic Violence

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:01:00 +0000

The ex-boyfriend of an Orange County sheriff's deputy accuses the man of domestic violence. The accuser said in a petition for a temporary domestic violence injunction that the deputy lived with the man for four years. During that time, he was allegedly beaten by the deputy in 2008 and forced to clean up his own blood at gun point.

The man said the fights he and the deputy had were usually sparked by the deputy's alleged "anonymous sexual encounters and online conversations in gay chat rooms."

The deputy was already disciplined for sex acts with another man while working off-duty security at a hotel. In 2001, the deputy was served with a temporary domestic violence injunction by his ex-wife. She alleged there was physical violence during their five year relationship.

In 2002, the officer was disciplined by investigators for "unbecoming conduct" after his ex-wife reported the deputy had moved $500 of her money into his own account. For that incident, the deputy had 40 hours taken from his pay and he was placed on a one-year disciplinary probation.

For the off-duty security situation, he was docked 150 hours of pay and placed on a one-year disciplinary probation.

If you have been charged with domestic violence in Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial and confidential consultation.

Drug Ring Broken Up by Lake County Authorities

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:22:00 +0000

A large drug ring allegedly operating from Central Florida to New York was reportedly broken up by investigators for the Lake County Sheriff's Office last week. Law enforcement officers say the ring spread from Eustis to New York. Detectives claim they served six search warrants in two days and arrested 12 suspects. They expect more individuals will be arrested in relation to this drug ring.

Police reportedly seized over a kilo of cocaine, with a street value of $35,000 and about a dozen guns. The Lake Sheriff's spokesman said this is only a fraction of the drugs tied to this group of individuals.

These 12 people were charged with various complaints ranging from trafficking cocaine, operating a criminal enterprise, and conspiracy to traffic and purchase cocaine. The alleged ring leaders, both men in their 30s, were arrested and charged. They are alleged to have distributed marijuana, cocaine, and crack cocaine throughout Central Florida and New York City.

The five month investigation reportedly involved agencies and police departments from Clermont, Eustis, Lady Lake, Mount Dora and Tavares.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug offense in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial free and confidential consultation.

Olympia Mayor Pro Tem Charged with Selling Pot

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:04:00 +0000

Olympia, Washington's Mayor Pro Tem and incoming Thurston County Treasurer was arrested last weekend and charged with selling marijuana on Feb. 19. The 37-year-old was arrested after a two-month investigation. Local media reports an undercover informant allegedly bought marijuana twice from the accused.

Police allegedly found several small amounts of marijuana packaged in the accused man's home. He posted a $20,000 bond and was released late on the evening of the 19^th.

The future Olympian government official was just sworn in last week to succeed another individual as county treasurer. He was appointed to a City Council position in 2004 and reelected in both 2005 and 2009.

When asked by a reporter to respond to the allegations, he responded he hadn't read them yet and did not understand them. This occurs often when individuals are arrested for different infractions.

Understanding the charges is paramount to your defense when you go before the judge. An experienced criminal defense attorney like those at the Central Florida Umansky Law Firm can explain the charges to you and defend you against them.

This man is innocent until proven guilty, no matter what the public and local media have to say about it. It's easy to forget this is the case, until it happens to you or someone you know. Furthermore, being charged with selling drugs, although extremely serious, is a subjective issue with most people – including the jury. The type of drug, the location (drug laws vary from state to state), and the circumstances surrounding the case will all be at play.

If you have been charged with selling drugs in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm. We also take cases from around the state of Florida.

Man Charged with DUI and Drug Possession after Traffic Stop

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:39:00 +0000

A 29-year-old man was pulled over after a police officer observed a truck with its hazard lights on swerving from the center to the shoulder of the road in Port Orange on Feb. 7. In addition to the swerving, the truck was allegedly traveling 60mph in a 35mph zone. The truck stopped at an intersection and drove up onto the median to avoid another vehicle.

After the officer initiated the traffic stop in a parking lot and approached the truck, dispatch said they had received a call about a possible DUI with a vehicle matching the truck's description and in the same area. The officer said the driver smelled like alcohol and had blood shot eyes.

While waiting for backup to complete a field sobriety test on the driver, he allegedly volunteered he had consumed two beers and taken half a Xanax. Xanax is used to treat anti-anxiety and panic disorders, but is abused for the increased effect when taken with alcohol.

The driver was arrested based on his reactions both before and after the field sobriety test.

When searching his person, police allegedly found half a Xanax tab in the driver's pocket. The driver then allegedly told police he had several more Xanax tablets in his truck. Police searched his vehicle and found a metal container that contained more of the drug.

He is charged with possession of narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving under the influence.

If you have been charged with DUI or drug offenses, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial consultation. We serve Orange County and Orlando, Florida, as well as the state of Florida.

