Lawrence Wolf - Part 4

AAA Tipsy Driver Program Helps You Get Home Safe

Man-Hitchhiking-300x200 There is a good reason that drinking and driving is a criminal offense in the United States. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), someone is killed from a drunk driving accident every 53 minutes in the US—adding up to about 27 people dead every day due to something that is entirely preventable. Someone is injured from a drunk driving accident every 90 seconds. Many people think about drunk driving conceptually and frown on those who have been caught. We like to think of people who have gotten a DUI or who have been in a drunk driving accident as those who have problems with their drinking behaviors. However, that is a fallacy—and a dangerous one at that. On average, and individual will drive under the influence 80 times before getting arrested. Drunk driving can happen to anyone, from the regular drinker to the social drinker. It doesn’t matter what you are drinking. Your ability to drive safely depends solely on how much you’ve had to drink and how much time there has been since your last beverage.

Knowing these facts is one thing—understanding them on a personal level is something entirely different. Drunk driving can happen to anyone, and it is not wise to think that you are exempt from the consequences.

Having a good time isn’t a crime, but driving home afterwards is. Keep yourself and everyone else on the road safe by being smart with your transportation options. AAA’s Tipsy Driver program is a great solution for when you need a way to get home.

AAA provides the service 100% free of charge on most holidays, including St. Patrick’s Day, New Year’s and Cinco de Mayo. They will tow your car and give you a safe ride home, keeping you off the road when you aren’t in the right mind to be driving. AAA’s free program is a fabulous resource for you to take advantage of. While free on holiday’s, calling AAA or another towing company any other day of the year will also be the more cost effective option. If it doesn’t cost you your life, getting caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol will cost you a lot of money. In California, the average cost of a DUI is over $16,000 dollars. That is only addressing the fines that come with the penalty. If there is damage done to your own vehicle or someone else’s, then the insurance cost can get a whole lot higher. Paying for a quick tow home ends up being the much more cost effective option.

The AAA Tipsy program shouldn’t be your plan A. The best thing to do is plan ahead and designate a driver. Maybe plan on using public transportation or hiring a taxi to help you get home. You can’t make a reservation with AAA for this, and they will get busy on major holidays. It is paramount that you plan ahead and stay safe out there. Remember, you are in control of your own decisions. If you have a drink, stay away from the wheel.

Everyone has a bad day, and if you find yourself in trouble after a drinking and driving incident, don’t give in too fast. A DUI criminal attorney can walk you through the process of getting your license back so you can get back on the road and on with your life. For more information about what to do next, contact the Law Office of Lawrence Wolf at [number type=”1″].

What Are The Top Five Common Birth Injuries?

The worse thing that could happen during birth is having an infant suffer an injury and even death. Giving birth to a child is supposed to be a great experience that changes a person’s life for the better. When an infant is injured during birth by the medical professional’s negligence, the family of the infant can seek legal action against the physician that caused the harm.

No one deserves to be hurt by another person’s reckless or negligent acts, especially not an infant who just started living their life. Every year, there are about four million infants born in the United Stated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The sad part is that many of those infants will suffer a birth injury that will leave them permanently disabled.

The Miami Lawyers that specialize in birth medical malpractice cases are saddened by the many cases that they receive about birth mistakes that caused extensive damage. Percy Martinez and his associates represent the victims of birth injuries in Miami and do not rest until they have won. Below will be listed the most common birth malpractices that occur.

Which Birth Injuries Tend To Surface The Most?

Brachial Plexus(BP)

Brachial plexus is an injury that affects the arms, hands, shoulder, neck and spine. The bundle of nerves within those areas are affected. These damages can be severe and mild in nature. About 10% of brachial plexus cases result in permanent disability due to the severity of the injury. Brachial plexus can occur by a number of reasons. A physician may improperly use a forcep or vacuum, might place too much pressure on the baby’s shoulders, or the baby might become lodged in the mother’s pelvis and the physician is not trained to handle such situations.

Perinatal Asphyxia

Perinatal Asphyxia surfaces when there is a lack of oxygen to the baby. When a newborn or fetus receives insufficient blood flow and blood, it can cause perinatal asphyxia. Perinatal Asphyxia can cause seizures, comas, pale complexions, labored breathing, and shock. This condition could be cured on its own or it can leave an infant with permanent nerve damage.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects the brain. The muscle tone, posture, and movement of an infant are affected. For the most part, cerebral palsy affects the infant’s brain before birth. Typically, the signs and symptoms will show during infancy or toddler years. Between two to three infants out of 1,000 will be born with cerebral palsy. There is currently no cure for it.

Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystocia is quite rare. It occurs in about 1% of all births. It is when a baby’s shoulders become lodged in the mother’s pelvic bone. Certain signs and symptoms during pregnancy can be an indicator that a baby might experience shoulder dystocia. Shoulder dystocia can cause many injuries like brachial plexus, collarbone fractures, breathing complications, and even death. When a physician suspects that a baby might suffer shoulder dystocia, it is best for them to perform a C-section to avoid such complication.

Birth Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Miami

Birth injuries that are caused by a medical professional could be disastrous. Percy Martinez and his team have over 20 years in practice and still to this day, they serve victims of birth injuries caused by a negligent medical professional. Seeking legal aid after a birth malpractice can help the victim recover damages that were done to them.

Changes to California’s 3 Strikes Law and What they Mean for Repeat Offenders

Thrown in jail for life over a pair of stolen socks — or a pilfered slice of pizza? That’s what happened to at least two men in California, thanks to the state’s tough 3 Strikes Law. According to the Stanford Law Review, California’s Three Strikes Law came about partly in response to the horrific murders of young Polly Klass and Kimberly Reynolds in the early nineties. While well intentioned, the law has had devastating circumstances for those whose third strike was a petty crime – in some cases imprisoning people over a minor theft of a $5.00 item. This one size fits all approach was reviewed and changed as lawmakers realized the devastating consequences the law could have to petty and non-violent offenders who faced life in prison over a relatively minor offense.

In response to this growing problem, voters in California chose to give judges more leeway and discretion and the ability to weigh the crimes – and punishment in question. While some groups protested that this decision would cause an increase in criminal acts and the release of major offenders who were a threat to others, recent statistics reveal that the reform is working.

Prisoners released in response to this new law show a much lower recidivism rate than those in the general population. Intensive exit counseling may contribute to the lower rate, according to representatives of the Amity Foundation, speaking to the New York Times. The new, more balanced approach to repeated criminal activity is designed to make sure the punishment truly suits the crime; even if it is a third strike; it also helps reduce the burden on an already crowded and increasingly violent prison system.

Concerns about overcrowding and increased violence within California’s penitentiary system and reports of outrageous sentencing based on the original, inflexible 3 Strikes Law, led to the changes. Petty theft, lower lever drug crimes and other “victimless” non-violent crimes are most likely to be impacted by the revised bill, while judges still can and do throw the book at hardened, violent offenders who are a risk to the general populace.

Changes in this law have already taken effect, so if you have been sentenced harshly under the original terms or have concerns about an upcoming case, an expert California criminal defense lawyer can help. The legal experts at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf can help if you have been charged with a crime and need expert legal representation. It has never been more critical to get a good outcome in your criminal case, since a conviction would count as one of your “3 Strikes” and could still potentially lead to overly harsh penalties. Contact us today at [number type=”1″] for a free consultation.

How Is Early Discharge Malpractice Defined

Early discharge has been occurring in many cases; people are being discharged ahead of time. The main reason early discharge occurs is due to the financial benefit that it has for insurance companies and hospitals. While they are benefiting, it could be catastrophic for a patient, especially if they were not fully ready to be discharged in the first place. A patient could end up in the emergency room by getting more sick from the early discharge.

Is early discharge ever justified? The majority of people do not like to stay in the hospital. Patients want to be discharged as soon as possible. The saying “there’s no place like home” really applies when a person ends up in a hospital. Even though a person may want to leave early, a physician has to ensure that the patient is healthy enough and healing accordingly. Medical professionals need to make the right decisions. Patients are released for these reasons:

The patient is displaying stable vital signs
The patient has tested negative for infections
The patient has been treated for their underlying problem
The patient has a follow-up appointment
The patient is able to care for themselves
The patient has someone who will care for them

Usually, early discharge is acceptable when the patient has the above factors. The Orlando Medical malpractice lawyers serve those victims and their families.

What Does Early Discharge Become a Medical Malpractice?

Early discharge can be accepted when the patient is displaying certain factors. Early discharge becomes a medical malpractice when a patient is discharged and they were not ready to be let go. The patient ends up sicker or an infection develops as a result of the early discharge. The person will have to return to the hospital because their condition got worse. Some patients may even suffer catastrophic injuries or death.

