Los Angeles Criminal Attorney Blog

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.

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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.

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Los Angeles defense lawyer and recognized expert in addiction-related offenses, Lawrence Wolf, will be speaking at the 24th Annual CAADE (California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators) Conference on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at Palm Springs Doral Desert Princess. “Charting the Course for a New Beginning” is the title of this year’s Conference to convey a fresh and constructive start for recovering addicts looking to reclaim their well-being and productivity. Lawrence Wolf will be discussing the role that addiction counselors play in the criminal justice system at the Conference, which begins on Thursday, April 22 and ends Saturday.

In providing opportunities to survey and tackle the several challenges that addicts face in California and throughout the United States, CAADE 2010 establishes a collective effort to support improvements within the state’s rehabilitation process. In contributing to the Conference’s program, Lawrence Wolf will be sharing his experiences in alternative sentencing for those charged with drug or alcohol-related offenses who exhibit serious problems with addiction. With over 35 years of experience as a California criminal defense attorney, Lawrence Wolf understands the important connection between law and addiction in California in terms of providing an individual arrested for a crime with positive life-changing solutions in addition to legal information and resolutions.

Addiction to alcohol or drugs can influence a person’s life financially, socially, and on a legal level. Events like the CAADE Conference are a step in the right direction to assist addicts by finding new ways to improve the rehabilitation progression. Lawrence Wolf’s discussion of addiction counselors’ function within the legal system will highlight the psychological and physical struggles an addict faces, further emphasizing the need of quality addiction counseling. To learn more about Lawrence Wolf and his many achievements in California criminal defense law and alternative sentencing, please visit www.youareinnocent.com or call (866) 390-7373 for more information.

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Posted In: Drug Crimes , Law & Information

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A high-profile initiative known as the “Tax Cannabis Act” received enough signatures this week to qualify for California’s November ballot. If approved by voters, it would be the first instance in the United States in which marijuana was legalized for recreational use by adults.

In 1996, California became the first state to legalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. The ballot measure would allow adults age 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana. Moreover, residents would be permitted to cultivate a personal garden of marijuana plants in areas measuring up to 25 square feet.

Supporters of the measure point out that the proposal would ban the smoking of marijuana in public or in the presence of minors, and that it would be illegal to have the drug on school property or to operate a vehicle under the influence of marijuana. The same supporters are also quick to mention that passage of the measure could save the cash-strapped state $200 million per year by lowering certain public safety expenses and generating substantial tax revenue.

However, there is noteworthy public opposition to the initiative. For example, many (but not all) law enforcement agencies, as well as some concerned citizens groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and significant political figures including gubernatorial hopeful Jerry Browne, and President Barrack Obama, publicly oppose the measure.

Regardless of the outcome of the November election, it is important to always know your rights regarding marijuana possession in Los Angeles and throughout the state of California.

Continue reading "Proposal to Legalize Marijuana is On the Ballot in California" »

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

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Medical marijuana shops have posed an interesting dilemma for marijuana users, shop proprietors, and law enforcement officers alike. There is definitely a fine line between allowed and disallowed activity taking place within these shops, and any accusation of illegal activity needs to be thoroughly investigated before charges are filed against innocent individuals. However, a tendency to assume rather than investigate has led some individuals to question whether or not their legal rights are being infringed upon by overzealous officers of the law.

According to a reuters.com article, the number of medical marijuana shops in Los Angeles has greatly increased over the last few years, with reportedly 1,000 shops now operating in the area. Marijuana was decriminalized in the state of California in 1996, and a ballot measure was passed in 2003 that allowed the substance to be cultivated and distributed to those individuals with medical prescriptions. These marijuana dispensaries are not intended to turn a profit, but are instead allowed to accept small donations that are meant to help curb the costs of cultivating the marijuana and other overhead costs. However, some of these dispensaries are allegedly making a profit. This is due to patrons who frequent the dispensaries who have valid prescriptions to fill along with so-called recreational users that acquire prescriptions. The latter users are thought to receive prescriptions from doctors who fill such prescriptions all day while operating out of make shift offices set up specifically for such a purpose.

