Keelan and his family are pleased with today’s outcome, which allows him to focus his energy on returning to the game he loves and, most importantly, focus on being a positive role model and good citizen.

While Keelan can’t change the events of July 20, he has never denied or tried to minimize his responsibility in the events that occurred. He accepts and respects the decision of Judge Cohen and will dedicate himself to proving that he is worthy of a second chance.

Comment from Agent Josh Arnold

Keelan is a fine young man who has lived his life in a respectful and lawful manner. He regrets his actions on the night of July 20. That night, however, is not a true representation of who he is on a daily basis.

There have been several inaccuracies reported regarding Keelan, which I feel it necessary to elaborate on. First, I must say after 10 years in the sports agency business while representing well over 100 NFL athletes, Keelan is truly an ideal client. He’s honest, loyal and extremely hard working. He’s never been in any sort of trouble until this recent incident for which he accepts full responsibility. It’s my personal opinion that the events which took place the evening of his arrest were blown out of proportion, but again Keelan has never denied the fact that certain things occurred while he was simply trying to defend himself and a friend.

Prosecutor Stephanie Low’s comments, released through various media outlets, are unwarranted and erroneous. Keelan is not a college dropout. To pursue his lifelong dream of playing in the NFL it was in his best interests to forgo his final semester of college. Had he not made this difficult decision his window of opportunity to chase his dream could have easily been missed. Keelan has plans to finish his final semester of college and earn his degree this summer.

Ms. Low also misspoke in regards to Keelan being unemployed. He actually has two sources of employment – he’s currently under contract with a NFL team and, similar to other NFL athletes during their offseason, Keelan also has a job in Phoenix, which helps supplement his NFL income. Finally, Ms. Low’s statement about “not having a backup plan” is clearly unjustified given the fact Keelan currently has the two aforementioned occupations along with several other future interests and endeavors.

Keelan would like to thank his family and friends for their support. He’s looking forward to putting all of this behind him after completing the two months of probation ordered by the court.

Comment from Attorney Christopher P. Corso

We’re pleased with the outcome of today’s decision and feel that, ultimately, Judge Cohen understood that the incident was not indicative of Keelan’s character, as evidenced by his ruling of two months probation. We collected numerous eyewitness accounts and statements in support of Keelan Johnson and the facts of that evening. Those facts support our position that Keelan Johnson was defending the rights of another individual.

Judge Cohen’s decision will allow Keelan to resume his professional career, successfully complete his probation and ultimately work toward putting this incident behind him.

Contact:
Al Stevens
the spr agency
Office: (480) 648-1770
Cell: (480) 235-1770
[email protected]

Police around the country are using instant messages, text conversations, posts, photos, videos and more to aid criminal investigations, in addition to creating their own department accounts to reach their communities with alerts and updates.

Such investigation methods have come a long way since the days when phone records, followed by text messages and then emails proved to be powerful evidence as police investigations evolved over time. Today, communication and information sharing goes beyond calls and texts with social media, and police departments are utilizing this technology as a tool for fighting crime.

When a South Carolina man was shot in 2013, police used his personal social media account to find that he was recently feuding with two men online.

With that information, police were able to gather a list of suspects as well as potential witnesses who saw the conversations and posts, Greenville Online reports.

Using this information in accordance with video surveillance footage from a nearby building where the shooting took place, police put together the start of an investigation using social media as the building blocks.

Traditionally popular social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter aren’t the only helpful online resources for police, although they are the most frequent with 92 percent of departments using Facebook and 65 percent on Twitter, a 2013 social media survey by the International Association of Chiefs of Police found.

Pinterest helped a California police department re-unite a woman with jewelry stolen from her home during a burglary in 1983. The bracelet, with the names and birthdates of the woman’s three children, was discovered thanks to posts on the department’s Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest page for recovered property.

Police departments are also creating their own social media profiles to keep in touch with their communities. The City of Phoenix Police Department, for example, posts breaking news, alerts, safety tips and more on its Facebook page to keep residents informed.

In some instances, social media helped build a relationship between police and the community. USA Today reports that posts have brought residents and officers together online to identify photos of suspects, name shoplifters and find the owners of lost pets.

In fact, the same 2013 the International Association of Chiefs of Police survey found that more than 73 percent of law enforcement agencies believe social media has improved community relations.

St. Patrick’s Day means an increase in Arizona DUI arrests, which is why Corso Law Group warns Valley residents to enjoy the holiday responsibly or face the costly consequences.

Last St. Patrick’s Day, alcohol-fueled events and parties led to dangerous roads. Arizona DUI task forces reported 3,900 arrests over the weekend with 233 related to drunk driving. That number was up from St. Patrick’s Day weekend in 2013, when 212 DUI arrests were made.

Of the 233 people arrested in 2014, 81 reported blood-alcohol levels of 0.15 percent or higher, which is considered an extreme DUI in Arizona, and 10 were underage DUI arrests.

Drunk drivers have the potential to hurt themselves and anyone around them. The only way to prevent these types of accidents from occurring is to never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

“Police departments know that holidays, especially those typically celebrated with alcohol like St. Patrick’s Day, result in an increased number of DUIs, and they’re prepared to make the extra arrests,” said Christopher P. Corso, the founding attorney of Corso Law Group.

Corso understands the threats of drinking and driving. He has experience as prosecutors for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, working closely with DUIs, DWIs and OUIs. Combined, they have handled more than 20,000 DUI cases as prosecutors and defense attorneys.

“Knowing what could happen if you were arrested for drunk driving is an important preliminary caution that all Arizona residents should take,” Corso said.

Significant information to know for those suspected of a DUI in Arizona include the right to remain silent; only providing certain documents such as insurance, registration and identification; and refusing to submit to all field sobriety tests. Blood and alcohol tests are the only tests DUI suspects should agree to, according to an attorney at the firm.

In Arizona, DUI consequences are severe, even for first offenders. Anyone found guilty of drinking and driving is required to serve at least 24 hours in jail. Other penalties include expensive fines, suspension of driving privileges, probation and the installation of an ignition interlock device. If any damages or injuries resulted from a DUI accident, these penalties will intensify.

“A DUI offense is serious,” Corso said. “The physical dangers and legal penalties that could arise from drinking and driving should inspire people to plan ahead and stay safe on St. Patrick’s Day.”

To schedule a free consultation with Corso Law Group, please visit www.corsolawgroup.com or call (480) 471-4616. Corso Law Group, PLLC is located at 17470 N. Pacesetter Way Scottsdale, AZ 85255.