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John Pizicas of Orlando, FL, Faces DUI Charges after Leading Troopers on Chase

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action-blur-blurry-763834-300x200The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has announced DUI charges against an Orlando man accused of leading troopers on a chase through construction zones last Sunday.

John Pizicas, 41, was charged for DUI damage to property or persons, leaving the scene of a crash involving damage to property, and fleeing with disregard of safety to persons or property. The press did not name an attorney for him.

According to the arrest report, the alleged incident occurred at around 3 p.m. on March 22 at an active construction zone near Everglades Boulevard and Golden Gate Boulevard. Troopers working a construction detail reportedly saw a white Kia SUV speeding east on Golden Gate Boulevard within a closed construction zone.

The vehicle ramped off a concrete curb and became airborne, according to FHP troopers. The front of the vehicle sustained heavy damage after it crashed into the ground near a construction worker. The vehicle then continued south and left the scene of the crash.

Troopers pursued the vehicle and attempted to overtake it. The driver allegedly drove recklessly outside of designated lanes and refused to stop even when the troopers activated their emergency lights and sirens to pull him over.

A trooper passed the vehicle and attempted to block it as it approached another construction zone, but the driver drove around the patrol car. The driver tried to turn right onto Golden Gate Boulevard, lost control of the vehicle, crashed into a line of construction barrels, and then drove on the wrong side of the road toward oncoming traffic, FHP said.

The vehicle struck several more barrels and almost crashed into multiple vehicles and construction workers while leading troopers on a chase. At least one construction worker had to run out of the way of the vehicle, according to the report.

The driver eventually stopped the vehicle in the driveway of a home on Golden Gate Boulevard, jumped out and tried to run towards the woods, according to FHP. Troopers deployed a K9 to capture the driver and he was arrested. FHP identified the driver as Pizicas.

Troopers reported that Pizicas showed signs of impairment from alcohol after his arrest. He was transported to a hospital to receive treatment for a K9 bite before he was transported to the Naples Jail Center. It is unclear if the troopers checked his blood-alcohol content at any point after his arrest.

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a very serious offense in the State of Florida. The Florida legislature has passed some of the most demanding DUI laws in the nation because of all the horrible deaths, particularly of young people, that have occurred as a result of drunk driving. DUI laws are enforced using a zero tolerance standard by the FHP and local police departments.

The penalties for a DUI conviction vary depending on the severity of the offense and whether the charged individual has any prior convictions. Anyone charged with a DUI should immediately consult an attorney to represent and protect your rights in court.

South Florida DUI Attorney

Have you been charged with a DUI? Contact Brian Silber, P.A. to set up a free initial consultation and work with one of South Florida’s most experienced DUI attorneys.

Source: 3.23.20 Orlando man faces DUI charges after leading troopers on chase.pdf

Uber Driver Clint Fischer of Orlando, FL, Accused of Killing Passenger in DUI Crash

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thermometer-headache-pain-pills-139398-300x200Police in Haines City announced that an Uber driver is facing charges after he allegedly crashed his vehicle while under the influence of meth and marijuana, killing his passenger.

Clint Fischer, 27, of Orange County was charged with DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and possession of meth and drug paraphernalia. It is unclear if he has acquired the services of an attorney.

According to Haines City police, the crash occurred at around midnight on January 8 at U.S. 17-92 and Shamrock Drive. Fischer was driving a rented Toyota sedan when he crashed into the back of a tractor-trailer that was slowing down on the roadway.

Fischer’s passenger, identified as Estevan Pascual of Orlando, sustained blunt force trauma to the head and was pronounced dead at the scene. Fischer was rushed to an area hospital for treatment of facial injuries.

When questioned by police about the collision, Fischer reportedly told them that he was an Uber driver and he had picked up Pascual in Orlando and was driving him to a location in Haines City. The driver of the tractor-trailer he struck told police that he was looking for the location to drop off his cargo when his vehicle was rear-ended by Fischer’s Toyota.

An investigation of the crash site reportedly found that Fischer’s vehicle had begun drifting off the road and showed no signs of braking prior to impact. The Toyota continued to move forward after the impact before coming to rest next to the tractor-trailer.

Police searched the Toyota and purportedly found a bag containing a glass pipe containing a powdery residue that tested positive for meth. They obtained a warrant and took a blood sample from Fischer.

The results of the test came back on Tuesday and revealed Fischer was under the influence of a significant amount of methamphetamine and THC (marijuana), the arrest report said. That led to his arrest at his Orlando residence on Thursday night.

