Miami Criminal Lawyers Blog

A man who is accused of saying, "kill all the Jews" on a Northwest Airlines plane appeared in court today.  At the hearing, Mansor Mohammed Asad, a Toledo businessman, has been in jail since early January for making inappropriate remarks on a plane at Miami International Airport.  Asad asked the judge to have his $210,000 bond reduced.  

Asad was not represented by an attorney at the hearing.  He was asked by the judge if he had money in the bank.  Asad responded that he had "over a hundred thousand" in the bank.  Based on this claim, the judge said the court would not appoint an attorney.  Asad also told the judge that he had been treated for mental illness when asked by the judge.  However, the judge cautioned Asad, "You are in very serious trouble."  The judge also told Asad that he needed to hire an attorney and strongly advised Asad to invoke his right to remain silent.

After Asad insisted on making a statement despite the judge's admonishments, the judge relented.  Asad said only that he was not a flight risk before the judge interrupted Asad.  The judge said you are alleged to have said on a plane you want to "kill all Jews" and that the African American police officer should "go back to Africa."  The judge again advised Asad to hire an attorney and had the case continued until tomorrow.  Defense attorney John Musca said that given the seriousness of the charges the judge really had no choice but to postpone the case so that the defendant could hire an attorney.

Asad's family says he is the victim of racial profiling and that his bond is ludicrous given the charges.  "I believe the stewardess just took the word 'I'm Palestinian,' took the word 'kill,' and took the word 'Jew,' because he's from Arab-descent.  Just took it out of context and created that statement," said Mansor's daughter Latasha Asad.

The FBI initially reviewed the case after the incident.  However, they determined the incident did not pose a terrorist threat.  Nonetheless, Asad faces 4 charges, including making public threats.  He could be sentenced up to 11 years in prison if he is convicted.

Musca Law firm has over 100 years of combined legal experience with convenient offices located across the State of Florida.  Our Miami criminal defense team will aggressively defend your rights on the State and Federal level.  The prosecution is looking to punish you to the fullest extent of the law.  You need a knowledgeable attorney to watch out for you.  Contact the Miami criminal lawyers at Musca Law for a free, comprehensive review of your case.

Three Miami-Dade police officers arrested a repeat convicted felon, but the officers allegedly lied about the circumstances of the arrest.  The case has been dismissed with the officers facing indictment for obstruction of justice and perjury charges.  Officers Alkibiades Dodge and Sergeant Waell Majed Farraj were indicted in federal court.  The third officer, Jorge Luis Gonzales, is on vacation in Cuba and has indicated he will surrender when he returns next week.

The three officers arrested Pedro Marte, a drug dealer and repeat convicted felon, for illegally carrying a handgun early last year.  The officers claimed they pulled Marte's car over on 27th Avenue and found the gun hidden under the car's hood.  The officers also said that Marte consented to the search and waived his miranda rights.

However, prosecutors argue that the officers' statements about the circumstances of Marte's arrest are lies.  According to prosecutors, the officers' story began to fall apart when the GPS on the officers' patrol car showed the Marte's arrest happened at a different location.  Based on the discrepancy, the case against Marte was dismissed.

Some have lamented the dismissal of the case against a repeated felon and drug dealer.  John Musca, who frequently handles criminal cases in Miami pointed out, "Obviously, I do not know whether or not the officers' testimony was truthful, but the consequences of having officers lie about the circumstances of an arrest is something a court takes very seriously."

The officers' attorneys insist their clients were truthful about the arrest of Marte.  "They did nothing more than arrest a one-man crime wave, a scourge on the community.  Pedro Marte is a violent, drug-dealing criminal that they arrested with a gun," said one of the officers' attorneys.  One of the other defense attorneys said, "To indict these officers - and if they convict them, they will go to federal prison - is atrocious.  I think it's an abomination."

