Violent Crimes

Local Crime News: Los Angeles Sees Increase in Violent Crime

Image of police officer arresting dangerous criminal

During the first months of 2015, crime in Los Angeles has rapidly increased, with robberies up 19% and felony assaults up 26%. The change is alarming, but the reasons are not surprising.

In the view of criminologists, the explanation is simple—sometimes trends take hold despite of what the police force is doing. Some criminologists observe, more specifically, that violent crime in cities like L.A. may have dropped so deeply in recent years that the numbers have nowhere to go but up.

It is also possible that the rise can be partly attributed to the L.A. Police Department’s crime numbers being more accurately reported. This makes sense after the investigations of the Department’s 2014 crime numbers revealed 1,200 violent assaults were mislabeled as misdemeanors–the mislabeling made crime appear to be decreasing when, in reality, it had increased by 14%.

There are also broader national trends that are influencing L.A.’s crime rate. In downtown L.A. specifically, the wide disparity between wealthy individuals and low-wage income earners has made inner city life more suffocating. Housing in Los Angeles is now the most expensive in the nation, and gentrification is forcing the poor out of their neighborhoods with nowhere else to go. Those living in these miserable conditions are prone to develop depression and commit crimes, both violent and non-violent.

Moreover, the crime increase in Los Angeles does not appear to be rooted in any surprising explanations. The bottom line is that income inequality, declining social services, widespread poverty, and crime are all resurfacing together after years of peace and quiet.

For now, it is clear that the best way to deal with criminal behavior or crimes being committed against others is to contact a Los Angeles criminal lawyer for help. Call now at [number type=”1″], or go to our website: www.youareinnocent.com

Mayor Plans to Stem Rise in Violent Crime Rates

police-do-not-cross-300x200 Safety is the focus of Mayor’s Eric Garcetti address about combating rising violent crime in Los Angeles given at the Valley Performing Arts Center. With more accurate reporting, a clearer picture of violent crime in Los Angeles has developed. Garcetti spoke of the deaths of unarmed black men in “Ferguson, Staten Island, and now, North Charleston” and mentioned the body-camera program for Los Angeles police officers. Community building and anti-gang initiatives appear to be how the Mayor will attempt to reduce the 14.3 percent spike in violent crime rates.

Trust and Safety
Stuart Waldman, president of the Valley Industry and Commerce Association, called the mayor’s address “safe.” The priority placed on public safety is necessary to the people of Los Angeles and the businesses that cater to the community. According to Waldman,“If people don’t feel safe, they’re not going to shop, and businesses are going to move away.”
It is important to note that the Mayor’s second address was given during a lead-up to re-election in 2017, a few days before releasing the city budget and while contract negotiations were underway.
The Mayor’s Approach
In his 2015-2016 budget, an additional $5.5 million has been earmarked for the Los Angeles anti-gang program and the “Summer Night Lights” anti-gang initiative will undergo expansion. Jaime Regalado, emeritus professor of political science at Cal State L.A., credited the Mayor with the renewed focus on community policing and believes that the mayor will be harshly criticized if he fails to reduce crime statistics.
A Lack of Manpower
There will be no new hires in the police department. Instead, Jeff Millman, Garcetti spokesman, says that police offers will be shuffled around. During this period, the LAPD’s Metropolitan Division, that which supervises city policing, will almost double.
Coral Itzcalli, spokesperson for SEIU Local 721, said the union desires more hires and states that “We can’t get back to basics without basic services.”
A Seasoned Attorney Can Help
The new classification system can change sentences for aggravated assaults and violent crimes. Know your rights if a victim of or accused of a violent crime. For over 40 years, the law offices of Lawrence Wolf have been practicing criminal law while serving the needs of the Los Angeles community. Speak to an experienced criminal attorney in Los Angeles, California at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf. Call now at [number type=”1″], or go to our website: http://www.youareinnocent.com.

Violent Crime Statistics Show an Increase in Los Angeles

police-car-624x415 Los Angeles statistics show a seriousupsurge in violent crime across all of the LAPD’s four bureaus. A recent reclassification has contributed to the statistics reported by the LAPD. 2014 marked the beginning of a marked increase of 14% in violent crime in Los Angeles, CA. A new classification system and an increase in specific crimes have added to the reported crime rate data coming out of LA.

Statistics Reveal

Violent crime is up 26% and property crimes 11% in Los Angeles this year, as stated by LAPD Chief Charlie Beck. Beck says that crime levels are similar to data collected in 2012. As suggested from crime rates by neighborhood, the Central Bureau saw the largest increase. Violent crime statistics in 2015 include aggravated assaults, domestic violence and robberies.

