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Archive for September, 2010

Is Business Booming for Santa Clara County Vice Cops?

Tuesday, September 14th, 2010

As anyone who has ever perused a copy of the San Jose Metro, or who has ever visited MYREDBOOK.COM already knows, the world’s oldest profession is very alive and well in San Jose and Santa Clara County. 

Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Mike Paresa reported to the San Jose Mercury News last week that an investigation that lasted eight months, and involved more than thirty officers, netted two people that oversaw an alleged prostitution ring headquartered in Santa Clara County.  The ring employed mainly Chinese women that were making $12,000.00 a month.  Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant Joe Walldherr commented that “The way the economy is and how lucrative this is, it’s very common.  We’ll shut one down and there will be 10 of them opening up.  They’re all over.”

Notwithstanding the huge investment of manpower and resources, the Sheriff’s office justified the investigation, in part, because prostitutes can be vulnerable to robberies and sometimes held in the industry against their wishes. 

San Jose Criminal Defense Lawyer Bernard P. Bray has extensive experience handling prostitution cases. He has been successful in asserting defenses based on many theories, including double jeopardy and outrageous police misconduct in attacking prostitution charges on technical grounds, and has an excellent track record with prostitution cases in front of juries.

Prostitution allegations should not be taken lightly. When faced with prostitution charges call San Jose Criminal Attorney Bernard P. Bray at: (408) 292-9700. Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean interpreters are available on request.

Why Were Labor Day Weekend 2010 DUI Arrests Down?

Monday, September 13th, 2010

Labor Day Weekend 2010 DUI arrests were down across California this year.  According to the California Highway Patrol there were 900 DUI related arrests statewide over the long three day weekend as compared with 923 arrests for the same period last year.

Could the flat statistics be a result of the recession?  In other words, could the decrease in arrests be a reflection of statewide police layoffs and cutbacks?  In Santa Clara County the facts would indicate otherwise.  From Friday August 20, 2010, through Saturday September 4, 2010, DUI patrols and sobriety check points were increased as part of a summer DUI crackdown campaign.  Notwithstanding the added enforcement efforts, there were only 343 driving under the influence arrests compared with 363 arrests for the same period a year ago.

 Although the above statistics may reflect a year over year decrease in California DUI related arrests, penalties for a DUI conviction are still potentially quite severe including license suspension, jail time, probation, fines, court fees, alcohol classes, increased insurance premiums, and a criminal record.

 If you or a loved one have been arrested for driving under the influence or should you have questions regarding California DUI law please call San Jose DUI Attorney Bernard P. Bray: (408) 292-9700.

Does The Recession Affect Domestic Violence?

Saturday, September 4th, 2010

If there is a link between financial stress and domestic violence, than the recession must be affecting domestic violence.  No question about it the recession has caused increased stress, but is it really making people more violent?  In a recent blog post, 4-14-10, I addressed the year over year spike in local domestic violence arrests.  In an earlier blog post, 2-15-10, I suggested a review of how we are utilizing our public resources on domestic violence prevention efforts.  Now I am urging a re-consideration of current policies that slash funding for domestic violence services from state and local government budgets.

Experts have noted for years that oftentimes victims of domestic violence are financially dependant on their abusers, and therefore, locked into the relationship.  The recession has made life much more difficult for this category of victim.  This is so because public funds for domestic violence services and support programs have been drastically cut by strained local governments.  In California the annual budget stalemate in Sacramento does not bode well for state funding of domestic violence services in the coming year.  Last year Governor Schwarzenegger slashed $16.3 million dollars of funds budgeted for domestic violence services, and if this history is to be the guide, the near term future does not look good, for either the budget, and for domestic violence victims.

Domestic violence is a serious social problem with awful consequences for everyone.  Attorney Bernard P. Bray has many years of experience successfully dealing with domestic violence issues, and assisting clients and their families in minimizing the impact of an arrest for a domestic violence related offense.    Should you have questions regarding domestic violence, or should you or a loved one need effective representation because of a domestic violence related arrest please call San Jose Criminal Defense Lawyer Bernard P. Bray at (408) 292-9700.

Should There Be a Law?

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has come out with a well regarded report that estimates, based on 2005 data, that the national cost associated with deaths and injuries from car crashes exceeds $99 billion annually.  Worldwide, traffic accidents are the ninth leading cause of death.  By 2030 car crashes are expected to increase in rank to the fifth leading cause of death worldwide.

The above statistics are staggering.  There is a lot that can be done.  Get off that cell phone when driving.  Wear a helmet when riding on a motorcycle.  Don’t drive after drinking alcohol. 

The above types of suggestions make a difference.  On December 21, 2007, fast developing Vietnam adopted a mandatory helmet law for motorcyclists, and same had an instantaneous effect.  All major hospitals surveyed noticed an immediate drop in the number of patients admitted for traumatic brain injuries.  In Ho Chi Minh City alone, reports of serious traffic accident injuries fell by 50%. 

In California crash causalities have steadily declined since the 1980’s.  Safer cars, cell phone use crackdowns, mandatory seat-belt use laws, mandatory helmet use laws for motorcycle and bike riders, and sobriety checkpoints have all undoubtedly helped , but there is still more that can be done.  Many Judges in California are now requiring that convicted drunk drivers install an ignition interlock device in their cars to prevent them from driving drunk.

If you have questions regarding this blog, California DUI laws, sobriety check points, or should you or a loved have had the misfortune of a DUI arrest, protect yourself to the fullest extent possible, call San Jose DUI Lawyer Bernard P. Bray.

Call Now: (408) 292-9700

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