Miami Criminal Lawyers Blog

MIAMI- After enticing a man on Craigslist offering him a "great deal" 22 year old Steven Glass was arrested for robbery.    The victim who wished to remain unidentified had fallen victim to a false craigslist advertisement.   He was led to believe that the seller was offering a great price for a Sony PS3 which normally sells for $300.00 however, was advertised for $160.00.  The $160.00 price was agreed upon and a meeting place along 18th Avenue and 20th Avenue was set in place. 

Upon arrival the seller handed over the empty box to then abruptly seize the cash.  Glass then proceeded to run towards an apartment complex.  "The subject just totally snatches the money from the victim's hands and just runs," in a statement made by Miami Police Detective Willie Moreno.

As of late Craigslist has had some bad publicity, with the recent murder of a young woman who was interviewing for a position as a nanny.  However, if you use prudence then there is no reason to fear this type of sale.  Always remember that if you use caution by placing yourself in a safe position then your selling and buying experience can be safe, fun and profitable.

When faced with theft related charges taking your situation seriously is extremely important.  
Both misdemeanor and felony theft charges are tediously prosecuted to obtain the toughest penalties possible.  John Musca is a powerful and aggressive theft crimes attorney in Florida.  If you have been arrested and charged with a theft crime Musca Law is an experienced defense firm that you can trust to get you through the criminal process.  Without competent representation, you could lose not only your rights but your freedom.

Chad Stoffel, a former music and math teacher at Summit Christian School, is arrested for engaging in sexual activities with a Wellington Christian School 16-year old boy in 2005. 

In April 2006, while out on bail, Stoffel surrendered to authorities and confessed.  He disclosed that he had befriended a 17-year old Summit Christian Student and his family, committing sexual acts with the boy 15 to 20 times between 2003 and 2004. 

Detective Robert Falbe reported that he had learned about Stoffel's relationship with the Wellington teen in February 2006. When a counselor at a religious retreat located in Memphis contacted him with information relative to Stoffel revealing he molested numerous young boys in South Florida.  Stoffel is charged with multiple counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor as well as battery of a child. 

As a Miami criminal defense attorney at Musca Law Offices where do I come in?  I stand ready to represent a client facing such charges.  When is the best time to contact me?  Immediately, in fact particularly if the police approach is merely signaling an upcoming or ongoing investigation, before you even engage in a discussion with an officer.  If you have been charged with a crime in Florida it is important that you have experience, strategy and know how on your side.    

Broward County, Florida. A string of robberies have been reported at the 2100 block of Northwest 47th Street in Lauderhill. The suspect is described as a black man driving a white, Mercury Grand Marquis. Local officers bumped up their patrols in the area. At approximately 9:58 p.m., undercover officers witnessed a man matching the suspect's description and vehicle, approached a woman sitting at a bus stop. He put a gun to her head. The victim gave up her purse and the Police moved in. The Defendant fled the scene in his car.
Police considered the suspect "armed and dangerous" and over a dozen patrol cars participated in the chase. Officers arrested the accused robbery suspect, 20-year old Anthony Ward, after the police chase ended in a downtown Ft. Lauderdale crash. Luckily, no one was injured during the pursuit or the resulting accident. The Officers recovered the victim's purse and a pellet gun from the suspect's vehicle at the scene.
Ward is charged with a laundry list of serious criminal offenses: Armed Robbery with a Firearm, Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding, Driving with a Suspended License and Violation of Probation. He faces a maximum consecutive sentence of 80 years in State prison, if he is convicted on all charges. The State of Florida defines the crime of robbery with a firearm has been committed when an offender attempts to permanently deprive another of their property with a weapon. This is a very serious criminal offense and is considered a first degree felony in the State of Florida.
I do not represent Anthony Ward, nor do I have information that jeopardizes the attorney/client privileges. If you or a loved one has been convicted of a felony, contact an experienced Miami Criminal Defense Attorney to rigorously defend the charges against you. My firm has over 100 years of combined experience and is ready to fight the grave charges. You are innocent until proven guilty in a Court of law.

A Miami Lakes lifeguard has been arrested on charges of Computer Child Exploitation and Traveling to Meet a Minor. The accused, 34-year old Michael Woolf, allegedly spent the days prior to his arrest inappropriately speaking to a 14-year old girl on the internet. The victim turned out to be Broward County Sheriff's Office Detective, Joe Vella, a member of the Internet Crimes Against Children task force.

The police report described the conversations as flirtatious and "sexual in nature." Woolf and Detective Vella, a/k/a 14-year old girl, planned to meet at a Cooper-City fast food restaurant; officers were waiting and arrested him.

The Miami-Dade County records state that Wolfe was employed as a lifeguard for the years of 1999 through 2003. He was later promoted to pool manager and taught swim lessons at Rockway Park, 9460 SW 27^th Drive. The Sheriff's office fears that Woolf may used his position at the pool to victimize other girls.

