Reckless Driving Charges for Los Angeles Man Involved in Several Accidents

Los Angeles Times staff writer Joanna Lin reported that physician Christopher Thomas Thompson, 59 will stand trial in court for reckless driving charges. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Amy D. Hogue heard testimony from Los Angeles police officer Robert Rodriguez and cyclists allegedly involved in separate altercations before ruling on Thompson’s case. Thompson faces felony and misdemeanor reckless driving charges including causing serious injury.

Thompson is accused of driving in front of cyclists and then abruptly stopping causing injuries to three bikers. The accidents occurred on a thin stretch of Mandeville Canyon Road a residential road in Brentwood. Officer Rodriguez said in court that Thompson had told him he was “tired of them” and that he stopped in front of the cyclists to “teach them a lesson.”

In July, Ron Peterson, 40 had his front teeth and nose broken and suffered scarring to the face when he went through Thompson’s rear view window. Another cyclist Christian Stoehr 29, suffered a separated shoulder that needed to be operated on, and required metal implants, he now suffers from chronic arthritis and soreness in the joint.

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Los Angeles Drug Crime Charges for Alleged Gang Members

The Los Angeles CBS affiliate, channel 2, reported on December 11, 2008 that a gang based in the San Gabriel Valley had been busted and eight people had been arrested on California drug offense charges. Authorities claim the gang is responsible for smuggling hundreds of thousands of Ecstasy pills into southern California.

Timothy J. Landrum of the Drug Enforcement Administration said the operation involved more than 100 federal, state, and local authorities. The investigation lasted 15 months and was a joint operation between the DEA’s Riverside District Office and Montebello Police department. Landrum also noted that five suspects remain at large and said “Ecstasy is a serious threat to our communities, and particularly our teens and youth, who are often unaware of the significant harm this drug can cause.”

Along with Ecstasy, Ketamine, a horse tranquilizer, is equally popular at raves, clubs, and in other drug scenes, DEA officials said. The arrested individuals allegedly put huge amounts of Ecstasy and Ketamine on the market in Las Vegas, Phoenix, and California.
U.S. attorney Thomas P. O’Brien said “The indictment and arrests demonstrate the continued vigilance and cooperation of federal and state authorities.”

Drug crimes are serious because they not only require the court system to lay down punishment against the accused but there is also the question of rehabilitation in order to avoid future incidents.The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf are experienced with all types of drug crimes and rehabilitation options. Your California narcotics offense attorney may be able to reduce the penalties or even have the case dismissed. Please call [number type=”1″] for a free consultation.

California Gang and Gun Crimes Targeted in New Laws

New Gang and Gun Laws Approved

The Los Angeles CBS affiliate, channel 2, reported on December 8, 2008 that the Los Angeles city council committee has preliminarily approved seven city laws intended to suppress gang and gun hostility in the city. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and city council members introduced the proposals in June. It was a partnership showing between local and federal law enforcement organizations to attack gangs and gun related crime in Los Angeles.

The Public Safety Committee ordinances, if approved, would: permit landlords to throw out tenants who illegally posses firearms on the residence or within 1,000 feet of the property; forbid the sale of .50 caliber ammunition and cartridges; also force ammunition vendors to be licensed; allow the confiscation of vehicles used by gang members while committing a crime; calls for face to face transactions and record keeping for all ammo sales; forbids secret compartments in vehicles to conceal firearms; and mandates gun vendors to conduct inventories and report the inventories to the Los Angeles police department.

Councilman Jack Weiss, chair of the Public Safety Committee said, “it is comprehensive and it covers apartments, cars, guns, ammunition. “It’s the right way to attack these problems, to be comprehensive in scope and to be comprehensive in terms of support,” he said. “This is truly a gun control package that has been generated by and has support from the entire city.” According to the LAPD 93 percent of gang related murders are committed with a firearm.

In the State of California, all violent crimes are severely punished. If you or a loved have been accused of a violent crime in California contact the experienced Los Angeles violent crime defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf who will fight to make sure all your rights and options are exercised. Please call [number type=”1″] for a free consultation.

Jamiel’s Law Falls Short of Signature Requirement

Los Angeles Times reporter Phil Willon reported on December 12, 2008 that the petition efforts to get what is being called “Jamiels Law” onto the ballot for this coming May’s election has come up drastically short of the required signatures. The measure would change the Los Angeles Police Department’s Special Order 40, that forbids officers from beginning any contact with people for the sole reason of finding out if that person is an illegal immigrant. Jamiels Law would allow police to arrest illegal immigrants exclusively because they are in the country illegally.

