Two Law Students Accused of Killing Rare Bird in Las Vegas

Two University of California, Berkeley School of Law students stand accused of killing a rare bird at the Flamingo Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.  According to Above the Law the two students, Eric Cuellar and Justin Teixeira, were charged with felony cruelty to animals after decapitating a rare Helmeted Guinea Fowl inside the Flamingo's wildlife habitat.  However the Las Vegas Sun reported that the Clark County District Attorney's office has not yet filed formal charges against the men.  Nevertheless, the Las Vegas Sun reported that each man has a return date scheduled on February 11, 2013 in Las Vegas Justice Court (the full Las Vegas Sun article is available here).  The Las Vegas Sun also reported a third man was seen on the security video, but his identity remains unknown at this time.  Action 13 News in Las Vegas  reported that the two men chased the bird, severed its head and were seen laughing while throwing the bird's body around.  Hotel security detained the men and called Las Vegas Police around 9:30 a.m.  The Las Vegas Sun reported that both men immediately requested lawyers upon being questioned by detectives.  According to Above the Law, both men hired local counsel and were bailed out by family members.    As always both men are considered innocent until proven guilty. 

While the alleged actions of the two men are disturbing they serve to underscore how a night on the Las Vegas strip can quickly get out of hand.  Every year thousands of young people come to Las Vegas for a good time.  It is no secret that many of the people who come to Las Vegas tend to overindulge in alcohol and cast aside their inhibitions.  Generally a good weekend in Las Vegas results in little more than a hangover and some good memories (or lack thereof), but occasionally people find themselves in trouble with Nevada law enforcement.  While Nevada laws may differ from those of other states, out of state residents who come here are entitled to the same legal rights as Nevada residents.  Notably the two men accused in this situation invoked their right to have an attorney present while being questioned by law enforcement.  Having an attorney present while being questioned by law enforcement is always a good idea, especially when  you are in a state whose laws you might not be familiar with.

If you are charged with a crime in Nevada, the attorneys at Connor & Connor Pllc are ready to defend your rights.  Our attorneys are licensed to practice before all Nevada state and federal courts.  We serve clients from all socioeconomic levels of our community and we will fight the charges with everything in our power to make sure your rights are protected.  Our rates are reasonable and we are willing to negotiate a payment plan if necessary.  If you are facing criminal charges, contact one of the attorneys at Connor & Connor Pllc as soon as possible for a consultation.  You may contact the firm at info@connorpllc.com, (702) 430-4614, (702) 749-5992 or visit www.connorpllc.com. You may also visit the firm's page on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/ConnorConnorPllc.