After all the press this case has gotten, as a sex crimes attorney in Los Angeles, I just had to post a late blog with my two cents.   As many people know throughout Southern California, and the world, Catherine Becker has been accused and arrested for allegedly drugging her estranged husband, tying him up, cutting off his penis with a 10-inch kitchen knife, and dumping it in the garbage disposal. 

In the Central Justice Court in Santa Ana, Orange County, Ms. Becker was arraigned on charges including aggravated mayhem, assault with a deadly weapon, spousal abuse, and torture. 

Of course, as a criminal defense attorney who handles a lot of domestic violence cases all over California, I have to wonder whether rape or infidelity was a possible motive for these allegedly heinous crimes? Especially based on the defendant’s alleged comment to 911 dispatch that “he deserved it,” a criminal defense attorney brain has to play with the possibility that he may have sexually assaulted her to induce her to engage in such violent sexually related  acts towards him. 

Only time will tell whether this woman’s story is one of a sexually abused, victim of domestic violence, or merely a women scorned by cheating and infidelity.  Either way, she has a long criminal court battle to fight which could easily result in a life state prison sentence. 

If you, or a loved one, has been charged with domestic violence, or a sex crime, contact the experienced aggressive defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Karen L. Goldstein for a free, confidential consultation: (888) 445-6313.

35-year old, Ian Rodriguez, has been accused of killing his son and torturing his wife and four of his other children.  Mr. Rodriguez appeared in San Bernadino Superior Court yesterday Morning to plead not guilty to all the charges.  Mr. Rodriguez is being held without bail for the serious and violent felony charges of torture, child abuse, attempted murder, and murder.

If the charges are found to be true, Mr. Rodriguez faces several consecutive life sentences in state prison.  He is alleged to have repeatedly assaulted his wife and children with a monkey wrench, threatened to light them on fire, and made them walk on broken glass during 11 hours of alleged torture.  Mr. Rodriguez’s eldest son eventually died from the severe beating he received.

As a criminal defense attorney who has practiced often in the San Bernadino County courts, and also has handled countless violent crimes cases, this story does appear gruesome in the alleged details.  However, if there is one thing I have learned over the years as a criminal defense lawyer is: there are two sides to every story.  This is not to say that even the smartest, most aggressive criminal defense attorney could find something legally or morally defensible in these alleged acts of torture, if these acts are proved true; however, there are certainly unknown factors at play: drug and/or alcohol addiction, mental illness on Mr. Rodriguez’s part.

If you, or someone you love, has been accused of a violent crime, then call and consult with an experienced and compassionate violent crimes attorney at The Law Offices of Karen L. Goldstein: (888) 445-6313.