The Broward County Parks and Recreation Department never received a complaint about Woolf during his time of employment. Spokeswoman Edith Torres feels that the likelihood of Woolf committing any additional sexual crimes against children would be "highly unlikely" due to the high class volume.

With the popularity of social networking sites on the internet, individuals are able to meet new friends with a click of a mouse. However, there is a certain amount of trust bestowed when you are speaking to someone you do not know. Individuals harmlessly making internet friends may be easily deceived. Too often children can become the victims of predators; and unsuspecting adults the victims of a misunderstanding with an underage person.

If you have been charged with a cyber crime, contact an experienced Miami Criminal Lawyer to defend the charges against you. Mistakes happen, do not let a sexual offense charge follow you for the rest of your life. Contact a knowledgeable Miami Felony Attorney to fight your case. You are innocent until proven guilty in a Court of law.

Miami-Dade law enforcement officials released a sketch last week of a man who is suspected of committing two sex crimes (see Florida Statute 794.011 for sexual battery) in the area only weeks apart. Police detectives investigating the crimes believe that a single perpetrator is responsible for both attacks on the women. At this point, law enforcement officers have not released information regarding whether the suspected rapist is suspected of any other sexual assaults in the area.

The first sexual attack occurred on May 10 at about 3:00 a.m. A woman was walking on the street between 75th Street and Northwest First Avenue. According to her report to Miami-Dade police, she was approached by a man who forced her at gunpoint to get into his vehicle. There, the man raped the woman. Investigators have been searching for the woman's attacker based on the description she provided.

On June 16, just blocks away near the intersection of 78th Street and Northwest Seventh Avenue, a second woman was attacked. She told law enforcement officials investigating her case that the man was riding a bicycle in the vicinity when he dismounted and approached her from behind. He jumped on top of her, forcing her down, she reported. The attacker attempted to remove his victim's clothing as she fought him. The victim told police that she was able to escape from his grasp by fighting and particularly by kicking the man in the groin. He eventually let go of the victim.

The rape and sexual assault suspect is an African-American male who is in his late 30s or early 40s. The man has acne on his face, which is particularly noticeable on the cheeks. The suspect is believed to have a scar on his right arm. He may be armed, as he threatened his first suspect with a handgun.

Many criminal defendants are sentenced to probation for a variety of crimes in Florida, including misdemeanors, felonies, and even criminal traffic offenses, according to Miami criminal lawyer John Musca. Generally, probation comes with requirements, such as frequent reporting to a probation officer, advising of changes in address, drug testing, and even bans on alcohol use. Conditions of probation may also include required classes, like the batterers intervention program in domestic violence cases or anger management for other types of criminal charges. Probation also requires payment of various fees for the unique form of supervision.

Probation is frequently given as part of a plea deal, although it is also giving as a component of regular sentencing after a trial, as well. The function is usually to allow the guilty party an opportunity to comply with rules and, to some extent, get a second chance. For example, a man named Andy steals a vehicle - thus committing grand theft (Florida Statute 812.014) - and he is subsequently arrested. Andy may elect to take a plea deal, particularly if the police have accumulated significant amounts of admissible evidence that tends to show that the defendant is guilty of the crime. In an effort to avoid time in prison or jail, he might agree to two years of probation, where he will complete a drug treatment program and report to his probation officer at least twice per month. He would also almost certainly be subject to random drug tests.

If Andy complies with all terms of probation, depending on the terms of sentencing, he will be released from probation and the judge may even withhold an adjudication of guilt. But if Andy fails a drug test or fails to check in with his probation officer, he may be arrested for violation of probation. If the judge finds that Andy did not comply with the conditions, she can re-sentence Andy as though he is being sentenced for the grand theft, even imposing prison time.

Methamphetamine in its most potent form is often called crystal, although it is also known as ice, and by other slang names. Meth is a highly addictive drug, which accounts in part for its rise on the streets of Florida over the past 25 years. It is more addictive when taken intravenously (by injection) and when the user smokes the drug. Meth is also taken by snorting, according to Miami drug lawyer John Musca. Occasionally, users may use the drug in a suppository form, which may cause the effects to linger longer. When taken in one of the more common methods, the user's experiences generally last approximately 16 hours, although that number varies by factors like amount taken, method of ingestion, and potency of the drug. Meth is also relatively inexpensive to obtain.

The drug stimulates the central nervous system of the person using it. Blood pressure rises, as does the heart rate, which can make meth very dangerous for people who have underlying health conditions. The physical effects of the drug can also include dry skin, acne, flushing, blurred vision, and even anorexia. Particularly harmful effects include the possibility of the user suffering cardiac arrest, convulsions, or stroke, all of which can cause death. Meth is regarded as one of the more dangerous street drugs due to those dangerous side effects.

