Los Angeles Criminal Lawyer Blog

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" »

According to the Los Angeles Times on Thursday three suspects accused in Gabriel Aron Ben-Meir murder and robbery spree pleaded not guilty to all charges. One suspect, Destiny Young faces both robbery and murder charges, while two others face robbery charges.

If you have been arrested and charged with a serious crime such as robbery or murder, it is critical to retain an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer at once to protect your rights and begin preparing your defense.

Here, the individuals are suspected in 10 robberies in Mid-City, Southwest L.A. and Wilshire areas of Los Angeles, as well as 2 Los Angeles murders, including the shooting of Ben-Meir, an MTV music coordinator.

Under California law, robbery includes those situations when force is involved in the attempted taking of money or property. Robbery is considered a violent crime and included as a "strike" under California's "Three Strikes" law. When the assailant uses a gun or knife while in the course of the robbery, sentence enhancements may apply, creating longer prison sentences.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Suspects Accused Of Robbery And Murder Of MTV Employee Plead Not Guilty" »

Gabriel Ben-Meir, a 30-year-old music and production coordinator at MTV was killed on Mother's Day outside his Mid-City apartment. KABC News indicates that he was shot with a shotgun in the back of the heard. No suspects or motives have been reported.

An investigation into whether he was a robbery victim, if someone specifically targeted him, or if other factors were at play continues.

Anyone arrested for this crime faces serious consequences, including significant jail time.

Whenever a high-profile investigation is underway, numerous individuals may be questioned. In order to ensure you are not falsely accused and to protect your rights, it is important to hire an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney. Often people are concerned that hiring a defense attorney may appear suspicious and prefer to speak to police on their own. This is a mistake. What you say may be misconstrued and lead to potential charges. It is always best to have a knowledgeable defense lawyer at your side to protect your interests and avoid compounding an already tragic circumstance.

Continue reading "Mid-City Homicide Investigation Of MTV Employee Gabriel Ben-Meir Continues" »

The Pasadena Star-News reports that two Los Angeles men have been arrested on a suspicion of committing armed robbery. Four robberies allegedly occurred in the span of an hour. The men were reported to be driving around Pasadena, looking for victims. After spotting a target, the car would pull over and the passenger who was supposedly armed with a handgun would hop out and rob the person of money or a cell phone.

If you have been arrested on a suspicion of armed robbery, it is important to contact an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer immediately to begin preparing your defense. Often, by challenging the evidence against you, charges may be reduced or even eliminated.

In California, the crime of robbery is "theft through the use of force or fear." Because of the element of force, robbery is considered a "violent crime" and a "strike" under California's "Three Strikes" Law. Use of a deadly weapon during the course of a robbery may subject a defendant to a mandatory minimum prison sentence.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Men Arrested For Pasadena Robberies" »

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" »

Los Angeles violent crime and Los Angeles property crime have seriously declined since this time last year.

According to the Mercury News, Los Angeles Police Department 2011 crime statistics reveal a 12.5% decline in the rate of violent crime and a 12% decrease in the property crime rate.

If you are under investigation for or have been charged with a violent crime or a property crime, it is critical to contact an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney immediately to begin investigating the allegations and preparing your defense.

4,579 serious violent crimes were reported as of the end of March for Los Angeles, including aggravated assault.

Violent crimes such as aggravated assault and robbery may be charged as felony as may count as a "strike" under California's "Three Strikes Law." Potential penalties include jail or prison time, fines, community service and probation or parole.

63 property crimes have been reported thus far for 2011, down from 72 at this time last year. Property crimes include such offenses as theft and vandalism, with charges depending on the value of the items taken or destroyed. Potential penalties include jail or prison time and fines.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Property Crime Declines" »

Police chased five people suspected of armed robbery through downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley, ending up in Boyle Heights.

A woman and her son told police they were robbed at gunpoint by three men and gave a description of the men and the getaway vehicle. The officers found the car they believed was driven the attackers and followed it.

If you have been charged with any California crime, contact an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer to begin preparing your defense.

