Henry Cantor
February 13, 2025
Encino Shooting: Husband Charged with Murder in Wife’s Death VAN NUYS, CA – A Santa Monica man has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly shooting and killing his wife, 54-year-old Linda Farzan-Kashani, in front of their teenage son in Encino. Sean Farzan, 64, faces one count of first-degree murder and one count of felony […]
Henry Cantor
December 20, 2024
How Social Media Impacts Los Angeles Criminal Cases In the age of digital communication, social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter (now X) have become an integral part of daily life. While sharing photos, videos, and thoughts may seem harmless, these posts can carry serious legal consequences. In Los Angeles criminal cases, social […]
Henry Cantor
November 28, 2024
Understanding the Process of Getting Criminal Charges Dismissed in Los Angeles Securing a dismissal of criminal charges in Los Angeles can protect you from jail time, hefty fines, and a lasting criminal record. With the right legal strategies, it’s possible to challenge the prosecution’s case, highlight procedural errors, and avoid trial altogether. This guide will […]
Henry Cantor
November 8, 2024
California Health & Safety Code 11360(a): Transportation of Marijuana Even in California, where marijuana laws have evolved significantly, transporting marijuana without proper authorization remains a serious offense. Under Health & Safety Code Section 11360(a), transporting marijuana for sale or distribution can be charged as a felony, potentially leading to up to four years in prison, […]
Henry Cantor
October 25, 2024
Understanding False Accusations of Sexual Assault in California False accusations of sexual assault can be a life-altering experience. In California, the legal system treats all sexual assault allegations with the utmost seriousness, and even when claims are untrue, the consequences can be severe. The mere accusation, regardless of its validity, can tarnish your reputation, cause […]
Henry Cantor
October 21, 2024
Being arrested for drug possession in Los Angeles can be overwhelming, especially with California’s strict drug laws. Depending on the type and quantity of drugs involved, you could be facing serious penalties, including fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record. These consequences can affect your personal life, career, and future opportunities, making it critical […]
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
Key Differences Between State and Federal Crimes in California 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 […]
Henry Cantor
September 24, 2024
Can a Petty Theft Charge Be Expunged in California? A petty theft conviction can create serious obstacles when applying for jobs, housing, or professional licenses. If you have a petty theft charge on your record, you may be wondering if it can be expunged to clear your name and give you a fresh start. Fortunately, […]
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 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 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 […]