Los Angeles Criminal Attorney Blog

Los Angeles Turns the Lights on Crime

2010-09-02T17:59:35Z

Los Angeles is turning on the lights in an effort to reduce crime in certain neighborhoods throughout the city, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal. LA added eight parks to the Summer Night Lights program, which keeps lights in parks on until midnight in areas with high levels of gang crime. The program is an effort to keep gang violence, prostitution and other crimes off the streets and to give residents of these neighborhoods a safe place to spend time in their communities. The Summer Night Lights program is designed to instill a fear of being caught by law enforcement in those who engage in illegal activity.

One park in South Los Angeles was once riddled with those accused of being drug dealers, prostitutes and gang members, leaving residents scared to approach the area at night. Now, one mother says she isn’t afraid to watch her children play there anymore.

While it will certainly take more than the Summer Night Lights program to rid Los Angeles of violent crime, it’s a step in the right direction. With more law enforcement and community members present however, it may be easier for someone to be wrongfully accused of a crime where this program is active.

If you or a loved one has been arrested for a crime in Los Angeles, it would be in your best interest to retain the services of a skilled criminal defense attorney. The legal team at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf has successfully represented numerous clients in the region, examining every detail of their cases and garnering the best possible outcome. Depending on the circumstances of your criminal case, skilled California criminal defense attorney Lawrence Wolf may be able to get your charges reduced or dropped in a court of law. For more information and to learn more about The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf, call (866) 390-7373 today.

Nationwide Crackdown on Drunk Driving Now Through Labor Day

2010-08-30T17:36:58Z

Between August 20 and September 6, states across the country are joining forces to crack down on drunk driving in an initiative called “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest” according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

Driving drunk in California (defined as having a blood alcohol concentration level of .08 or higher) is illegal and the same goes for the rest of the nation. Drunk driving patrols will be on high alert and laws will be strictly enforced over the holiday weekend, a time in which drunk driving is typically on the rise. Law enforcement is expected to be looking out for driving practices that they believe a drunk driver would display, such as lane changes without the use of turn signal, swerving, speeding, and others.

In California, the California Highway Patrol and local agencies are operating the California Avoid DUI campaign between now and September 6. As part of the campaign, law enforcement will be operating 200 DUI checkpoints, roving DUI saturation patrols, and many multi-agency DUI task force operations. Also, warrant and probation sweeps will be targeting repeat offenders. Law enforcement will also run sting operations to find DUI suspects who disobey court orders against driving. Over 450 California agencies will be taking part in the operation.

The consequences of a drunk driving conviction can be serious, making a wrongful conviction all the more devastating. DUIs can be detrimental to careers and families for years to come. If you or a loved one has received a Los Angeles DUI, don’t delay any longer in contacting an experienced Los Angeles DUI attorney who can help you protect your rights. The team at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf has extensive experience in helping individuals navigate the legal consequences of receiving a DUI. Contact our team today at 866-390-7373 for a free consultation.

Signing of Chelsea's Law Draws Near in California

2010-08-27T18:04:00Z

Chelsea’s Law, a bill named after a 17 year old San Diego girl who was raped and murdered by a repeat sex offender may be drawing closer to becoming state law, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. The parents of the girl have worked with California representatives from both the Democratic and Republican parties to create Chelsea’s Law, which could change the way California approaches penalties for sex offenders. The law could potentially create longer prison sentences, tougher parole requirements and targeted treatment programs.

The law could potentially move lower level offenders who were not convicted of sex crimes out of higher security prisons. One of the top priorities of the Republican representative was to create automatic life prison sentences without the possibility of parole for those who had committed violent sexual crimes against children. Come September, Chelsea’s Law could be signed into state law as it is only two steps away from reaching the Governor’s desk.

Sex crimes in California, especially those involving children, are serious offenses that often come with lengthy prison sentences as well as mandatory registration as a sex offender. A conviction can potentially limit the kind of work you may do as well as where you may live.

If you have been charged with a sex crime and feel that you may have been wrongfully accused, it would be in your best interest to contact The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf. Our experienced California sex crime defense attorneys will aggressively pursue your case, examining every detail to ensure that your rights are not violated and that you receive the best possible outcome of your case. For more information, please contact The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf at (866) 390-7373.