“As law enforcement officers, we see the merits of these ride-sharing applications for those who are drinking or without a license,” Haines City Police Chief Jim Elensky said. “Those using these applications should be able to have the expectation that their drivers be alert, competent and sober behind the wheel. In this case, the driver’s actions cost a man his life.”

DUI manslaughter is one of the most seriously prosecuted cases in court. Depending on the circumstances, a DUI manslaughter charge may be prosecuted as a first degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison, or a second degree felony punishable by up to 15 years.

DUI manslaughter is usually treated as a second degree felony by default. Given that the charge will always include at least one grieving family, it is imperative for someone facing a DUI manslaughter charge to hire an experienced attorney who can prepare an aggressive defense in a tasteful manner without creating additional liability for the defendant.

South Florida DUI Attorney

Have you or a loved one been arrested for DUI manslaughter? Contact Brian Silber, P.A. to set up a free initial consultation and work with one of South Florida’s most experienced DUI attorneys.

Source: 3.7.20 florida uber driver accused of killing passenger in DUI crash.pdf

Worker Suffers Serious Injuries after Machinery Falls on Him in Orange County, FL

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boxes-cases-container-1267329-300x200Authorities in Orlando, FL, have confirmed that a 40-year-old worker suffered serious injuries on Monday after a piece of machinery fell on him.

According to the Orange County Fire Rescue, the incident occurred at approximately 10 a.m. November 4 at a warehouse at the 6400 block of Pinecastle Boulevard, south of Orlando.

The worker, whose name has not been released, was attempting to move a tensile strength tester using a forklift when it toppled over and fell on top of him. His co-workers were able to free him before fire rescue workers arrived at the scene. He sustained serious chest injuries and was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center for treatment. His condition is unknown.

No more information has been released. As this was a workplace incident, it is likely that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will conduct an investigation.

Another case of a worker being injured on the job was reported in Jacksonville last week. A construction worker was critically injured after being electrocuted by a high power transmission line on October 25 in East Arlington at the intersection of North Kernan Boulevard and Running River Road.

According to police, the worker was an employee of James D. Hinson Electrical Contracting Company, which was hired by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) to install traffic lights along Kernan Boulevard.

The man was in a boom truck that came into contact with an electric current, which electrocuted him. His co-workers tried to resuscitate him until rescue workers arrived and took over. He was taken to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries, and his condition is listed as critical.

OSHA and Jacksonville police are both investigating the incident. JTA released a statement saying its main concern was the “health and well-being” of the injured worker. The agency is fully cooperating with authorities in the investigation.

JEA—the city’s water, electric, and sewer utility—told news sources that it didn’t receive a request from the subcontractor to power down the transmission lines while the traffic lights were being installed.

Workplace injuries can occur in any industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than three million workers in the U.S. suffered work-related injuries in 2014. In Florida, workplace injuries caused a total of 299 fatalities in 2017.

Workers injured on the job have the right to file for workers’ compensation. A successful claim can cover a worker’s medical bills and a portion of their lost income. In cases like this, it is crucial for the injured worker to hire an attorney to help them properly file a claim so they don’t risk having their rightful compensation reduced or denied.

South Florida Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you or your loved one was injured at a job site, you should hire an attorney. Contact us for a free initial consultation and work with one of South Florida’s most experienced workers’ compensation defense attorneys

Source: 11.4.19 Man suffers traumatic injuries in Orange County industrial accident.pdf

Florida Marching Band Director, Dr. John ‘Jay’ Watkins, Attacked by Miami Fan

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action-american-football-athletes-1618200-300x200The marching band director for the Florida Gators, Dr. John ‘Jay’ Watkins, was attacked by a Miami Hurricane fan on August 24th, 2019 after the season opener. The Florida Gators of the University of Florida won their Saturday night game, toppling the Hurricanes with a 24-30 victory. 

The attack happened outside of Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. It is still not clear if Watkins has hired a lawyer against the assailants or against the administration for lack of security, or if he plans on filing for workers’ compensation benefits.

The Orlando Police Department has issued a comment stating that the band was about to march towards their busses from the stadium when a Miami Hurricanes fan tried to cut through. The woman, currently unidentified, attempted to push through many band members. When Watkins tried to halt her, another Miami Hurricane fan grabbed him “around the neck from behind and threw him to the ground, causing him to strike the back of his head on the pavement.” 