 

 

Musca Law Firm has over 100 years of combined legal experience with convenient offices located across the State of Florida.  Our Miami criminal defense team will aggressively defend your rights on the State and Federal level.  The prosecution is looking to punish you to the fullest extent of the law.  You need a knowledgeable attorney that will watch out for you.  Contact Musca Law for a free, comprehensive review of your case.

Lake County Sheriff's Officers took Laura Maria Caballero, who is known as "Sister Mary" by parishioners of the Filumena Catholic Church in Eustis, into custody for allegedly disappearing with 2-year-old Maria Lopez-Vazquez and hiding her from her parents for six months.  Caballero was arrested in Miami when she returned from Argentina last month.  Caballero is charged with false imprisonment and interfering with child custody.  She is free on $10,000 bond.

Sheriff's investigators executed a search warrant on St. Filumena Catholic Church on Friday.  Caballero both works and lives at St. Filumena.  Investigators did remove items from the church but the items removed have not yet been identified. 

Caballero claims the entire incident was a misunderstanding.  "We have helped these people for two years," said Caballero.  "They dropped off this baby numerous times with us.  This whole thing is a misunderstanding.  These parents gave this baby voluntarily, and now they're lying." 

Caballero claims she took the child to protect her.  "This is very upsetting to me.  The truth is going to come out in court, and it not what they said, Caballero said, This baby would not be alive if we were not involved in her life."  The Department of Children and Families investigated a child neglect complaint against the parents last year.  However, the file was closed with no findings of neglect.

The mother of the child Adai Lopez-Vazquez disputed Caballero's claims saying, "We are good parents."  Lopez-Vazquez says Caballero is lying and that Caballero did not respond to attempts by the parents to contact her regarding their daughter.

Caballero was arraigned on Tuesday and entered a plea of not guilty.  "These are very serious charges.  Given the conflicting versions of the events, it would seem someone is not being truthful," said criminal defense attorney John Musca.

If you or someone that know that has been charged with a crime, you no longer have to worry about finding and aggressive criminal defense attorney.  Do not allow a criminal charge to destroy your life.  Act immediately.  Although, criminal charges can result in a large spectrum of implications in the State of Florida, Attorneys at Musca Law fight hard and are victorious in defense of their clients.  For further information visit www.muscalaw.com, where you can review the firm's current case list and obtain legal information. Musca Law is a full service criminal defense firm serving clients throughout the State of Florida.

Continue reading "Attorney Musca Comments on Sister Mary's Arrest for Taking Off with 2 Year Old " »

In an unusual move, a federal judge in Miami terminated jury deliberations and acquitted two former employees of Stanford Financial Group, who were accused of destroying evidence of Stanford's alleged Ponzi scheme.  Former Stanford Global Security Chief Thomas Raffanello and Technology Officer Bruce Perraud were accused of illegally shredding thousands of documents.  Raffanello, longtime head of Miami's U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Office, and Perraud faced up to 50 years in prison if they had been convicted.

The jury sent a note to visiting Judge Richard Goldberg during jury deliberations asking for guidance on what constituted intent to thwart the Securities and Exchange Commission as it looked into Stanford's business dealings.  Goldberg ended jury deliberations and issued a directed verdict finding that the evidence was unable to support a conviction.  The judge visiting from the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York likely re-examined the evidence and realized the case should have never gone to the jury.  The defense had argued that shredding of the documents had no impact as the investigators had all the documents on a computer server.

Legal experts commenting on the case suggested that this was a highly unusual move.  The defense attorney who represented Perraud said, "The judge has a constitutional responsibility not to have a case that is insufficient on the evidence go to the jury."  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Fitzpatrick, the Washington based lead prosecutor, asked the court to allow the jury to continue to deliberate knowing that the prosecution could not appeal a judge's acquittal.  Commenting on the decision, Fitzpatrick said, "We're disappointed, but we respect the judge's ruling."

