Category: Drug Crimes

Medical Marijuana Shops Marred By Profit Seekers

Medical marijuana shops have posed an interesting dilemma for marijuana users, shop proprietors, and law enforcement officers alike. There is definitely a fine line between allowed and disallowed activity taking place within these shops, and any accusation of illegal activity needs to be thoroughly investigated before charges are filed against innocent individuals. However, a tendency to assume rather than investigate has led some individuals to question whether or not their legal rights are being infringed upon by overzealous officers of the law.

According to a reuters.com article, the number of medical marijuana shops in Los Angeles has greatly increased over the last few years, with reportedly 1,000 shops now operating in the area. Marijuana was decriminalized in the state of California in 1996, and a ballot measure was passed in 2003 that allowed the substance to be cultivated and distributed to those individuals with medical prescriptions. These marijuana dispensaries are not intended to turn a profit, but are instead allowed to accept small donations that are meant to help curb the costs of cultivating the marijuana and other overhead costs. However, some of these dispensaries are allegedly making a profit. This is due to patrons who frequent the dispensaries who have valid prescriptions to fill along with so-called recreational users that acquire prescriptions. The latter users are thought to receive prescriptions from doctors who fill such prescriptions all day while operating out of make shift offices set up specifically for such a purpose.

Gang Member Take-Down Hits LA in Raid

The Los Angeles Times recently reported that the Los Angeles Police Department and federal authorities teamed up in a raid that targeted a Los Angeles street gang responsible for crimes ranging from assault to drug charges to murder. The street gang in question calls multiple cities and areas in the Los Angeles area its home, has affiliations with prison gangs, and has a long history of committing violent acts against those whom they consider outsiders. The raid involved the detainment and arrest of a large number of individuals for a wide variety of charges. In such matters, it is important to remember that simply because an individual is grouped together with other such individuals being accused of crimes, it is not an automatic determination that all individuals are in fact guilty of said crimes.

Raids of supposed criminal organizations can be especially problematic in a court of law. That is, while some individuals may in fact be guilty of the infractions of which they are accused, other individuals may simply be innocent bystanders having been lumped together with other, more serious offenders. With drug crimes especially, the lines between guilt and innocence are often blurred, and charges are often blanketed over a group of individuals, even if all of those individuals are not in fact guilty of the alleged charges. In any event, it is vital that the services of a skilled Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer are retained in the event of your arrest.

Pot Dispensary Site of Robbery, 2 Shot

According to latimesblogs.latimes.com, a shooting occurred outside of a marijuana dispensary in West Los Angeles. Two people were seriously injured, and were taken to local area hospitals where they are in critical and serious conditions. Police investigating the matter believe that the shooting was an attempted robbery.

Los Angeles police officials cited an increase in crime levels occurring around marijuana dispensaries. Although marijuana is legal for medical purposes, the very fact that it is illegal otherwise can cause for some complicated matters pertaining to the law. Marijuana users that need the drug for medicinal purposes might be subject to investigation, particularly when instances of robbery and other crimes occur in such close proximity to the dispensaries.

For those that frequent marijuana dispensaries, it should not be assumed that they are involved in illicit behavior of any kind, and they should be afforded the same consideration and label of innocent until proven guilty that all other members of society are granted. Put bluntly, it is unfair for individuals that frequent an area to be profiled in such a manner. Concrete evidence is a requirement to directly connect an individual to a crime, and even such evidence must be qualified as being associated with the individual.

Jackson’s Doctor Admits to Dosage that Doesn’t Add Up

According to the Los Angeles Times, the reported levels of the anesthetic propofol which contributed towards Michael Jackson’s untimely death are relatively too low to have posed any sort of risk to the pop star. Jackson’s doctor claims to have administered a dosage of 25 milligrams to Jackson, who was dependent on the drug to fall asleep nightly. However, according to medical experts, a dosage that size taken by a patient such as Jackson, someone who was accustomed to taking the drug and had therefore built up a tolerance for it, would have little effect, if any at all, on his well-being.

The article goes on to report that in a three-hour interview with police, Jackson’s doctor claimed that he was attempting to wean the singer off of the drug, and that Jackson typically received a dosage totaling 50 milligrams. On the day of his death, Jackson was given a host of other sleep aids prior to the admitted 25 milligram dosage of propofol, leading some to question whether or not a lethal combination of medications could have ended Jackson’s life.

