Law & Information

TSA and LAPD Announce “See Something, Say Something” Campaign

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Los Angeles Country Metropolitan Transportation Authority have joined forces to bring the “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign to Los Angeles, according to USA.net. The campaign aims to raise public awareness of terrorism.

The campaign was originally implemented in New York City, and has been funded by a $13 million grant from the Department of Homeland Security. The program encourages the public and key transportation employees to see and report any signs of terrorism or crime to the property authorities.

The campaign hopes to encourage citizens to tell the authorities if they see any suspicious items, particularly while traveling, or have any information they would like to share. Recently, an al-Qaeda group from Yemen sent an unknown number of packages that contained printer cartridges with a deadly explosive that was concealed as ink. As a result, U.S. authorities have grounded all cargo from Yemen and Somalia. They also banned toner and ink cartridges of over 16 ounces in domestic or international flights.

With their campaign, authorities are hoping to prevent terrorist attacks such as the attempt with printer cartridges, especially during the busy holiday travel season. The campaign has already been featured in New York and D.C. airports, public transit, radio stations, and more.

With all the extra scrutiny being given to travelers, it is becoming more common to be accused of a crime for carrying forbidden items while traveling. If you are accused of acrime in Los Angeles this busy travel season, call the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf at [number type=”1″].

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.

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.

Proposal to Legalize Marijuana is On the Ballot in California

A high-profile initiative known as the “Tax Cannabis Act” received enough signatures this week to qualify for California’s November ballot. If approved by voters, it would be the first instance in the United States in which marijuana was legalized for recreational use by adults.

In 1996, California became the first state to legalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. The ballot measure would allow adults age 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana. Moreover, residents would be permitted to cultivate a personal garden of marijuana plants in areas measuring up to 25 square feet.

Supporters of the measure point out that the proposal would ban the smoking of marijuana in public or in the presence of minors, and that it would be illegal to have the drug on school property or to operate a vehicle under the influence of marijuana. The same supporters are also quick to mention that passage of the measure could save the cash-strapped state $200 million per year by lowering certain public safety expenses and generating substantial tax revenue.

However, there is noteworthy public opposition to the initiative. For example, many (but not all) law enforcement agencies, as well as some concerned citizens groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and significant political figures including gubernatorial hopeful Jerry Browne, and President Barrack Obama, publicly oppose the measure.

Regardless of the outcome of the November election, it is important to always know your rights regarding marijuana possession in Los Angeles and throughout the state of California.

Identity Theft Concerns Arise as Computer with Personal Data Stolen from CSULA

According to KCAL 9, Los Angeles’ local CBS News affiliate, a computer believed to contain the names, Social Security numbers, and grades of multiple Cal State students was stolen from Cal State’s Los Angeles campus. The theft occurred on February 22, 2010. The computer, which was stolen from the math department, may contain the personal information of 232 students enrolled in various mathematics courses at CSULA between 1999 and 2005.

Although there is currently no evidence that the information has been used in any identity theft in Los Angeles, CSULA officials are warning students to be aware of the possibility.

There are multiple ways to spot trouble that might indicate identity theft, says LA Timescolumnist Kathy M. Kristof. One is to check your credit report regularly, at least once every three months. Another is to request to see a background check if you are passed up for a job or promotion after receiving one. California employers are required to provide you a copy of the background check if they used it to decide against you. Also, avoid printing your Social Security number on forms, such as those at the doctor’s or dentist’s office. Although these offices may ask for the information, they do not require it.

Recent DUI Checkpoints in Greater Los Angeles Area Have Come Under Scrutiny

Law enforcement officials impounded 176 vehicles but arrested only 6 impaired drivers at DUI checkpoints in five Los Angeles area cities on the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day. The overwhelming majority of vehicles recently seized at the DUI checkpoints in Whittier, El Monte, Covina, Baldwin Park and Industry were operated by people who were without a valid driver’s license but were not otherwise impaired by alcohol or narcotics.