Ex-Michigan Speaker of the House Arrested for DUI

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:31:00 +0000

The ex-Michigan Speaker of the House, Craig DeRoche, was arrested for suspicion of drunken driving near Ann Arbor on Feb. 9. Police allege witnesses saw 39-year-old DeRoche park his car, get out, and walk up to a store. Presumably witnesses called police because they suspected the man was intoxicated.

When police arrived, they saw DeRoche stumbling and falling in the snow. Police gave him a breath test, which showed his blood alcohol content to be 0.249, three times the legal limit for driving in Michigan – as well as Florida.

DeRoche says he plans to cooperate, that the incident is "embarrassing," and not simply another "run-of-the-mill drunken driving incident." While it's obviously impossible to read into this statement, and it could be just another case of a politician or ex-politician trying to salvage a career, it may also speak about a man who has more of an illness than simply made a mistake.

While each DUI case has unique circumstances, the end result is that if you are arrested, you may pay fines or see some jail time. Unless you have an experienced DUI defense lawyer, you may wind up paying because you didn't know your options.

The experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm can help you if you have been charged with driving under the influence. Don't attempt to deal with this event on your own.

If you are in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the Umansky Law Firm today for a free consultation.

Driver Charged with DUI Manslaughter after Hitting Cyclist

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:28:00 +0000

Outside of Umatilla in late September, 2009, a man driving a Toyota Prius struck and killed a 49-year-old woman while she was riding her bike. The accident occurred around 8:00am.

The driver, an unemployed construction worker, told the police the sun was in his eyes when he hit the cyclist. He was travelling east and hit the cyclist from behind. According to investigators, the driver said he held up his hand to block the sun, and then heard a "boom." He looked in his mirror and saw the cyclist lying in the middle of the two-lane road. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet and died later at the hospital of her injuries.

A witness said they saw the driver make a U-turn after the crash and come back to the accident. The driver then told the witness to dial 911.

So far, so good. However, the driver was given a toxicology test that revealed his blood alcohol content to be 0.186, double the 0.08 allowed for drivers under Florida law. He also tested positive for marijuana. The driver admits he consumed five or six beers the night before and assumed he was able to drive.

Police gave him the test after they noticed he was unsteady on his feet, had bloodshot eyes, and alcohol on his breath. They also determined he was driving with his passenger side tires off the side of the road, where a bicyclist would be riding. As a result, the man was charged with a DUI. It then took police four months to charge him with manslaughter.

The driver now faces up to 15 years in prison if he is convicted of the second-degree felony.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime in Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial case consultation.

Rapper Lil Wayne to be Sentenced Today for Weapons Charge

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:14:00 +0000

Grammy award-winning rapper Lil Wayne is expected to be sentenced this afternoon for a gun possession charge he pleaded guilty to In New York. His plea agreement calls for Lil Wayne, born Dwayne Carter, to serve one year in prison. However, with good behavior, he could be out in eight months.

He pleaded guilty in October to attempted criminal possession of a weapon. He admitted he loaded a .40-caliber semiautomatic on his tour bus in July 2007. The weapon was found when the bus was stopped by police after a Manhattan concert.

Carter claimed in a Rolling Stone magazine interview that he was looking forward to prison. However, his plea deal means that he will be spending his time in New York's city jail system rather than state prison. This is the same system rapper Foxy Brown spent eight months in for a probation violation.

Though Carter's jail arrangements are not being discussed, he may be separated from the general population due to his fame. The rapper performed at last week's Grammy Awards ceremony, won best rap solo performance in 2008, has had several No. 1 hits, and sold millions of copies of his albums.

Still, he'll be spending a year of his life in jail. While this may build cred due to his fame, if a normal everyday Joe is charged with the same crime, he should not expect the same treatment. Almost every single person who pleads guilty to this kind of charge will do their time in the prison system and not come out to thousands of adoring fans and a large bank account like Lil Wayne. However, by hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney, you may have your sentence reduced, or even have the case thrown out.

If you have been charged with a crime in Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial case consultation.

Orlando Woman Arrested for Check Copying Fraud

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:21:00 +0000

A 28-year-old woman who worked for a company that processes E-PASS payments was arrested after she allegedly photocopied customer checks and sold them to others who stole money from the compromised accounts. She has been charged with conspiracy to commit organized fraud and fraudulently using personal-identification information, both felonies.

Authorities say the woman worked as a customer service representative and took the bank account numbers of people, and sold them to others who then put their own names on the checks and cashed or spent them. About three dozen people were affected by this.

An investigation began in September 2008 when Orange County Sheriff's Office stopped a woman in a traffic stop and found copies of Expressway Authority customer checks on her. She and several others were arrested for cashing counterfeit checks throughout Florida. During the investigation, investigators allegedly found checks, drivers licenses, and bank account numbers for dozens of people who were not customers of E-PASS.

The worker at the center of the investigation is currently being held in Orange County Jail on $50,150 bail.

If you have been charged with fraud or theft in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm. We offer a free initial and confidential case evaluation.