Los Angeles Police Raid Garners $4.5 Million in Marijuana Plants

2010-08-20T16:49:46Z

A drug operation in the San Gabriel Valley area of Los Angeles was shut down earlier this week when police raided four homes and confiscated over 2,000 marijuana plants worth $4.5 million, according to a report from ABC 7. Police officials say the four homes in East Pasadena, San Gabriel, Rosemead and Temple City that were raided were used strictly for growing purposes, with marijuana plants lined wall to wall in every room. Seven Chinese immigrants were arrested in connection with the raid in addition to the operation’s alleged ring leader. Also confiscated from the homes were seven handguns, a rifle, three assault weapons and a shotgun.

The neighborhoods where these indoor marijuana farms were located are quiet suburbs with many elderly residents and families, so residents had no reason to suspect that a complex drug operation was going on right under their noses. According to witnesses, young men who looked like teenagers were seen going in and out of the houses late in the evening, but were just thought to be new renters. California marijuana laws are complex, often leaving those accused of marijuana-related offenses confused about the charges held against them as well as their legal rights.

Drug crimes carry serious consequences in the state of California including fines, jail time and probation. If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug crime in Los Angeles, it would be in your best interest to retain an experienced drug crime defense attorney like those at The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf. Our aggressive California drug crime defense attorneys will examine every detail of your case and build a strong defense to ensure that your rights are protected and the best possible outcome is reached. Call The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf today at (866) 390-7373 or visit us at www.youareinnocent.com to learn more.

Medical Marijuana Dispensaries' Effect on Crime

2010-08-18T17:08:49Z

Since medical marijuana use has been legalized in California, there has been significant disagreement about whether the dispensaries that distribute legal marijuana cause crime or decrease crime, according to the Portland Press Herald.

In southern California, the number of dispensaries has been on the rise, and those dispensaries operate with very little regulation. Over 100 California communities, mostly in southern California, have banned dispensaries. At three separate dispensaries in southern California, three people were murdered. Critics of the dispensaries claim that they encourage teen drug use in addition to causing an increase in criminal activity.

However, in northern California, the dispensaries are closely regulated and many businesses like being a neighbor to a dispensary. Many northern cities limit the number of dispensaries that are allowed. Berkeley had one dispensary that was robbed 5 years ago, but since then there have been no crime problems at any of the city’s three dispensaries. One dispensary’s neighbor claimed that crime has gone down in the neighborhood since the dispensary opened, in part because the dispensary had such tight security procedures.

The issues surrounding marijuana dispensaries and crime will only increase if the proposition to legalize marijuana in California is passed. If you or someone you know has been charged with a state or federal drug crime, contact a California drug crime defense attorney. The team at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf has extensive experience with a wide range of drug crimes, from state to federal and misdemeanors to felonies. Please contact us today at 866-390-7373.

Six Stockton Teens Charged with Murder for Death of 14-Year Old Boy

2010-08-13T18:07:00Z

A 14-year old Stockton boy was beaten and stomped to death allegedly by a group of teens, ranging in age from 14 to 19 years old, according to RecordNet.com. The incident happened at a park on Friday, August 6 and all six teens accused of the crime have been charged with first-degree murder. Investigators say that some of the boys were also charged with street-terrorism causing officials to suspect that the beating was an act of gang violence.

The juvenile justice system in California is very complex and in many cases, someone under the age of 18 will be charged as a minor. However, in instances of serious or violent crime such as rape, murder and kidnapping, the minor may be tried as an adult. In this specific case, while there was only one suspect over the age of 18, all six boys will be tried as adults in California court.

Being tried as an adult with a serious charge like murder or another violent crime can alter a juvenile’s life forever. Harsh penalties including a long stint or life sentence in prison come with a murder conviction. If your juvenile has been charged with murder or another serious crime, retaining the services of an aggressive California juvenile crime defense attorney is crucial. The lawyers at The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf understand the juvenile justice system and can inform you and your child of their rights. Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek quality legal counsel. Call The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf at (866) 390-7373.

