Los Angeles Criminal Attorney Blog

The California Highway Patrol had extra incentive to celebrate this past New Year’s Eve, particularly since no one was killed on Los Angeles County Roads during the holiday. According to an article, the number of deaths taking place during the holiday period was down more than 33% this year compared to 2008 figures. However, while the number of deaths may have decreased, the number of DUI arrests made by the CHP rose by more than 20% from 88 arrests in 2008 to 108 arrests in 2009. In Los Angeles County as a whole, the number of DUI arrest rose from 438 instances to 527 instances.

Arrests made for driving while under the influence are plentiful year-round in Los Angeles, but inevitably increase during the holiday season at the end of each year. However, not all individuals accused of driving while under the influence in Los Angeles are in fact guilty. As with any arrest, a variety of factors need to be carefully examined to help determine whether or not an individual is truly guilty of committing crime. Many times, sobriety field tests may be improperly administered, or blood alcohol concentration (BAC) testing devices may not be properly calibrated, thus labeling otherwise innocent individuals as being guilty of wrongdoing.

Continue reading "NYE Deaths Down, But DUI Arrests Up In LA County" »

Posted by Lawrence Wolf | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Criminal Defense , DUI Defense , Law & Information

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According to the Los Angeles Times, a 22-year-old man faces three counts of capital murder after a pregnant Venice woman was fatally stabbed. The 38-year-old woman, and the twins whom she was pregnant with, were killed during a robbery. The suspect accused of the murder has also been charged with rape.

According to the report, while the suspect does have a history of burglary and trespassing, there was never any indication that he was predisposed to the violence found to have taken place in the Venice slaying. In any Los Angeles murder case, it is vital that all details of the incident are carefully examined in order to determine as accurately as possible the events that transpired. The suspect has pled not guilty to all charges, and police investigation is still ongoing.

Continue reading "Man Faces Multiple Murder Charges in Slaying of Pregnant Venice Woman" »

Posted by Lawrence Wolf | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Criminal Defense , Murder/Homicide , Violent Crimes

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A recent article posted on The San Diego Tribune’s website signonsandiego.com talks about driving while under the influence and the consequences associated with in-car-breath-alcohol analyzers. According to the report, a recently proposed bill would require all convicted DUI offenders nationwide to have ignition interlock devices installed in their automobiles as part of a court-ordered mandate. While installation of this device would certainly not be permanent, it would be required to be present in vehicles of convicted DUI offenders for a period of at least six months.

In California, similar legislation was created this past fall that will result in a 66-month pilot program mandating the installation of interlock devices for DUI offenders in Los Angeles, Alameda, Tulare, and Sacramento counties. Reportedly, such legislation put into effect in New Mexico drastically curbed the number of DUI fatalities by as much as 35% during the period of 2004 to 2008. Groups such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety cite drops in arrest rates and DUI-related deaths as indications that the devices are in fact serving their purpose.

Continue reading "In-Car Breathalyzer Bill Could Render Repeat DUI Offenders Immobile" »

Posted by Lawrence Wolf | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Criminal Defense , DUI Defense , Law & Information

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The boyfriend of a slain 24-year-old Reseda woman has been charged with her murder. According to an abclocal.go.com article, the 30-year-old East Los Angeles man allegedly had an altercation with the woman on December 20, 2009, which reportedly ended with the woman being repeatedly stabbed with an ice pick. The boyfriend now faces one charge of murder with a deadly and dangerous weapon. If convicted, he faces a maximum prison term of 26 years-to-life, and is currently in custody on $1 million bail.

The story explains that the woman’s body was discovered the following day in Winnetka. The woman’s brother reportedly found the woman’s body in her car. There was no mention of whether or not eyewitnesses saw the accused man place the woman’s body in the car, nor was there mention of whether or not the man was seen near the location where her body was discovered. Police investigation into the matter will undoubtedly provide more details as to the events that transpired that night.

