Georgia Criminal Defense Blog

DMV Employee and Nine Others Indicted on Charges of Marijuana Trafficking and Corruption

On December 2, 2008, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration unsealed an indictment of federal drug crime charges against 10 men and women involved in a massive inter-state conspiracy to distribute and sell marijuana illegally. The defendant, most of whom lived in Fresno, California, had (according to the indictment) concocted an elaborate scheme to export more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana throughout the United States.

One of the defendants under indictment, Michelle Meraz, worked for the California Department of Motor Vehicles and used her position as a government official to concoct a false ID by using a stolen identity and a picture of fellow-conspirator Haamid Alie Darcuiel. Charges in the case range from mail fraud to identity theft to corruption and conspiracy. Given the complexity of the arrangement and the sheer number of defendants indicted, the matter will likely take some time to settle out.

The case involved a handful of independent organizations that typically don’t work together on criminal matters. These included: the California DMV, the IRS' criminal bureau, the Fresno Police Department's narcotic division, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. Eight of the defendants have been taken into custody. Two -- Jason Samuel and Haybe Dudeh -- are still at large, and authorities are currently searching for them.

Whether you have been charged as an accomplice to a criminal conspiracy, felony drug crimes or accused of some other federal crime, it’s important to recognize that your best options for justice lie in securing excellent legal representation. Fleeing from the law, retaining a second rate attorney, or otherwise under-representing your interests can result in much stricter penalties, such as heavy fines and jail-time. We at Conaway & Strickler, P.C. believe that every federal criminal defendant deserves a fair chance at justice. Our trial-tested, results-driven, nationally recognized federal crime defense attorneys can shed light on your legal options and help you prepare your best defense. Discuss your case with us discretely by dialing (888) 883-9091.

Posted by Conaway, Strickler & Margolis, P.C. | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Criminal Defense , Drug Defense , Federal Crimes

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Illegal Alien gets Life in Prison for Role in Huge Drug Ring

A U.S. District judge sentenced defendant Olivar Martinez-Blanco to life in prison without parole on December 9, 2008 on Federal drug felony charges stemming from his role in a massive cocaine distribution conspiracy. Martinez-Blanco is an illegal alien who had been deported twice from the United States and had racked-up two separate drug felony convictions. He was convicted in mid-September of his third felony, for which the federal system allows no parole.

According to the prosecution’s case, Martinez-Blanco was working as a lookout for fellow-defendant Victor Giles-Morales when the Georgia State Patrol stopped Giles-Morales' van. Martinez-Blanco fled the scene while patrollers discovered 15 kilos of narcotics in the van. After collecting nearly $1 million in cash, Martinez-Blanco fled to a safe house, where he was later discovered by drug enforcement agents, who also found illegal firearms, several more kilograms of cocaine, half-a-ton of marijuana, and a major stash of methamphetamines.

Observers of the trial suggest that the harsh sentence of life in prison without parole for this third felony offense was meant not only as a punitive measure but also as a warning to other illegal aliens who might consider running drugs or otherwise getting involved in the narcotics trade.

In cases like Martinez-Blanco's, it's easy for criminal defendants to end up out-matched by the legal fire power of the federal government. If you or a loved one has been charged with a federal crime, either for some narcotics-related offense or for any other crime that falls under federal jurisdiction, you need an expert federal crime defense attorney in your corner to ensure your rights and give you the best options possible. Look to the nationally renowned legal firm of Conaway & Strickler, P.C. For over 10 years, the firm's battled for the rights of clients at both the state and the federal level, and we can handle complex litigation and high-profile cases. Discuss your concerns with us and set up an appointment by dialing (888) 883-9091.