Goldberg indicated that the defense had not done anything wrong in its handling of the case but merely had a weak case.  Goldberg said that prosecutors "did their best with what they had to work with."  Rafanello's lead attorney said that after the decision he could tell that Goldberg was bothered by the trial from the beginning.  "Thank God for the mercy, justice and wisdom of Judge Goldberg," he said.

Musca Law firm has over 100 years of combined legal experience with convenient offices located across the State of Florida. Our Miami criminal defense team will aggressively defend your rights on the state and federal levels. The prosecution is looking to punish you to the fullest extent. You need a knowledgeable attorney to watch out for you. Contact the Miami criminal lawyers at Musca Law for a free, comprehensive review of your case.

The arrest of Tony McDaniel following an altercation with his girlfriend on February 7 did not come as a surprise to the couple's friends, who were familiar with a history of domestic violence disputes between the couple.  The Miami Dolphin defensive tackle was arrested after the couple's friends, who witnessed the altercation, said the couple argued and McDaniel threw his girlfriend Alaina Smith aside snatching her phone and smashing it to the ground.

McDaniel told police that Smith was mad that he had arrived home in the early morning after a night of clubbing.  He claimed Smith slapped and scratched him.  He also claimed he used his forearms to block her blows and stop the attack.  He had scratches on his hands and fingers. 

Smith's version of the February 7 events was that she arrived home from buying breakfast for houseguests when McDaniel became upset that she had not answered the phone when he called her.  She claimed he grabbed her purse and shoved her to the ground where she hit her head as they wrestled for her purse.  She says she ran in the house and asked her houseguests to call 911.  She told police that when she came back outside that McDaniel took her purse and smashed her cell phone on the ground.  Smith declined medical treatment, and police did not see any evidence of head injuries, though she had scratches on her fingers.

The February 7 incident was foreshadowed by prior altercations between the couple.  In November, Smith and other guests called police about a physical altercation between the couple.  Smith claimed that McDaniel pushed her and grabbed her as she tried to climb some stairs.  McDaniel claimed that Smith smacked him in the face because he had come home from a night of clubbing in South Beach.  Smith also called the police on October 17 and told them she was afraid that McDaniel was going to lock her out of the home.

McDaniel was arrested on a misdemeanor battery charge as a result of the February 7 incident but was released the following day after posting $3500 bond.

 

 

Continue reading "History of Domestic Disputes between Miami Dolphin Tony McDaniel and Girlfriend Foreshadowed Player's Arrest " »

The Miami criminal case surrounding the murder of model Paula Sladewski after she left the downtown Miami nightclub Club Space on Jan. 22 will be featured during prime time on America's Most Wanted.  The popular Fox network show, which is hosted by John Walsh, will ask viewers to help identify a person of interest on Saturday at 9:00 p.m. on Channel 7.

Surveillance cameras show a club bouncer escorting Sladewski out of the building shortly after filming her boyfriend Kevin Klym being escorted out of the building following an altercation sixty seconds before.  Sladewski's body was later discovered in a North Miami dumpster burned beyond recognition.

Klym indicated that the man in the sketch could be the bouncer seen in the video escorting Sladewski from the building.  However, club owners are angry at this claim and indicated they believe that Klym is simply trying to divert attention from himself.  Club owners also expressed confusion over why the sketch being circulated by authorities did not seem to be based on information provided by the club doorman who saw Sladewski leave.  "The man in the sketch; we didn't identify that sketch," Klym said.  The man in the sketch may not be the murderer but the police would like to talk to him about the case.

The Sladewski case is just one of several Miami-Dade County cases recently featured on America's Most Wanted.  The Boca Town Center murders of Randi Gorenberg and Nancy and Joey Bochicchio have been featured on 4 episodes, but remain unsolved.  However, America's Most Wanted coverage had lead to the arrest of Paul Merhige, who allegedly murdered four family members on Thanksgiving, at a Florida Keys Motel.

Walsh commented on the Sladewski case saying, "It's going to be a tough case to break.  Somebody knows something about it.  If you're not comfortable talking to the North Miami Police, go to amw.com and leave your tip anonymously."