Continue reading "Medical Marijuana Shops Marred By Profit Seekers" »

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , Drug Crimes

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The Los Angeles Times recently reported that the Los Angeles Police Department and federal authorities teamed up in a raid that targeted a Los Angeles street gang responsible for crimes ranging from assault to drug charges to murder. The street gang in question calls multiple cities and areas in the Los Angeles area its home, has affiliations with prison gangs, and has a long history of committing violent acts against those whom they consider outsiders. The raid involved the detainment and arrest of a large number of individuals for a wide variety of charges. In such matters, it is important to remember that simply because an individual is grouped together with other such individuals being accused of crimes, it is not an automatic determination that all individuals are in fact guilty of said crimes.

Raids of supposed criminal organizations can be especially problematic in a court of law. That is, while some individuals may in fact be guilty of the infractions of which they are accused, other individuals may simply be innocent bystanders having been lumped together with other, more serious offenders. With drug crimes especially, the lines between guilt and innocence are often blurred, and charges are often blanketed over a group of individuals, even if all of those individuals are not in fact guilty of the alleged charges. In any event, it is vital that the services of a skilled Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer are retained in the event of your arrest.

Continue reading "Gang Member Take-Down Hits LA in Raid" »

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

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According to latimesblogs.latimes.com, a shooting occurred outside of a marijuana dispensary in West Los Angeles. Two people were seriously injured, and were taken to local area hospitals where they are in critical and serious conditions. Police investigating the matter believe that the shooting was an attempted robbery.

Los Angeles police officials cited an increase in crime levels occurring around marijuana dispensaries. Although marijuana is legal for medical purposes, the very fact that it is illegal otherwise can cause for some complicated matters pertaining to the law. Marijuana users that need the drug for medicinal purposes might be subject to investigation, particularly when instances of robbery and other crimes occur in such close proximity to the dispensaries.

For those that frequent marijuana dispensaries, it should not be assumed that they are involved in illicit behavior of any kind, and they should be afforded the same consideration and label of innocent until proven guilty that all other members of society are granted. Put bluntly, it is unfair for individuals that frequent an area to be profiled in such a manner. Concrete evidence is a requirement to directly connect an individual to a crime, and even such evidence must be qualified as being associated with the individual.

Continue reading "Pot Dispensary Site of Robbery, 2 Shot" »

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , Drug Crimes , Theft Crimes

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According to the Los Angeles Times, the reported levels of the anesthetic propofol which contributed towards Michael Jackson’s untimely death are relatively too low to have posed any sort of risk to the pop star. Jackson’s doctor claims to have administered a dosage of 25 milligrams to Jackson, who was dependent on the drug to fall asleep nightly. However, according to medical experts, a dosage that size taken by a patient such as Jackson, someone who was accustomed to taking the drug and had therefore built up a tolerance for it, would have little effect, if any at all, on his well-being.

The article goes on to report that in a three-hour interview with police, Jackson’s doctor claimed that he was attempting to wean the singer off of the drug, and that Jackson typically received a dosage totaling 50 milligrams. On the day of his death, Jackson was given a host of other sleep aids prior to the admitted 25 milligram dosage of propofol, leading some to question whether or not a lethal combination of medications could have ended Jackson’s life.

Even more problematic is the argument by experts that propofol, given in either a 25 milligram or a 50 milligram dosage, is not powerful enough to aid with sleep in the first place, causing some to question the validity of Jackson’s doctor’s claim, particularly since preliminary toxicology reports told of “lethal levels” of propofol present in Jackson’s blood.

Continue reading "Jackson’s Doctor Admits to Dosage that Doesn’t Add Up" »

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In our legal system, an indictment is a formal accusation that a person has committed a criminal offense. The LA Times online published an article about one such indictment, the document charges about 40 members and associates of the Columbia Lil Cycos -- a clique of the 18th Street gang -- with being involved in a racketeering conspiracy that allegedly involved murder, drug trafficking, money laundering, kidnapping and other crimes.

