Lawrence Wolf - Part 16

Bobby Brown Charged with Three DUI-Related Misdemeanors

Two days after being arrested in Los Angeles on March 26, 2012, Bobby Brown faces two DUI-related counts and another charge that he was driving on a suspended license. Allegedly, the R&B singer had a blood alcohol level of more than .08, which is the level at which is presumed to be driving under the influence. The singer was pulled over by the California Highway Patrol for driving unsafely and talking on a cell phone without a hands-free unit. The officer suspected the singer was impaired and later on Brown failed the field sobriety test. If convicted, he will face jail time for up to six months for DUI.

Because Los Angeles is such a driving town, it is unfortunately extremely susceptible to a high amount of DUI (driving under the influence) offenses and related accidents, injuries and at times deaths. In 2009, routine stops around LA produced 2,623 DUI arrests in a random (non-holiday) two week period, according to the California Office of Traffic and Safety. The best way to prevent such tragedies is to designate a driver, take a taxi or not drink at all.

If you are facing charges of DUI or if perhaps you know someone who is definitely, the most important thing for you to do at this time is hire encountered and competent contact the Los Angeles DUI Attorney at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf to be of assistance or your loved one. For over 40 years, Lawrence Wolf has helped people charged with DUI. In many cases, a jail term is not the appropriate sentence for someone who has been charged with driving under the influence. There are certain alternative options available that can benefit all parties involved far more than incarceration. Our Los Angeles drunk driving attorneywork diligently to ensure our clients receive the best possible outcome for their case, and often recommend alternative forms of punishment rather than spending time in jail. To learn more about how we can help you, call [number type=”1″] today.

Two Bell City Officials to Stand Trial for Misappropriation of Funds

A former city manager, his assistant, the city’s mayor, and a city councilman from Bell have been ordered to stand trial on a variety of charges related to taking public funds, according to My Fox LA.

The individuals have been charged with over 50 counts of misappropriation of public funds, conflict of interest, and falsification of public records. Prosecutors claim that the city officials legally inflated their salaries and then falsified public records to hide those salaries. The city manager was found to have a salary and compensation package of $1.5 million. In order to pay those salaries, prosecutors allege, they diverted property taxes and other funds. They also allege that the city manager loaned almost $2 million of public money to himself and others. Defense attorneys argue being well-paid is not a crime.

Although some view California white-collar crimes, such as the misappropriation of public funds, as not as serious as other types of crimes, white collar crimes can have serious legal consequences. There are both state and federal white collar crimes. Penalties for white collar crimes can include prison or house arrest, as well as fines and restitution. They can be charged as felonies or misdemeanors.

If you are facing charges for a white collar crime in California, contact the Los Angeles white collar crime defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf. Our attorneys have extensive experience in all aspects of criminal law, including successfully defending clients on a variety of white collar crime charges. Call today at 866-390-7373 to learn more.

Man Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Cocaine in Easter Eggs at LAX

On February 14, a man from Miami pleaded guilty to drug charges related to drug smuggling in Los Angeles, according to CNN.

The man attempted to smuggle cocaine inside Easter eggs. Officials searched his luggage after he arrived at Los Angeles International Airport and found dozens of pastel egg-shaped containers. According to officials, they may not have been noticed if he hadn’t been carrying the eggs just days before Christmas.

The man’s luggage contained a total of 14 pounds of cocaine, which is estimated to be worth over $100,000. Most of the cocaine was inside the eggs, but some was stashed in a paper shopping bag. The man told the officials the eggs were for his children. The man is set to be sentenced on May 5, and could receive up to 40 years in federal prison.

Although this story sounds funny, with the man hiding cocaine inside Easter eggs a couple of days before Christmas, drug charges are no laughing matter. Under California law, drug charges can have serious consequences. The Controlled Substance Act regulates the possession, manufacture and distribution of narcotics, stimulants, depressants, and more. The Act breaks down narcotics into categories. Penalties for Schedule 1 narcotics, which include cocaine, are the most severe. A conviction involving cocaine could mean 20 years in prison for a first offense.

Are you facing drug charges in California? If so, contact the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf. We will work hard to have any drug charges against you dismissed or reduced. Call our Los Angeles drug crimes defense lawyers today at [number type=”1″] to learn more.

Fatal Shooting of Three in Whittier May be Result of Domestic Dispute

Police are investigating the deaths of three individuals who were found dead in a home in Whittier recently, according to The Los Angeles Times. The incident could be the result of a domestic dispute.

Police answered calls that a woman had been shot in the house, and a SWAT team was brought in because police believed the gunman was still inside the residence. All three people found had died from gunshot wounds. The victims were a man in his 30s, and a man and a woman who were both in their 60s.