Jamiel Shaw II was a high school football player when he was shot and killed in March by an illegal immigrant. Althea Shaw, 47, aunt of Jamiel and lead proponent of the ballot measure claimed to have turned in more than 76,000 petition signatures to city election officials before the December 12th deadline. Election officials said they had only tallied 18,559 signatures, while 73,963 are required. “We’re not going to stop,” said Shaw, “We can’t bring my nephew back, so we’re going to keep fighting. We have to.” Next for Shaw will be an attempt to place the measure on the Los Angeles County’s November poll. If that is successful Shaw plans to organize a campaign to add it statewide with a voter proposal in California’s 2010 election. “There’s no one watching the city,” Shaw alleged. “We’re forced to take the word from a city that doesn’t even want to talk about illegal immigration.” Immigrant rights advocates say this law would open the door for police racial profiling and Chief Bratton says the police already report violent gang members to immigration authorities.

The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf are knowledgeable and experienced violent crime lawyers in Los Angeles. In the State of California, all violent crimes are severely punished. In fact, recent U.S. laws have been passed that will increase the mandatory minimum sentences that will apply to people who are convicted of committing certain violent crimes. If you have been arrested for carrying out a violent crime, you may be looking at a prison term of 25 years to life. Please call [number type=”1″] for a free consultation.

Man Arrested and Charged With Murder of Ex Girlfriend

The CBS affiliate in Los Angeles reported on December 2, 2008 that Ron Martinez 41, was arrested in connection with the murder of his ex girlfriend Karyn Kleine 42, of Palm Springs. Initially the case started with her disappearance March 10, 2007, where at that time Martinez was no where to be found. Palm Spring authorities have now arrested Martinez and filed California murder charges against him for her murder. Martinez was arrested November 15, 2008 in Nevada and is being held at the Indio jail.

According to officials evidence was discovered inside Kleine’s car connecting Martinez to her disappearance. Martinez quit his job a short time after Kleine’s disappearance. Kleine’s body was found partially buried in a dirt field off Farrell Drive and Tachevah Road in Palm Springs by a resident who was walking his dog. Officials say evidence of foul play was found at the scene. Last December authorities found and questioned Martinez who denied any involvement with Kleine’s disappearance and gave conflicting statements.

Authorities believe Kleine and Martinez broke up approximately two weeks before she went missing. Neighbors tell officials that loud arguments could be heard emanating from the couples residence often.

Personal conflicts between loved ones are always a very sensitive matter to all involved. The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf have a long history of successfully handling the defense of clients charged with ALL domestic violence matters in California. The California penal code defines abuse as “intentionally or recklessly causing or attempting to cause bodily injury, or placing another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent, serious bodily injury to himself, herself or another”. Do not attempt to fight these charges on your own. The Los Angeles domestic violence attorneys at The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf can and will help you win your case. Please call [number type=”1″]3 for a free consultation.

Hollywood Domestic Violence Suspicions Land “Soul Train” Producer in Jail

Hollywood Producer Arrested on Suspicion of Domestic Violence

Former host of television show “Soul Train,” Don Cornelius, was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence at his Hollywood Hills home on October 18, 2008, according to a CNNreport. Police were called to the 72-year-old producer’s home after someone called to report a domestic dispute. Cornelius was arrested and booked for investigation of a felony domestic violence. It is not clear who Cornelius assaulted or injured, officials said.

California Penal Code defines abuse as “intentionally or recklessly causing or attempting to cause bodily injury, or placing another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent, serious bodily injury to himself, herself or another.” Domestic violence usually refers to violence that occurs between spouses, partners, ex-partners or spouses, children, individuals who are involved in a dating relationship or elder abuse.

An incident does not necessarily have to occur in a home for it to be considered domestic violence in California. It can occur inside a vehicle, at a bar or restaurant, at work, over the phone or even on the Internet. Many don’t realize that there is no need for physical evidence of abuse for someone to be charged with domestic violence. Abuse can be of different types – verbal, emotional and even psychological.

The consequences of a domestic violence conviction can be very serious. If you or someone you know has been accused of domestic violence, please call a Los Angeles domestic violence attorney at the Law Office of Lawrence Wolf to get the counsel and guidance you need at this time to protect your rights and freedom.

High School Freshman Arrested on Suspicion of Issuing Death Threats

A student from Thousand Oaks has been arrested on making death threats to fellow students and one of his teachers at Carpinteria High School, the Ventura County Star reports. The freshman student, who reportedly transferred to Carpinteria from another school district, told officials that he was tired of being picked on by students and the teacher. Authorities took him into custody because they believed the threat was credible. However, they did not find any weapons or firearms after searching the student’s home.

