Orange County Resident Admits Guilt in Planned Parenthood Firebombing

Tibet Ergul, a 22-year-old from Irvine, California, admitted to orchestrating a series of planned attacks, including a firebombing at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Costa Mesa in March 2022, plotting against an electrical substation in Orange, and targeting Dodger Stadium during an LGBTQ pride event. His guilty plea encompasses one felony count of conspiracy to […]
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Criminal Statute of Limitations in California

Statute of Limitations in Criminal Cases California law defines a time limit for prosecutors, both federal and state, to bring criminal charges against someone. If charges come after this time limit, courts will dismiss them. This rule protects people from the anxiety of facing charges for long-past actions. It promotes prompt legal action while upholding […]
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Ex-NBA Player Rashid Byrd Sentenced to 90 Years for Sexual Assaults

In 2019, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Special Assault Section began investigating former NBA player Rashid Byrd for sexual assault. Their investigation uncovered a 2010 conviction and a 2005 arrest for assaulting a woman in Washington State. Victims Detail Assaults by Byrd Victims reported that Byrd initially used his charm and status to manipulate them […]
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Underage DUI In California: Laws and Penalties

Understanding Zero Tolerance Laws in California California enforces zero tolerance laws to address underage drinking and driving, prohibiting individuals under 21 from operating a vehicle with any detectable alcohol in their system. These laws reflect a stringent approach to prevent the risks associated with underage drinking. Under California’s zero tolerance policy, it is a criminal […]
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Encino Tax Prep Company Owner Admits to Filing False Tax Returns

  Bijan Kohanzad, a 62-year-old from Calabasas and owner of an Encino-based tax preparation company, has pleaded guilty to aiding in the filing of a false tax return. This admission comes after accusations of underreporting a client’s income, resulting in a tax loss exceeding $400,000 to the IRS. Guilty Plea and Charges Kohanzad was charged […]
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Over Six Years in Prison for Drug Dealer Arrested with 15 Pounds of Fentanyl

  Melvin Alexis Diaz Arteaga, 30, from Oakland and a citizen of Honduras, received a 78-month federal prison sentence for six drug charges. These charges were related to his activities in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district, where he was involved in the sale and intent to sell fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. The sentencing, announced by […]
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COVID-19 Fraud and Auto Title Theft Land Granada Hills Man 17.5-Year Sentence

  United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton sentenced Eduard Gasparyan, 38, from Granada Hills, to 210 months in federal prison for leading a scheme that fraudulently obtained over $1.5 million in COVID-19 unemployment benefits and stole dozens of car titles. Judge Staton also ordered Gasparyan to pay $2,232,767 in restitution. In February 2023, Gasparyan […]
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Federal Sentencing of San Bernardino Brothers for Armed Robbery and Homicide

A court has sentenced two brothers, Martrell Patrick Shaw, 20, and Rontrell Brainell Shaw, 22, to federal prison for their roles in the armed robbery and murder of a marijuana dealer in San Bernardino in July 2021. Along with their cousin Dillion Jones, the Shaw brothers meticulously planned and carried out the robbery, which tragically […]
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San Jose Man Accused of Masterminding Bicycle Theft for Resale in Mexico

San Jose Man Accused of Masterminding Bicycle Theft for Resale in Mexico

A federal grand jury has indicted 53-year-old Victoriano Romero from San Jose on charges involving a sophisticated scheme to steal high-end bicycles in the Bay Area and resell them in Mexico. Unveiled on January 23, 2024, the indictment outlines Romero’s alleged involvement in this international operation. The indictment accuses Romero of orchestrating nighttime burglaries to […]
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Brandishing Firearm Causing Injury Lawyer

California Penal Code 29810 PC – Relinquishment of Firearms

Penal Code 29810 PC Overview Effective January 2018, Penal Code 29810 PC requires individuals convicted of certain crimes in California to surrender their firearms. This law is a critical component of Proposition 63, aimed at strengthening gun control. Key Provisions: Court Directive: Upon conviction, the court must inform the defendant of their firearm ownership ban […]
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Imperial County Dentist Dr. Javad Aghaloo Sentenced for Medicare Fraud

In San Diego, a federal court sentenced 50-year-old Indio dentist Javad Aghaloo to 37 months in prison for committing Medicare fraud. Melissa Rosas, 42, from Calexico and Aghaloo’s former billing manager, received a sentence of three years of probation, including one year of home confinement, for her role in obstructing a Medicare audit. Fraudulent Scheme […]
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California Penal Code 211 PC – Robbery

Understanding Robbery Under California Penal Code Section 211 California Penal Code Section 211 defines robbery as forcefully or fearfully taking property from someone against their will. For an act to qualify as robbery, it must involve: Taking property directly from the person or in their immediate presence. The use of physical force or a deadly […]
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Monterey Caterer Charged for Allegedly Defrauding $4M in COVID-Relief Funds