According to the indictment, the Mexican mafia, a notorious prison based organization that allegedly controls Latino street gangs were angered that a baby was killed in a botched “hit” of a street vendor. The vendor, a 37-year-old, had been refusing to pay the $50 weekly "rent" that he and others working near the corner of 6th Street and Burlington Avenue were expected to pay gang members. The gang members attempted to kill Clemente, but accidentally shot the baby.

The LA Gang involved, the 18th street gang, decided to take matters into their own hands and resolved the issue. They lured the gunmen to Mexico under the guise of hiding him from authorities, where they strangled him and left him for dead. The shooter did not die, however, and instead was picked up by police after being found in Mexico. He has since given authorities valuable information into the inner workings of the Mexican Mafia and 18th street gangs.

Continue reading "Indictment Offers Details of LA Gangs Workings" »

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , Drug Crimes , Murder/Homicide , Violent Crimes , White Collar Crime

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The website latimes.com reported in an account on June 8, 2009 that the U.S. Border Patrol has arrested a 30 year old Mexican national who was trying to smuggle 24 pounds of pot on his surfboard. According to the border patrol the suspect of the drug crime was seen early in the morning paddling north approximately 200 yards off the coast of Imperial Beach, which is in close proximity to the Mexican border.

Border agents commanded the surfer to come ashore, at which point he threw a blue duffel bag in the water. Agents were forced to go in to the water to make the arrest. Sometime later the duffel bag washed ashore with five packets of marijuana, worth an estimated $74,000. The man acknowledged that he was in the U.S. illegally.

The Controlled Substance Act is a consolidation of laws that regulates the possession, manufacture and distribution of narcotics, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, anabolic steroids, and chemicals used in the illicit production of controlled substances or illegal drugs. Marijuana laws vary slightly from the above and are generally based on the amount of marijuana or hashish seized. However the penalties for marijuana and hashish can be equally as severe, depending upon the quantity.

Continue reading "Mexican Surfer Caught Trying To Smuggle Marijuana Into U.S." »

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The latimes.com reported in an article on June 7, 2009 that narcotics investigators raided a home owned by Bell’s Mayor, Oscar Hernandez, and found a “super lab” able of producing 20 pounds of methamphetamine. Two men were arrested.

Hernandez did not identify the men and said that he rented the house to a couple and their two children. Hernandez stated that the husband and a man visiting the couple were arrested. The woman living there is 8 months pregnant and the daughters, ages 2 and 3, were placed in protective care.

Hernandez stated that the man arrested had told him that the chemicals found by agents were used as glue for tile adhesive.

Hernandez said, “I feel sorry for them. They have no food, no money, no clothing. I don’t know, this could be a big mistake.”

Depending upon your specific drug crime in California, you may be facing a monetary fine or a severe penalty including a long term prison sentence. Some factors that may affect the penalties which apply, and whether or not the defendant faces a felony or misdemeanor charge following a drug related arrest include the type of drug, the amount or weight of the drug, and what the defendant's intent was with the substance.

Continue reading "Bell Mayor’s Rented Home Sealed after Drug Raid" »

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A latimes.com report from May 13, 2009 stated that an investigation into the offices of former assessor Bill Postmus has prompted the San Bernardino County Supervisors to file suit against Postmus and five of his co-workers in an attempt to recover hundreds of thousands of dollars. The report was done by former federal prosecutor John Hueston who gained fame for prosecuting Kenneth Lay and Jeffrey Skilling of Enron. The investigation revealed that crime, fraud, and drug use were a common occurrence in Postmus’s office. In addition, the 30 page document states that people not qualified for the job were hired and did not do any assessor related jobs but instead conducted unauthorized political campaigning. The investigation’s most shocking accusations are related to Postmus’s drug use. His assistant said he, “looked like he fell off a park bench.”

Colleagues even suspected him of inhaling canisters of DVD cleaner. Soon afterwards, Postmus was arrested on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine. He resigned in February.