Continue reading "East LA Man Charged in Murder of Reseda Woman" »

Posted by Lawrence Wolf | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Criminal Defense , Murder/Homicide , Violent Crimes

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While white collar crimes may not be as widely publicized as other types of illegal activity, the repercussions can be very serious. According to claimsjounal.com, a Huntington Park insurance agent faces one felony count of grand theft after she allegedly used a homeowner’s insurance premium payment for her own personal use. Reportedly, the woman provided the homeowner with a quote for homeowners insurance, issued the homeowner a counterfeit insurance certificate, and received automatic payment checks from the homeowner in the amount of $823.00 over the course of two years.

The California Department of Insurance (CDI) received a complaint from the wronged homeowner after he had contacted his previous insurance company to inquire why he had not received a new policy for the 2009 calendar year. The CDI informed the homeowner that he was not in fact covered by homeowner’s insurance and further investigation into the matter proved the statement to be true. The woman who sold the homeowner the coverage has previous convictions of grand theft on her record, and allegedly did not hold a valid license to sell insurance at the time she was previously convicted.

Continue reading "Huntington Park Insurer Accused of Duping Client in White Collar Crime" »

Posted by Lawrence Wolf | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Criminal Defense , White Collar Crime

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Although it was speculated that a down trodden economy would inevitably lead to an increase in criminal activity, the crime rate in Los Angeles has dropped in 2009 with homicide numbers plummeting to levels not seen since the 1960s. According to the Los Angeles Times, 2009 marks the seventh consecutive year that the number of serious crimes committed in Los Angeles County has dropped. The number of violent crimes in Los Angeles dropped by about 10%, while the number of property crimes fell by about 8%. All in all, the Los Angeles Police Department and Sheriff’s Department has had to handle nearly 20,000 fewer crimes in 2009 than they did in 2008.

The article mentions the theory that crime rates tend to rise as unemployment numbers increase. However, the report also speculates that the increased number of individuals sitting at home, rather than being at work, may have contributed towards a decrease in crime. This is due to the fact that these individuals are at home in their neighborhoods keeping a watchful eye over things.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Homicides at Lowest Level Since 1960s" »

Posted by Lawrence Wolf | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Criminal Defense , Law & Information , Murder/Homicide

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Along with family gatherings and gift exchanges, the holidays bring an increased police presence on city streets and highways. This heightened presence also takes the form of multiple DUI checkpoints which Los Angeles motorists have to deal with. According to a Los Angeles Times blog, the week leading up to, and including Christmas weekend, saw hundreds of individuals arrested for operating motor vehicles while under the influence. Reportedly, more than 1,400 people (a slight increase from 2008 figures) were arrested in Los Angeles for DUI during the weeklong crackdown.

DUI checkpoints are meant to help curb the number of impaired drivers that are operating motor vehicles on California’s roads and highways. However, not all individuals deemed to be under the influence are in fact guilty of such action. That is, improperly calibrated blood alcohol concentration (BAC) devices can declare false positives, law enforcement can be improperly trained to handle such equipment, and field sobriety tests may not be properly administered. With the holidays such a prime time for law enforcement to utilize DUI checkpoints, all officers involved in manning the checkpoints need to be properly trained. They must also ensure that their BAC measuring devices are functioning as they’re supposed to.

Continue reading "Holiday Cheer Leads to Holiday Lockdown with Los Angeles DUI Arrests" »

Posted by Lawrence Wolf | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Criminal Defense , DUI Defense , Law & Information

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In 2008, the number of hate crimes nationwide dropped. However, the Santa Clarita Valley actually experienced a slight increase in such crimes, with the number of reported incidents increasing from 27 to 30. According to the-signal.com, the increase in hate crimes has come at the heels of a decrease in the number of violent and other more common crimes. Compared to other county areas, Santa Clarita’s hate crime numbers are still relatively low, although current numbers are more than twice what they were in 2004. From 2007 to 2008, the Santa Clarita Valley saw an 11% increase in hate crimes, according to the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations. Neighboring Los Angeles County meanwhile saw a 4% decrease in its number of hate crimes, although it still reported 729 hate crimes in 2008; a far cry from Santa Clarita County’s mere 30 incidents.