A juvenile crime accusation is tough for families to take. When your son or daughter has been accused of a crime, it is natural that families are thrown into turmoil. You worry about the consequences of a juvenile crime conviction. You wonder if it will haunt your children for the rest of their lives or affect their ability to lead a productive adult life.

The most important step you need to take when your son or daughter is accused of a crime is to seek the counsel of a California juvenile crime defense attorney who has a track record of successfully defending clients in such cases. Dealing with the juvenile justice system can be a frustrating experience and you need the counsel and guidance of a skilled criminal defense lawyer by your side aggressively defending your child and fighting for his or her rights.

If your child has been arrested, please contact the knowledgeable California juvenile defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf. We not only know the juvenile crime justice system, but have also participated extensively in the development of alternative sentencing process throughout Los Angeles and California. Call us today for a free case consultation with a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer.

Orange County Lewd Acts with a Minor Charges Levied against Music Teacher

Orange County Music Teacher Accused of Lewd Acts with Student

Carlie Rose Attebury, 29, a Orange County high school music teacher has been arrested on suspicion of engaging in sexual conduct with a male student. According to an article in The Orange County Register, police arrested Attebury on October 13, 2008 and charged her withlewd acts with a minor in Orange County. The teacher has reportedly been placed on administrative leave pending the police investigation.

Sex crime charges can have serious repercussions in the life of an individual especially when he or she is a person of authority in the community such as a teacher, priest or a respected community leader. This could be an extremely serious case because the teacher in question could very likely lose her job. Her career is in jeopardy because if convicted of this crime, she will be required to register as a sex offender, which means, she can never be around children or teach in a school again. Those who are convicted of sex crimes in California face lengthy prison terms and hefty fines and penalties.

If you have been charged with a sex crime, it is extremely important to contact a knowledgeable and experienced Orange County sex crime defense attorney right away. Lewd acts, lascivious conduct and indecent exposure are usually charged as misdemeanors in the State of California. They are still serious charges and can produce life-altering consequences.

If you have been accused of a California sex crime, please call the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf. We will advice you on the best course of action in your case and fight for your rights and freedom. Call us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.

Orange County Doctor Faces Medicare Fraud Charges

An doctor is facing Orange County fraud charges for allegedly bribing patients to come to his Westminster clinic for massages that were then billed to Medicare as $2.3 million in physical therapy, The Orange County Register reports. Mark Thomas Paskewitz was reportedly indicted by a Santa Ana grand jury on 18 counts of health care fraud at QS Medical Group Inc. known earlier as Good Healthcare Inc.

Federal prosecutors say Paskewitz billed Medicare for massages that were performed by unlicensed, unsupervised employees. The Medicare patients were also paid illegal kickbacks so they would visit the clinics, the article said. If convicted on all counts, Paskewitz faces up to 10 years for each count.

Crimes such as fraud and bribery fall under the definition of white collar crimes in California. These types of crimes may be prosecuted as the State or Federal level, depending on the nature of crime and the location of the people who have been affected by the crime. If an individual has been convicted of committing a while collar crime, he or she may face a stiff prison sentence, house arrest or severe penalties and fines. More than anything else, a fraud conviction takes away your credibility as a professional and ruins your reputation as a business person.

If you have been accused of a white collar crime in California, please contact the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf to find out more about how we fight these charges. Our Los Angeles white collar crime defense attorneys will work hard to keep you out of jail. Our main goal is your vindication. Call us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.

Torrance Sex Crime Charges Decend on High School Coach

Torrance High School Coach Pleads Guilty to Molesting Students

Barry Sacks, a former Peninsula High School coach in Torrance, pleaded guilty on October 27, 2008 to two counts of child molestation in Torrance. According to an article in the Daily Breeze, the 49-year-old Sacks was sentenced to 60 days in jail. He must also register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, serve 30 says of community service on a Caltrans work crew and remain on probation for five years. In addition, he must also undergo 52 weeks of sex offender counseling. This plea bargain got seven other counts dismissed against the high school coach.

Sacks was reportedly arrested in July and later charged in Torrance Superior Court with nine misdemeanor counts of child molestation. Prosecutors characterized the coach’s actions as “opportunistic,” the Daily Breeze article reports. For example, he would touch teens’ breasts or buttocks over their clothing under the guise of directing them in their athletics, the report states. Sacks has been ordered by the court to stay away from the nine victims and is also not allowed to be alone with minors.