According to neighbors, a couple and their adult son lived in the house. The victims were allegedly found when a family member arrived at the house and found the woman dead. Police are trying to tell whether one of those victims died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Whether or not this crime turns out to be a result of domestic or family violence, there is no doubt that domestic violence is a serious problem in this country. Across the country, there are 16,800 homicides per year and $5.8 billion in health-related costs spent per year due to violence between intimate partners.

In California, domestic violence can refer to any type of violence between spouses, partners, former spouses or partners, children, or individuals who are dating. Domestic violence can be a hard charge to dispute, since there are often few external witnesses or physical evidence as to what happened.

If you are being investigated for domestic violence, or have been arrested, contact the Los Angeles domestic violence defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf. Our office has extensive experience in helping defendants to navigate the criminal justice system. Call 866-390-7373 today.

Study Shows Increase in Crime after Los Angeles Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Shut Down

A study released earlier this week shows that crime increased when hundreds of Los Angeles medical marijuana dispensaries were closed in 2010 after the implementation of a new ordinance, according to CBS News. Crime in the neighborhoods surrounding the dispensaries went up after they closed, contradictory to law enforcement claims that the operation of such clinics encouraged crime.

The research study was conducted by the objective nonprofit RAND Corporation, who reviewed crime reports from the 10 days before the medical marijuana clinics were closed and from 10 days after. The resulting analysis showed a 60 percent increase in crime within three blocks of a closed dispensary. If it is true that the dispensaries are causing crime, then there should have been a noticeable decline in crime once they were closed, which was not the case. Specific dispensaries may attract crime but there is no evidence that proves that, in general, the operation of medical marijuana clinics increases crime rates in the area.

The City Council had passed a new ordinance last summer, placing stricter guidelines on the dispensaries and causing many to shut their doors. Crime was one of the leading reasons for this new ordinance. In fact, two workers were killed during dispensary robberies in June 2010. Ultimately, however, the research analysis shows no concrete correlation between crime and medical marijuana dispensaries. It is more likely that crime rates drop around active clinics due to the security cameras and security guards.

Crime rates continuously fluctuate, but crime never disappears altogether. If you have been charged with a crime in Southern California, the most effective way to avoid a conviction is to retain the services of an aggressive Los Angeles criminal defense attorney. At The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf, our experienced defense lawyers will protect your legal rights. Call us today for a consultation at [number type=”1″].

FBI Reports Crime Rate Decline in 2010

According to FBI statistics, as reported by The Los Angeles Times, approximately 10.3 million crimes were reported in 2010. Of these, 9 million were property crimes and 1.2 million were violent crimes. Although these are very large numbers, both violent crime and property crime rates declined from previous years. Violent crime decreased by 6 percent from 2009, continuing its declining trend for a fourth consecutive year. Property crime dropped 2.7 percent from 2009, making 2010 the eighth consecutive year it has decreased.

The data used for the FBI’s 2010 “Crime in the United States” report was compiled from over 18,000 federal, state, tribal, university and college, county and city law enforcement agencies. Other notable statistics for 2010 include:

Aggravated assault was the most common violent crime at approximately 62.5 percent;
Larceny-theft was the most common property crime at 68.2 percent; and
There were 13.1 million arrests made for crimes, excluding traffic violations.

In Los Angeles, there were 21,484 violent crimes, although, unlike the national statistics, robbery was the most common violent crime in 2010 with over 10,000 incidents. Aggravated assault was a close second, however, at over 9,000 incidents. In addition, Los Angeles had a total of 89,704 property crimes, the most common being larceny-theft.

Being arrested for a violent crime can be very confusing and overwhelming, especially when the alleged crime occurred under especially vague or convoluted circumstances. The aggressive violent crime defense attorneys in Los Angeles at The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf can build a strong defense on your behalf and ensure the protection of your legal rights. Contact us today for a consultation at [number type=”1″].

California Proposes Prisoner Realignment Program to Relieve Overcrowded State Prisons

Thousands of female prisoners who have children, and were not incarcerated for serious or sexual crimes, may be released before October, according to The Los Angeles Times. They would serve the remainder of their sentence at home where they will be required to wear a GPS-enabled ankle bracelet and report to a parole officer. The new program was initiated to meet a court-imposed deadline to relieve congestion in California’s chronically overcrowded prisons. Although the program initially only affects female inmates who are mothers, it is expected to extend to male prisoners as well.

The new policy is the result of a U.S. Supreme Court decision that ruled the overcrowding and resulting lack of medical care in prisons as cruel and unusual punishment. Now the state must meet a strict timeline, reducing the inmate population by over 30,000 before July 2013. Since the majority of California’s inmates are men, the new program will likely expand to male prisoners who are fathers. If a male inmate can be considered the “primary caregiver” of their child or children, was not convicted for a violent or sexual felony or for child abuse, has not made an escape attempt in the last 10 years, does not belong to a gang, and does not have an active restraining order, they may receive parole.

