El Cajon is a city East of Downtown Los Angeles, nearby La Mesa, San Carlos, Santee, Bostonia, Winter Gardens, and Spring Valley. With a population of just over 100,000, El Cajon is the fifth largest city in San Diego County. The MTS Trolley's green and orange lines serve El Cajon, connecting it to the Downtown San Diego, Mission Valley and more. El Cajon is served by the 8, 125 and 94 Freeways. Major thoroughfares include El Cajon Boulevard, Washington Avenue, Main Street and Broadway.
Crime is higher in El Cajon than the California average. With higher poverty rates than many of its neighboring communities, and a reputation for drugs (namely methamphetamine), there are many criminal cases arising out of El Cajon. Among the most common crimes are DUI, Drug Crimes, Domestic Violence, Theft Crimes, Sex Crimes, Prostitution/Solicitation, and more. Though El Cajon has come along way since being dubbed the "Meth Capital" of the world in the late 80s, arrests and criminal prosecutions are still common. The El Cajon Police Department provides law enforcement services within the city limits. Criminal cases (both misdemeanor and felony) are prosecuted at the East County Courthouse in El Cajon, located at 250 E. Main Street. Being arrested and facing criminal charges is scary, stressful and can have disastrous consequences on your life and career. In addition to the possibility of jail or prison time, a criminal conviction can carry high fines, restitution, cause deportation, loss of professional license and more. When facing criminal charges, it is important to understand that our government punishes its citizens more frequently and more harshly than anywhere in the civilized world. Our country has the world's highest incarceration rate, and it is due largely to the aggressive efforts of law enforcement, harsh prosecution, and judges who, by a wide margin, have a prosecution background. It is imperative that you have dedicated, aggressive representation of your own to protect your rights and interests. If you have been arrested, charged with a crime or may be under investigation for a crime in San Diego, El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee, Spring Valley or anywhere else in San Diego County, you need a lawyer. Contact us now for a FREE Consultation with a San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney. 619-550-4422 SOME EXAMPLES OF EL CAJON CRIMINAL CASES: 1. James is pulled over on his way home from a date. At dinner, he had two glasses of wine, finishing his second glass just moments before getting in the car. He did not feel impaired and felt safe to drive. James is stopped at a checkpoint, where the officers smell alcohol on James' breath. James is asked to step out of the car and perform a series of field sobriety tests. At the conclusion of the tests, James is asked to blow into a handheld breathalyzer (known as a Preliminary Alcohol Screening, or "PAS" device). The result is .09. James is arrested for DUI and brought to the station, where he is given the choice between a blood test or a breath test. James picks breath, and now blows a .10. James hires a San Diego DUI lawyer to represent him. Despite being offered a "wet reckless" at a pretrial conference, James takes his chances with a trial. At trial, James' attorney relies on several defenses, namely the "Rising BAC" defense, arguing that James' BAC at the time of driving, could very well be, and probably was below the legal limit of .08. Additionally, there was no evidence of bad driving since James was stopped at a checkpoint. 2. George is pulled over for speeding by the California Highway Patrol. Upon approaching the window, the officer can smell the odor of marijuana, and can see two plastic canisters that appear to be from a medical marijuana dispensary, and immediately asks George to step out of the vehicle and begins to search. George has not consented to any search, is not on probation, and is a medical marijuana patient. During the search, the officer finds a loaded firearm and an ounce of meth in George's car. George is arrested and charged with possession of meth for sale (HS 11378), carrying a loaded firearm (PC 25850), and being armed with a firearm while possessing a controlled substance (HS 11370.1). George hires a lawyer experienced in search and seizure issues. His lawyer files a motion to suppress evidence (Penal Code 1538.5 Motion) to get the evidence thrown out. The lawyer argues that the officer had no probable cause to search, and should have known that the marijuana in the car was possessed lawfully. Further, the possession of marijuana, at worst would be an infraction, punishable only by a fine. The judge agrees that the search was unjustified and throws out the evidence. Case dismissed. 3. Gabriela is employed as an exotic dancer. She works at a club in El Cajon. One night during her shift, an undercover officer comes in. First, the officer orders a lap dance from Gabriela, and then another one. Next, he decides to get a special dance in the VIP room. In the VIP room, the officer asked Gabriela how much she charged for oral sex. Gabriela replied "$10,000" in a joking manner. The officer then offered her $1,000. She agrees and is arrested for engaging in prostitution. Gabriela hires an attorney to represent her. Gabriela's lawyer reaches out to the prosecuting attorney, emphasizing Gabriela's lack of record, college transcript, and the unethical conduct of the vice officers, leading the prosecutors to agree not to file the case. If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with a crime in San Diego, El Cajon, Santee, La Mesa or anywhere else in San Diego County, contact us now for a Free Consultation with a San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney. We can discuss the details of your case, including possible and probable consequences, available defenses, and get started on a defense strategy to protect your rights and liberty. FREE CONSLTATIONS 619-550-4422
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