Upon reaching the premises, the responding officer noticed Watkins “holding the back of his head.” He wrote in the report: “the other individuals informed me that a UM fan had attacked him from behind and thrown him to the ground.”

According to the incident report, fans were leaving the stadium at the same time as the Florida Gators marching band. The report stated, “the crowd was already unruly and the band was now adding to the delays.”

It went on to say that Watkins “saved multiple members from worse injuries by stepping in to stop these fans and in turn put himself in harm’s way.”

Only one other band member was injured, having suffered a blow to the nose. University of Florida officials have confirmed that Watkins was injured on Saturday night, requiring on-scene medical treatment from the Orlando Fire Department.

Watkins reportedly had a cut on the back of his head. The official treating him reported seeing “slight redness but no bleeding.” Another band member was also treated at the scene “for hyperventilation, brought on by seeing her band director battered.”

The Florida Gators and the Miami Hurricanes have been rivals for almost three decades. The game on August 24th sold out the entire stadium. It was the first game between the two teams in more than six years, which is why tensions were high. The season-opener was also their fifth-regular season in about 32 years. 

Watkins did not press charges against the Miami fans who attacked him so far, although he did ask the responding officers to report the incident. The person who had injured him from behind remains unidentified. 

Lt. Wanda Miglio, in the official statement, reported: “there was no description of the person who grabbed him.” 

Cases such as these are known as a simple battery. There have been many incidents of battery in Florida within the past few years, including in Pembroke Pines and Margate. If you or anyone you know has been a victim of battery or attempted battery, you should hire a lawyer. Contact us today to take the first step towards the best possible legal outcome for you.

25.8.19. Florida Band Director Injured in Attack After Miami Season-Opener.pdf

Last “Cocaine Cowboy” Gustavo Falcon Arrested Near Orlando, Florida

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Gustavo-Falcon-242x300Drug kingpin Gustavo Falcon was arrested by U.S. marshals near Orlando on Wednesday. Falcon has been wanted by federal authorities for over two decades. He was thought to have left the U.S. for Mexico or Colombia, but was reportedly living with his family a few hundred miles from Miami.

He was booked into Orange County Jail and reportedly agreed to be transferred from Orlando to Miami during a federal court hearing on Thursday. The press did not list an attorney for Falcon.

Falcon, his older brother Augusto “Willie” Falcon, their business partner Salvador “Sal” Magluta, and about a dozen other defendants were charged in 1991 for conspiring to import and distribute 75 tons of cocaine worth $2 billion in the U.S. between 1978 and 1991.

According to news sources, U.S. marshals tracked Falcon to a rental property in Kissimmee, near Orlando, and watched him for days before making the arrest. They tailed him and his wife when they went on a long bicycle ride and eventually arrested him on April 12. Falcon reportedly told the marshals that he had been living in Florida for almost 20 years.

The U.S. marshals got a lead that helped them discover Falcon’s potential whereabouts in 2013. He and his wife were in a car accident in Orlando and they provided investigators with fake IDs that listed a Hialeah home address.

Falcon had allegedly bought fraudulent driver’s licenses for himself, his wife, and their two adult children, the marshals said. They changed their names to Luis Andre Reiss and Maria Reiss. Falcon had also obtained fake Social Security cards for his family. The marshals confirmed that he was using a new identity and that helped them find him in Kissimmee last month.

Falcon was last seen in Florida before his indictment in 1991. Together with his older brother, he is recognized as one of the infamous Cocaine Cowboys who turned Florida into a cocaine trafficking hub in the 80s.

Magluta-and-Falcon-199x300Sal Magluta and Willie Falcon (pictured left) stood trial in the 1991 and allegedly beat the criminal justice system by bribing three jurors, including the foreman, to win acquittals for all drug-trafficking charges in 1996.

After the FBI and the U.S. attorney’s office found out that the pair had bought off jury members, prosecutors launched another investigation and targeted more people in their enterprise, including lawyers and family members. Willie and Magluta were retried on money-laundering and drug-related charges, and that would eventually send them of both to prison for decades.

Magluta, who is credited as the mastermind of the drug enterprise, was convicted on money laundering and drug-related charges in 2002. He was sentenced to 205 years in prison, which was later reduced to 195 years. Willie Falcon reportedly struck a plea deal with prosecutors in 2003 and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He is scheduled to be released this summer.

Gustavo Falcon was the last of the Cocaine Cowboys and his arrest marks the close of the final chapter of the Miami Vice era.

Source: 4.12.17 Last Cocaine Cowboy Arrested New Orlando.pdf