Crime is on the Rise in California State Parks

2010-08-12T19:37:15Z

Crime in California state parks has increased by 300 percent in the last ten years, according to the Californian. In 2008, nearly 50,000 crimes were reported at California state parks. Last year, 62,575 crimes were reported in state parks, although crime in the rest of the state decreased.

One reason given for the increased crime rate is that park ranger staffing remained the same. Nearly 30 percent of park ranger positions are vacant, which is blamed in part on the low salaries park rangers are offered when compared with other law enforcement jobs.

The most common crimes in parks include trespassing in closed areas, refusing to pay entrance fees, and illegal parking. California violent crimes are rare, but have also increased in frequency in the parks. Some other concerns include drinking-related incidents, marijuana cultivation, and noise.

]]> The number of visitors at California’s state parks has declined. A survey in 2007 found that people were concerned about gangs, drugs, and alcohol in the parks. Visitors are also spending less money for the first time in 10 years.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime in the Los Angeles area, it is crucial to hire a skilled Los Angeles criminal defense attorney. The team at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf can help you formulate the best defense possible for your case. We care about your situation and our team has the experience required to defend a wide range of criminal cases. Call us today for a free consultation at 866-390-7373.

Overall Crime Rate in Los Angeles has Decreased

2010-08-05T15:00:01Z

Crime is down in the Los Angeles area for the eighth year in a row, according to a report from ABC News. Violent crime is down 30 percent from five years ago, including a decrease of 11 percent since last year alone. Gang-related crimes are down 9.4 percent and property crimes have decreased by 5.3 percent. However, 150 homicides occurred in the Los Angeles area in the first half of this year, which is six more than last year between the same time period. Over half of the homicides were gang-related.

According to the Chief of the LAPD, the crime rate has decreased in part because of police officers’ working more closely within individual communities. There have also been some new anti-gang programs, such as one which keeps kids in bad neighborhoods busy in parks at night.

The Los Angeles mayor claimed that L.A. is one of the most under-policed large cities in the country, and as a result of budget cuts, it is not offering overtime to police officers any longer. However, the funding is expected to be restored as soon as money becomes available.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime in Los Angeles, it is important to obtain a highly skilled California criminal defense attorney. The legal team at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf can help you not only understand your legal rights, but also formulate the best possible defense for your case. Contact our skilled and knowledgeable attorneys today at 866-390-7373 for a free consultation about your case.

Use of Familial DNA to Solve Crimes is Debated

2010-08-03T16:00:01Z

The recent arrest of the “Grim Sleeper” killer has shined a light on California’s policy of allowing familial DNA searches, according to the New York Times. Familial DNA searches are the use of DNA samples from convicts to find relatives who may have committed a crime.

Only California and Colorado have written policies allowing familial DNA searches, although the technique is commonly used in England. Earlier this summer, the L.A.P.D. used a familial DNA search to find the “Grim Sleeper” killer, who is accused of having killed at least 10 victims in the L.A. area over 25 years. In their attempt to solve the crime, California’s DNA lab analyzed old crime scene evidence and found a link between the evidence and the killer’s son, who was convicted of a felony and had his DNA in the state database. The police then followed the suspect and nabbed his DNA from a pizza slice he threw away. This represents the first time that familial DNA has been used in a murder case in the U.S.

Although many in the police community are hailing the use of familial DNA to solve cases, there are many criticisms of the technique. Critics claim it is imprecise and has the potential to invade individuals’ privacy. They also claim it is a type of racial profiling because a higher percentage of inmates are minorities. Also, although California restricts the use of familial DNA searching to major, violent crimes, critics worry that other states may use the technique for other crimes as well.

Have you or a loved one been accused of a violent crime in Los Angeles based on DNA evidence? If so, contact the experienced Los Angeles murder defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf. Our legal team will analyze all the evidence and work hard to provide you with the best possible defense for your case. Contact us today at 866-390-7373.

Issues that Arise from a DUI for Certain Professionals

2010-07-29T17:41:46Z

Some professionals need to report DUI arrests or convictions to licensing boards by law.

The FAA requires pilots to send a Notification Letter within 60 days of any alcohol related conviction or administrative action. A separate Notification Letter is required for each alcohol related event. For example, separate Notification Letters would be required for a driver’s license suspension and a subsequent DUI conviction. Click here to learn more about the FAA’s requirements for alcohol reporting for pilots.