Gary Ovitt, board Chairman, said, “As a taxpayer and as a public official, I find the activities detailed in the report deeply disturbing. There is certainly enough information in this report to compel the Board of Supervisors to pursue legal action against these individuals and seek damages for the taxpayers."

Officials have arrested three of those mentioned, who have posted bail. Postmus has been charged with six felonies and former assistant assessor Erwin is facing 10 felonies, mostly for failing to properly report gifts while in office.

In today’s world of politics and business, the line between what is ethical is sometimes misinterpreted and can lead to serious accusations of white collar crime. If you or a loved one has been accused of a white collar crime in San Bernardino, contact the skilled lawyers at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf. We have helped our clients win for over 30 years. Please call 1-866-390-7373 for a free consultation.

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , Drug Crimes , White Collar Crime

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The dailynews.com website reported in an account on March 14, 2009 that Alisha Nichole Mankin, 25 is sentenced to half a year in jail for leading the police on a 90 mile chase that started in Santa Monica and ended in Oxnard. Mankin, who is from the Antelope Valley, took control of a U-Haul truck her boyfriend had rented.

Mankin pled guilty to evading the police, which is a felony crime in California. She also pled guilty to a misdemeanor hit and run. Judge John Dobroth, Ventura County Superior Court, sentenced Mankin, suspended her license for one year, and placed her on probation for 3 years.

According to the California Highway Patrol, Mankin’s chase was televised by several Los Angele networks while she drove the U-Haul on sidewalks, opposing lanes, and even open grassy areas. The chase began when police received a call about suspicious activities. Upon arriving police detained a male suspect on possession of drugs in Los Angeles.

In the middle of the commotion, Mankin ran off only to return to the U-Haul and initialized the chase. Police later found out that Mankin had warrants out for DUI and being under the influence.

The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf have been helping individuals charged with crimes for over 30 years. Mr. Wolf has both prosecuted and defended thousands of adults and juveniles charged with every type of felony and misdemeanor crime. Lawrence Wolf has been a pioneer in developing all forms of alternative sentencing such as house arrest and diversionary programs. He has established relationships with Judges and District Attorneys throughout Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura Counties. If you are being charged with any criminal crime, the top criminal defense attorneys in California at Lawrence Wolf can help you. Please call 1-866-390-7373 for a free consultation.

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The latimes.com website reported in an account on March 11, 2009 that rapper and actor Coolio had been arrested at the Los Angeles International Airport for possession of rock cocaine and battery of an airport employee. Coolio’s real name is Artis Leon Ivey, 45, and he was having his baggage searched at LAX when authorities allegedly found cocaine. When the screener was getting close to his hidden cocaine, Coolio panicked and grabbed the screeners arm in an attempt to prevent the search.

Police arrested Coolio for his drug crime in California and transported him to the Los Angeles Police Department’s jail in Van Nuys, but later released him after he made bail. Police will be charging him with one felony count of possession of cocaine, one misdemeanor count of possession of a smoking device, and one misdemeanor count of battery. Coolio’s arraignment is set for April 3 and he faces three years in prison if convicted.

Penalties for schedule 1 narcotic offenses in Los Angeles are severe. Depending on the amount of narcotic seized, a first offense conviction could mean a prison term of up to 20 years plus fines; and, if you have been convicted of 2 previous offenses, you could be facing life in prison. Examples of schedule 1 narcotics are Heroin, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Ecstasy, PCP, and LSD.

Controlled substance crimes are very serious charges and carry life changing consequences. If you or someone you know has been arrested, or is being investigated for a drug crime, you need advice from an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer. Protect your rights and your freedom. Please call 1-866-390-7373 for a free consultation.

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The cbsnews website reported in an article on March 14, 2009 that a judge in Beverly Hills has issued an arrest warrant for Lindsay Lohan, 22. It is unclear though why the warrant was issued. It is possible that it is connected to an incident in 2007 when Lohan was driving under the influence and crashed her Mercedes-Benz into a tree. Mike Foxen, Sgt. said that the warrant carries a bail of $50,000.