If you have been charged with a crime, legally you are presumed to be innocent until a judge or a jury has convicted you.   The prosecution holds the initial burden to provide convincing evidence that you are guilty, often known as proving guilt, "beyond a reasonable doubt," where the prosecutor will work with the police investigators in an effort to secure a conviction.

It is imperative to retain a competent criminal defense attorney that will evaluate and analyze every aspect of the investigation, that has led to an arrest as there is absolutely no room for mistakes when your freedoms are at risk.

 

 

 

Continue reading "Miami Club Murder Featured on America's Most Wanted " »

Miami - A former investigator for the Office of Financial Regulation and the Department of Children and Families Office of the Inspector General ordered and purchased two videos of a child engaged in sexually explicit conduct from a Web site based in Europe.   After an investigation additional images and videos were found on his computer.

He has been sentenced to more than six years in prison for possessing child pornography.  His attorney declined comment and an Office of Financial Regulation spokesman also declined to comment.

In an attempt to protect children from exploitation, lawmakers and law enforcement officials have created a situation that can put innocent people at risk of conviction.  The consequences of a conviction on a possession of child pornography charge are severe and permanent.  You will be required to register as a sex offender where you will have to alert authorities each time that you move, and often difficulties obtaining employment arise.  Not to mention a lengthy jail sentence.

If you are being investigated or have been charged with a sexual assault or child pornography it is essential that you retain an experienced attorney to protect your rights.  You need an aggressive criminal defense attorney early in the process, ideally before the charges are brought. 

Contact Musca Law to discuss your case.  Attorneys at Musca Law know that the stakes are very high.  Your reputation and your family are on the line.  You can be assured that Musca Law will diligently work to keep you out of prison and minimize as much as possible the consequences of your child pornography charge.

 

 

 

Miami-Dade Schools Police reported that a computer technician at a Middle School has been arrested and charged with having sex with a 13 year old student at the school.

The 22 year old computer technician admitted to a consensual relationship with the student during winter break.   Although there were at least seven acts with the victim, there is no evidence that there are any other victims in this case. 

In a statement made by a Police Chief, "It wasn't a predatory act in the sense that it was forced or sexual battery. There was an element of consent on the juvenile's part, as much as a minor can consent".  In another statement made by a Miami-Dade Police Chief, "This has no room in our school system".

The suspect was arrested and charged with seven counts of lewd and lascivious conduct on a minor.  He is currently out on a $7,500 bond and is no longer an employee for the Miami-Dade School system.

It is considered a felony offence when lewd conduct involves a minor.  When the behavior is intended to arouse the sexual libido of the adult or the child, you will more than likely be charged with a felony crime of lewd conduct.

With overwhelming pressure from the public many prosecutors will go to the extremes to secure convictions in these cases.  If you have been arrested and charged with a lewd and lascivious behavior it is essential that you contact an aggressive Miami criminal defense attorney immediately.  At Musca Law they will diligently defend your legal rights.

A woman was shot in the stomach at her home, after an argument with a man that also resides in the home according to police.

The woman was taken to the hospital where she underwent surgery, although her condition was not known at the time, she died shortly after.

In a statement made by a neighbor "I heard two shots, just two minutes apart".   A second man that resided in the house attempted to take the gun, where additional shots were fired however, they were able to detain the gunman.

The man has been arrested and now faces homicide charges.

Murder cases are unlike any other criminal case.  The stakes are high and test both the accused and the lawyer. Prosecutors habitually charge individuals with first-degree murder when the allegations, at most, support a charge of manslaughter. An experienced defense lawyer can be counted on to properly analyze the prosecutor's evidence, to offer solid advice, and to skillfully attack the prosecutor's evidence at trial.

When your freedom, your reputation, and your permanent criminal records are at stake, you want Musca Law on your side. They can handle the defense of all violent crimes, state or federal.  If you have been charged with a violent crime contact Musca Law to schedule a free confidential consultation with an experienced Miami violent crimes defense attorney. 