Attorneys are required to self-report felony indictments, felony or misdemeanor charges or convictions, guilty verdicts, guilty pleas and no contest pleas through the California Bar Association.

Upon renewal of a registered nurse license, nurses are required to report if they have been convicted of any crime since the last renewal date. Traffic violations that resulted in fines of over $300 and a traffic ticket must also be reported. Failure to disclose this information could be grounds for disciplinary action.

Any applicant for Coast Guard credentials is required to report all criminal convictions. They also search for driving records, and take all information into account when deciding whether to issue the credentials.

]]> Physicians are required to notify the Medical Board of any felony indictment or any misdemeanor or felony conviction.

Commercial truck drivers in California are not allowed to have a BAC level of .04% or higher. After a DUI conviction, a driver could lose his commercial driver’s license for a year or more.

If you are a professional whose career could be negatively impacted or destroyed by a DUI conviction, you need a dedicated California DUI defense law firm that can protect your rights in the event that you are ever charged with a DUI. Contact the knowledgeable attorneys at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf today at 866-390-7373. We will strive hard to help strategize a defense for your DUI case.

Tips for Out of State Drivers Receiving a California DUI

2010-07-27T17:38:31Z

Many tourists visit California each year from other states. Some percentage of these tourists inevitably end up receiving a DUI while visiting California. Many think that because they aren’t residents of California, nothing will happen to them as an out of state driver receiving a California DUI.

The procedures surrounding a California DUI are the same for both residents and non-residents of California, except that the California DMV does not have the right to take driver’s licenses issued by another state. Following a DUI arrest, the DMV will hold a hearing, just as it is done for a resident. The non-resident is not required to attend the hearing but can have a California attorney attend in his or her place.

Following the hearing, the DMV may suspend the individual’s driving privileges in California. California will then notify the individual’s state of residence of the California DUI, and that state may take action against the individual’s license. Non-residents of California may be required to fulfill all the requirements to get their California driving privileges restored, even if they never intend to drive in California again. This is because the non-resident may be required to meet those requirements under the law of his or her state to get driving privileges restored. In addition, a DUI in many states will count as a prior offense for the purposes of determining punishment for a California DUI.

Out of state drivers are also required to participate in any criminal proceedings, or to hire a California drunk driving attorney to attend on their behalf.

Are you an out of state driver who was charged with a California DUI? Hire an experienced California driving under the influence attorney to help with your case. A DUI in California can result in both criminal punishments in California as well as a possible loss of driving privileges in your home state. Call the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf today at 877-390-7373 for a free consultation.

Proposition to Legalize Marijuana Falling Short in Recent Polls

2010-07-22T17:30:00Z

Proposition 19, the California ballot initiative that would legalize marijuana possession and sales in California, is falling behind in popularity in recent polls. Proposition 19 will be on the ballot in November.

According to the Los Angeles Times, a recent poll found that 48 percent of likely voters oppose the initiative, while 44 percent support it. A poll back in May found that likely voters leaned slightly towards supporting the initiative. The law would allow individuals over the age of 21 to possess, grow and transport marijuana, as well as allow counties and cities to tax and regulate marijuana.

Proponents of the initiative claim that it will raise tax revenue while giving the government the chance to regulate marijuana. Opponents argue that Proposition 19 will lead to additional crime and drug addiction. Even if California passes Proposition 19, federal drug laws will still apply to California.

If Proposition 19 passes, it will represent a huge change in the way California deals with marijuana possession. Over the last three decades, California has increased the resources it has devoted to arresting and imprisoning drug offenders. Beginning in the 1990’s, drug possessors became a primary target of law enforcement. Between 1990 and 2008, misdemeanor marijuana possession in California (possession of less than an ounce of marijuana) arrest rates increased by 127 percent, while arrests for virtually all other drug crimes and other serious crimes decreased.

If you have been charged with or are being investigated for a drug crime in California, you need an experienced, dedicated Los Angeles drug crime defense lawyer to advise you of your rights. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf have significant experience advising individuals who have been charged with California drug crimes. Call us today at 866-390-7373.

