Lawrence Wolf - Part 23

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.

East LA Man Charged in Murder of Reseda Woman

The boyfriend of a slain 24-year-old Reseda woman has been charged with her murder. According to an abclocal.go.com article, the 30-year-old East Los Angeles man allegedly had an altercation with the woman on December 20, 2009, which reportedly ended with the woman being repeatedly stabbed with an ice pick. The boyfriend now faces one charge of murder with a deadly and dangerous weapon. If convicted, he faces a maximum prison term of 26 years-to-life, and is currently in custody on $1 million bail.

The story explains that the woman’s body was discovered the following day in Winnetka. The woman’s brother reportedly found the woman’s body in her car. There was no mention of whether or not eyewitnesses saw the accused man place the woman’s body in the car, nor was there mention of whether or not the man was seen near the location where her body was discovered. Police investigation into the matter will undoubtedly provide more details as to the events that transpired that night.

Huntington Park Insurer Accused of Duping Client in White Collar Crime

While white collar crimes may not be as widely publicized as other types of illegal activity, the repercussions can be very serious. According to claimsjounal.com, a Huntington Park insurance agent faces one felony count of grand theft after she allegedly used a homeowner’s insurance premium payment for her own personal use. Reportedly, the woman provided the homeowner with a quote for homeowners insurance, issued the homeowner a counterfeit insurance certificate, and received automatic payment checks from the homeowner in the amount of $823.00 over the course of two years.

The California Department of Insurance (CDI) received a complaint from the wronged homeowner after he had contacted his previous insurance company to inquire why he had not received a new policy for the 2009 calendar year. The CDI informed the homeowner that he was not in fact covered by homeowner’s insurance and further investigation into the matter proved the statement to be true. The woman who sold the homeowner the coverage has previous convictions of grand theft on her record, and allegedly did not hold a valid license to sell insurance at the time she was previously convicted.

Los Angeles Homicides at Lowest Level Since 1960s

Although it was speculated that a down trodden economy would inevitably lead to an increase in criminal activity, the crime rate in Los Angeles has dropped in 2009 with homicide numbers plummeting to levels not seen since the 1960s. According to the Los Angeles Times, 2009 marks the seventh consecutive year that the number of serious crimes committed in Los Angeles County has dropped. The number of violent crimes in Los Angeles dropped by about 10%, while the number of property crimes fell by about 8%. All in all, the Los Angeles Police Department and Sheriff’s Department has had to handle nearly 20,000 fewer crimes in 2009 than they did in 2008.

The article mentions the theory that crime rates tend to rise as unemployment numbers increase. However, the report also speculates that the increased number of individuals sitting at home, rather than being at work, may have contributed towards a decrease in crime. This is due to the fact that these individuals are at home in their neighborhoods keeping a watchful eye over things.