A crime becomes a statistic through a 5 step approach that is open to human error and a lack of oversight. An officer first takes a report. Station supervisors review the report. Civilian clerks enter information from reports into the database. Detectives investigate cases and should make corrections in classification. The statistics are generally used to guide deployment and inform the public. Each step is subject to human error and additional pressures can support reclassifying and downgrading a crime.

Investigation into Classification

Last year, Times found that the LAPD understated the rate of crime in Los Angeles. The LAPD had misclassified almost 1,200 serious violent crimes and low-level offenses during a one-year period. Some instances include that of Nathan Hunter who flew into a rage and assaulted his wife by beating her, choking and stabbing her in the face and finally throwing her down a flight of stairs. Under FBI rules followed by the police nationally, the crime should have been considered an aggravated assault but instead was listed as a simple assault. As such it wouldn’t be listed in LA’s serious crimes.

Changes in Classification Can Affect the Accused

Reclassifications from crimes such as vandalism to burglaries or assault to aggravated assault affect statistics and criminal proceedings. These changes require a seasoned attorney. At the law offices of Lawrence Wolf, Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers have been practicing criminal law for over 40 years. Their advocates support the rights of individuals as they proceed through trial. Contact the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf at [number type=”1″] or visit our website for a complimentary consultation from a criminal lawyer Los Angeles.

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.

Phil Spector Convicted of Second Degree Murder

The latimes.com website reported in an article on April 13, 2009 that music producer Phil Spector, 69 was found guilty of second degree murder in California of actress Lana Clarkson. The shooting took place six year ago. A Los Angeles Superior Court jury came to its verdict after nine days of deliberation. This is the second trial. The first jury ended deadlocked, 10 out of the 12 jurors in favor of guilt.

Spector gained fame after working with musical bands including the Righteous Brothers, the Beatles, and Tina Turner. When sentenced, Spector faces a minimum of 18 years in prison. The jury concluded that Spector murdered Clarkson, who was a tall blond actress, in February 2003 just hours after he met her.

During the trial which began in October, Spector was described by the prosecution as being a brutal women hater who had a track record of more than three decades of playing Russian roulette with women when intoxicated.

In summation, a prosecutor said, “By the grace of God, five other women got the empty chamber and lived to tell. Lena just happened to be the sixth woman who got the bullet.”

Spector’s lawyers argued that Clarkson had killed herself. The defense claimed that Clarkson was depressed about her unsuccessful career and money problems leading to her shooting herself after drinking with Spector.

If you have been accused of a violent crime in California, you need to hire an aggressive andLos Angeles violent crime defense attorney. At the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf, their criminal defense lawyers have the experience and knowledge that are required to defend even the most challenging violent crime case. Do not attempt to represent yourself, there is just too much at risk! Please call [number type=”1″] for a free consultation.

LAPD Captain Loses Position as Commander after DUI Arrest

A 25-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department has been removed from his position as commander after being arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. According to an ABC News report, the Los Angeles Police Captain was arrested on the 101 Freeway in Sherman Oaks. The Rampart commander was not taken to jail, but his vehicle was impounded before he was released to a friend or family member. His position has been reassigned. An investigation is imminent.

It is common for individuals arrested for drunk driving to face social and professional consequences in addition to criminal penalties. Individuals who drive for a living, or who are in a position of authority, have been known to lose their jobs after being arrested long before they get an opportunity to fight the charges in court. This is why it is important to proactively fight the charges by contacting an experienced DUI criminal defense attorney as soon as possible…

Hate Crime and Same-Sex Marriage

President Obama has recently expressed his support for the Respect for Marriage Act. His view on the idea of marriage has evolved since taking office and President Obama has now confirmed that he supports gay marriage. In contrary, new research based on FBI data shows that gay men face higher rates of hate-motivated physical violence than lesbians, bisexuals or other federally protected groups with high rates of hate crimes. California hate crimes motivated by sexual orientation rose by 25 percent just last year. The most dramatic shifts took place in Palm Springs and San Francisco – both cities with significant gay and lesbian populations. The most recent case was a transgender woman gunned down in Oakland last month.

California and federal hate crime laws impose severe punishment for harming, threatening or harassing someone because of the person’s race, national origin, disability, religion, sex, gender, or sexual orientation. There are cases in which a perpetrator used religious texts condemning homosexuality to justify behavior, which at that point investigators have a case of competing rights — the right to religious belief and the right to be free from discrimination. And if the victim of a hate crime is not out already, simply laying a criminal complaint could out them as a victim of an anti-gay hate crime, putting them at risk for what is called “secondary victimization”.

With that being said, it’s not uncommon for people to get wrongly accused of hate crimes. This often stems from false accusations, misidentification, or a rush to judgment merely because the alleged victim is different from the accused. If you are arrested for a violent and/or hate crime, our experienced Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys can help you better understand the laws, penalties and legal defenses pertaining to the charges. To have your rights and your freedom protected, contact Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf, a highly skilled defense attorney in Los Angeles. Call [number type=”1″].