Given the disparity between vehicle impounds and DUI arrests, DUI checkpoints have recently come under significant scrutiny from concerned citizens and legal commentators alike. Of primary concern is the fact that such checkpoints are being used for purposes other than that which is stated by law enforcement, resulting in a violation of Fourth Amendment rights.

Supporters of DUI checkpoints have argued that removing unlicensed drivers from the roads benefits public safety, even in situations where the driver is not impaired. However, critics have indicated that while the stated purpose of improving public safety is a valuable one, the actual intent of the checkpoints may be called into question given the fact that cities can potentially generate considerable income from impound fees.

It is possible to improve public safety on Los Angeles area roads without resorting to illegal searches and seizures. If you have been stopped at a DUI checkpoint, and have either been arrested, or have had your vehicle impounded, please call the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf at [number type=”1″]. Our office has been successfully challenging illegal searches and seizures for 40 years. We are here to answer your questions and guide you through this trying process. Contact our Los Angeles drunk driving defense attorneys today for a free consultation of your case.

In-Car Breathalyzer Bill Could Render Repeat DUI Offenders Immobile

A recent article posted on The San Diego Tribune’s website signonsandiego.com talks about driving while under the influence and the consequences associated with in-car-breath-alcohol analyzers. According to the report, a recently proposed bill would require all convicted DUI offenders nationwide to have ignition interlock devices installed in their automobiles as part of a court-ordered mandate. While installation of this device would certainly not be permanent, it would be required to be present in vehicles of convicted DUI offenders for a period of at least six months.

In California, similar legislation was created this past fall that will result in a 66-month pilot program mandating the installation of interlock devices for DUI offenders in Los Angeles, Alameda, Tulare, and Sacramento counties. Reportedly, such legislation put into effect in New Mexico drastically curbed the number of DUI fatalities by as much as 35% during the period of 2004 to 2008. Groups such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety cite drops in arrest rates and DUI-related deaths as indications that the devices are in fact serving their purpose.

Los Angeles Homicides at Lowest Level Since 1960s

Although it was speculated that a down trodden economy would inevitably lead to an increase in criminal activity, the crime rate in Los Angeles has dropped in 2009 with homicide numbers plummeting to levels not seen since the 1960s. According to the Los Angeles Times, 2009 marks the seventh consecutive year that the number of serious crimes committed in Los Angeles County has dropped. The number of violent crimes in Los Angeles dropped by about 10%, while the number of property crimes fell by about 8%. All in all, the Los Angeles Police Department and Sheriff’s Department has had to handle nearly 20,000 fewer crimes in 2009 than they did in 2008.

The article mentions the theory that crime rates tend to rise as unemployment numbers increase. However, the report also speculates that the increased number of individuals sitting at home, rather than being at work, may have contributed towards a decrease in crime. This is due to the fact that these individuals are at home in their neighborhoods keeping a watchful eye over things.

Holiday Cheer Leads to Holiday Lockdown with Los Angeles DUI Arrests

Along with family gatherings and gift exchanges, the holidays bring an increased police presence on city streets and highways. This heightened presence also takes the form of multiple DUI checkpoints which Los Angeles motorists have to deal with. According to a Los Angeles Times blog, the week leading up to, and including Christmas weekend, saw hundreds of individuals arrested for operating motor vehicles while under the influence. Reportedly, more than 1,400 people (a slight increase from 2008 figures) were arrested in Los Angeles for DUI during the weeklong crackdown.

DUI checkpoints are meant to help curb the number of impaired drivers that are operating motor vehicles on California’s roads and highways. However, not all individuals deemed to be under the influence are in fact guilty of such action. That is, improperly calibrated blood alcohol concentration (BAC) devices can declare false positives, law enforcement can be improperly trained to handle such equipment, and field sobriety tests may not be properly administered. With the holidays such a prime time for law enforcement to utilize DUI checkpoints, all officers involved in manning the checkpoints need to be properly trained. They must also ensure that their BAC measuring devices are functioning as they’re supposed to.