The police officers followed the vehicle throughout the Los Angeles area at increased
speed - through Montebello, East Los Angeles, South Pasadena, Pasadena, Temple City and Rosemead. When the car came to a stop on Soto Street, three men and two women exited the car.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Armed Robbery Suspects Arrested" »

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" »

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" »

According to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, police arrested a man donning hospital scrubs, a Darth Vader mask, black wig, gloves and carrying a hatchet after in a Rowland Heights grocery store. The "Darth Vader" robber had allegedly stolen an undisclosed amount of money from a bank inside the store.

Based on tips, detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department arrested a man who worked at the same grocery store. Bail was set at $100,000.

California law defines robbery as theft through the use of force or fear. Because of the element of force or threat of force, it is considered a violent crime and constitutes a "strike" under California's "Three Strikes" Law. Where a weapon is used, sentencing enhancements may apply. Here, the use of a hatchet may subject the man to potentially increased jail time.

If convicted, the man faces potentially serious penalties. An experienced Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer could help reduce or eliminate the charges. For example, a skilled attorney can point out errors in the prosecution's case by questioning eye witness testimony and other tips that led to this man's arrest.

Continue reading "West Covina Robbery Suspect "Darth Vader" Arrested" »

The LAPD is seeking three suspects accused of robbery and attempted murder at a medical marijuana clinic. West Valley Area officers responded to calls of a shooting at the clinic. When they arrived, they found two people with multiple gun shot wounds. The individuals were treated and are in stable condition.

Detectives have released images of the suspects and is seeking help in solving this crime. If investigated for this crime, it is crucial to contact an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer. Robbery and attempted murder are serious felony charges. If convicted, they face potential jail time, fines and loss of significant liberties.

Continue reading "Three Suspects Sought In Northridge For Robbery And Attempted Murder" »

The Los Angeles Times has released a video of a man and woman robbing a downtown jewelry store. The couple stole $8000 in cash. During the Los Angeles robbery, one of the suspects pulled out a gun and forced the jeweler to kneel on the floor. After initial resistance the jeweler turned the money over to the robbers.

The couple faces potentially serious charges. Robbery is considered a "strike" under California's "Three Strikes Law." Additionally, because a gun was used in this case, prosecutors may seek penalty enhancements, which may result in additional prison time.

Contacting an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney at once is crucial if you are under investigation for a crime or have been charged or arrested. Skilled attorneys can point to potential holes in a prosecution's case and argue to get charges reduced or dismissed.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Armed Robbers Hit Jewelry Store" »

The Whittier Daily News reports that a suspect has been arrested in a "smash-and-grab" jewelry robbery that occurred at the Pico Rivera Indoor Swap Meet.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's department, the 18-year-old man was one of seven involved in the robbery, and was left behind by the other six who fled the scene. Police allege the men involved were part of a gang.

Robbery prosecutions depend heavily on the facts of the case. It is critical to contact a Los Angeles robbery defense attorney at once to challenge the evidence presented against you. An experienced defense attorney can raise questions about eye witness testimony and circumstantial evidence.

If convicted of this California crime, the young man could face potentially serious penalties, such as prison and receiving a "strike" under California's "Three Strikes" Law.

Further, the sentence may be enhanced if shown to be connected to gang activity.

Although this robbery has not been linked to other area robberies, similar "smash and grab" robberies have occurred in Pasadena, El Monte, Los Angeles, Glendale and Orange County. The smash and grabs take place with groups of men smashing open display cases with hammers and grabbing out jewelry, then fleeing in getaway cars.

Continue reading "Pico Rivera Jewelry Robbery Suspect Arrested" »

Dubbed the "geezer bandit" based on his appearance as elderly, a man has committed twelve bank robberies throughout California. Thus far he has eluded capture. An FBI Special Agent attributes the bandit's success, in part, to his non-threatening demeanor.

The first 11 robberies occurred in Riverside and San Diego counties, and the last one in Bakersfield. Allegedly, the man showed a demand note, asked for cash and threatened tellers with a gun if they didn't cooperate.

Should he be caught the "geezer bandit" faces potentially serious penalties. Under Federal banking law, the bandit faces the possibility of federal criminal charges potential time in a federal penitentiary.

Additional state charges may exist, including potential weapons charges.

Continue reading "California Bank Robbery Suspect - "Geezer Bandit" Escapes Capture " »