Posted On: November 18, 2008

Hollywood Domestic Violence Suspicions Land "Soul Train" Producer in Jail

Hollywood Producer Arrested on Suspicion of Domestic Violence

Former host of television show “Soul Train,” Don Cornelius, was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence at his Hollywood Hills home on October 18, 2008, according to a CNN report. Police were called to the 72-year-old producer’s home after someone called to report a domestic dispute. Cornelius was arrested and booked for investigation of a felony domestic violence. It is not clear who Cornelius assaulted or injured, officials said.

California Penal Code defines abuse as “intentionally or recklessly causing or attempting to cause bodily injury, or placing another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent, serious bodily injury to himself, herself or another.” Domestic violence usually refers to violence that occurs between spouses, partners, ex-partners or spouses, children, individuals who are involved in a dating relationship or elder abuse.

An incident does not necessarily have to occur in a home for it to be considered domestic violence in California. It can occur inside a vehicle, at a bar or restaurant, at work, over the phone or even on the Internet. Many don’t realize that there is no need for physical evidence of abuse for someone to be charged with domestic violence. Abuse can be of different types – verbal, emotional and even psychological.

The consequences of a domestic violence conviction can be very serious. If you or someone you know has been accused of domestic violence, please call a Los Angeles domestic violence attorney at the Law Office of Lawrence Wolf to get the counsel and guidance you need at this time to protect your rights and freedom.

Posted On: November 17, 2008

High School Freshman Arrested on Suspicion of Issuing Death Threats

A student from Thousand Oaks has been arrested on making death threats to fellow students and one of his teachers at Carpinteria High School, the Ventura County Star reports. The freshman student, who reportedly transferred to Carpinteria from another school district, told officials that he was tired of being picked on by students and the teacher. Authorities took him into custody because they believed the threat was credible. However, they did not find any weapons or firearms after searching the student’s home.

A juvenile crime accusation is tough for families to take. When your son or daughter has been accused of a crime, it is natural that families are thrown into turmoil. You worry about the consequences of a juvenile crime conviction. You wonder if it will haunt your children for the rest of their lives or affect their ability to lead a productive adult life.

The most important step you need to take when your son or daughter is accused of a crime is to seek the counsel of a California juvenile crime defense attorney who has a track record of successfully defending clients in such cases. Dealing with the juvenile justice system can be a frustrating experience and you need the counsel and guidance of a skilled criminal defense lawyer by your side aggressively defending your child and fighting for his or her rights.

If your child has been arrested, please contact the knowledgeable California juvenile defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf. We not only know the juvenile crime justice system, but have also participated extensively in the development of alternative sentencing process throughout Los Angeles and California. Call us today for a free case consultation with a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer.

Posted On: November 14, 2008

Orange County Lewd Acts with a Minor Charges Levied against Music Teacher

Orange County Music Teacher Accused of Lewd Acts with Student

Carlie Rose Attebury, 29, a Orange County high school music teacher has been arrested on suspicion of engaging in sexual conduct with a male student. According to an article in The Orange County Register, police arrested Attebury on October 13, 2008 and charged her with lewd acts with a minor in Orange County. The teacher has reportedly been placed on administrative leave pending the police investigation.

Sex crime charges can have serious repercussions in the life of an individual especially when he or she is a person of authority in the community such as a teacher, priest or a respected community leader. This could be an extremely serious case because the teacher in question could very likely lose her job. Her career is in jeopardy because if convicted of this crime, she will be required to register as a sex offender, which means, she can never be around children or teach in a school again. Those who are convicted of sex crimes in California face lengthy prison terms and hefty fines and penalties.

If you have been charged with a sex crime, it is extremely important to contact a knowledgeable and experienced Orange County sex crime defense attorney right away. Lewd acts, lascivious conduct and indecent exposure are usually charged as misdemeanors in the State of California. They are still serious charges and can produce life-altering consequences.

If you have been accused of a California sex crime, please call the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf. We will advice you on the best course of action in your case and fight for your rights and freedom. Call us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.

Posted On: November 13, 2008

Orange County Doctor Faces Medicare Fraud Charges

An doctor is facing Orange County fraud charges for allegedly bribing patients to come to his Westminster clinic for massages that were then billed to Medicare as $2.3 million in physical therapy, The Orange County Register reports. Mark Thomas Paskewitz was reportedly indicted by a Santa Ana grand jury on 18 counts of health care fraud at QS Medical Group Inc. known earlier as Good Healthcare Inc.

Federal prosecutors say Paskewitz billed Medicare for massages that were performed by unlicensed, unsupervised employees. The Medicare patients were also paid illegal kickbacks so they would visit the clinics, the article said. If convicted on all counts, Paskewitz faces up to 10 years for each count.

Crimes such as fraud and bribery fall under the definition of white collar crimes in California. These types of crimes may be prosecuted as the State or Federal level, depending on the nature of crime and the location of the people who have been affected by the crime. If an individual has been convicted of committing a while collar crime, he or she may face a stiff prison sentence, house arrest or severe penalties and fines. More than anything else, a fraud conviction takes away your credibility as a professional and ruins your reputation as a business person.

If you have been accused of a white collar crime in California, please contact the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf to find out more about how we fight these charges. Our Los Angeles white collar crime defense attorneys will work hard to keep you out of jail. Our main goal is your vindication. Call us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.

Posted On: November 12, 2008

Torrance Sex Crime Charges Decend on High School Coach

Torrance High School Coach Pleads Guilty to Molesting Students

Barry Sacks, a former Peninsula High School coach in Torrance, pleaded guilty on October 27, 2008 to two counts of child molestation in Torrance. According to an article in the Daily Breeze, the 49-year-old Sacks was sentenced to 60 days in jail. He must also register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, serve 30 says of community service on a Caltrans work crew and remain on probation for five years. In addition, he must also undergo 52 weeks of sex offender counseling. This plea bargain got seven other counts dismissed against the high school coach.

Sacks was reportedly arrested in July and later charged in Torrance Superior Court with nine misdemeanor counts of child molestation. Prosecutors characterized the coach’s actions as “opportunistic,” the Daily Breeze article reports. For example, he would touch teens’ breasts or buttocks over their clothing under the guise of directing them in their athletics, the report states. Sacks has been ordered by the court to stay away from the nine victims and is also not allowed to be alone with minors.

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Posted On: November 11, 2008

Assault and Attempted Robbery Charges Filed against 2 Moorpark Men

Moorpark Men Arrested on Suspicion of Assault, Attempted Robbery

Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested two men in connection with an attack and robbery attempt in the parking lot of a local Target store, the Ventura County Star reports. Police arrested 21-year-old Jeffrey De Paz and Henry Perez, 22 – both of Moorpark – on suspicion of witness intimidation, battery and attempted robbery in Ventura County.

The two men are accused of attacking 18-year-old Javier Felix of Fillmore and David Polito, 20 of Moorpark at the Target store in the 800 block of East Los Angeles Avenue in Moorpark, the report states. Perez and De Paz allegedly attacked the men, demanded money from Polito and threatened to hurt him if he called the police. De Paz and Perez left the scene in a vehicle, which deputies found at Miller Park near Highway 118. Both the alleged assailants were arrested after police searched the park.

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