  Dory Lindsay Ford, a 57-year-old caterer from Monterey, California, faces serious charges for defrauding the government of $4 million in COVID-19 relief funds. A federal grand jury indicted Ford for bank fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. Background and Charges Ford operated Aqua Terra Culinary, Inc., a catering company in Monterey. During the COVID-19 […]
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San Fernando Valley Drug Trafficking: Cocaine, Meth, and Fentanyl Ring Busted

Law enforcement officials arrested four individuals in Los Angeles for operating a drug trafficking ring in the San Fernando Valley, as detailed in a 15-count federal grand jury indictment. This operation involved distributing cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. The Operation The indictment reveals a structured drug trafficking network. Giselle Buraye, 23, from Van Nuys, along with […]
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Former Los Angeles Councilman José Huizar Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy and Tax Evasion

Former Los Angeles City Councilman José Huizar, was sentenced to 13 years in prison Friday in a high-profile corruption case. He was found guilty of accepting at least $1.5 million in cash and benefits. These were in exchange for his assistance in approving various real estate projects in downtown LA. A year ago, Huizar pleaded […]
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California Three Strike Law: Penal Code Section 667

California Three Strike Law: Penal Code Section 667

California’s Three Strikes Law significantly impacts sentencing for repeat felony offenders. It mandates doubled sentences for individuals with one prior serious or violent felony upon any new felony conviction. For those with two such prior convictions, a third felony conviction leads to a minimum 25-year to life sentence, with parole eligibility determined by the Parole […]
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Understanding the Difference Between Restraining Orders and Protective Orders in California

In California, people often use “Restraining Orders” and “Protective Orders” interchangeably, but understanding their specific applications and legal implications is crucial. Both orders, which are judicial decrees, aim to protect individuals from unwanted behaviors like stalking, harassment, threats, or physical abuse. The court directs these orders at specific individuals, named in the orders, to stop […]
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Koreatown Lawyer Faces Federal Indictment for Money Laundering, Tax Evasion, and Obstruction

Koreatown Lawyer Faces Federal Indictment for Money Laundering, Tax Evasion, and Obstruction

A federal indictment accuses 67-year-old Koreatown lawyer Paulinus Iheanacho Okoronkwo of complex financial and legal misconduct. His charges relate to a $2.1 million transaction involving Nigerian and Chinese state-owned oil companies. Detailed Charges and Legal Provisions Money Laundering Charges: Incident: Okoronkwo allegedly received a $2.1 million bribe from Addax Petroleum for influencing drilling rights negotiations […]
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California DUI Court Process

Violating a Restraining Order: California Penal Code Section 273.6 PC

Violating a Restraining Order Violating a restraining or protective order is a serious offense under California Penal Code 273.6. This crime occurs when an individual intentionally and knowingly disobeys a court-issued protective or restraining order. Such orders, including temporary restraining orders (TROs) in civil cases and protective orders in criminal court, are designed to safeguard […]
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 The Arrest and Charges Against Bruce Edward Bell in Los Angeles Bank Robbery

The Arrest and Charges Against Bruce Edward Bell in The Sun Valley Bank Robbery

Photo: (Photographs of Bell are being released in order to identify and speak with additional persons who may have been victimized)/ www.lapdonline.org Bruce Edward Bell’s arrest on December 21, 2023, for a high-stakes bank robbery in Sun Valley, Los Angeles, marks a critical development in a series of criminal activities. Bell, facing charges for allegedly […]
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California Penal Code § 243(e)(1) PC – Domestic Battery

California Penal Code 243(e)(1) PC – Domestic Battery

What is Domestic Battery? Under California Penal Code Section 243(e)(1), domestic battery is a misdemeanor offense that involves the use of force against an intimate partner. This charge is commonly applied in cases of spousal abuse, cohabitant altercations, or other domestic violence conflicts. Key Elements of Domestic Battery: Willful and Harmful Touching: The defendant must […]
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San Fernando Valley Police Arrest Convicted Felon for Ghost Gun and Counterfeit Watch Sales

San Fernando Valley Police Arrest Convicted Felon for Ghost Gun and Counterfeit Watch Sales

Photo: (photograph of the handgun recovered/photograph of the seized watches) / www.lapdonline.org   The Los Angeles Police Department’s Commercial Crimes Division, specifically the Illicit Pharmaceutical and Counterfeit Unit (IPCU), recently made a significant arrest in the San Fernando Valley. Albert Bantug, a 33-year-old ex-convict, was apprehended for selling counterfeit Rolex watches. His bail was set […]
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Violating a Court Order | California Penal Code 166 PC

Violating a Court Order | California Penal Code 166 PC

Definition and Elements of the Crime Under California Penal Code Section 166 PC, various behaviors are classified as contempt of court. This includes disruptive conduct during court proceedings, refusal to comply as a witness, and notably, the intentional violation of a Court Order. This statute is particularly relevant in cases involving Protective Orders, Restraining Orders, […]
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Los Angeles Bank Fraud Attorney