Even more problematic is the argument by experts that propofol, given in either a 25 milligram or a 50 milligram dosage, is not powerful enough to aid with sleep in the first place, causing some to question the validity of Jackson’s doctor’s claim, particularly since preliminary toxicology reports told of “lethal levels” of propofol present in Jackson’s blood.

Indictment Offers Details of LA Gangs Workings

In our legal system, an indictment is a formal accusation that a person has committed a criminal offense. The LA Times online published an article about one such indictment, the document charges about 40 members and associates of the Columbia Lil Cycos — a clique of the 18th Street gang — with being involved in a racketeering conspiracy that allegedly involved murder, drug trafficking, money laundering, kidnapping and other crimes.

According to the indictment, the Mexican mafia, a notorious prison based organization that allegedly controls Latino street gangs were angered that a baby was killed in a botched “hit” of a street vendor. The vendor, a 37-year-old, had been refusing to pay the $50 weekly “rent” that he and others working near the corner of 6th Street and Burlington Avenue were expected to pay gang members. The gang members attempted to kill Clemente, but accidentally shot the baby.

The LA Gang involved, the 18th street gang, decided to take matters into their own hands and resolved the issue. They lured the gunmen to Mexico under the guise of hiding him from authorities, where they strangled him and left him for dead. The shooter did not die, however, and instead was picked up by police after being found in Mexico. He has since given authorities valuable information into the inner workings of the Mexican Mafia and 18th street gangs.

Mexican Surfer Caught Trying To Smuggle Marijuana Into U.S.

The website latimes.com reported in an account on June 8, 2009 that the U.S. Border Patrol has arrested a 30 year old Mexican national who was trying to smuggle 24 pounds of pot on his surfboard. According to the border patrol the suspect of the drug crime was seen early in the morning paddling north approximately 200 yards off the coast of Imperial Beach, which is in close proximity to the Mexican border.

Border agents commanded the surfer to come ashore, at which point he threw a blue duffel bag in the water. Agents were forced to go in to the water to make the arrest. Sometime later the duffel bag washed ashore with five packets of marijuana, worth an estimated $74,000. The man acknowledged that he was in the U.S. illegally.

The Controlled Substance Act is a consolidation of laws that regulates the possession, manufacture and distribution of narcotics, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, anabolic steroids, and chemicals used in the illicit production of controlled substances or illegal drugs. Marijuana laws vary slightly from the above and are generally based on the amount of marijuana or hashish seized. However the penalties for marijuana and hashish can be equally as severe, depending upon the quantity.

San Bernardino Assessor Accused of Fraud and Crime While in Office

A latimes.com report from May 13, 2009 stated that an investigation into the offices of former assessor Bill Postmus has prompted the San Bernardino County Supervisors to file suit against Postmus and five of his co-workers in an attempt to recover hundreds of thousands of dollars. The report was done by former federal prosecutor John Hueston who gained fame for prosecuting Kenneth Lay and Jeffrey Skilling of Enron. The investigation revealed that crime, fraud, and drug use were a common occurrence in Postmus’s office. In addition, the 30 page document states that people not qualified for the job were hired and did not do any assessor related jobs but instead conducted unauthorized political campaigning. The investigation’s most shocking accusations are related to Postmus’s drug use. His assistant said he, “looked like he fell off a park bench.”

Colleagues even suspected him of inhaling canisters of DVD cleaner. Soon afterwards, Postmus was arrested on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine. He resigned in February.

Gary Ovitt, board Chairman, said, “As a taxpayer and as a public official, I find the activities detailed in the report deeply disturbing. There is certainly enough information in this report to compel the Board of Supervisors to pursue legal action against these individuals and seek damages for the taxpayers.”

Officials have arrested three of those mentioned, who have posted bail. Postmus has been charged with six felonies and former assistant assessor Erwin is facing 10 felonies, mostly for failing to properly report gifts while in office.

In today’s world of politics and business, the line between what is ethical is sometimes misinterpreted and can lead to serious accusations of white collar crime. If you or a loved one has been accused of a white collar crime in San Bernardino, contact the skilled lawyers at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf. We have helped our clients win for over 30 years. Please call [number type=”1″] for a free consultation.