If a physician releases a patient when they did not have stable vital signs, were not tested for infections, were not treated effectively, or were not given a follow-up appointment, early discharge in these instances can be considered a medical malpractice.

Premature Discharge Case Settlement

In Philidelphia, a man was awarded $19 million after being discharged too early. His early discharge left him with permanent brain damage. The man was released from the hospital with no explanation as to why he was suffering from hypoglycemia and with no treatment plan. Two days after his release, he suffered severe episodes of hypoglycemia. The man now requires 24/7 assistance.

Serving Early Discharged Patients in Orlando

No one likes to stay in hospitals. Patients might want to be released early, but it is the physician’s duty to establish that the patient is healthy enough and not displaying signs of infection before releasing them. If a patient suffers further injury by an early discharge, the physician can be held accountable. The attorneys at Percy Martinez Law firm believe that every patient should be treated and cared for efficiently, no matter how long it takes. They bring justice for all of their clients and are determined to get them everything they merit.

DUI Attorney Lawrence Wolf is Here for those charged DUI and Other Crimes

DUI-Defense-300x200 A female driver is in police custody after she smashed into a police cruiser in the early morning hours of Saturday, March 7. The accident occurred in Compton. The unidentified woman is being accused of driving under the influence. The LA County Sheriff’s deputy reports that the woman’s vehicular crash left several individuals with injuries. The accident occurred at the intersection of South Main Street and West Rosecrans at 3 in the morning. The driver’s sedan was carrying four people at the time that it crashed into the marked patrol unit. Firefighters quickly arrived on the scene to help the passengers out of the vehicle. They were all hospitalized with minor injuries. The police cruiser also endured significant front end damage. The deputy was driven to a local hospital, treated for his injuries and later released.

If you ever find yourself in a situation anything like the one described above, don’t attempt to navigate such a difficult path all by yourself. The legal professionals at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf are here to help you when you need it the most. We have been helping those charged with crimes for over 4 decades. That amounts to the defense of thousands of adults as well as juveniles charged with all different types of crimes. Our savvy DUI lawyers know the California courts inside and out so you can rest assured that we will zealously represent you and protect your interest to the fullest.

The focus of our practice is criminal law, specifically drunk driving and addiction related offenses. Lawrence Wolf and his criminal lawyer Los Angeles associates are experts in arguing for alternatives to jail sentences. We have helped clear charges, obtain rulings for diversionary programs or house arrest and achieved numerous other favorable results. We have worked with Judges and District Attorneys throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura and Sacramento counties.

Contact the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf, California’s top DUI attorney, right away for a free consultation. Anyone who is being investigated for a crime or those who have been arrested for a misdemeanor or felony crime should not wait one moment longer to secure the services of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Our criminal law Los Angeles based law firm can be reached by phone at [number type=”1″]. You can also visit us on the web at: http://youareinnocent.com/.

Spikes in Violent Crime in Los Angeles Likely Attributable to a Number of Causes

In a recent LA Times article, police chief Charlie Beck stated that existing levels of violent crime are statistically on par with 2012 numbers, which represents a huge step backward in terms of law enforcement.

Gang Activity Still Problematic

At this time, police feel that the primary reason for the boost is attributable to an increase in gang-related activity. To that end, one measure to control violent crime is to magnify police involved gang intervention programs, in an effort to deter youngsters from getting involved with gangs in the first place.

Classification Errors Partially to Blame

Citing reclassification processes, Beck also admits that another factor in the higher numbers could be because more crimes are now being classified properly as violent crimes – those that involve a weapon or serious bodily injury. Last year, the LA Times uncovered a flaw in the classification system within the police department that mistakenly labeled violent crimes as low-level offenses. Still, the sheer volume of gun-related violent crimes is up so much that the classification errors would only account for a small percentage.

Seek Counsel As Soon As Possible

What this means for alleged criminals accused of committing a violent crime is a greater likelihood of being charged with a more grievous offense that carries a heavier maximum sentence. If you are caught in the cross hairs of a street crime involving a weapon or serious bodily harm, it’s important to speak to a qualified attorney at the earliest opportunity. Your best chance for being treated fairly lies with getting a seasoned and experienced criminal lawyer in your corner.

If you find yourself in need of an attorney who knows the ropes of the Los Angeles criminal justice system, use the toll free number you see here to contact the law offices of Lawrence Wolf at [number type=”1″] for a free consultation.

