Lawrence Wolf - Part 22

DUI Checkpoint Leads to Four Arrests in Fontana

During a drunk driving checkpoint staged in Fontana, California on the weekend of May 1-2, four motorists were arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. An article in The Sun mentions that police have reported that during the 7.5 hour period in which the checkpoint was in place, 1,656 vehicles passed through the checkpoint and 187 vehicles were stopped. In addition to the four DUI arrests, 153 citations were issued for other offenses, ranging from basic traffic violations to outstanding warrants.

An increasingly prevalent law enforcement practice used to detect impaired drivers is the sobriety checkpoint. An experienced San Bernardino DUI defense attorney can determine whether a sobriety checkpoint was lawfully conducted and, in instances where police did not follow proper protocol, challenge the validity of a defendant’s arrest. The U.S. Supreme Court case of Michigan Department of State Police vs. Sitz set forth the basic guidelines that now govern police in the establishment of sobriety checkpoints. If such guidelines are not followed by law enforcement officials, any evidence gathered may be suppressed.

Compton DUI Hit-and-Run Suspect Arrested

A man who allegedly struck and killed a 16-year-old girl and severely injured another girl has been arrested for DUI hit-and-run. According to a Contra Costa Times report, the arrest stems from an accident that occurred in Compton, California in which two young women were allegedly struck by a Mercury Voyager driven by the suspect at 12:40 am. The driver immediately left the scene but was later apprehended by police. According to the police, the suspect appeared drunk and failed a field sobriety test.

If you are facing a hit-and-run charge accompanied by a DUI charge, it is essential that you retain a competent, experienced Los Angeles DUI attorney. Leaving the scene of an accident can be attributable to acute stress response (ASR), and is recognized as a natural survival mechanism. However, in California, leaving the scene of a car accident is a serious criminal offense with harsh potential penalties. It is important that a judge and/or jury understand the appropriate context surrounding a defendant’s flight from an accident scene.

Cases involving hit-and-run accidents while under the influence of alcohol typically consist of multiple offenses, especially where a fatality is involved. Therefore, it is essential for a person charged with these offenses to seek immediate legal representation from a quailed DUI defense lawyer. At the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf, our attorneys are able to immediately evaluate the cause(s) of the accident, the reliability of the BAC testing and reported levels, probable cause for BAC testing and a host of other issues that may arise in a DUI case. Call [number type=”1″] for a free consultation. Our attorneys have achieved quality results for our clients charged with DUI hit-and-run, and are available to speak with you today.

Long Beach Man Faces Vehicular Manslaughter Charge

A Long Beach man faces a gross vehicular manslaughter charge in California after his car struck and killed a person riding a bike in Carson, California. The Los Angeles sheriff’s department has reported that the suspect was intoxicated. Based on a Press-Telegramarticle, the incident occurred on the evening of Saturday, April 17. The victim was pronounced dead at the Long Beach Memorial Medical Center.

Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is one of the most severe offenses that someone who is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol can be charged with. If convicted, a defendant faces anywhere from probation to ten years in a California prison. In order for the prosecution to prove this crime in the state of California, under Penal Code section 191.5(a), they must demonstrate the following:

A person drove under the influence of alcohol or a drug, or the combined influence of alcohol and a drug, or drove while having a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher; and,
While driving under the influence, the person also committed either a misdemeanor or a driving infraction, or a lawful act that might cause death; and,
The person committed a misdemeanor or some infraction or lawful act that might cause death with gross negligence; and,
The defendant’s grossly negligent conduct caused the death of another person.

Possession of Methamphetamine Ingredients with Intent to Manufacture

Certain drugs, such as methamphetamine, are referred to as “homemade” or “manufactured” drugs. Not only is it illegal to possess methamphetamine in California, but it is also illegal to possess ingredients with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine. California Health and Safety Code Section 11383 (a) provides, in part, as follows:

Any person who possesses both methylamine and phenyl-2-propanone (phenylacetone) at the same time with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine, or who possesses both ethylamine and phenyl-2-propanone (phenylacetone) at the same time with the intent to manufacture N-ethylamphetamine, is guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for two, four, or six years.

In the state of California, you may be charged with “intent to manufacture” even where you are not in possession of a finished quantity of the drug methamphetamine. Depending on what the chemical agent you are found to be in possession of is, you may be charged with a crime for possessing large quantities of an otherwise legal drug, that when mixed with other agents, would become an illegal drug.

In addition to restricting access to chemicals like pseudoephedrine, California has criminalized its possession with intent to manufacture methamphetamine or any of its analogs. Cal. Health & Safety 11383(c)(1). The courts have also allowed prosecution when a defendant possessed chemicals essential to making the precursor chemicals.

Drug laws and penalties can be confusing, especially in the case where, as with methamphetamine, an individual may be convicted for merely possessing precursor ingredients. If you have been charged with methamphetamine possession or the intent to manufacture methamphetamine, the Los Angeles methamphetamine possession defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf can explain the elements of the alleged crime, apprise you of your rights and fight to protect your freedom. Lawrence Wolf has over 40 years of experience keeping those charged with drug crimes out of jail and instead into drug treatment programs. Call [number type=”1″] now for a free consultation.

Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Lawrence Wolf to Discuss Addiction Counselors’ Roles in Criminal Justice System at Palm Springs CAADE Convention

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 40 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 [number type=”1″]for more information.