Methamphetamine produces a combination of psychological effects, which range from euphoria to paranoia and aggression. Unlike some other street drugs, like opiates and even cocaine, meth is not approved in most countries for legitimate medical issues, for which the drug is taken after a doctor provides a prescription. It is available in one form within the U.S. by prescription, however, under the pharmaceutical name Desoxyn. Desoxyn is manufactured for the treatment of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder.

Methamphetamine, which is also known by street names including like ice and crystal, is considered to be relatively simple to manufacture, says Miami criminal attorney John Musca. The ease of manufacturing, or "cooking" meth, along with its low price tag and high addictive properties, have resulted in widespread use of the drug. Although it originally started in the southwest part of the United States - especially the San Diego, California area - production and use began increasing in the 1980s through the South and the Midwest. Now, possession and trafficking are widespread law enforcement concerns.

In response to the increased usage, states and the federal government alike began to criminalize implements used in the production of the drug. Meth (Florida Statute 893.02) is produced using relatively easy to find components, aided by common household tools. For example, the drug requires the use of pseudoephedrine, which is known by most people as an over-the-counter nasal decongestant with the brand name Sudafed. In recent years, it has become increasingly difficult to purchase pseudoephedrine, as states compile lists of who is purchasing the drug and place restrictions on the amount any one person can buy within a month.

Salt, which almost everyone has in the kitchen or on the dining room table, is another easy to find component. Acetone, while perhaps less commonly known to many men, is used as a nail polish remover and is available for less than one dollar at most drug stores. Similarly, rubbing alcohol is an inexpensive item to obtain - and one which most people already have in their home first-aid kits.

Simple items required for the manufacture include aluminum foil, a blender, paper towels, rubber gloves, funnels, and baking dishes, which are all common household items. Studies suggest that the typical methamphetamine "cook" will instruct 10 other people in how to manufacture the potent drug, which has made the rise of meth a nightmare for law enforcement agencies.

Miami-Dade teenagers Michael Derek Lobo and Juan Carlos Gonzalez-Vaca, both aged 17, were arrested on Thursday at Killian Senior High School, where both youths go to school. Both boys are charged with smashing two of the mosque's windows with an iron rod and slashing the tires of a 2003 Dodge van. Upon his arrest, Gonzalez-Vaca admitted to police officers that the two teens had been planning the attack for months. The teen also made several anti-Islamic statements, such as "all Muslims are terrorists." Lobo also confessed to the crime upon his arrest, Miami criminal defense attorney Musca has learned. Police reported that the teens additionally spray-painted an expletive on the mosque that was directed toward Muslims. The case was solved in part due to a tip to an anti-crime hotline from a citizen whose identity has not yet been made public. The incident was also caught on a surveillance tape at the mosque, but officials said that the tape was of little value because it was hard to see the suspects in the dark.

Both teens are charged with criminal mischief to a mosque, with an enhanced penalty for demonstrating prejudice and wearing a mask while committing the offense. Police have reported that this is not the first time that the mosque has been targeted for attack. Six months ago, the mosque was damaged when perpetrators shot 51 bullets at the location, in a case that is still under investigation. FBI officials have reported that they cannot label the mosque shooting a hate crime until they have a suspect. There was also a June 2005 incident where unknown suspects used a rock to smash the door of the center as well as a 2004 incident where the mosque's sign was defaced with a swastika. Police have not made any arrests in any of these prior incidents.

A man and a woman have both been arrested following an odd theft (Florida Statute 812.014) incident in Florida this week. Animal Crackers Pet Store had reported to police the theft of a baby skunk, which the store valued at approximately $400. David J. Ruvolo, 21, attempted to return the skunk to the store following the theft crime. Miami criminal defense lawyer John Musca has learned that workers at the pet store called law enforcement officials to report his return of the animal. It was not immediately clear whether Ruvolo had tried to return the skunk for a "refund" of its store value or whether he sought only to give it back to its rightful owners, but the fact that he is now facing criminal charges indicate the former is probably a more likely possibility. In any case, the return of the baby skunk did not work out well for Ruvolo.

Emily J. McCormick was arrested at her job for her role in the skunk theft. Law enforcement officials allege that she was the actual perpetrator of the crime. McCormick has been charged with grand theft, due to the skunk's value, while Ruvolo has been charged with being an accessory to grand theft.

Under Florida law (Florida Statute 812.014), grand theft between $300 and $5,000 is a third-degree felony. It is a crime punishable by up to five years in prison. Thefts of exotic animals are perhaps more common than the average consumer might think, as chinchillas, hedgehogs, snakes, and yes, even skunks, can often fetch fairly high prices from people who raise exotic pets. Even purebred dogs are sometimes stolen due to their desirability as pets, even though they generally need registration papers to function as show animals. Keeping a skunk as a pet is legal in Florida, although the owner is required to have a special license.

Read more about the incident here.