California legislator hopes to crack down on boating under the influence

Large-Motor-Boat-on-Water-300x200 New legislation introduced recently in the California State Assembly aims to improve boating safety by keeping drunk drivers out of the captain’s seat. Assembly member Marc Levine of San Rafaelintroduced a bill that would allow law-enforcement officers to seek search warrants for checking blood-alcohol levels of anyone suspected of operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Levine commented that the state already has some of the nation’s strictest DUI laws on the books but that tough laws against drinking while boating are needed as well. He added that boating under the influence has become a grave threat to public safety in California and that his bill empowers law enforcement to discern whether someone operating a boat is impaired.

The new bill seeks to expand an existing 2013 law. Under that law, if a motor vehicle driver is thought to be impaired but won’t submit to a blood test, law-enforcement officers can obtain a search warrant ordering a blood test. Levine’s bill would expand this authority to include blood tests of persons operating boats. A drunk driving attorney can provide additional details.

Levine noted that in 2013, more than 4,000 accidents involving recreational boating occurred. The accidents resulted in 560 deaths and more than 2,600 injuries. Levine stated that use of alcohol is the top cause of deadly boating accidents.

Boating under the influence laws becoming prevalent

An increase in boating deaths and injuries related to boating under the influence in recent years prompted a spate of laws enacted by state legislatures. Today, every U.S. state and the federal government have laws on the books against BUI.

The laws criminalize operating a marine craft while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. As is the case with DUI and DWI, legal ramifications of BUI can be severe, including fines, suspension or revocation of boating licenses and incarceration in serious cases involving deaths or injuries. Anyone involved in such an incident should consult with a crime law attorney.

If you operate any type of marine craft — including a fishing vessel, sailboat, yacht or personal watercraft — it’s important to understand BUI laws. With warmer weather approaching, it’s a good time to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in criminal law Los Angeles.

For more information, contact the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf, criminal lawyer Los Angeles, or call [number type=”1″].

California Lawyer 2015 Round Table Series: White-Collar Defense

White-Collar-Crime-300x199 California attorneys recently gathered together for a round table series on white-collar defense. The roundtable was moderated by California Lawyer and reported by Cherree P. Peterson of Barkley Court Reporters. Thanks to the February 2015 publication source, California Lawyer, below are a few of the highlights from this very informative discussion on criminal law in Los Angeles.

Highlights from the California Lawyer 2015 Round Table Series

In 2014 there was a much-publicized white-collar incident, where two hedge fund managers had their insider trading convictions overturned by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in U.S. v. Newman, No. 13-1837 (Dec. 10, 2014). During the roundtable, participants were asked about the rationale regarding this decision. Timothy P. Crudo of Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass; Eugene Illovsky of Morrison & Foerster; John F. Libby of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips; and Kyle Waldinger of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California all shared their insights. However, Eugene Illovsky, a white collar crime attorney, concluded discussions saying, “The end result is that cases with more remote tippees may not be charged criminally, but will be handled by the Securities and Exchange Commission. And districts other than the Southern District of New York will get involved and start to flex their securities muscle.”

Important Current And Future Trends Are Revealed

The round table discussions revealed a game changing decision on insider trading. The participants also discussed the new sentencing guidelines for fraud convictions. It was revealed that there will soon be more robust options for filing charges under the bank fraud statutes. Incredibly informative insights from the Department of Justice were provided on health care billing.

In addition, long-term trends are beginning to produce more administrative hearings from the Securities and Exchange Commission. These trends have lead to the “virtual death” of joint defense for both corporations and their insiders. In this vein, John Libby commented that, “Deferred prosecution agreements have been helpful, especially for corporations in regulated industries who can’t afford to go to trial.”

A few of the roundtable’s additional highlights included Timothy Crudo comments on the recent developments in white-collar criminal law. Mr. Crudo responded that, “Justice Scalia is wary of regulations applicable in both civil and criminal cases that stretch criminal liability to reach conduct that the underlying statute doesn’t clearly cover.”

In conclusion, the California Lawyer 2015 Roundtable Series: White-Collar Defense provided many informative insights into the current trends within this niche sector. To learn more about the California Lawyer 2015 Round Table Series: White-Collar Defense and how it will affect California laws, visit www.youareinnocent.com to contact a knowledgeable Los Angeles criminal law attorney, or call [number type=”1″].

Drug Arrests Down While Property Crime Rises

Under California’s new Proposition 47 law, offenses that once were major felonies have been downgraded to misdemeanors. Offenders who once would have gone to jail for drug possession and theft, are now facing mere warnings and possible fines.

