Six Stockton Teens Charged with Murder for Death of 14-Year Old Boy

A 14-year old Stockton boy was beaten and stomped to death allegedly by a group of teens, ranging in age from 14 to 19 years old, according to RecordNet.com. The incident happened at a park on Friday, August 6 and all six teens accused of the crime have been charged with first-degree murder. Investigators say that some of the boys were also charged with street-terrorism causing officials to suspect that the beating was an act of gang violence.

The juvenile justice system in California is very complex and in many cases, someone under the age of 18 will be charged as a minor. However, in instances of serious or violent crime such as rape, murder and kidnapping, the minor may be tried as an adult. In this specific case, while there was only one suspect over the age of 18, all six boys will be tried as adults in California court.

Being tried as an adult with a serious charge like murder or another violent crime can alter a juvenile’s life forever. Harsh penalties including a long stint or life sentence in prison come with a murder conviction. If your juvenile has been charged with murder or another serious crime, retaining the services of an aggressive California juvenile crime defense attorney is crucial. The lawyers at The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf understand the juvenile justice system and can inform you and your child of their rights. Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek quality legal counsel. Call The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf at [number type=”1″].

Signing of Chelsea’s Law Draws Near in California

Chelsea’s Law, a bill named after a 17 year old San Diego girl who was raped and murdered by a repeat sex offender may be drawing closer to becoming state law, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. The parents of the girl have worked with California representatives from both the Democratic and Republican parties to create Chelsea’s Law, which could change the way California approaches penalties for sex offenders. The law could potentially create longer prison sentences, tougher parole requirements and targeted treatment programs.

The law could potentially move lower level offenders who were not convicted of sex crimes out of higher security prisons. One of the top priorities of the Republican representative was to create automatic life prison sentences without the possibility of parole for those who had committed violent sexual crimes against children. Come September, Chelsea’s Law could be signed into state law as it is only two steps away from reaching the Governor’s desk.

Sex crimes in California, especially those involving children, are serious offenses that often come with lengthy prison sentences as well as mandatory registration as a sex offender. A conviction can potentially limit the kind of work you may do as well as where you may live.

If you have been charged with a sex crime and feel that you may have been wrongfully accused, it would be in your best interest to contact The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf. Our experienced California sex crime defense attorneys will aggressively pursue your case, examining every detail to ensure that your rights are not violated and that you receive the best possible outcome of your case. For more information, please contact The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf at [number type=”1″].

Use of Familial DNA to Solve Crimes is Debated

The recent arrest of the “Grim Sleeper” killer has shined a light on California’s policy of allowing familial DNA searches, according to the New York Times. Familial DNA searches are the use of DNA samples from convicts to find relatives who may have committed a crime.

Only California and Colorado have written policies allowing familial DNA searches, although the technique is commonly used in England. Earlier this summer, the L.A.P.D. used a familial DNA search to find the “Grim Sleeper” killer, who is accused of having killed at least 10 victims in the L.A. area over 25 years. In their attempt to solve the crime, California’s DNA lab analyzed old crime scene evidence and found a link between the evidence and the killer’s son, who was convicted of a felony and had his DNA in the state database. The police then followed the suspect and nabbed his DNA from a pizza slice he threw away. This represents the first time that familial DNA has been used in a murder case in the U.S.

Although many in the police community are hailing the use of familial DNA to solve cases, there are many criticisms of the technique. Critics claim it is imprecise and has the potential to invade individuals’ privacy. They also claim it is a type of racial profiling because a higher percentage of inmates are minorities. Also, although California restricts the use of familial DNA searching to major, violent crimes, critics worry that other states may use the technique for other crimes as well.

Have you or a loved one been accused of a violent crime in Los Angeles based on DNA evidence? If so, contact the experienced Los Angeles murder defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf. Our legal team will analyze all the evidence and work hard to provide you with the best possible defense for your case. Contact us today at [number type=”1″].

How the Legal Process Works Once Charged with a DUI

The California DUI legal process is complex. There are two separate legal actions involved with a DUI charge in California. One is the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. The second is any potential criminal charges.

