Lawrence Wolf - Part 17

New California Bill Would Give Juveniles in Prison for Life a Second Chance

CNN reports that a bill that is headed for a vote here in California has re-started conversation about whether or not life sentences given to juveniles should be re-analyzed. Senate Bill 9, which would give certain juvenile offenders the chance for release, is headed soon to the Assembly floor for a vote.

Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco) introduced the legislation, which would permit juveniles to request a court to re-analyze their sentence after they have already served 15 years in prison for their alleged crime. Yee, a former child psychologist, has argued that juveniles do not possess the capability to fully comprehend their crimes, at certain ages, and locking them up without giving them an opportunity to prove they have acquired that ability is not the solution. “SB 9… provides the opportunity for compassion and rehabilitation that we should exercise with minors,” he says. Yee has said the goal of the bill is not a “get out of fail free card,” rather; he hopes to provide more opportunities to rehabilitate juveniles if they are fit to be given a reduced sentence and have established that they have changed since they were younger and committed the crime.

Current law in California permits children as young as 14-years-old to be sentenced to life in prison without parole, for some crimes. According to the article, no other country in the world, with the exception of the United States, has life in prison as a sentencing option for juveniles. In California alone, close to 300 children have already been given that sentence.

Depending on the crime allegedly committed, juveniles can face serious consequences, including heavy fines, probation, or even a life sentence in prison. If your son or daughter is facing serious criminal charges in California, it is critical that you learn more about the legal options available. Contact the juvenile crime defense attorneys in Los Angeles at The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf to learn how we can help protect the rights of your child. Call 866-390-7373 today.

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.

Three Suspected Drug Smugglers Arrested Offshore in Newport Beach

Three men were arrested recently in what authorities believed may have been a drug-smuggling run, reports KABC-TV.

According to the article, the three men were on board a small boat close to Newport Beach and were believed to be headed to Huntington State Park. At approximately 8:30 a.m., lifeguards spotted the boat and contacted the police. Reportedly, the men threw at least one package overboard before being confronted by police. Approximately a mile offshore from the Newport Beach Pier, deputies stopped the boat at gunpoint and took the men into custody.

The boat was impounded as evidence and was reported stolen in Mexico. The water and beach were searched for the package allegedly thrown into the ocean. It has not been released to the public whether any package has been discovered.

The men were arrested on suspicion of smuggling, drug possession, and attempting to illegally enter the United States. According to police, drug smuggling has become an increasing problem along the coast in Orange County as security at the border of the U.S. and Mexico has become tighter.

In California, drug crimes can have serious consequences if convicted, including fines, jail time, probation, and more. If you are facing drug charges, it may be in your best interests to consult with an attorney that has experience successfully handling a wide variety of drug charges. At The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf, our drug crime defense lawyers in Orange County can carefully examine the details of your case in order to create a strong defense to make certain your legal rights are protected. To get started with one our attorneys today, call [number type=”1″].

Five Suspects Arrested for Smash-and-Grab Robberies in Los Angeles

According to KABC-TV, five men believed to be connected with a string of smash-and-grab robberies in the jewelry district of Los Angeles were recently arrested. The arrest occurred after a merchant alerted authorities to a silver Cadillac that was circling the area. When the vehicle was stopped by police, they discovered gloves, a hammer, a pillow case, and a canister of pepper spray. Police also reported that all of the suspects were wearing hooded sweatshirts, even though it was hot.

The article reports that the five men, three minors and two adults, were arrested without confrontation. The two adults were charged with conspiracy to commit robbery. Their bail was set at $50,000. The names of and charges made against the minors who were arrested were not made public.

Recently, there have been several smash-and-grab robberies at jewelry stores in downtown Los Angeles, and investigators believe that the crimes were being committed by different crews of robbers from several gangs in South Los Angeles. Two of the suspects that were arrested are verified gang members, according to police. Additionally, one of the arrested suspects had a hand that was bandaged, which police allege might have been injured during a previous smash-and-grab robbery.

Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Lawrence Wolf has been protecting the legal rights of people who have been charged with a crime for over 40 years. If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, Mr. Wolf can investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest to see whether any errors were made by the authorities and build a strong defense on your behalf. To get started with Mr. Wolf, call [number type=”1″] today.

Alleged Serial Rapist Arrested by Irvine Police

ABC 7 News reports that Irvine police arrested a 29-year-old man recently whom authorities believe is a serial rapist. The man was arrested and booked into the Orange County Jail on multiple felony and rape counts. He is being held without bail.

According to the article, the arrest came following a joint investigation between the Newport Beach and Irvine police departments. DNA and fingerprints were discovered from a suspect in rapes that allegedly occurred in both cities in May of 2005 and July of 2010. Police reported that investigators did not previously have a suspect matching the DNA or prints in any law enforcement database.

The man is accused of committing rape in Newport Beach in May of 2005 and in Irvine in November of 2006 and again in July of 2010. Both incidents in Irvine occurred at the same apartment complex. However, the rape victims were not able to offer police a description of the suspect since the rapist had covered his face. Detectives started to closely watch the area of the Irvine apartment complex after the second rape occurred.

Then, in June of 2011, a suspicious subject was reported to police in that area. Daily patrols in the area by the Irvine police department were increased, as was nighttime surveillance. The man was seen in the area and had talked with police. Further investigation resulted in forensic experts matching a fingerprint from the rape case in Newport Beach to the man. The fingerprint also matched two fingerprints discovered in the investigation of the Irvine incidents.

Whether you have been charged with a felony or misdemeanor sex crime in California, you are facing severe, life-changing penalties. To have your rights and your freedom protected, contact Lawrence Wolf, a highly skilled sex crime defense attorney in Orange County. Call [number type=”1″].

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.

