Los Angeles Criminal Lawyer Blog

The Los Angeles Times reports that two new suspects have been charged in the brutal Dodger Stadium beating of Bryan Stow. Reports indicate that Louise Sanchez and Marvin Norwood, both of Rialto were identified as suspects in the beating based on their "unruly behavior" at the game and after they bragged to coworkers about the fights. Other people sitting in the same section reported seeing a pair of "very aggressive, belligerent "jerks" seated nearby. Additional evidence includes cell phone records and photos showing the men in attendance at the game.

As law enforcement heralds the charges, which include Los Angeles felony assault and mayhem, another innocent man, Giovanni Ramirez - originally arrested and charged for the beating - will be exonerated. Despite the good news in finding the right suspect, when law enforcement wrongfully accuses any one of a crime - that person's life is turned upside down. It is important to speak to an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer immediately to defend yourself against wrongful accusations.

Here in a very public statement last May, Los Angeles Police Chief Beck announced his detectives has caught one of the men responsible for the Stow beating. However, while he was making the statement, police officers and prosecutors had growing doubts. In fact, the case against Ramirez rested on flawed eyewitness identifications and circumstantial evidence with no hard evidence linking Ramirez to the crime. Beck now has publicly announced that his department has exonerated Ramirez. "I want to the world that Ramirez is no longer a suspect in this case."

Admitting the mistake has exposed the department to questions about why investigators focused so long on Ramirez.

Continue reading "New Suspects Arrested In Bryan Stow Beating Case - Initial Suspect Giovanni Ramirez To Be Exonerated" »

According to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, two men have been arrested on a suspicion of a several charges following a brief pursuit. The men allegedly entered a 7-Eleven store with a handgun, demanded cash and fled. The suspects were not immediately found. A second robbery then occurred with similar suspect description, and police followed a vehicle matching the same description, eventually detaining the men after the car crashed into a house on Veronica Avenue.

The men were arrested on a suspicion of robbery, carjacking, evading police and assault with a deadly weapon.

If you are facing any Los Angeles criminal charges, it is important to contact an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney immediately to protect your rights and begin preparing your defense.

Here, if convicted the men face serious penalties. Robbery is considered a violent crime and counts as a "strike" under California's "Three Strikes" Law. Three Strikes convictions are used to significantly enhance future sentences and punishments. Further, where a gun is involved, sentencing may be even further enhanced.

In many cases though it is possible to defend against a robbery prosecution. Each element of the crime must be proven thorough evidence such as videotape surveillance, circumstantial evidence or witness statements. Although here the men face charges stemming from both alleged robberies, whether sufficient evidence exists connecting the men to each incident is unclear.

Continue reading "West Covina Arrests Of Two Men On Suspicion Of Robbery, Carjacking And Assault" »

The Contra Costa Times reports that overall Los Angeles crime is on the decline. In fact, due to a drop in both violent crime and property crimes the Los Angeles crime rate is on track to be lower than in 2010, which set a four-decade low.

If you have been arrested or charged with any crime in the Los Angeles area such as assault, robbery or murder, it is important to speak with a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer immediately to begin preparing your defense.

According to statistics, the Los Angeles murder rate is down 8% in the first half of the year, with 147 murders compared to last year's 160. If this pattern stays true, the numbers will fall below last year's 297 which was the lowest since 1966. Similarly, violent crimes and property crimes have reported lower numbers than in 2010.

Violent crimes include such actions as robbery, homicide and gang violence.

How the decrease in crime has affected those charged with Los Angeles criminal activity is unknown. Ensuring your rights are protected in the event you face an arrest for any type of crime remains of utmost importance.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Violent Crime Decreasing" »

The L.A. Times reports that former ESPN personality Jay Mariotti will face a stalking trial in Los Angeles Superior Court based on allegations of felony stalking and assault charges filed by an ex-girlfriend.

California law defines stalking as intentionally, maliciously and repeatedly following or harassing a person and putting that person in fear for his or her safety. Harassing includes those activities that purposefully alarm, terrorize or torment another - both types of activities are associated with domestic violence and often occur between spouses, ex-spouses or ex-boyfriends and girlfriends.

If you have been accused of stalking or harassing another, it is important to speak to a Los Angeles stalking defense lawyer immediately.

Here, Mariotti is accused of counts including confronting is ex-girlfriend after being ordered to stay away from her and pulling out a chunk of her hair. Whether sufficient evidence exists that Mariotti took such actions and whether these actions are adequately severe to warrant felony charges remains to be seen. Mariotti has pleaded not guilty to these offenses and representatives have stated that the allegations were "meritless and inconsistent with the physical evidence in the case." In fact, at the preliminary examination, the ex-girlfriend admitted the clumps of hair had in-fact been hair extensions.

Continue reading "Mariotti To Stand Trial On Stalking And Assault Charges" »