A 38 year old man has been arrested and charged with the sexual assault of a 91-year-old-woman. 

The man had entered the home of an elderly woman during the late hours.  When the woman woke to utilize the bathroom, she was attacked by the man.  According to the Sheriff's office the woman was tied up and then sexually assaulted. 

The woman had made a statement that she had lost her wallet, which held the spare key to her home.  Prior to the incident the woman had received a suspicious phone call.  After reviewing the phone records police determined who the suspect was.  Evidence collected including DNA linked police to the suspect in question.

The man is being held in the county jail and faces charges of burglary with battery, sexual battery and kidnapping.

There is no surprise that this crime evokes intense emotions as little tolerance exists for sexual offenders.   In the State of Florida sex crimes are taken very seriously and are subject to vigorous investigations by law enforcement.  If you are charged with committing a sex crime you will face aggressive prosecution by the state.

Being convicted of a sex crime can lead to an array of legal issues that can include, but are not limited to: jail time, hefty fines, community service, probation, court ordered counseling and restitution.  A conviction will also require you to permanently list your name on the state's sex offender registry.

If you have been convicted a sex crime in the State of Florida, you will need to retain an aggressive, experienced and professional criminal defense attorney.  The law offices of Musca Law can provide you with the direction that you need to fight your sex charges.

Man charged in a sex slave scheme was ordered to be held in the county jail on $201,000 bond relative to kidnapping, attempted sexual battery, aggravated stalking, and threatening to extort money from a woman, using nude pictures.

The 44 year old man, used blackmail to force the victim to commit a sexual act with him. The victim was contacted with a request for a ride to pick up a vehicle at an auto repair shop. Due to the fact that the two have been long standing friends the victim did not feel as though there would be any danger in doing so.

The victim then followed the man to his home after an invitation to do so. At this point the victim was then grabbed from behind and handcuffed. After a struggle, the victim proceeded to make an attempt to talk the man out of the attack.

After an investigation into the incident it was determined that the attacks had been plotted over a period of time. That the man was not only wanted to have sex with the victim, but he wanted to take photographs in order to sell them on the internet.

If convicted the man could face up to 30 years in prison.

Criminal charges for sexual assault, rape, internet solicitation and other sexual offenses can destroy your reputation and most importantly your future. When charged with a criminal offense it is essential to have an experienced attorney on your side who will advocate aggressively for your rights. At Musca Law, we believe that anyone accused of a crime deserves the strongest and most effective defense possible. Contact Musca Law for an initial consultation, so we can provide you with the best possible outcome.

Miami-Dade high school reported that a 14 year old student brought a loaded weapon to school. The Police were called by a counselor at the School for Applied Technology, an alternative school after a student made a threat against another student.

After the students book bag had been searched by an officer that was called to the scene, a loaded 9 mm handgun was discovered. The teen was immediately arrested and charged with possession of a weapon on school grounds.  He was then transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center.

This is not the first incident of possession of a weapon at the School for Applied Technology.  There was an incident approximately four years prior involving the school's principal.  He was arrested for threatening another teacher with a firearm on school property.

Florida Statute 790.115 states: A person shall not possess any firearm, electric weapon or device, or other weapon as defined in s. 790.001 (13), including a razor blade or box cutter, except authorized in support of school sanctioned activities, at a school-sponsored event or on the property of any school, school bus, or school bus stop.

Possession of a weapon on school grounds can be a complex matter.  If you or someone that you know has been charged with possession of a weapon on school grounds the experienced lawyers at Musca Law can help.   Your freedom is too valuable; do not risk losing your independence and reputation by engaging less experienced legal representation, contact a Miami criminal defense attorney at Musca Law firm to schedule a free confidential consultation: (800) 678-2252.

 

 

 

Last April a Miami couple had been indicted on approximately 58 counts of operating a prostitution ring, money laundering and tax fraud.  The couple had used their escort service as a cover up according to investigators.  The couple has now accepted a plea of guilty from federal prosecutors. 

