Henry Cantor
October 3, 2024
The time it takes to resolve a criminal case in Los Angeles can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the case, the charges involved, and whether the case goes to trial or is settled through a plea deal. While some cases may be resolved in a matter of weeks, others […]
Henry Cantor
September 26, 2024
Determining whether a crime is prosecuted at the state or federal level is critical because it affects which laws apply, which court has jurisdiction, and the severity of potential penalties. In the United States, crimes are classified as either state crimes or federal crimes, based on factors such as the nature of the offense, where […]
Henry Cantor
September 25, 2024
Understanding Prostitution Laws in California In California, the laws surrounding escorting and prostitution are complex, and the difference between the two lies in whether a sexual act is exchanged for money or other compensation. Both activities can involve legal and illegal aspects, but while escorting itself is generally legal, prostitution—defined as offering or engaging in […]
Henry Cantor
September 11, 2024
What Is the ‘Heat of Passion’ Defense? The “Heat of Passion” defense is a legal argument used in criminal cases to show that the defendant acted impulsively under intense emotional stress, rather than with premeditation. This defense is typically used in homicide cases to reduce the charge from murder to voluntary manslaughter. The key idea […]
Henry Cantor
September 6, 2024
Temple City, CA – Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that Diego Santoscruz has been charged with two counts of murder following a fatal DUI crash that resulted in the deaths of a mother and her 10-year-old daughter. The tragic accident occurred on August 17, 2024, when Santoscruz allegedly drove under the influence […]
Henry Cantor
September 5, 2024
Redlands, CA – The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Michael Royce Sparks has been charged with two counts of murder following the deaths of his neighbors, Stephanie and Daniel Menard, who were reported missing from their home at the Olive Dell Nudist Ranch in late August. The couple’s bodies were discovered […]
Henry Cantor
September 4, 2024
Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón has announced charges against three men—Juan Gonzalez, Dion Hill, and Isaiah Rankins—in connection with a home invasion robbery that took place in Sherman Oaks on August 26, 2024. The defendants allegedly broke into a home while a woman was present and stole luxury handbags […]
Henry Cantor
August 29, 2024
What Is an Infraction? An infraction under California law is the least serious type of offense, typically involving minor violations of statutes, regulations, or ordinances. Infractions are not classified as criminal offenses, meaning they do not carry the same severe consequences as misdemeanors or felonies. Common examples of infractions include traffic violations like speeding or […]
Henry Cantor
August 28, 2024
What Is a Felony in California? Under California law, a felony is a serious criminal offense that carries severe penalties, including imprisonment in state prison, significant fines, and other long-lasting consequences. Felonies are distinguished from misdemeanors and infractions by the severity of the crime and the corresponding punishment. A crime is classified as a felony […]
Henry Cantor
August 26, 2024
Why You Need to Know About First-Degree Murder Charges in California First-degree murder in California is defined as an unlawful killing that is both willful and premeditated. This means that the person accused planned the act and carried it out with the intent to kill. It is the most serious form of homicide under California […]
Henry Cantor
August 22, 2024
Understanding Expungement in California Expungement, in the context of California law, refers to a legal process through which an individual’s criminal conviction is either dismissed or set aside. Specifically, under California Penal Code Section 1203.4, a person who has successfully completed probation, or meets certain other criteria, can petition the court to have their conviction […]
Henry Cantor
August 20, 2024
Los Angeles – Carlos Corona, a South Los Angeles resident, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for masterminding a large-scale bank fraud scheme that defrauded banks and credit unions out of over $2.7 million. The operation, which involved soliciting bank account holders through Instagram, relied on depositing stolen checks into the accounts of […]
Henry Cantor
August 16, 2024
LOS ANGELES, CA – Two Mexican nationals were each sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for their roles in a scheme to distribute over 1 million fentanyl pills in the Los Angeles area. The sentencing took place on August 13, 2024, before United States District Judge Stanley Blumenfeld Jr., marking a significant development in […]