Rodney King Arrested for DUI in Moreno Valley

KTLA reports that Rodney King was arrested on Tuesday afternoon, July 12, for allegedly driving under the influence in Moreno Valley in Riverside County. King was driving a 1994 Mitsubishi when he was observed by police officers committing “multiple infractions.” He was taken into custody by authorities after they determined he appeared to be under the influence. King was arrested and then booked for driving under the influence. He was later released on a $2,500 bail. Police have not yet released information regarding what substance he was allegedly under.

In 1991, King was famously beaten by four Los Angeles Police Department officers after a police chase. The beating was videotaped and sparked the Los Angeles riots of 1992 after the four officers were tried and acquitted. Later, two officers were charged with violating King’s federal civil rights, and both served prison time.

Since the famous incident, King has had a lengthy record of legal troubles, including severalarrests for driving under the influence in California in 1992 and 1993. In both incidents, charges were not filed. He was also arrested for driving under the influence in Pennsylvania in 1995, for which he was tried and acquitted. He also served jail time in 1995 after he was convicted of a hit-and-run after allegedly hitting his wife with his car. In 2001, King was arrested and charged with being under the influence of the psychedelic drug PCP. After allegedly threatening his ex-girlfriend and daughter, he was also arrested in 2005.

For over 30 years, the drunk driving lawyers in Riverside County at The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf have helped people charged with DUI. In many cases, a jail term is not the appropriate sentence for someone who has been charged with driving under the influence. There are certain alternative options available that can benefit all parties involved far more than incarceration. Our attorneys work diligently to ensure our clients receive the best possible outcome for their case, and often recommend alternative forms of punishment rather than spending time in jail. To learn more about how we can help you, call 866-390-7373 today.

Five Suspected Gang Members Arrested in Alleged Home Invasion in San Clemente

KTLA reports that five men were arrested over the weekend that are believed by authorities to have forced their way into a person’s home and held them at knifepoint.

According to the article, at about 4 a.m. on July 10, deputies in Orange County responded to reports of the alleged home invasion in San Clemente. Officials allege the men attempted to rob the man living in the home by holding him at knifepoint. The five men are suspected gang members. A perimeter was set up around the house and deputies arrested all five men, with the last man arrested around 10:30 a.m. All of the men were arrested on suspicion of home invasion with gang enhancements. Officials report that nothing was taken from the man’s home that was allegedly invaded by the men.

When police make an arrest, there is certain protocol that must be followed, in addition to having just cause for making the arrest. When these important steps are overlooked, serious charges made against a suspect can be lessened or dropped altogether. It is important for anyone who has been arrested for a violent crime or any other crime in California to understand due process and their legal rights to ensure police did not make any errors. Being charged with a crime can have serious repercussions on a person’s life, which is why it is important to consult with a skilled Los Angeles violent crime defense lawyer to determine whether an arrest was made properly and what legal options are available.

For over 40 years, attorney Lawrence Wolf has been helping people who have been charged with a crime in California. To learn how Mr. Wolf can protect your rights, call [number type=”1″] to schedule a free consultation today.

Federal Government Spends $90 Billion on Border Security Over Ten Years

In the past ten years, border patrols and other security measures have ramped up as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security fights to prevent undocumented immigrants and illegal drug shipments from entering the United States, especially along the country’s southern border. According to a recent Associated Press article, however, the $90 billion the federal government has spent on border security in the last decade has done little to stop either people or goods from entering the country.

The current security measures along the U.S.-Mexican borders include 165 x-ray machines used to review the contents of trucks and trains, 650 miles of walls and fences, and a variety of electronic surveillance and other devices, designed to patrol desert areas that border patrol officers cannot cover.

The changes have reduced the number of people arrested for illegal immigration, according to the Department of Homeland Security. In 2001, border patrol agents arrested 1.6 million people suspected of entering the U.S. illegally. That number dropped to 463,000 in 2010. However, the increased surveillance has not stopped illegal drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, from being transported across the southern border and into the country, resulting in $25 billion in trade per year.

Border security in California and other states is meant to reduce crime and criminal charges. However, people in the U.S. are charged every day with crimes, including using, making, or selling illegal substances. If you’re facing a drug charge, the experienced Los Angeles drug crime attorneys at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf can help you protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. To learn more, call us today at [number type=”1″] for a free and confidential consultation.

Computer Hackers Who Cause Financial Losses Face Bigger Sentences in California

Computer hackers who cause financial losses are prosecuted more harshly and given more severe sentences than those who merely commit “mischief,” according to a recent article in the International Business Times.

The U.S. Computer Fraud and Abuse Act allows prosecutors who catch computer hackers to prosecute them if the hacker caused some kind of financial loss to the victim. Charges may be filed even if the hacker didn’t steal any information. For instance, a hacker who causes software damage that requires an experienced technician to fix may be prosecuted because the owner of the computer is out the repair costs—even if the hacker didn’t take the user’s bank account or credit card information.

Currently, the federal Justice Department focuses its efforts on prosecuting hackers who cause large financial losses and those who target government sites, even if no damage is done. While smaller losses may not trigger prison sentences, hackers who are convicted of them may face probation. For instance, a former contractor who had worked for PETA allegedly logged in to the animal rights organization’s website from his Los Angeles apartment recently. He didn’t steal any information, but he did delete over 500 different files. After being convicted of criminal activity for the act, he was sentenced to one year of probation and required to pay $1,400 in fines.

Crimes like theft and embezzlement increasingly involve computer use. Unfortunately, even though computers are now commonplace in most areas of the U.S., many state and federal criminal laws still provide harsher punishments for those who use computers than for those who don’t. If you are facing felony charges in California, the experienced Los Angeles felony crimes defense lawyers at The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf can help. Call us today at [number type=”1″] for a free and confidential case evaluation.