Actor Rip Torn Charged with Burglary in Connecticut

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:44:00 +0000

Elmore Torn, better known to the world as actor Rip Torn, was arrested last Friday in Connecticut after allegedly breaking into a bank after hours. Making things worse for Mr. Torn are that he was extremely inebriated and carrying a loaded gun. The 78-year-old actor allegedly broke a window of the Litchfield Bancorp in Salisbury, according to police.

Torn appeared in court on February 1st and pleaded not guilty to the burglary and gun charges. He was shackled at the wrists and ankles to several other prisoners. Torn was allegedly so drunk at the time of his arrest that he believed he was in his own home when he was arrested.

Torn posted $100,000 bail and agreed to enter alcohol rehab as soon as he is released.

The actor has had several run-ins with the law over the last few years, all of them alcohol related. He has two past DUI arrests in New York, and was given probation in a DUI case in Connecticut last year.

In the inevitable statement from "sources close to the actor," his family has attempted multiple interventions to get him to stop drinking with very little to show for it. He apparently believes he has made progress in cutting down from four pints of alcohol a day to one pint.

If you have been charged with theft or burglary in Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial and confidential consultation.

Soldier Arrested for Stealing Humvee

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:52:00 +0000

A 23-year-old US Army private is being held without bail in the Volusia County Branch Jail in Daytona Beach for allegedly stealing a military Humvee. He is charged with grand theft for the theft from Fort Stewart in Georgia.

Authorities claim the private ran out of gas and was pulled over on the side of I-95 early Tuesday morning. An officer approached what he believed to be a stranded motorist. The private was found sitting in the Humvee and had only his military identification card and no driver's license. He claimed he was taking the Humvee to Fort Lauderdale.

The officer alleges he became suspicious because the private did not have orders, a government fuel card, and was dressed in civilian clothing. The private was taken to a hotel and the Humvee towed until the story could be verified.

When authorities received word that the vehicle was stolen from the military base, the private was arrested. He is also going to be charged with absent without leave (AWOL) by the army.

It seems a bit harsh to hold this young man without bail over a stolen vehicle. Perhaps the local authorities are waiting for the military to come get him, but it is not as if he murdered someone. Rather than treating all those who allegedly break the law the same, there are degrees and everyone has the right to be treated as innocent until proven guilty.

If you or a family member has been charged with grand theft, please contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers at the Umansky Law Firm. We serve clients in the Orange County and Orlando, Florida area, as well as the state of Florida.

State Correctional Officer Recruit Charged with Burglary

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:42:00 +0000

A 26-year-old man in training to become a state correctional officer was arrested and charged with burglary and criminal mischief in Celebration last Saturday morning.

Authorities were called to a home burglary and found the alleged burglar nearby. He told deputies a confusing story, in which he was having problems with his girlfriend, was insecure and was looking for another "lady friend." Allegedly, he was lost in Celebration, so he knocked on three different doors.

He said his hormones were confusing him, and was hoping a woman answered the door so he could "seduce her." The alleged burglar also told deputies he returned to one house to watch the woman inside and allegedly thought about sexually assaulting her. He said he had broken into homes in the past and stolen items from them.

After explaining and confessing all of this to the deputies, the alleged burglar recanted everything, claiming he was nervous about losing his job.

Residents inside one of the homes allegedly heard someone knocking on their front door early in the morning. When they answered the door, they said a man claimed he was lost in Celebration. They gave him directions out, but later heard loud noises, described as someone attempting to open the door. The residents then set off the home alarm and called 911. When deputies found the alleged burglar nearby, he was apparently very cooperative with their investigation.

He is being held at the Osceola County Jail on $100,000 bail for burglary and $250 for the criminal mischief charge.

If you have been charged with burglary or theft in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm.

Father and Former Stepmother of Missing Girl Arrested for Drug Trafficking

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:52:00 +0000

Authorities say the father and former stepmother of Haleigh Cummings have been arrested and charged with trafficking prescription drugs in Putnam County. Haleigh Cummings' disappearance from her father's doublewide trailer last year when she was five made national headlines. There has been no sign of her since she was reported missing.

Twenty-six-year-old Ronald Cummings, who made several television appeals for his daughter's return, and 18-year-old Misty Croslin were among five people arrested in a drug sting. They face a minimum-mandatory sentence of 25 years in state prison for multiple counts of trafficking medical prescription drugs. The month long investigation involved the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, as well as other federal officials.

According to deputy sheriffs, an undercover detective allegedly purchased almost $4000 worth of drugs from Cummings and Croslin, as well as three other people. Croslin faces six counts of trafficking in prescription medication and is being held on $950,000 bail. Cummings faces three counts of the same charge and is being held on $500,000 bail. The other three each face one count and are also being held on bail.

Last October, Croslin was allegedly robbed while attempting to buy drugs in Palatka. After Haleigh Cummings disappearance, she and Ronald Cummings got married, but soon divorced.

If you have been arrested on a drug charge in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial consultation.