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , Drug Defense , Federal Crimes

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Janet Jackson Super Bowl Case Makes its way all the way up to the Supreme Court

On November 20, 2008, the United States Solicitor General's Office filed a motion in a matter familiar to the vast majority of American sports fans. During the Super Bowl 2004 half-time show, Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson, two internationally renowned pop stars, were involved in a so-called "wardrobe malfunction" that resulted in the exposure of one of Ms. Jackson's breasts on national television. This incident sparked a series of legal actions and federal crime charges. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sought damages against the CBS Network for broadcasting public nudity, citing a previous case in which the FCC had sued Fox television stations for fleetingly broadcasting expletives to viewers and listeners. Initially, the Third Circuit panel sided with the FCC and levied a fine of more than half-a-million dollars against the network and its affiliates.

Depending on how the court responds to this petition for certiorari, the case may be pending for some time and may hold implications for the future of the FCC and the major broadcast networks.

If you, a family member, or a close friend has been indicted in a federal criminal case, you need to take fast and decisive action to retain an experienced federal crime defense lawyer to preserve your rights and build a strategy for defense. The firm of Conaway & Strickler, P.C., is an internationally recognized and respected legal force that has fought and won exceptionally tough criminal cases of high consequence. Whether you are dealing with the IRS, the FBI, the DEA or the FCC, we can provide the expert guidance you need to navigate safely to your most strategic defense. Call now at (888) 883-9091 to set an appointment with one of our associates for a free consultation.

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , Federal Crimes

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Reporter Mike Morris writes on November 7, 2008 in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that a pedestrian was struck and killed by two vehicles while attempting to cross Riverdale Rd. close to Garden Walk Blvd. WBSTV reports the age of the victim as 66 years of age. The incident is being investigated by the Clayton County police as a fatality hit-and-run.

The man was crossing Riverdale Rd. when, according to police, he was struck by two autos, a Ford Expedition and a second vehicle, the make of which is still unknown to the police. It is not clear what vehicle struck the man first, only that the driver of the Expedition returned to the scene of the accident. The driver of the second vehicle that hit the victim fled the scene and is being sought by the police.

Lt. Rebecca Brown of the Clayton police department reports that the victim was not using a crosswalk when he was struck. We must all take extreme caution when walking particularly while crossing streets in the dark. Precautions such as making use of the crosswalks and making sure you are highly visible should always be adhered to. Walking in well lit areas is also a good idea.

Pedestrian accidents are very serious particularly when a fatality is involved. Whether you have been charged with a hit-and-run that may have an Atlanta DUI associated with it or any other serious crime you will need Conaway & Strickler, P.C. on your side. They are experienced and bring a whole firm of expert attorneys who will do everything they can to acquire a favorable outcome for their clients. Please call 404-816-5000 for a free consultation.

Posted by Conaway, Strickler & Margolis, P.C. | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Violent Crimes

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On November 8, 2008 the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that an unnerving upward violent street crime trend in DeKalb is continuing this year. Two murders have occurred on Peachtree Industrial Blvd. in the last four months. Donaciano Cayon 40, and Alejandro Perez-Morales 37, were both approached by at least one assailant soon after midnight. According to DeKalb County police they have arrested the four man thief crew in connection with these murders. Police also suspect that the crew is responsible for many other armed robberies in the area. All four assailants are being held on robbery charges and murder charges without bond.

Just last year DeKalb experienced a sharp increase of 17 percent in pedestrian crime. Shockingly this year it is up another 15 percent with 1,505 pedestrian robberies in DeKalb up to September. Police warn that the assailants may be targeting Hispanics since the victims were of Hispanic heritage. Police believe that Hispanics living in apartment buildings may be especially at risk because they have to walk and some believe that Hispanics carry cash and are wary of contacting the authorities.

Police have stepped up their efforts in the area in hopes of curtailing the out of control crime. Undercover officers are being used along with patrols, and roadblocks.

Theft transgressions associated with violent crimes are serious charges that carry serious jail time. The nationally recognized firm of Conaway & Strickler, P.C., will do what it takes to win your case. They have been defending clients accused of serious violent crime charges in Atlanta for over a decade. They know the prosecutors and judges because they practice in those courts on a regular basis. Please call 404-816-5000 for a free consultation.

Posted by Conaway, Strickler & Margolis, P.C. | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Theft Crimes

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