Henry Cantor
August 14, 2024
LOS ANGELES, CA – Four former law enforcement and military officers are facing serious federal charges following their alleged involvement in a sham raid aimed at extorting a man in Irvine, California. The four individuals, including two former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies, have been charged with conspiracy to commit extortion, attempted extortion, conspiracy against […]
Henry Cantor
August 8, 2024
Hollywood actor Gabriel Olds, was arrested on August 7, 2024, following serious accusations of sexual assault. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) charged the 52-year-old with seven felony counts, including multiple counts of forcible rape, rape of an unconscious person, sodomy by force, assault with intent to commit rape, and inflicting injury on a partner […]
Henry Cantor
August 8, 2024
On August 7, 2024, Freddie Lee Trone, 42, was convicted for the murder of rapper PnB Rock, whose real name was Rakim Hasheem Allen. The murder occurred on September 12, 2022, at Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles in South Los Angeles. In addition to the murder charge, Trone was convicted of two counts of […]
Henry Cantor
August 2, 2024
On July 31, 2024, Sergio Macias, also known as “Checho,” was arrested on a nine-count federal indictment for a series of armed carjackings in Los Angeles County. This arrest follows a three-week crime spree from November 15 to December 9, 2023, involving Macias and three other defendants: Michael Anthony Fisher (“Ghost”), Andres Silva Cerrillos (“Ruler”), […]
Henry Cantor
August 1, 2024
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced on July 30, 2024, that Jeffrey Chao has been charged with allegedly stealing and hiding his 15-year-old daughter and falsely reporting her as missing. The incident began on the evening of July 16, when Chao reported his daughter missing from Monterey Park. According to his report, she […]
Henry Cantor
July 26, 2024
What is the Burden of Proof in Criminal Cases? The burden of proof is a fundamental principle in the criminal justice system that determines the level of evidence required to prove a legal claim or charge. In criminal cases, the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, meaning it is the prosecutor’s responsibility to present […]
Henry Cantor
July 24, 2024
On July 10, an indictment was unsealed charging four men from Los Angeles County with a series of armed robberies. Charles Christopher (24, Compton), D’Angelo Spencer (26, South Los Angeles), Jordan Leonard (25, Torrance), and Tazjar Rouse (22, Hollywood) face multiple federal charges. These include conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, interference with […]
Henry Cantor
July 16, 2024
Jestice James has been charged with the murder of her three-year-old twin sons, Josiah and Jestine James. The twins were allegedly exposed to drugs laced with fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid. Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced the charges, emphasizing the growing concern over the impact of fentanyl on young children. The […]
Henry Cantor
July 10, 2024
On the afternoon of July 2, 2024, a tragic armed robbery targeting New Zealand tourists Patricia and Doug McKay occurred at the upscale Fashion Island Mall in Newport Beach, California. The couple, visiting from New Zealand, were accosted by a group of armed robbers shortly after finishing a shopping trip. The incident resulted in the […]
Henry Cantor
July 9, 2024
On July 1, 2024, Gustavo Adolfo Aldana-Martinez, 57, of Pico Rivera, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison for his role in a money laundering conspiracy that facilitated the movement of over $15 million in drug proceeds from the United States to international drug trafficking organizations. The sentencing was handed down by United States […]
Henry Cantor
July 4, 2024
On November 13, 2020, at around 8 p.m., officers responded to a shooting incident in front of a family home on the 1500 block of West 145th Street in Gardena, California. Upon arrival, they found a 29-year-old man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds while seated in a parked car with his brother. According to the […]
Henry Cantor
June 26, 2024
Self-defense is a fundamental legal right in California, allowing individuals to protect themselves from imminent harm. However, the use of force in self-defense must meet specific legal criteria to avoid criminal charges. Understanding these nuances is crucial, as improper use of force or misinterpretation of the law can lead to serious legal consequences. The […]
Henry Cantor
June 25, 2024
