Author: Lawrence Wolf

Attorney Lawrence Wolf provides strong legal representation for Criminal Defense and DUI Defense Cases.

Kim Possible Star Stopped for Los Angeles DUI

One of Disney animated TV’s most recognizable voice stars, Kirsten Storms, was recentlyarrested for DUI in Culver City. Storms was motoring along late at night (3 a.m.), when Culver City police officers saw her flick a cigarette out of her car window. They pulled over her Mercedes-Benz and immediately noticed potential signs of intoxication. After failing multiple sobriety tests, Storms was arrested. Later that evening, she was bailed out for $5,000.

Storms is best known for providing the voice of Bonnie Rockwaller, the catty rival of Kim Possible. She is also known for her work in soap operas, such as General Hospital and Days of Our Lives, as well as for appearances on That’s So Raven and (much earlier in her carrier)The Rockford Files.

Whether you, too, have been pulled over by police on suspicion of DUI in Los Angeles or you know a friend or loved one who was recently arrested for DWI or another criminal violation anywhere else in southern California, you can count on the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf to provide a solid, strategic defense. You can get an immediate, free consultation with one of L.A.’s top DUI defense attorneys now, simply by calling 866-390-7373 (or 310-277-1707 if you are in the area). You can also e-mailLW@YouAreInnocent.com.

Without stellar legal representation, you may face stiff fines, a suspended driver’s license, or even serious jail-time. While lawyers aren’t miracle workers, Lawrence Wolf has established a peerless record of client service and results. Since Wolf and his fellow California DUI lawyers work all the time with district attorneys and judges, they know precisely how to negotiate to reduce sentence severity and duration. Moreover, the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf aren’t only focused on “getting you off.” Wolf and associates are deeply concerned with substance-abuse in Los Angeles, and they have helped pioneer programs like The Center for Law and Addiction to reduce the scourge of drunk-driving on our city’s streets.

Insurance Fraud Staged Accident Fatality

Does a death in a staged accident equal murder?

In the first of its kind prosecution, a personal injury attorney, tried for the accidental death occurring during a staged accident ended in a mistrial. Bold new theories of second degree murder under a new theory of “vicarious liability” are being tested. See People v. Antick, 15 Cal.3d 79 @ p.86 (1975), Taylor v. Superior Court, 3 Cal.3d 578, 584 (1970), People v. Gilbert, 63 Cal.2d 690, 704 (1965). Call me for updates.

Criminal Defense Attorney Tips and Advice

Police target tips: don’t get arrested “by accident”

– Take detailed notes of your incarcerations. Include taped discussions with witnesses or other parties involved.

– Meet and/or review every client or file personally. A disgruntled client today could end up being a snitch tomorrow.

– Carefully review all police and accident reports, looking out for any suspicious inconsistencies.

– If you are suspicious, investigate before accepting the case.

– Trust your instincts

– If you have information that proves the case is fraudulent, first confer with your own trained counsel.

– Don’t sign your name to any document without careful review.

– Watch out for “rental car” accident cases.

– If you are contacted by law enforcement, immediately contact legal counsel experienced in these matters.

California Insurance Fraud Cases Still Mounting

Big Brother “District Attorney” is watching you

State and federal agencies, along with the implementation of more effective communication devices has resulted in the “enforcement of insurance fraud in multiple folds” states Los Angeles District Attorney Loren Naiman, assigned to the Special Insurance Fraud Task Force. “We now meet at least once a month to discuss leads in addition to jointly targeting individuals. I’m currently working with a task force involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, Postal Department, Department of Insurance, Los Angeles Police Department, and the State bar of California. There will be more MAJOR arrests before years’ end.”

“Los Angeles County is the fraud capitol of the world” states Los Angeles District Attorney Lenny Schaeffer, “although the fraud is tending to move out of Los Angeles County into surrounding areas. We’re still working on cases and they’re still coming in.”

How does a suspected insurance fraud case come to the attention of state and federal authorities? “First”, says Loren Naiman, “all insurers have Special Investigative Units (SIU’s) to investigate fraudulent claim practices. These SIU’s send in documents on suspicious activities, developing leads in other cases. Second, we get cold calls from the public and recently, have received a number of calls from attorneys who just realized their offices had been taken over by people signing their names. Third, a disgruntled client or just a plain snitch” says Lenny Schaeffer.

California Criminal Defense for the Civil Practitioner

A Nuts and Bolts Primer

As a Civil Litigator, you may find yourself in the position of assisting a former or new client in handling what initially appears to be a relatively simple criminal matter. This “nuts and bolts” primer will give you a roadmap through some of the Criminal Justice System pitfalls you may encounter on your trip and alert you when you need the assistance of an experienced criminal attorney.

That Midnight Phone call

The surprise “midnight phone call” from a client who’s just been arrested is not an uncommon occurrence. When this happens (and it will…) you need to know the quickest way to handle your client’s release. That is going to be through the assistance of a bail bonds person. What if you client is unable to post a bond? Try to have their bail reduced by a bail commissioner, if not, you’ll have to prepare for the first court appearance called “the arraignment”. At the arraignment, a bail hearing can be made to try to successfully have your client released.

California Drunk Driving “Stop & Snatch Law”

In our premiere issue of the Wolf Report (Fall 1990), we strongly advocated the implementation of a provision to the then new “Stop and Snatch” Law, whereby first offenders would still be allowed to drive to and from work. At that time, no provisions were made permitting first time offenders to continue to drive in the course of their employment.

Those provisions that we advocated have now been enacted. First time drunk driving offenders who have had their license revoked by the DMV for four months may now apply for and receive a restricted drivers license from the Department of Motor Vehicles. Upon proof of insurance, payment of a $100 fee and enrollment in a first offender program, that first time offender may now obtain a restricted driver’s license which permits them to drive to and from and during their course of employment as well as their alcohol program.

Other dui law defenses continue to be developed on a daily basis.

Insurance Fraud Hotlines

Here are current phone numbers to call should you suspect insurance fraud or abuse:

National Insurance Crime Bureau Hotline
(800) TEL-NICB

California State Department of Insurance Consumer Hotline
(800) 927-HELP

State Fund Fraud Hotline, for workers’ compensation fraud
(800) 683-7283

Repeat DUI Offenders Required to use New Alcohol Detection Device

A new California law targets repeat drunk drivers by requiring installation of an ignition interlock device in their automobiles. This breath analyzer system prevents drivers who have consumed any alcohol from starting their vehicles.

The law, effective July 1, 1993, requires drivers with one or more prior convictions to use the device for up to three years. An estimated 65,000 people yearly will be subject to the law, according to the State Dept. of Motor Vehicles. The cost of leasing the device and enrolling in a required course, called the Ignition Interlock Responsible Driver Program, is $600 to $700 per year.

A difficult to master pre-set code prevents others from starting the car for the driver. And a “rolling restart” feature requires motorists to pull over and re-take the test, preventing alcohol intake on the road.

Studies show that repeat offenses by convicted drivers can be reduced by up to 65% from use of the ignition detection system. About 20 states now use similar devices.

The program could be used as a creative sentencing alternative when jail time is mandated. Possibly, sentences could be reduced by employing the device, especially for aggravated first time offenders.

Call us for individualized creative sentencing alternative proposals.