According to a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy, the number of hate crimes “is increasing every year.” Hate crimes mostly center-around sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, or religious beliefs. The degree and severity of a hate crime can vary greatly, with crimes ranging from simple acts of vandalism to more serious instances of assault. Consequently, charges associated with hate crimes can also vary. However, regardless of the crime, all details need to be thoroughly examined in order to determine as accurately as possible what actually happened.

Continue reading "Slight Rise in 2008 Santa Clarita Hate Crimes" »

Posted by Lawrence Wolf | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Criminal Defense , Law & Information , Violent Crimes

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Police may have caught a break in a string of robberies that have recently occurred in West Los Angeles. According to a Los Angeles Times article, four suspects were observed driving a white Toyota Sienna around the robbery area late at night. Allegedly, the suspects fled on foot from a gas station once they were approached by police, who attempted to follow and locate the above mentioned vehicle for the better part of an hour.

Reportedly, one of the suspects, after brandishing a weapon, was shot in the leg and then apprehended by police officers. A second suspect was taken into custody a short time thereafter, but the two other suspects remain at large. Police initially decided to follow the suspects’ vehicle because of erratic driving in local area parking lots. No further details about the two remaining suspects were available.

Continue reading "Arrests Made in West Hollywood Robberies" »

Posted by Lawrence Wolf | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Criminal Defense , Theft Crimes

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The circumstances surrounding Michael Jackson’s death may have cleared up over the last few months, but details surrounding criminal charges are still being determined. Reportedly, decisions regarding criminal charges connected to the pop singer’s death will not be made before 2010. According to the Los Angeles Times, the evidence involved in the case, much of which is complicated medical data, is so extensive that outside medical experts have been called in to help determine the scope of negligent action that played a role in Jackson’s death.

Jackson died on June 25th, the official cause determined to have been “acute propfol intoxication.” Dr. Conrad Murray, Jackson’s personal physician, remains the primary suspect. While specific charges are still pending, manslaughter is one charge that will certainly be sought in connection to the death. Ultimately, this case is emblematic of the careful examination that should accompany all criminal investigations. Regardless of the circumstances or the scope of the investigation, every detail should be thoroughly examined to ensure that all available information is present during the trial process.

Continue reading "Criminal Charges Still Pending in Michael Jackson Wrongful Death Case" »

Posted by Lawrence Wolf | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Criminal Defense , Murder/Homicide

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According to an article in L.A. Weekly, a Los Angeles serial killer dubbed the “Grim Sleeper” has resurfaced over the past few years, rekindling his propensity for murder that originally began in 1985.

Reportedly, a composite drawing of the male suspect, as well as vehicle descriptions, have been re-released by the LAPD, in hopes that it might spark some clue as to the man’s identity. Police have been investigating the slayings for over two decades, and have connected both DNA and ballistics evidence to a slew of killings that have taken place over the years.The Los Angeles City Council has offered a reward of $500,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the man.

Continue reading "Grim Sleeper Resurfaces in Los Angeles After Years of Dormancy" »

Posted by Lawrence Wolf | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Criminal Defense , Murder/Homicide , Violent Crimes

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A CBS News report recently talked about the dilemma facing law enforcement agencies in regard to the ever increasing number of sex offenders. That is, with the number of registered sex offenders now teetering around 716,000, representative of a 78% increase since 2001 according to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, it is becoming more and more difficult for law enforcement to keep a watchful eye over parolees that still may represent a high risk at repeat offending. The article mentions one such offender, released from prison on parole, who in a matter of months was once again apprehended and charged with child molestation.

With such an influx of individuals being released into the general public, law enforcement is allegedly ill-prepared to effectively monitor them all. This has led some to question whether or not offenders on parole are any different than individuals that simply haven’t been caught yet.

Continue reading "Number of Sex Offenders Growing and Law Enforcement Can't Keep Up" »

Posted by Lawrence Wolf | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Criminal Defense , Law & Information , Sex Crimes

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