Once you are arrested for driving under the influence in California, a police officer will confiscate your driver’s license and will complete a license suspension or revocation form and forward that to the DMV. The DMV will then conduct a review where it examines the officer’s report, the suspension or revocation order, and test results. The DMV then decides whether to uphold the driver’s license suspension or revocation. You have the right to request a hearing to protest the suspension or revocation within 10 days of receiving the order. At the end of the suspension or revocation period, you can get your license back by paying a fee to the DMV and providing proof of financial responsibility.

The second part of the CA DUI is the criminal case. This is where a court determines if you are guilty of a criminal act – driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The criminal case can be carried out in a mixture of ways, including a guilty plea, a plea bargain, getting the charges dismissed, and proceeding to trial. If you are acquitted in the criminal trial, the license suspension or revocation will be reversed by the DMV.

A California DUI conviction or arrest can be serious. You need a law firm that is experienced at fighting DUI charges and dedicated to its clients. Call the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf today. Our knowledgeable Los Angeles DUI attorneys are waiting to help. For a free consultation, contact us at [number type=”1″].

Issues that Arise from a DUI for Certain Professionals

Some professionals need to report DUI arrests or convictions to licensing boards by law.

The FAA requires pilots to send a Notification Letter within 60 days of any alcohol related conviction or administrative action. A separate Notification Letter is required for each alcohol related event. For example, separate Notification Letters would be required for a driver’s license suspension and a subsequent DUI conviction. Click here to learn more about the FAA’s requirements for alcohol reporting for pilots.

Attorneys are required to self-report felony indictments, felony or misdemeanor charges or convictions, guilty verdicts, guilty pleas and no contest pleas through the California Bar Association.

Upon renewal of a registered nurse license, nurses are required to report if they have been convicted of any crime since the last renewal date. Traffic violations that resulted in fines of over $300 and a traffic ticket must also be reported. Failure to disclose this information could be grounds for disciplinary action.

Any applicant for Coast Guard credentials is required to report all criminal convictions. They also search for driving records, and take all information into account when deciding whether to issue the credentials.

Proposition to Legalize Marijuana Falling Short in Recent Polls

Proposition 19, the California ballot initiative that would legalize marijuana possession and sales in California, is falling behind in popularity in recent polls. Proposition 19 will be on the ballot in November.

According to the Los Angeles Times, a recent poll found that 48 percent of likely voters oppose the initiative, while 44 percent support it. A poll back in May found that likely voters leaned slightly towards supporting the initiative. The law would allow individuals over the age of 21 to possess, grow and transport marijuana, as well as allow counties and cities to tax and regulate marijuana.

Proponents of the initiative claim that it will raise tax revenue while giving the government the chance to regulate marijuana. Opponents argue that Proposition 19 will lead to additional crime and drug addiction. Even if California passes Proposition 19, federal drug laws will still apply to California.

If Proposition 19 passes, it will represent a huge change in the way California deals with marijuana possession. Over the last three decades, California has increased the resources it has devoted to arresting and imprisoning drug offenders. Beginning in the 1990’s, drug possessors became a primary target of law enforcement. Between 1990 and 2008,misdemeanor marijuana possession in California (possession of less than an ounce of marijuana) arrest rates increased by 127 percent, while arrests for virtually all other drug crimes and other serious crimes decreased.

If you have been charged with or are being investigated for a drug crime in California, you need an experienced, dedicated Los Angeles drug crime defense lawyer to advise you of your rights. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf have significant experience advising individuals who have been charged with California drug crimes. Call us today at [number type=”1″].

Grim Sleeper Suspect Arrested in Los Angeles

Lonnie Franklin Jr. was arrested in Los Angeles on July 7 on suspicion of being the “Grim Sleeper” killer. In the 1980’s, a series of killings of young black women occurred and then stopped, resuming 14 years later, which inspired the name Grim Sleeper.

Lonnie Franklin was charged with 10 counts of murder, as well as other charges, reports anABC News article. Franklin was arrested 15 times over the past several decades for burglary, car theft, gun possession and assault. However, he was never entered into California’s DNA database because his crimes were not serious enough.