What Constitutes Underage Drinking in California? Underage drinking refers to the consumption of alcoholic beverages by individuals below the legal drinking age of 21. In California, this includes any situation where a minor (a person under 21 years old) consumes, possesses, purchases, or attempts to purchase alcohol. The legal drinking age in California is 21, aligning […]
Henry Cantor
June 24, 2024
First-time offenders often have access to various programs aimed at rehabilitation rather than punishment. These programs can lead to reduced charges or even dismissal of charges upon successful completion. Understanding these options is critical for minimizing the long-term impact of a criminal charge. California law provides several options for first-time offenders, including diversion programs, probation, […]
Henry Cantor
June 13, 2024
Photo: Ricardo Rios, 19, and his brother Sergio Rios, 33, seen in this undated family photo.(ktla.com) On June 1, 2024, at around 2 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence near Budlong Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, just a block from the LA Memorial Coliseum. Upon arrival, they found Sergio Rios, 33, and […]
Henry Cantor
June 12, 2024
On the evening of September 29, 2020, Rebecca Grossman was driving her white Mercedes SUV on Triunfo Canyon Road in Westlake Village. Grossman was traveling at a speed of 73 mph in a 45 mph residential zone. The vehicle’s data recorder indicated that she had accelerated to this excessive speed just seconds before the […]
Henry Cantor
June 12, 2024
False imprisonment and kidnapping are serious charges, each with specific legal definitions and severe consequences. It’s essential to understand the differences between these charges and the importance of having an experienced criminal defense attorney to defend against them effectively. False Imprisonment (CA Penal Code § 236) False imprisonment involves the unlawful violation of another person’s […]
Henry Cantor
June 10, 2024
On June 8, 2024, boxing star Ryan Garcia was arrested by the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) for felony vandalism at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills hotel. The incident, which involved significant property damage, has drawn considerable media attention and raised legal questions about the potential charges and penalties Garcia might face. Circumstances of […]
Henry Cantor
June 10, 2024
What is Public Intoxication in California? Public intoxication is a specific offense under California law, distinct from other alcohol-related offenses. Public intoxication is defined under California Penal Code Section 647(f). According to this statute, a person is guilty of public intoxication if they are found in a public place under the influence of alcohol, […]
Henry Cantor
June 7, 2024
What is a Warrant? A warrant is a legal document authorized by a judge that allows law enforcement to perform specific actions, such as making an arrest or conducting a search. Warrants ensure that these actions are legally justified and protect individuals’ rights. In California, warrants are issued based on the Fourth Amendment of […]
Henry Cantor
June 3, 2024
Understanding prostitution laws is crucial for Los Angeles residents due to the severe legal consequences associated with these offenses. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of prostitution laws, related activities, and their legal implications to help residents navigate these complex issues. What is Considered Prostitution in Los Angeles? Prostitution in Los Angeles is defined […]
Henry Cantor
May 31, 2024
Facing felony charges in California can be an overwhelming experience. One of the critical steps in the felony criminal process is the preliminary hearing. Understanding the significance of preliminary hearings and what to expect can greatly impact the outcome of your case. This guide provides valuable insights into the role of preliminary hearings in felony […]
Henry Cantor
May 28, 2024
Does Failing a Sobriety Test Guarantee a Conviction in California? Facing DUI charges can be overwhelming, and the role of sobriety tests in these cases is critical. Sobriety tests are used by law enforcement to assess whether a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Understanding these tests, their accuracy, and how they […]
Henry Cantor
May 27, 2024
What is Vandalism Under California Law? Vandalism, under California law, is defined as the act of maliciously damaging, destroying, or defacing any property that belongs to someone else. This definition is grounded in California Penal Code Section 594, which outlines the specific actions that constitute vandalism. Whether the property in question is public or […]
Henry Cantor
May 24, 2024
SAN BERNARDINO, CA — Rudy Garcia Jr., an 18-year-old from San Bernardino, has been charged with a series of violent crimes that occurred on May 20, 2024. These charges include the murder of USMC Gunnery Sgt. Robert McDonald and the attempted murder of two other individuals. On May 20, 2024, Garcia allegedly murdered USMC Gunnery […]