Desert to Pacific Freeway Chase: Woman Sentenced for Multiple Crimes

The dailynews.com website reported in an account on March 14, 2009 that Alisha Nichole Mankin, 25 is sentenced to half a year in jail for leading the police on a 90 mile chase that started in Santa Monica and ended in Oxnard. Mankin, who is from the Antelope Valley, took control of a U-Haul truck her boyfriend had rented.

Mankin pled guilty to evading the police, which is a felony crime in California. She also pled guilty to a misdemeanor hit and run. Judge John Dobroth, Ventura County Superior Court, sentenced Mankin, suspended her license for one year, and placed her on probation for 3 years.

According to the California Highway Patrol, Mankin’s chase was televised by several Los Angele networks while she drove the U-Haul on sidewalks, opposing lanes, and even open grassy areas. The chase began when police received a call about suspicious activities. Upon arriving police detained a male suspect on possession of drugs in Los Angeles.

In the middle of the commotion, Mankin ran off only to return to the U-Haul and initialized the chase. Police later found out that Mankin had warrants out for DUI and being under the influence.

The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf have been helping individuals charged with crimes for over 30 years. Mr. Wolf has both prosecuted and defended thousands of adults and juveniles charged with every type of felony and misdemeanor crime. Lawrence Wolf has been a pioneer in developing all forms of alternative sentencing such as house arrest and diversionary programs. He has established relationships with Judges and District Attorneys throughout Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura Counties. If you are being charged with any criminal crime, the top criminal defense attorneys in California at Lawrence Wolf can help you. Please call [number type=”1″] for a free consultation.

Coolio Caught With Cocaine At LAX

The latimes.com website reported in an account on March 11, 2009 that rapper and actor Coolio had been arrested at the Los Angeles International Airport for possession of rock cocaine and battery of an airport employee. Coolio’s real name is Artis Leon Ivey, 45, and he was having his baggage searched at LAX when authorities allegedly found cocaine. When the screener was getting close to his hidden cocaine, Coolio panicked and grabbed the screeners arm in an attempt to prevent the search.

Police arrested Coolio for his drug crime in California and transported him to the Los Angeles Police Department’s jail in Van Nuys, but later released him after he made bail. Police will be charging him with one felony count of possession of cocaine, one misdemeanor count of possession of a smoking device, and one misdemeanor count of battery. Coolio’s arraignment is set for April 3 and he faces three years in prison if convicted.

Penalties for schedule 1 narcotic offenses in Los Angeles are severe. Depending on the amount of narcotic seized, a first offense conviction could mean a prison term of up to 20 years plus fines; and, if you have been convicted of 2 previous offenses, you could be facing life in prison. Examples of schedule 1 narcotics are Heroin, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Ecstasy, PCP, and LSD.

Controlled substance crimes are very serious charges and carry life changing consequences. If you or someone you know has been arrested, or is being investigated for a drug crime, you need advice from an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer. Protect your rights and your freedom. Please call [number type=”1″] for a free consultation.

Beverly Hills Judge Issues Warrant For Lindsay Lohan

The cbsnews website reported in an article on March 14, 2009 that a judge in Beverly Hills has issued an arrest warrant for Lindsay Lohan, 22. It is unclear though why the warrant was issued. It is possible that it is connected to an incident in 2007 when Lohan was driving under the influence and crashed her Mercedes-Benz into a tree. Mike Foxen, Sgt. said that the warrant carries a bail of $50,000.

Foxen said, ‘We believe it has to do with her arrest for DUI.” He added that there were no other details disclosed to him.

Lohan’s attorney, Shawn Chapman Holley, said that Lohan has fulfilled all terms of her probation and all court instructions.

Holley said, “The warrant issued on Friday was, in our view, born out of a misunderstanding which I am confident I can clear up next week.”

Sandi Gibbons, spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office stated that they were not formally advised that a warrant would be issued.

Lohan is the star of the movie “Mean Girls” released in 2004. Following her drunk driving crime in 2007 for crashing her car, she was arrested again in July for chasing her former personal assistant in an SUV in Santa Monica. Tied with these two cases, Lohan later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor counts of being under the influence of cocaine.