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
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 23, 2024
The Role of Evidence in Criminal Defense Evidence is the cornerstone of any criminal defense case. It plays a crucial role in determining the outcome, as it can either support the prosecution’s claims or bolster the defense’s arguments. In criminal defense, the strength and credibility of the evidence presented often make the difference between a […]
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
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 […]
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 15, 2024
Summary of the Marina del Rey Shooting In a disturbing event in Marina del Rey, a gunman openly fired multiple rounds from the rooftop of the Marina 41 Apartments on the evening of Saturday around 10:15 p.m. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department swiftly responded to the incident after receiving reports of the shooting. The […]
Henry Cantor
April 12, 2024
Ippei Mizuhara, trusted as Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter since Ohtani joined the Los Angeles Angels, exploited his access to Ohtani’s financial accounts to illegally transfer millions to cover his gambling debts. The U.S. Department of Justice claims that Mizuhara manipulated account settings to hide these transactions, ensuring that Ohtani remained unaware of the unauthorized withdrawals. […]
Henry Cantor
April 11, 2024
In a disturbing instance of animal cruelty in Anaheim, California, law enforcement officials are currently seeking a man involved in a severe case of animal abuse. Captured on surveillance footage on April 7th, near Brookhurst Street and the 5 Freeway, the suspect is seen engaging in the violent act of dropkicking a small puppy, in […]
Henry Cantor
April 4, 2024
if you’re pulled over for suspected DUI, law enforcement is likely to request a breathalyzer test to assess your BAC. While complying is often advised, should you choose to refuse, it’s vital to understand the resulting legal and practical consequences. Refusing a breathalyzer under the state’s implied consent law, which you agree to by driving, […]
Henry Cantor
April 3, 2024
The Laguna Beach Unified School District and local law enforcement are investigating the circulation of AI-generated nude photos of students online. This incident raises significant legal questions, particularly regarding the creation and distribution of explicit images using artificial intelligence. The investigation began after it was discovered that nude photos of students, generated by artificial intelligence […]
Henry Cantor
April 3, 2024
Guilty Plea to Federal Narcotics Charge In Los Angeles, three men from Sinaloa, Mexico, admitted their roles in a drug trafficking operation. Florencio Camacho Allan, Gerardo Gaxiola Patiño, and Alex Valdez Oroz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. This charge implicates them in a scheme to distribute over […]
Henry Cantor
March 29, 2024
Defendant’s Right to Have a Lawyer In California, every criminal defendant has the right to legal representation. This right is guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. If a defendant cannot afford a lawyer, the court will appoint one. This is known as a public defender. Defendants can also choose to hire a […]
Henry Cantor
March 26, 2024
The Scheme to Evade Tax Levies On March 22nd, 2024, Milton C. Grimes, a Los Angeles-based attorney, was charged by a federal grand jury with tax evasion and the willful failure to pay taxes totaling over $2.4 million. According to the legal documents, Grimes had accumulated an IRS debt of $1.7 million in unpaid taxes […]