Henry Cantor
May 21, 2024
A former Riverside resident has agreed to plead guilty to hate crimes and firearm offenses. These charges stem from incidents where he shot and wounded two Jewish men as they left religious services in the Pico-Robertson area of Los Angeles in February 2023. He faces serious legal consequences, including a significant prison sentence, under a […]
Henry Cantor
May 20, 2024
Charges: PC 187(a)-F Murder PC 192(a)-F Voluntary Manslaughter Case Overview: Case Title: The People of the State of California vs. T.D.V Case Number: BA47452**** Filing Date: January 23, 2019 Arrest Date: December 26, 2018 Filing Courthouse: Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center Case Type: Felony Judge: Hon. Judge Robert C. Vanderet Incident Background On the […]
Henry Cantor
May 17, 2024
What Constitutes a Marijuana DUI in California? In California, driving under the influence of marijuana constitutes a violation of Vehicle Code 23152(f). This law makes it illegal to operate a vehicle if you are impaired by marijuana or any other drug. Being “under the influence” means that due to marijuana consumption, your physical or mental […]
Henry Cantor
May 16, 2024
On a Monday morning at around 7:15 a.m., a female jogger from Venice was assaulted on the beach path in Santa Monica by Malcolm Jimmy Ward, Jr., a homeless man. The incident took place in the 2000 block of Ocean Front Walk. Ward allegedly grabbed the woman by her ponytail, knocked her to the ground, […]
Henry Cantor
May 16, 2024
A restricted license is a special permit issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that allows individuals with suspended driver’s licenses to drive under specific conditions. This type of license is typically granted to individuals who need to drive to essential commitments, such as work, school, or DUI treatment programs. The privileges […]
Henry Cantor
May 15, 2024
If you’re currently facing felony charges, you understandably may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about your future. However, in California, certain felony charges can be reduced to misdemeanors under specific conditions. Understanding your options for charge reduction is not just a legal formality—it’s a crucial component of your defense strategy that could significantly alter the outcome […]
Henry Cantor
May 10, 2024
Federal authorities have charged Mark Meng, a 57-year-old Irvine resident, with wire fraud and bank robbery. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in stealing high-end violins and a separate incident of bank robbery in Orange County. The Justice Department confirmed these charges following Meng’s arrest. He has been in state custody since April 11, […]
Henry Cantor
May 9, 2024
Photo Credit: (OPERATION “STREET SWEEPER” NETS OVER 100 ARRESTS ALONG MAGNOLIA CORRIDOR) Via: www.riversideca.gov “Operation Street Sweeper” targeted drug-related activities along the Magnolia Avenue corridor in Riverside, Southern California. Law enforcement agencies conducted this major drug bust over a three-week period, resulting in numerous arrests and significant disruption to the local drug trade. The […]
Henry Cantor
May 8, 2024
Ippei Mizuhara, formerly serving as the interpreter and de facto manager for Major League Baseball star Shohei Ohtani, has entered a plea agreement with federal authorities. Mizuhara faces serious legal repercussions under two federal charges: one count of bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison, and one count of […]
Henry Cantor
May 8, 2024
On March 21, 2021, a disturbing episode unfolded at a “Stop Asian Hate” rally in Diamond Bar, California. Steve Lee Dominguez, a 58-year-old local resident, deliberately drove his car through a crowd of peaceful demonstrators at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue. This act of aggression disrupted a lawful gathering and starkly highlighted racial […]
Henry Cantor
May 7, 2024
If you or a loved one has been arrested in Los Angeles, understanding the bail procedures is crucial to navigating the complexities of the legal system effectively. This guide provides a clear overview of how and when you can post bail, ensuring that you are well-informed about your rights and the steps you need […]
Henry Cantor
May 6, 2024
Photo Credit: (https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/murders/cesar-villarreal) The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has intensified its search for Cesar Villareal. They placed him on the FBI’s Most Wanted list due to his alleged role in a 2010 fatal shooting in Los Angeles County. In response to these allegations, the FBI offers a reward of up to $5,000 for information […]