Proposition 47

Proposition 47 was signed into law on November 5, 2014. It has resulted in major changes to the California criminal justice system, some of which have been quite unexpected. The original concept behind the law was to reduce the amount of time nonviolent offenders spent behind bars, and steer penalties for minor offenses towards rehabilitation rather than punishment.

This would also, it was thought, ease the overcrowded conditions in jails. In this, it has succeeded. Inmates suffering county sentences are now serving full sentences since overcrowding has subsided. This means fewer convicts are getting early release.

Fewer Arrests

What has also resulted, however, are fewer arrests for small crimes. Police are viewing arrests for misdemeanors as wasted time, and drug crime lawyers are seeing clients get off with no punishment when they are arrested.

This has had the effect of reducing drug arrests by nearly a third in the city of Los Angeles, and almost 50% in LA County. Those drug offenders that are arrested face warnings and slap-on-the-wrist sentences with no jail time, leaving them free to escalate criminal activity.

Unused Alternatives

While the law provides for the savings gained from reduced incarceration to be put towards drug treatment, mental health and truancy programs, few are taking advantage of these solutions. The increased funding will not go into effect until next year, and many of the convicted simply head back onto the streets.

Project 180, located in downtown L.A., has seen only 27 slots of 62 filled in its court-ordered drug treatment program. Felony prosecutions have slowed, resulting in far fewer referrals.

Property Crime

According to the Los Angeles Times, as narcotics arrests have decreased, property crime has been on the rise, up 7% in Los Angeles and 10% across the county. Motor vehicle thefts saw a 20% increase, vehicle break-ins were up 12%, and retail thefts have increased by the same amount.

Still, despite initial skepticism, criminal justice experts and crime law attorneys remind people that correlation does not equate to causation. It is, they say, too early to draw any conclusions based on the new laws and there could be other factors in play. Time will tell if this new approach works.

If you have been arrested for a drug-related crime, remember that you have the right to an attorney. Be sure that attorney is Lawrence Wolf. For a free consultation, fill out our contact form or call us at [number type=”1″].

Major California and Los Angeles Drug Law Reforms in 2014

If the old adage ‘as California goes, so goes the nation’ has any truth to it, then 2014 was cause for hopeful optimism for drug law reform advocates across the U.S. It was a year that saw several major victories for those working for changes in drug law in Los Angeles.

Many criminal lawyers and drug attorneys in California and Los Angeles are praising the defeat of regressive bills and changes in existing laws in 2014 that they say will bring major improvements, including lessening criminal charges for minor drug possession and use, cutting down on prison and jail overcrowding, equalizing penalties for similar crimes, reducing HIV and Hepatitis C infections, and combatting poverty.

The Drug Policy Alliance, billed as the “leading organization promoting drug policies that are grounded in science, compassion, health and human rights”, has listed what it considers the major accomplishments in drug law policy reform in California in 2014.

Defeat of the Medical Marijuana Regulation Bill (SB1262), which many criminal lawyers in Los Angeles and California complained would require oversight of regulation by an unqualified state agency, would result in unfair treatment of medical marijuana patients, and deny a medical marijuana license to people with prior drug convictions.
Passage of the Sterile Syringe Access at CA Pharmacies (AB1743) bill, which will continue to allow people to buy sterile syringes at pharmacies without a prescription, and lift the limit on how many can be purchased and possessed, a major factor in HIV and Hep C prevention.
Passage of the California Fair Sentencing Act (SB1010) bill, which eliminated the discriminatory disparity in sentencing between crack and powder cocaine, which crime law attorneys have been decrying for over a decade.
Repeal of the lifetime ban on benefits such as food stamps for those convicted of a drug felony.
Passage of bill AB1535, which makes the drug naloxone, a drug which reverses overdoses from opiates, available as an OTC medicine, able to be purchased without a prescription from California pharmacies.
And most importantly for some, passage of Proposition 47, the Safe Schools and Neighborhoods Act, which reduces several petty crimes from felonies to misdemeanors, and allows for reclassification of criminal records, removing felony convictions from the records of as many as 1 million people, and ultimately reducing the prison population.

2014 was a fateful year for drug and criminal law in Los Angeles, and a harbinger of things to come for the rest of the country. If you’re in need of the services of a drug or criminal law attorney in Los Angeles, contact the law offices of Lawrence Wolf at [number type=”1″] for a free consultation.