Skeptics believe that many female prisoners were not good mothers to begin with and that the new program may actually increase crime rates. However, state officials have high hopes that reuniting inmates with their families will not only help their rehabilitation but also help keep their children from following the same path.

If you have been arrested for a crime in Southern California, you still have legal rights. Contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles with The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf today at [number type=”1″] to learn how we can help you protect your future.

California Steps-Up DUI Enforcement for Labor Day Weekend

Almost 11,000 people are killed in alcohol-related each year and Labor Day weekend has historically had a high number of DUI accidents, which is why many states and local law enforcement agencies will be doing their part for the end of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign for the holiday weekend.

California will be increasing DUI enforcement during the last weekend of this national campaign, which ends on September 5. During the almost month-long campaign, 41 Avoid DUI task forces and more than 100 individual local jurisdictions conducted extra sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols across the state. The campaign also included media and press events. For the final weekend of the “Drive Sober or Pull Over” campaign, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will be conducting a “Maximum Enforcement” campaign, which will increase the number of officers on state roads.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is dangerous and illegal; there is no question as to its legality or devastating consequences. But with increased enforcement campaigns comes an increased focus on drunk drivers. Officers may be so intent on taking dangerous drivers of the road that they see impairment in sober drivers. If you have been arrested for a DUI in Southern California, the skilled Los Angeles drunk driving defense attorneys at The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf can protect your legal rights. To learn more about getting your charges reduced or entirely dropped, contact us today at [number type=”1″].

New California Bill Would Give Juveniles in Prison for Life a Second Chance

CNN reports that a bill that is headed for a vote here in California has re-started conversation about whether or not life sentences given to juveniles should be re-analyzed. Senate Bill 9, which would give certain juvenile offenders the chance for release, is headed soon to the Assembly floor for a vote.

Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco) introduced the legislation, which would permit juveniles to request a court to re-analyze their sentence after they have already served 15 years in prison for their alleged crime. Yee, a former child psychologist, has argued that juveniles do not possess the capability to fully comprehend their crimes, at certain ages, and locking them up without giving them an opportunity to prove they have acquired that ability is not the solution. “SB 9… provides the opportunity for compassion and rehabilitation that we should exercise with minors,” he says. Yee has said the goal of the bill is not a “get out of fail free card,” rather; he hopes to provide more opportunities to rehabilitate juveniles if they are fit to be given a reduced sentence and have established that they have changed since they were younger and committed the crime.

Current law in California permits children as young as 14-years-old to be sentenced to life in prison without parole, for some crimes. According to the article, no other country in the world, with the exception of the United States, has life in prison as a sentencing option for juveniles. In California alone, close to 300 children have already been given that sentence.

Depending on the crime allegedly committed, juveniles can face serious consequences, including heavy fines, probation, or even a life sentence in prison. If your son or daughter is facing serious criminal charges in California, it is critical that you learn more about the legal options available. Contact the juvenile crime defense attorneys in Los Angeles at The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf to learn how we can help protect the rights of your child. Call 866-390-7373 today.

Twenty Alleged Gang Members Arrested in Riverside Police Street Gang Sweep

KABC-TV reports that 20 people were recently arrested after a gang sweep was conducted in Riverside by authorities.

According to the article, 36 arrest warrants, 19 state search warrants, and 21 parole and probation searches were conducted by Riverside police officers, along the Riverside County Gang Task Force, the Corona police, and agents with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, as well as the California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation, in addition to other agencies. Called “Operation Tampa Bay,” it was conducted in the early morning hours, and by mid-day, alleged members of the 1200 Blocc Crips street gang, one of the most notoriously dangerous gangs in Riverside, were in custody.

Police reported that the suspects arrested include both men and women in all age ranges, including a grandmother who reportedly sold drugs to undercover officers while the operation was underway. Police believe that the 147-member, all black street gang has been involved in several criminal incidents in the area, including store robberies, home invasions, drug trafficking, and assaults. The Blocc Crips gang is reported to have been terrorizing the eastside of Riverside for many decades.

Few details were released by the police regarding what lead to the suspects being arrested. It is not known what prompted the sweep, or what evidence police had to arrest the suspects. Police did report that several weapons were also seized in the raid.

If you have been charged with a violent crime, it may be in your best interests to consult with a skilled attorney to learn more about the legal options available to you based upon your specific circumstances. Contact Lawrence Wolf, a skilled violent crime attorney in California who represents clients throughout Southern California, including Riverside. Mr. Wolf can thoroughly explain your legal rights to you as well as examine the facts of your case to build a strong defense on your behalf. Call 866-390-7373 to get started with Mr. Wolf today.