City Attorney Announces Crackdown on Skid Row Drug Trade

City Attorney Carmen Trutanich has announced a new crackdown on the Skid Row drug trade, identifying 80 suspected dealers whom he hopes to exile from the poverty-stricken, Los Angeles neighborhood. The City Attorney’s office filed an injunction naming 80 individuals, all with drug-related convictions, who law enforcement officials believe are involved with selling drugs — mostly crack cocaine, but also marijuana, heroin and meth. Many of those named are also believed to be gang members, according to an LA Timesreport.

The proposed injunction has been met with protests from homeless advocates and civil rights activists who argue that this latest law enforcement measure will result in the targeting of homeless individuals, and will be an obstacle for those seeking drug rehabilitation and other services in the area.

Skid Row has been a hotspot for the crack cocaine trade for many years. The drug has typically been sold here by men and women from outside the area, and often on behalf of various gangs. There has been a concentrated police presence in the Skid Row area in recent years. However, this is law enforcement’s most extreme and far-reaching measure to date aimed at curtailing the crack cocaine trade in the Skid Row district.

Street dealers of crack cocaine are typically punished far more severely than the powder cocaine dealers who sell them the raw materials to make crack. While this may seem confusing, or unfair, it is a fact created by federal drug laws. If you have been charged with or are being investigated for a Los Angeles cocaine possession, it is extremely important to retain an attorney who is experienced in defending clients against all state and federal charges relating to possessing, distributing, or manufacturing crack cocaine.

The skilled and experienced drug defense lawyers in LA at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf have been successfully representing clients accused of drug trafficking, drug possession, drug manufacturing and other drug charges for over 40 years. We defend all crimes, both felony and misdemeanor, and we are prepared to aggressively represent your drug case. If you have been arrested for or charged with a drug crime in California, including crack cocaine possession or trafficking, contact the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf at [number type=”1″] for an immediate free consultation.

DUI Suspect Hits Traffic Light, Resulting in Pedestrian Death

Two suspects have been arrested following a crash in mid-city Los Angeles in the early hours of Monday, April 12, 2010. The first suspect allegedly crashed into a traffic signal at the corner of Western Avenue and Pico Boulevard, causing the signal apparatus to fall and hit a pedestrian. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. Police officers believe that the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Toxicology results are pending.

The second suspect was arrested for an alleged carjacking at the scene of the aforementioned accident. As a woman left her car, with the keys inside, to assist the accident victim, another suspect stole the abandoned car before being apprehended only blocks from the scene. The suspect has been taken into custody, and the car returned to its owner.

If you have been charged with DUI and/or vehicular homicide, it is important to retain an experienced criminal lawyer immediately. Experienced Los Angeles DUI criminal defense attorneys can advise you of your rights and provide you with the best possible defense for your specific case.

Los Angeles Identity Theft: Gas Pump Computerized Credit Card Devices

According to The Los Angeles Times, three individuals have been charged with multiple counts of white collar crimes for their alleged involvement in a credit card scam. Apparently, the individuals are being charged with stealing $2 million from unaware gas station consumers. Reportedly, credit card skimming devices were installed on computerized gas pumps, collecting consumer credit card information and personal identifying numbers (PINs). The information was then downloaded onto computers and other electronic devices, and transferred to equipment used to create credit cards and debit cards.

Based on the article, the three men accused of being involved in the scam were arrested after a three year investigation. The men now face counts ranging from conspiracy to grand theft to computer access fraud, which could result in 20 years of imprisonment. Authorities recovered 10,000 stolen credit and debit card numbers.

Instances of white collar crime in Los Angeles and throughout California affect a large number of consumers each and every year. However, not all individuals accused of such crimes are in fact guilty of wrongdoing. In some cases, alleged wrongdoings may not necessarily be representative of a crime. Regardless of the circumstances of any white collar crime case, the best course of action always involves retaining the services of a skilled defense attorney that will build a strong defense on behalf of the accused.

Careful Tax Preparation Instrumental in Avoiding Fraud Investigations

Tax season is upon us, and with anxious taxpayers eyeing the April 15 deadline, it is important to execute great care in the preparation of tax forms so as to avoid arousing suspicion from the IRS criminal investigation division regarding tax evasion.

The following is a list of some of the criminal activities in violation of the tax law:

Deliberately underreporting or omitting income
Overstating the amount of deductions
Keeping two sets of books
Making false entries in books and records
Claiming personal expenses as business expenses
Claiming false deductions
Hiding or transferring assets or income

As a taxpayer, you are responsible for all entries made on your tax returns, regardless of whether the paperwork is prepared by you or a professional tax preparer. Accordingly, select your tax preparer (if any) wisely, never sign blank tax forms and carefully review your returns before submitting them. If you make an honest mistake on your tax returns, you usually will not be punished. For the most part, the tax law is designed to address willful misconduct.

NYE Deaths Down, But DUI Arrests Up In LA County

The California Highway Patrol had extra incentive to celebrate this past New Year’s Eve, particularly since no one was killed on Los Angeles County Roads during the holiday. According to an article, the number of deaths taking place during the holiday period was down more than 33% this year compared to 2008 figures. However, while the number of deaths may have decreased, the number of DUI arrests made by the CHP rose by more than 20% from 88 arrests in 2008 to 108 arrests in 2009. In Los Angeles County as a whole, the number of DUI arrest rose from 438 instances to 527 instances.

Arrests made for driving while under the influence are plentiful year-round in Los Angeles, but inevitably increase during the holiday season at the end of each year. However, not all individuals accused of driving while under the influence in Los Angeles are in fact guilty. As with any arrest, a variety of factors need to be carefully examined to help determine whether or not an individual is truly guilty of committing crime. Many times, sobriety field tests may be improperly administered, or blood alcohol concentration (BAC) testing devices may not be properly calibrated, thus labeling otherwise innocent individuals as being guilty of wrongdoing.