Mass Shootings Create Critical Time for Second Amendment Gun Rights

Nine people were shot at a private religious college in East Oakland, and the police officials believed that seven have been pronounced dead, according to ABC News. The shooting took place on Monday morning, April 2, 2012 at Oikos University, an independent Korean Christian school that offers undergraduate courses in ministry and nursing, among other degree. Authorities tracked down the gunman more than a mile away in an Alameda shopping mall an hour after the shooting. A suspect was detained, and Pastor Jong Kim, the school founder, said the shooter had previously been a nursing student at Oikos but was no longer enrolled. He was unsure whether the shooter had been expelled or dropped out voluntarily.

Oakland Mayor Jean Quan said most of the victims appeared to be from the city’s Korean-American community, and the city was working to find multilingual counselors to help survivors. “No American mayor wants to have this situation,” she said. “It seems over the last decade, we’ve gotten used to seeing senseless mass killings like this, and we’ll have to question the availability of guns and the need for other services in our community.“

After the Trayvon Martin case, this incident offers another crucial test of Second Amendment rights that could have repercussions for California’s sweeping slate of state and local gun control laws. Conceal-carry permits are now allowed in 49 states (Illinois and Washington D.C. do not have conceal-carry laws), and “Stand Your Ground” laws are on the books in 21 states. Bay Area counties from Alameda and Marin to San Mateo have enacted laws that forbid the sale or possession of guns on government property, effectively banning gun shows at some of the best spots to hold them.

If you are charged with the illegal possession of a gun, or have been accused of a firearms-related crime, you should contact the Los Angeles violent crime defense attorneys at The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf by calling [number type=”1″]. Our goal is always the complete dismissal of charges. Avoiding prosecution and jail is possible with the help of our experienced team of legal experts.

Twenty Alleged Gang Members Arrested in Riverside Police Street Gang Sweep

KABC-TV reports that 20 people were recently arrested after a gang sweep was conducted in Riverside by authorities.

According to the article, 36 arrest warrants, 19 state search warrants, and 21 parole and probation searches were conducted by Riverside police officers, along the Riverside County Gang Task Force, the Corona police, and agents with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, as well as the California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation, in addition to other agencies. Called “Operation Tampa Bay,” it was conducted in the early morning hours, and by mid-day, alleged members of the 1200 Blocc Crips street gang, one of the most notoriously dangerous gangs in Riverside, were in custody.

Police reported that the suspects arrested include both men and women in all age ranges, including a grandmother who reportedly sold drugs to undercover officers while the operation was underway. Police believe that the 147-member, all black street gang has been involved in several criminal incidents in the area, including store robberies, home invasions, drug trafficking, and assaults. The Blocc Crips gang is reported to have been terrorizing the eastside of Riverside for many decades.

Few details were released by the police regarding what lead to the suspects being arrested. It is not known what prompted the sweep, or what evidence police had to arrest the suspects. Police did report that several weapons were also seized in the raid.

If you have been charged with a violent crime, it may be in your best interests to consult with a skilled attorney to learn more about the legal options available to you based upon your specific circumstances. Contact Lawrence Wolf, a skilled violent crime attorney in California who represents clients throughout Southern California, including Riverside. Mr. Wolf can thoroughly explain your legal rights to you as well as examine the facts of your case to build a strong defense on your behalf. Call 866-390-7373 to get started with Mr. Wolf today.

Two Men Arrested for Alleged Hate Crime in Ojai Valley

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department reports that two 17-year-old boys were allegedly threatened by two men in a motor vehicle while standing close to an intersection in the Mira Monte region of Ojai Valley, close to Oxnard, according to ABC 7 News.

Authorities allege that two men, ages 22 and 19, drove up to aggressively talk with the two boys, identifying themselves as skinheads and made racial and sexual slurs. The victims reported that one of the men got out of the car and slapped one of them, and claimed that the man said he had a handgun that he threatened to use. The two men reportedly then drove away and returned several minutes later, and came close to hitting one victim before leaving the scene.

Once the alleged incident was reported to authorities, a search was launched. The suspects were found within an hour after they came back to a convenience store nearby. Authorities found prescription drugs in the vehicle that were not prescribed to either suspect. The two men were arrested; one man was arrested for battery, hate crime enhancement, criminal threats, and possession of a controlled substance; while the other was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and criminal threats. According to authorities, the suspects and the victims did not know each other before the alleged incident.

If you have been charged with a violent crime in California, it may be in your best interests to learn more about your legal rights. Talking with a skilled violent crime defense attorney in Los Angeles can help you understand the gravity of the charges made against you as well as what legal options are available. Call 866-390-7373 to find out how The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf can help you today.