Foxen said, ‘We believe it has to do with her arrest for DUI.” He added that there were no other details disclosed to him.

Lohan’s attorney, Shawn Chapman Holley, said that Lohan has fulfilled all terms of her probation and all court instructions.

Holley said, “The warrant issued on Friday was, in our view, born out of a misunderstanding which I am confident I can clear up next week."

Sandi Gibbons, spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office stated that they were not formally advised that a warrant would be issued.

Lohan is the star of the movie “Mean Girls” released in 2004. Following her drunk driving crime in 2007 for crashing her car, she was arrested again in July for chasing her former personal assistant in an SUV in Santa Monica. Tied with these two cases, Lohan later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor counts of being under the influence of cocaine.

Continue reading "Beverly Hills Judge Issues Warrant For Lindsay Lohan" »

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , DUI Defense , Drug Crimes

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The Los Angeles CBS affiliate, channel 2, reported on December 11, 2008 that a gang based in the San Gabriel Valley had been busted and eight people had been arrested on California drug offense charges. Authorities claim the gang is responsible for smuggling hundreds of thousands of Ecstasy pills into southern California.

Timothy J. Landrum of the Drug Enforcement Administration said the operation involved more than 100 federal, state, and local authorities. The investigation lasted 15 months and was a joint operation between the DEA’s Riverside District Office and Montebello Police department. Landrum also noted that five suspects remain at large and said "Ecstasy is a serious threat to our communities, and particularly our teens and youth, who are often unaware of the significant harm this drug can cause."

Along with Ecstasy, Ketamine, a horse tranquilizer, is equally popular at raves, clubs, and in other drug scenes, DEA officials said. The arrested individuals allegedly put huge amounts of Ecstasy and Ketamine on the market in Las Vegas, Phoenix, and California.
U.S. attorney Thomas P. O’Brien said “The indictment and arrests demonstrate the continued vigilance and cooperation of federal and state authorities.”

Drug crimes are serious because they not only require the court system to lay down punishment against the accused but there is also the question of rehabilitation in order to avoid future incidents. The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf are experienced with all types of drug crimes and rehabilitation options. Your California narcotics offense attorney may be able to reduce the penalties or even have the case dismissed. Please call 1-866-390-7373 for a free consultation.

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Actor Craig Robinson was arrested on June 29th this year for DUI in Culver City, California. Robinson, who is best known for his role as warehouse boss Darryl Philbin on NBC's live action comedy, The Office, was charged with driving under the influence -- not only of alcohol but also of an array of drugs, including marijuana and amphetamines.

Ironically, the arrest occurred just weeks before Robinson was to star in the stoner comedy Pineapple Express as a small time drug fiend. If convicted of the two felonies he is charged with, Robinson could face jail time and a significant fine. His bail was set at $10,000 in the wake of his arrest. Robinson, who often jovially spars with Steve Carrell's Michael Scott on The Office, was also tagged for possession of ecstasy and cocaine.

Fighting a DUI or drug possession charges in Los Angeles can be complicated business, whether you are a celebrity or a pop artist. Fortunately, you can find top-tier criminal attorneys to battle unfair charges and make the law work for you.

Trust the law offices of Lawrence Wolf to provide experienced consultation for your DUI or DWI defense. Wolf and his associates have been practicing Los Angeles drug crime defense law for more than three decades and this team of experts work not only to help get client charges dropped but also to assist the accused with rehabilitation and recovery from addiction problems. Together with Laura McCabe, for instance, Wolf has set up a program called The Center for Law and Addiction.

To find out more about your California DUI defense possibilities, contact the law offices of Lawrence Wolf now at 1-866-390-7373 (toll-free), or drop an e-mail explaining your situation to LW@YouAreInnocent.com Wolf's experience with DUI legal defense and his relationships with judges and DAs throughout the Southland can help you resolve your situation quickly and intelligently.

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Posted In: DUI Defense , Drug Crimes

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