The couple maintained an adult internet website entitled "Sweeties.us."  Ads were also placed in local newspapers looking for "models" and "phone operators."   Both individuals were responsible for interviewing and hiring prospective escorts and telephone operators.

In court documents it has been stated that customers would call relative to scheduling appointments with an escort in a wide range of service prices and service areas, including local and non local hotels.

Cash profits went unreported to the IRS to include overstating business travel deductions.  Included in the plea deal an agreement was made to pay the federal government more than a million dollars.

The couple faces a maximum of five years in prison for conspiracy and a maximum of three years for filing a false tax return.

Prostitution rings and tax evasion are serious crimes in the State of Florida.   While every situation is different the hiring of a lawyer is an important decision.  You will need the advice of an intelligent and reputable attorney. 

With over 100 years of combined experience Attorneys at Musca Law have dedicated themselves to protecting the rights of the criminally accused.  Driven by the highest standards of professionalism Musca Law strives to deliver results for their clients in all areas of criminal law.  Musca Law attorneys are available to respond to emergencies with a staff that can also accommodate Spanish speaking clients.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, contact a Florida criminal defense attorney at  Musca Law firm to schedule a free confidential consultation: (800) 678-2252.

Miami- Detectives are investigating a man who has allegedly been stealing identities and passing counterfeit checks across South Florida.  This form of criminal act is often referred to as Identity Theft.

In a statement made by police the suspect enters the victim's banks to then deposit counterfeit checks into their accounts.  A split deposit is made where the suspect deposits a phony check into the victim's account to then withdraw a portion of the funds.

Identity theft is a crime that is considered to be a white collar crime.  White collar crimes are fraud, bankruptcy fraud, bribery, insider trading, embezzlement, computer crime, medical crime, public corruption, identity theft, environmental crime, pension fund crime, RICO crimes, consumer fraud, occupational crime, securities fraud, financial fraud, and forgery.

A conviction for a white collar crime could mean prison time and thousands of dollars in fines.

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in the State of Florida you will need to hire an experienced Florida Criminal Defense Attorney who will demand the integrity and the proficiency of the investigation that lead to the arrest is beyond reproach.  Attorneys at Musca Law will provide you with the highest quality criminal representation available.

As an experienced Miami Criminal Defense Attorney, Attorney Musca is committed to protecting his clients' rights. If you or someone that you know is facing a white collar crime, contact Musca Law to schedule a consultation.  Call Musca Law toll free at 1-800-687-2252 or visit us on the web at muscalaw.com.

Miami-Dade - A gunman shot a 35 year old man in front of his home over the weekend.  The incident involved a robbery where the gunman tried to steal a gold chain off of the victim.  "The subject discharged his firearm twice, not striking anyone within the vehicle," said a Miami-Dade Police Detective.  "Once the subject fled on foot, that's when the victim began to chase after the subject.  The subject fired multiple shots towards the victim, striking him and that's where he collapsed."

The victim had been airlifted by rescue crews to Jackson Memorial Hospital where the victim remains in critical condition.  Police are on alert for the gunman who fled the scene in a green mini-van.

Leaving the scene of a crime in the State of Florida can carry severe legal penalties.  Such penalties could result in a long term jail sentence, high fines and restitution.  

Be aware of the reality of the Criminal Justice System and the factors at play.  Most of all, take any criminal charges seriously.  Make sure that you have an attorney that can best represent your case. 

If you or someone that you know are facing serious criminal charges and would like to discuss the legal options available to you please contact Attorney Musca at (800) 687-2252 or visit him on the web at muscalaw.com.  Remember a criminal conviction will not only affect your future, it will follow you for the rest of your life.  The sooner that you retain legal representation the better the results will be. 

It is vital that you retain and experienced criminal defense attorney without delay.  Attorney John Musca is an aggressive criminal defense lawyer who is on your side!