Grim Sleeper Suspect Arrested in Los Angeles

2010-07-20T18:27:46Z

Lonnie Franklin Jr. was arrested in Los Angeles on July 7 on suspicion of being the “Grim Sleeper” killer. In the 1980’s, a series of killings of young black women occurred and then stopped, resuming 14 years later, which inspired the name Grim Sleeper.

Lonnie Franklin was charged with 10 counts of murder, as well as other charges, reports an ABC News article. Franklin was arrested 15 times over the past several decades for burglary, car theft, gun possession and assault. However, he was never entered into California’s DNA database because his crimes were not serious enough.

Despite all his arrests, Franklin’s DNA was never entered into a DNA database. His last conviction occurred one year before all felony convicts in California were required to have their DNA placed in a state database.

Franklin was discovered by authorities using a familial DNA match. In June, the California Department of Justice ran DNA from the case through a database. The database failed to find any matches, but it did find a familial match, which means that a different convicted felon’s DNA showed that he was a brother or a son of the Grim Sleeper killer. Detectives used that information to locate Franklin.

]]> Although Franklin has a long history of criminal convictions, none of his convictions were for violent crimes against women, as investigators suspected the Grim Sleeper killer would have. Homicide suspects have legal rights under our justice system and are innocent until proven guilty. Any individual who has been charged with a crime should immediately contact an experienced criminal defense attorney.

If you have been charged with a crime in Los Angeles, contact the skilled Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf. We will examine all aspects of your case to insure that you receive the best defense available. Contact us today at 866-390-7373.

California DUI Defenses

2010-07-15T16:00:01Z

There are numerous defenses that can be used in court to defend against a DUI charge, even if a defendant’s BAC was over the legal limit. First of all, the police officer who pulled you over must have a legal reason to do so. If not, the original stop could be challenged and the evidence against you thrown out. Was there a reason to detain you for DUI? If not, the case could be challenged.

Another important point is that field sobriety tests are extremely subjective. Were they performed in accordance with federal guidelines? Many police officers are not experienced in administering the tests properly. Were the proper tests performed?

People who are placed under arrest are required to be advised of their rights, which are known as Miranda rights. If you are not advised of your Miranda rights, the case could be thrown out.

If you took a chemical test, and you were found to have a California blood alcohol content of over .08%, you may assume you do not have a valid defense. However, was the test properly administered? Was the equipment functioning properly at the time of the test? Was the evidence handled in accordance with correct evidentiary procedures? Do you have a medical condition that could affect a breath test? In addition, if you are stopped for a DUI soon after drinking and are given a chemical test 30 minutes or an hour later, your blood alcohol level would be higher than it was when you were originally stopped. This is called a “rising blood alcohol defense”.

There are numerous defenses a skilled DUI attorney in Los Angeles, California can raise, even if your BAC was found to be over the legal limit. If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI in California, contact a skilled DUI team of attorneys today. Contact the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf at 877-390-7373 for a free consultation.

Whether or Not to Plead Guilty to a CA DUI

2010-07-13T16:00:01Z

Many people who have been charged with a DUI in California consider pleading guilty, especially if they performed poorly on field sobriety tests or failed a chemical test measuring blood alcohol content. They receive a .08 or higher BAC reading and don’t see the point in fighting the charge and instead view the case as a “slam dunk” against them.

However, if you plead guilty, you are losing any right to present a defense in a criminal trial. In addition, a DUI guilty plea in California can have a negative impact on your driving record or any professional license.

Just because you failed a chemical test and had a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher does not mean that you should write-off doing everything possible to have your rights defended. There are many factors to take into account that could result in a potential to plea bargain to a lesser offense or having your case being dismissed. Pleading guilty means losing the opportunity to challenge any problems in the prosecution’s case.

In many cases, a DUI in Los Angeles is an individual’s first criminal charge, and he or she is horrified at the prospect of a criminal record. If you have been charged with a DUI, you should consult a qualified, experienced Los Angeles DUI attorney who can advise you of your rights before making any big decisions on your DUI case. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf have represented many defendants in DUI cases and are extremely caring, knowledgeable and experienced with all aspects of DUI cases. We stay up to date on the complex and ever-changing DUI laws. Call us today for a free consultation at 866-390-7373.