Lawrence Wolf - Part 12

What Search and Seizure Issues Can Arise in Drug Crime Cases?

courtroom-1566609Small If you are under investigation for a drug crime, it is important that you understand search and seizure laws. Before conducting a search of your home or apartment, the police are required to comply with state and federal laws. They may only conduct a search if they have obtained a search warrant or if they have reasonable cause to conduct a search. Any evidence obtained while violating federal laws should be thrown out of court. A skilled attorney will seek to have wrongfully-obtained evidence thrown out, charges dropped, and cases dismissed.

Under the 4th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, you are protected from unreasonable and unlawful searches. “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”

Torrance Church Leader Accused of Molesting Child

A Torrance worship leader faces child molestation charges for an incident involving a four-year-old girl. According to a KABC news report, the 67-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to a number of sex-related crimes stemming from an incident that allegedly occurred outside his home back in 2008. Officials say the man served as a worship leader at a number of churches throughout the South Bay area and are reaching out to other churches to see if there have been any other alleged victims.

There are severe consequences for inappropriately touching a minor in California. Under Penal Code 647.6, “Every person who annoys or molests any child under 18 years of age shall be punished by a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000), by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by both the fine and imprisonment.”

Holiday DUI Enforcement Nets More than 2,100 Arrests in Los Angeles

Police car lights close up. A group of policemen on the background.

Local law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles County went all out when it came to holiday driving under the influence (DUI) enforcement in 2012. According to a news report in The Diamond Bar Walnut Patch, officials held 72 sobriety checkpoints, 25 DUI warrant sweeps, and 153 DUI saturation patrols countywide as part of their “Avoid the 100” DUI crackdown. This effort to curb drunk and drugged driving during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays resulted in more than 2,100 arrests.

The Los Angeles Sheriff’s department, between midnight on Dec. 14 through midnight on Jan. 1, officers arrested 2,168 drivers for operating their vehicles under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. During last year’s enforcement period, there were 2,433 DUI arrests.

Los Angeles Woman Arrested in Child Porn Case

In what has become a high-profile case locally, a 52-year-old North Hills woman has been arrested in connection with an 11-year-old Southern California child pornography and molestation case. CBS Los Angeles reports that the woman was arrested 10 hours after federal investigators asked for the public’s help to identify two suspects – the woman and another man, who still remains at large. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials received five separate community tips that led to the woman’s arrest.

The public plea was put out after federal agents discovered a series of pornographic images depicting the man and woman sexually molesting a girl who appears to be 13 years of age. The woman has been charged in a federal complaint with one count of production of child pornography. If convicted, she faces 15 years in prison. The woman’s son has spoken out, saying his mother was not involved in child pornography and that the girl in the video was 18 years of age or older at the time.

How the Megan’s Law Database Affects Sex Offenders

The effects of a sex crime conviction can be felt long after an individual serves out his or her sentence. It can be difficult to reintegrate into society after serving time for any crime. This struggle is heightened for those convicted of sex crimes in California. Under Megan’s Law, a conviction for a sex-related crime can result in mandatory registration as a sex offender.

This means that anyone with a computer can look up where a sex offender lives and the type of crime for which he or she was convicted. Many California sex offenders even have their pictures posted on the official registry so that everyone can see what they look like and find out about their past record.

Consequences of Marijuana Cultivation in Los Angeles

marijuana4 It is a felony crime to grow marijuana in Los Angeles. Even if you only have one marijuana plant in your backyard, you could face severe penalties. If you have been arrested on suspicion of marijuana cultivation in Los Angeles, it is crucial that you discuss your case with a skilled defense attorney right away.

Under California Health & Safety Code 11358, all acts associated with growing or manufacturing marijuana are illegal. It is a felony to handle pot seeds, plant the seeds in soil, or to dry and process the marijuana once it is harvested. California’s prosecutors tend to assume that individuals growing a few plants intend to sell them. Therefore, individuals growing plants for recreational use may face possession with intent to sell charges as well.

Fighting Prescription Drug Charges in Los Angeles

white pills spilling from vial onto drug information sheet

It is not just those who possess illegal drugs who run the risk of facing serious charges. There are harsh consequences for possessing prescription drugs as well. Under federal law, prescription drugs are considered to be controlled substances. This makes them similar to dangerous drugs such as methamphetamine and heroin. Anyone facing charges for possession of popular prescription drugs such as adderall, dilaudid, fentanyl, hydrocodone, methadone, oxycodone, oxycontin, percocet, valium, vicodin, or xanax without a legal prescription is looking at severe penalties including jail time and fines.

Prescription drugs are powerful and extremely addictive. In many cases, individuals who are addicted to prescription drugs were at one time legally prescribed the drugs for treatment of injuries or illnesses. Thanks to the Internet, it is easier than ever to purchase these dangerous drugs after a prescription runs out. Individuals who should be getting help are sent to jail.

72 DUI Checkpoints Scheduled for Los Angeles County this Holiday

Law enforcement agencies throughout the county will be conducting multiple checkpoints this holiday. According to a report by The Glendora Patch, there will be 72 DUI (driving under the influence) and driver’s license checkpoints in Los Angeles County between December 14, 2012 and January 1, 2013. Additionally, there will be 153 local DUI saturation patrols and 25 DUI warrant and probation sweeps. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is extending the hours of their officers during the busiest holiday periods as well.

During the crackdown on drunk driving that occurred during the holidays last year, thousands of people were arrested. A report in The Glendora Patch showed that 2,406 people were arrested over the 17-day crackdown on drunk driving last year. With planned checkpoints in Glendale, Pasadena, San Fernando, Arcadia, Baldwin Park, Hollywood, Long Beach, Downey, and many other cities, thousands of DUI arrests are expected to be made this year as well.

Dealing with a DMV Hearing after your DUI Arrest in Los Angeles

After you are arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), you only have 10 days from that date to request a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) hearing. A DMV hearing is an administrative hearing where you will get a chance to explain why you should be allowed to keep your license. If you do not respond within 10 days, you automatically waive your right to a hearing. If you fail to take action, your driver’s license will be suspended by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

A number of drivers make this mistake because when they see a pink temporary license, they think they have 30 days to make a request. The pink piece of paper only allows you to drive for 30 days. However, if you continue to drive after your license is suspended as the result of a DUI, you could end up facing jail time.

Woman Arrested in Burbank on Suspicion of Prostitution

A 19-year-old woman has been arrested at a Los Angeles hotel on suspicion of prostitution. According to The Burbank Leader, the arrest was made at the Extended Stay America hotel on Empire Avenue in Burbank. Officials allegedly made the arrest after seeing the woman’s advertisement online. They allegedly found her with a client in a room at the hotel.

Under California Penal Code Section 653.20 (a), committing prostitution “means to engage in sexual conduct for money or other consideration, but does not include sexual conduct engaged in as a part of any stage performance, play, or other entertainment open to the public.”