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 22, 2024
What Does It Mean to Evade an Officer in California? In California, evading an officer involves a driver deliberately attempting to flee from a peace officer who is pursuing them. According to California Vehicle Code Section 2800.1, a person is guilty of evading if they, while operating a motor vehicle, willfully flee or attempt to […]
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 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 15, 2024
How to Reduce Felony Charges to Misdemeanors in Los Angeles Facing felony charges in Los Angeles can feel like your entire future is on the line — and in many ways, it is. A felony conviction can affect your freedom, career, housing, civil rights, and reputation for years to come. But there may be […]
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 […]
Henry Cantor
May 6, 2024
The primary purpose of the sex offender registry is to enhance public safety by monitoring individuals who have committed sex crimes. This registry serves as a preventive measure, aiming to reduce the chances of recidivism by making information available to the public about registered sex offenders. It helps communities stay informed about the presence of […]
Henry Cantor
May 3, 2024
Federal authorities recently arrested Scott Raffa, charging him with illegal activities connected to his Orange County sober living homes. Raffa allegedly paid nearly $175,000 in kickbacks to “body brokers” to attract new patients to his facilities. This arrest occurred at Los Angeles International Airport, and he faces these charges in the United States District […]
Henry Cantor
May 2, 2024
Carlos Corona and Jose Luis Edeza Jr., two individuals from Los Angeles, admitted their involvement in a bank fraud operation that caused significant financial damage, estimated at millions of dollars. Their scheme, which ran from October 2020 to August 2023, leveraged social media to facilitate their criminal activities. Both defendants pleaded guilty to one count […]
Henry Cantor
April 26, 2024
In California, a ‘wobbler’ offense is uniquely flexible within the criminal justice system, characterized by its ability to be charged and punished either as a felony or a misdemeanor. The distinction between these two levels of charges typically depends on the specifics of the case, including the severity of the offense, the circumstances surrounding the […]
Henry Cantor
April 24, 2024
In 2016, Eddy Reyes, then 38 and a former civilian employee at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, pleaded guilty to federal kidnapping charges related to the murder of his wife, Claudia Sanchez Reyes. The incident, which culminated in Claudia’s death by strangulation, reflects the calculated actions Reyes took to facilitate this outcome. This guilty plea […]
Henry Cantor
April 19, 2024
On April 13, 2024,e Victoryloc Vinh Nguyen reportedly fired over 90 rounds in an unprovoked shooting spree at a Marina del Rey apartment complex, targeting civilians and law enforcement officers. Remarkably, no injuries were reported. In response, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced multiple charges against Nguyen on April 16, 2024. Charges Against […]
Henry Cantor
April 18, 2024
On April 16, 2024, Los Angeles police named Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, as a suspect in a battery case. Authorities allege that Ye punched a man during a physical altercation. This incident reportedly followed a physical engagement involving Ye’s wife, Bianca Censori. Witnesses and reports indicate that the altercation occurred at […]
Henry Cantor
April 18, 2024
An arrest warrant in California is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes the police to arrest and detain an individual. This warrant is issued based on probable cause that the individual has committed a crime. It must specify the name of the person to be arrested, the crime they are […]
Henry Cantor
April 17, 2024
Petty theft, under California law, refers to the theft of property whose value does not exceed $950. This type of theft is classified as a misdemeanor, reflecting its lower severity compared to grand theft. California Penal Code Section 484 defines petty theft as the unlawful taking of someone else’s property when the property’s value is […]
Henry Cantor
April 16, 2024
What Is Pre-Filing Intervention in Los Angeles? Pre-filing intervention is a proactive legal strategy where a criminal defense attorney steps in before the District Attorney decides whether to file formal charges. In Los Angeles, this period—often referred to as the “DA review process”—can be a critical opportunity to influence the outcome of your case. At […]