Despite all his arrests, Franklin’s DNA was never entered into a DNA database. His last conviction occurred one year before all felony convicts in California were required to have their DNA placed in a state database.

Franklin was discovered by authorities using a familial DNA match. In June, the California Department of Justice ran DNA from the case through a database. The database failed to find any matches, but it did find a familial match, which means that a different convicted felon’s DNA showed that he was a brother or a son of the Grim Sleeper killer. Detectives used that information to locate Franklin.

California DUI Defenses

There are numerous defenses that can be used in court to defend against a DUI charge, even if a defendant’s BAC was over the legal limit. First of all, the police officer who pulled you over must have a legal reason to do so. If not, the original stop could be challenged and the evidence against you thrown out. Was there a reason to detain you for DUI? If not, the case could be challenged.

Another important point is that field sobriety tests are extremely subjective. Were they performed in accordance with federal guidelines? Many police officers are not experienced in administering the tests properly. Were the proper tests performed?

People who are placed under arrest are required to be advised of their rights, which are known as Miranda rights. If you are not advised of your Miranda rights, the case could be thrown out.

If you took a chemical test, and you were found to have a California blood alcohol contentof over .08%, you may assume you do not have a valid defense. However, was the test properly administered? Was the equipment functioning properly at the time of the test? Was the evidence handled in accordance with correct evidentiary procedures? Do you have a medical condition that could affect a breath test? In addition, if you are stopped for a DUI soon after drinking and are given a chemical test 30 minutes or an hour later, your blood alcohol level would be higher than it was when you were originally stopped. This is called a “rising blood alcohol defense”.

There are numerous defenses a skilled DUI attorney in Los Angeles, California can raise, even if your BAC was found to be over the legal limit. If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI in California, contact a skilled DUI team of attorneys today. Contact the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf at [number type=”1″] for a free consultation.

Bell Mayor’s Rented Home Sealed after Drug Raid

The latimes.com reported in an article on June 7, 2009 that narcotics investigators raided a home owned by Bell’s Mayor, Oscar Hernandez, and found a “super lab” able of producing 20 pounds of methamphetamine. Two men were arrested.

Hernandez did not identify the men and said that he rented the house to a couple and their two children. Hernandez stated that the husband and a man visiting the couple were arrested. The woman living there is 8 months pregnant and the daughters, ages 2 and 3, were placed in protective care.

Hernandez stated that the man arrested had told him that the chemicals found by agents were used as glue for tile adhesive.

Hernandez said, “I feel sorry for them. They have no food, no money, no clothing. I don’t know, this could be a big mistake.”

Depending upon your specific drug crime in California, you may be facing a monetary fine or a severe penalty including a long term prison sentence. Some factors that may affect the penalties which apply, and whether or not the defendant faces a felony or misdemeanor charge following a drug related arrest include the type of drug, the amount or weight of the drug, and what the defendant’s intent was with the substance.

Criminal Penalties for a California DUI

In addition to the loss of driving privileges that can result from a DUI, California criminal penalties can be imposed as well. It is a crime to either drive a vehicle in California if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or to operate a vehicle if your blood alcohol content is over .08 percent. You can be charged with a violation of either or both of those crimes if you drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

A DUI in California is typically a misdemeanor. A felony DUI can involve possible jail time. A DUI becomes a felony if it involves injury to another person, it’s the fourth (or higher) DUI conviction in the past 10 years, or if there are prior felony convictions involving drinking while intoxicated. The amount of jail time depends on a lot of factors, including your driving record, your BAC, whether injuries to people or property occurred, and who your judge is.

The penalties involved depend greatly on whether this is your first DUI conviction or a subsequent conviction. A first conviction of a misdemeanor DUI usually results in alcohol education classes, a driver’s licenses suspension, a fine, probation, and / or two days in jail. The penalties go up from there for subsequent DUI convictions within a 10 year period.

No one wants a criminal record. If you have been charged with a DUI, you have rights. You need an experienced California DUI attorney to explore all possible defenses. If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI, contact the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf today at [number type=”1″] for a free consultation.