Los Angeles Criminal Lawyer Blog

The Long Beach Post reports that a West Long Beach block was evacuated as the Los Angeles Police Department searched for a man suspected of California armed robbery. The neighborhood was shut down for nearly 5 hours while the officers prepared to serve the suspect with an arrest warrant.

If you are under investigation for a crime or have been arrested, contact an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer immediately to protect your rights and begin preparing your defense.

Here, the police officers carried rifles and were prepared for a raid. However when the police officers arrived at the suspect's home, they took him into custody without incident.

Continue reading "Long Beach Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested" »

The Orange County Daily Pilot reports that the Los Angeles County district attorney has postponed the arraignment of the former Beverly Hills Unified School District Superintendent on felony charges of embezzlement.

During an arraignment, a defendant makes his or her first appearance in court. The court will formally advise you of the charges against you and your constitutional rights.

Here, the former superintendent is accused of giving another employee an unauthorized stipend of $20,000 and an increase in her car allowance. The employee is also accused of "misappropriation of funds." Misappropriation of funds or embezzlement, is punishable as either a felony or misdemeanor. Because the sum is over $400, it will be charged as a felony.

Continue reading "Beverly Hills School Superintendent To Be Charged With Embezzlement " »

According to Fox News Los Angeles, Hawthorne Mayor Larry Guidi has been bound over for trial on California theft charges.

Police allege that he stole a commercial food mixer and a cart from the Hawthorne School District where he worked as a warehouse operations manager. He is being charged with commercial burglary and grand theft. Theft is considered a felony where the value of the item(s) stolen is in excess of $400.

If you have been charged with a felony, the court will conduct a preliminary hearing to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to support the case against you. This threshold is much lower than the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard set forth at trial. Although your attorney will have an opportunity to present your case at this time, he or she usually does not do so for strategic purposes.

Here, Mayor Guidi was bound over for trial.

Continue reading "Hawthorne Mayor Faces Theft Charges" »