City Attorney Announces Crackdown on Skid Row Drug Trade

City Attorney Carmen Trutanich has announced a new crackdown on the Skid Row drug trade, identifying 80 suspected dealers whom he hopes to exile from the poverty-stricken, Los Angeles neighborhood. The City Attorney’s office filed an injunction naming 80 individuals, all with drug-related convictions, who law enforcement officials believe are involved with selling drugs — mostly crack cocaine, but also marijuana, heroin and meth. Many of those named are also believed to be gang members, according to an LA Timesreport.

The proposed injunction has been met with protests from homeless advocates and civil rights activists who argue that this latest law enforcement measure will result in the targeting of homeless individuals, and will be an obstacle for those seeking drug rehabilitation and other services in the area.

Skid Row has been a hotspot for the crack cocaine trade for many years. The drug has typically been sold here by men and women from outside the area, and often on behalf of various gangs. There has been a concentrated police presence in the Skid Row area in recent years. However, this is law enforcement’s most extreme and far-reaching measure to date aimed at curtailing the crack cocaine trade in the Skid Row district.

Street dealers of crack cocaine are typically punished far more severely than the powder cocaine dealers who sell them the raw materials to make crack. While this may seem confusing, or unfair, it is a fact created by federal drug laws. If you have been charged with or are being investigated for a Los Angeles cocaine possession, it is extremely important to retain an attorney who is experienced in defending clients against all state and federal charges relating to possessing, distributing, or manufacturing crack cocaine.

The skilled and experienced drug defense lawyers in LA at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf have been successfully representing clients accused of drug trafficking, drug possession, drug manufacturing and other drug charges for over 40 years. We defend all crimes, both felony and misdemeanor, and we are prepared to aggressively represent your drug case. If you have been arrested for or charged with a drug crime in California, including crack cocaine possession or trafficking, contact the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf at [number type=”1″] for an immediate free consultation.

DUI Suspect Hits Traffic Light, Resulting in Pedestrian Death

Two suspects have been arrested following a crash in mid-city Los Angeles in the early hours of Monday, April 12, 2010. The first suspect allegedly crashed into a traffic signal at the corner of Western Avenue and Pico Boulevard, causing the signal apparatus to fall and hit a pedestrian. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. Police officers believe that the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Toxicology results are pending.

The second suspect was arrested for an alleged carjacking at the scene of the aforementioned accident. As a woman left her car, with the keys inside, to assist the accident victim, another suspect stole the abandoned car before being apprehended only blocks from the scene. The suspect has been taken into custody, and the car returned to its owner.

If you have been charged with DUI and/or vehicular homicide, it is important to retain an experienced criminal lawyer immediately. Experienced Los Angeles DUI criminal defense attorneys can advise you of your rights and provide you with the best possible defense for your specific case.

Los Angeles Identity Theft: Gas Pump Computerized Credit Card Devices

According to The Los Angeles Times, three individuals have been charged with multiple counts of white collar crimes for their alleged involvement in a credit card scam. Apparently, the individuals are being charged with stealing $2 million from unaware gas station consumers. Reportedly, credit card skimming devices were installed on computerized gas pumps, collecting consumer credit card information and personal identifying numbers (PINs). The information was then downloaded onto computers and other electronic devices, and transferred to equipment used to create credit cards and debit cards.

Based on the article, the three men accused of being involved in the scam were arrested after a three year investigation. The men now face counts ranging from conspiracy to grand theft to computer access fraud, which could result in 20 years of imprisonment. Authorities recovered 10,000 stolen credit and debit card numbers.

Instances of white collar crime in Los Angeles and throughout California affect a large number of consumers each and every year. However, not all individuals accused of such crimes are in fact guilty of wrongdoing. In some cases, alleged wrongdoings may not necessarily be representative of a crime. Regardless of the circumstances of any white collar crime case, the best course of action always involves retaining the services of a skilled defense attorney that will build a strong defense on behalf of the accused.

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.

Man Faces Multiple Murder Charges in Slaying of Pregnant Venice Woman

According to the Los Angeles Times, a 22-year-old man faces three counts of capital murder after a pregnant Venice woman was fatally stabbed. The 38-year-old woman, and the twins whom she was pregnant with, were killed during a robbery. The suspect accused of the murder has also been charged with rape.

According to the report, while the suspect does have a history of burglary and trespassing, there was never any indication that he was predisposed to the violence found to have taken place in the Venice slaying. In any Los Angeles murder case, it is vital that all details of the incident are carefully examined in order to determine as accurately as possible the events that transpired. The suspect has pled not guilty to all charges, and police investigation is still ongoing.

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.