Los Angeles Criminal Lawyer Blog

A man wrongfully accused and jailed for a $30 drug store robbery has been awarded more than $160,000 by the California Victims Compensation and Government Claims Board.

If you have been accused on any California crime - especially where the potential for jail time exists - it is critical to contact an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights and provide an aggressive defense.

Here, Robert Cuevas was charged with robbery as the result of his alleged involvement in a incident at a Los Angeles Rite Aid store. Cuevas and two other men allegedly filled their pants with gift bags and dental strips worth roughly $30. On the way out of the store one of the men pointed a gun at a security guard.
Cuevas was identified as the man with the gun, and as the result of a California weapons enhancement, was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

In some instances, the use of a deadly weapon during the course of a robbery may subject the accused to mandatory minimum prison sentences. Using improved technology to review the surveillance tapes, it was determined Cuevas was innocent. He was not part of the robbery and did not have a gun. After spending 1,627 days in jail - 4 ½ years - Cuevas was released.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Man Wrongfully Jailed For $30 Robbery Awarded $160,000" »

As the Bell corruption trial got under way this week, many wonder if the man accused of an elaborate embezzlement scheme is really the victim of overzealous prosecution. Robert Rizzo, Bell's former city manager, was paid $1.5 million a year in salary to run the city. He is charged with 50 counts of alleged white-collar crimes including misappropriating public funds, conflict of interest and falsifying public records.

If you have been charged with any California crime, such as fraud or embezzlement, contact an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer immediately to begin investigating the allegations against you and preparing your defense. Sometime what seems like a strong case falls apart after a skilled Los Angeles defense attorney points out flaws and presents alternative explanations.

Here evidence suggests that Rizzo really is a victim - the city council legally approved the salary at the center of the prosecution. As with many criminal prosecutions, as more facts come forward, doubt is raised concerned the illegality of the accused's actions.

Continue reading "Bell Embezzlement Trial Begins" »

The Burbank Leader reports that more than 70 people were charged Wednesday in Los Angeles County in connection with "Operation Power Outage," a federal takedown of an alleged organized crime ring. At least 19 of the suspects lived in Glendale and 6 in Burbank. The individuals arrested were part of the gang "Armenian Power," and were charged with kidnapping, bank fraud, identity theft, extortion and drug trafficking.

If you are facing federal charges, contact an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer at once to protect your rights and begin preparing your defense.

Included in the indictments were allegations that one man installed a credit card skimming devices at 99 Cents Only stores to obtain customer account information and that 2 Glendale residents kidnapped others for ransom. The government takes these charges very seriously - penalties include significant jail time, probation and harsh monetary fines.

Continue reading "Glendale Identity Theft Crackdown Leads To Dozens Of Arrests" »

The Los Angeles Times reports that crime is up significantly in Reseda, Mar Vista, and Northridge. According to the L.A. Times crimes database, which maps and reports neighborhood crime throughout the Los Angeles area, several L.A. communities have seen increased instances of violent crime and property crime.

If you have been charged with criminal activity in the greater Los Angeles area, contact an aggressive Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights and begin preparing your defense.

Reseda tops the list with a significant increase in violent crimes such as aggravated assault, gang violence, and homicide.

Increases in property crimes such as theft, robbery, car jacking, and shoplifting were seen in the communities Mar Vista and the Hollywood Hills.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Crime Alerts Issued For Reseda, Mar Vista And 8 Other Communities" »

L.A. Now reports that four people have been arrested on a suspicion of counterfeiting and piracy for selling fake cigarettes. If you have been charged with counterfeiting, money laundering, piracy charges, or any other white collar crime, it is essential to speak to an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer at once. 500 cartons of fake cigarettes were recovered.

Many times white collar crimes involve complex investigations and can be prosecuted as a state of federal crime. Penalties include, but are not limited to, prison or jail sentences, fines, and the loss of professional licenses.

Police also recovered guns, one of which was allegedly stolen in a West Covina burglary. Firearm charges, including possession of a stolen weapon, may lead to enhanced penalties and more serious charges stemming from the counterfeiting arrest.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Fake Cigarette Arrests Lead To Counterfeiting Charges" »

Long Beach news reports the early morning gang raids have led to 13 arrests in the homes of suspected gang members. The police officers also confiscated numerous weapons.

If you have been arrested on a suspicion of gang violence or weapons charges, contact an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer at once to protect your constitutional rights and begin preparing your defense.

Reports indicate that the raid was targeted at a gang who is associated with several shootings over the last two months, including the recent attacks on police officers in MacArthur Park. Two young men were arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and face significantly increased penalties if the attack is considered gang activity.

Continue reading "13 Long Beach Residents Arrested In Weapons Raid" »

Los Angeles news sources are reporting that Lindsay Lohan will be charged with felony grand theft for allegedly stealing a necklace valued at $2,500.

California law defines theft as taking another person's property or money without the other person's consent. Theft crimes are divided into two categories - felony grand theft and misdemeanor petty theft. Felony grand theft charges apply where the value of the property stolen is $400 or greater.

If you are facing charges of felony grand theft, it is important to contact an experienced Los Angeles Criminal Defense lawyer immediately to begin investigating the charges and preparing your defense.

Here, the charges against Lohan are serious. Because she is on probation from her prior DUI charges, she faces potential jail time. Lohan asserts that the charges stem from a misunderstanding regarding her possession of the necklace and that the necklace had been loaned to her.

Continue reading "Lindsay Lohan Faces Felony Theft Charges" »

Former University of Southern California's football player Everson Griffen, who now is the Minnesota Viking's defense end, was arrested on Monday for allegedly assaulting a Los Angles police officer. After being pulled over by the LAPD for a routine traffic stop, he allegedly became aggressive when questioned by the officers. He then fled and was tased. Griffen was charged with felony battery after grabbing a police officer in the groin.

Felony battery charges are serious and if convicted, may subject the accused to potential penalties of prison or jail time, fines and probation. If facing assault charges, it is critical to speak to an experienced L.A. criminal defense lawyer at once to begin preparing your defense.

Continue reading "Everson Griffen Escapes California Felony Charges For Alleged Assault" »