Los Angeles Criminal Attorney Blog

The website hbindependent.com reported in a story on April 9, that a former Talbert teacher Daniel Axtell, 38, of Santa Ana pled guilty in December 2008 to six counts of lewd acts in California, one count of sexual penetration by a foreign object and one count of first-degree burglary. The acts took place in 2005 but the girl did not report Axtell until 2007.

Authorities reported that Axtell had made friends with the student who then talked about her family and personal problems with him. Axtell gained the girl’s family trust by mentoring her and attending family events. The girl stated during sentencing that Axtell had violated her trust, embarrassed her, and forced her to change schools because her classmates all new about the relationship.

Stepfather and mother of the girl also stated in court that the girl’s life had been changed because of Axtell, saying that her “high school experience was ruined because she was humiliated, lost friends, never attended dances or the prom, and would never look at relationships the same way.”

There are many types of sexual assault or sexual abuse, including any type of unwanted physical contact with any sexual organ. Most sexual abuse and/or sexual assault crimes are felonies in California.

The aggressive and skilled California sex crime defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf have a long history of successfully handling the defense of clients charged with all types of sex crimes in California. If you have been charged with a sex crime in Los Angeles, you are facing serious consequences which may carry life long penalties and may ruin your reputation within your community and your chances to pursue personal and professional endeavors. Please call 1-866-390-7373 for a free consultation.

According to reports, on April 12, 2009 two unidentified men, one appearing to be in his mid fifties and the second appearing to be in his mid twenties, were shot. Lt. Paul Vernon, head of detective for the LAPD’s Central Police Division said, “The motive for the shooting is not clear. And, while this may have happened on Skid Row, the crime had nothing to do with the homeless. These types of disputes tend to be about drugs and money."

According to police reports, they received a call around 5 a.m. of shots fired at the Lamp Lodge, located at 630 S. Stanford Street. Upon arrival paramedics pronounced both men dead. The two murders in Los Angeles are the first in downtown for 2009.

Vernon said, "Twenty years ago we would have seen scores of these killings in a year. But last year closed with only six homicides."

Police records show that almost 6,000 Los Angeles drug crime narcotics arrests were made in downtown for year 2008, mostly on Skid Row.

Vernon added, “We find far fewer guns downtown now that the criminal element has found it's harder to work here. That's made Skid Row safer for everyone."

Police urge anyone with information to call Central Area Detectives at 213 842-0727.

If you are facing a violent crime charge in Los Angeles, including homicide, it is imperative you contact a skilled attorney, as these are absolutely serious charges, with equally serious repercussions. At the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf, their Los Angeles violent crime defense attorneys aggressively defend the rights their clients, and are nationally recognized for their successful case outcomes. For over three decades their defense lawyers have successfully defended clients charged with various felony and misdemeanor charges, and they may be able to help you in your time of need. Please call 1-866-390-7373 for a free consultation.

The website burbankleader.com reported in an account on April 12, 2009 that Bella Stepanyan, 26 was in Pasadena Superior Court where she pled not guilty to the slaying of Jasmine Voskanian, 49. According to authorities, Voskanian was killed with gun shot to the head when she answered the door bell or knock to her front door. Jane Robinson, Los Angeles County district attorney’s office spokeswoman, said that Stepanyan faces one count of murder in Los Angeles with a special allegation of lying in wait.

Authorities claim that Stepanyan plotted the murder and that Armen Mangasaryan, 29 was the actual shooter, and the third suspect apprehended Arrpiar Terrgalstanyan, 20 was present when murder took place. Both men were arrested the same week of the murder and have also pled not guilty. The three suspects are believed to have known Voskanian because of an overdue money debt.

Voskanian’s boyfriend was inside the home when the murder happened and he immediately called paramedics but they were unable to resuscitate her and she was pronounced dead at the house.

All three suspects could face life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty if found guilty.

Homicide is amongst the most severe California violent crimes in which one person kills another person. If you have been arrested for, or charged with homicide in California, you may be facing very serious consequences and should hire an aggressive and experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf immediately. There is a lot at stake, and depending upon your situation, you may be facing a life sentence. You are in desperate need of accomplished and skilled legal representation. Do not attempt to represent yourself, there is just too much at risk. Please call 1-866-390-7373 for a free consultation.

The latimes.com website reported in an article on April 13, 2009 that rapper Flesh-N-Bone, whose real name is Stanley Howse, 35 a founding member of the rap group known as Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, is being charged for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Howse is a Grammy winning rapper, and this charge is the most recent in a string of legal problems.

Jane Robinson, spokeswoman for the district attorney’s office stated that Howse was pulled over by Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies after they noticed a broken brake light on his car. Being on parole, Howse was then subjected to a search of his car and home in Canyon Country. The sheriffs found a 9-millimeter semiautomatic pistol, that Howse claimed belonged to his wife who is a Chicago police officer. According to the prosecution, Howse has five prior felony convictions going back 10 years that include assault with a semiautomatic weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon, and assault likely to produce great bodily injury.

An experienced Los Angeles three strike defense attorney from the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf may be able to successfully argue that your prior felonies were not, in fact, "strikes". Your attorney may also convince the courts that your current charges are unwarranted. Criminal charges can carry life changing consequences. If you or someone you know has been arrested, or is being investigated for a crime, you need immediate advice from a skilled Los Angeles three strike crime defense lawyer at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf. Protect your rights and your freedom. Please call 1-866-390-7373 for a free consultation.