Moreno Valley Man Confesses to $24 Million Ponzi Scheme

Paul Horton Smith Sr., 59, from Moreno Valley, California, has entered a guilty plea to a federal charge of wire fraud in connection with a Ponzi scheme. This scheme, which spanned nearly two decades, defrauded over $24 million from at least 200 investors, many of whom were elderly or retired. Case Overview Charge and Penal […]
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California Penal Code Section 240 PC – Assault

In California, the crime of assault is defined under Penal Code 240 PC as the unlawful attempt, coupled with a present ability, to commit a violent injury on another person. This law, commonly addressing what is known as “simple assault,” is fundamental in the state’s criminal justice system. It highlights the legal boundary not only […]
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Second Aryan Brotherhood Prison Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Murder in Aid of Racketeering

Second Aryan Brotherhood Prison Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Murder in Aid of Racketeering

Photo: (Pat Brady, 53, of Lake Forest (U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of California) Pat Brady, a 53-year-old Aryan Brotherhood member, confessed to a murder within a Northern California prison, as part of a significant investigation into the gang’s activities. This announcement was made by the U.S. District Attorney’s Office. Details of the Prison Murder […]
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California Penal Code Section 186.22 PC: Gang Enhancements

Often referred to as ‘Gang Enhancements,’ California Penal Code Section 186.22 PC deals with criminal street gangs. It’s integral to the “Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention Act”(STEP) in California, addressing gang-related issues. Active Participation in a Criminal Street Gang Subsection (a) of Penal Code Section 186.22 PC defines the consequences for individuals actively participating in […]
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California Man Pleads Guilty to Major IRS Fraud: Nearly $900,000 in Unlawful Tax Refunds

California Man Pleads Guilty to Major IRS Fraud: Nearly $900,000 in Unlawful Tax Refunds

Richard Jason Mountford, a resident of Monterey County, California, confessed to a substantial tax fraud, cheating the IRS out of nearly $900,000. His guilty plea, recorded in a federal court, acknowledges his role in a sophisticated tax scheme from 2016 to 2020. Court documents reveal that Mountford, alongside unnamed accomplices, submitted fraudulent income tax returns. […]
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L.A. Robbery Suspects Posting Stolen Cash on Instagram

Two Charged in Extensive $8.5 Million Airbnb and Vrbo Fraud Scheme

Photo: ( closeup shot of metal handcuffs and dollars) The federal government has charged Shray Goel and Shaunik Raheja in a complex case involving an $8.5 million scam. This scheme, primarily executed through Airbnb and Vrbo, involved misleading property listings and discriminatory practices against Black renters. Case Details Indictment Charges: Both men face allegations of […]
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Grand Theft Auto | California Penal Code 487(d)(1) PC

Photo: (close up on man trying to break into a car) In California, the legal landscape surrounding grand theft auto is uncompromising. If you find yourself accused of grand theft auto, you could potentially encounter significant legal consequences. Grand Theft Auto Laws and Penalties in California In California, vehicle theft can lead to charges under […]
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Father Arrested in California After Son Fatally Shoots 10-Year-Old with Stolen Gun

Photo: (arrangement at a crime scene)   Law enforcement in Sacramento County apprehended a 53-year-old man named Arkete Davis and his 10-year-old son following a tragic shooting incident. The boy, whose identity remains undisclosed, fatally shot another 10-year-old with a stolen gun he discovered in his father’s car. This incident took place in Foothill Farms, […]
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Los Angeles Tobacco Distributor Sentenced in $3 Million Tax Evasion Scheme

Attorney General Bonta has announced a legal victory in the case of Sadiq Mohammed, a Los Angeles tobacco distributor convicted of running a $3 million tax evasion scheme against the State of California. The California Department of Justice (DOJ) successfully secured a 32-month prison sentence for Mohammed, who had pled guilty to these charges. The […]
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Understanding Plea Bargains in California’s Criminal Justice System

Navigating the criminal justice system in California, particularly for first-time defendants, can be daunting. A key component of this system is the plea bargain, a tool used in the vast majority of criminal cases. This article provides a clear, professional insight into the role of plea bargains in California, offering valuable information for anyone involved […]
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Driving Under the Influence of Drugs in California

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs in California

Drug-Impaired Driving in California In California, the law defines drug-impaired driving as operating a vehicle while under the influence of any substance, excluding alcohol, that significantly impairs your muscles, brain, or nervous system. This definition includes a wide range of substances, from illegal drugs like methamphetamine and heroin to legal medications such as marijuana, over-the-counter […]
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Former NFL Player Derrick Ward Arrested in Los Angeles on Suspicion of Robbery

Derrick Ward, a former NFL player with the New York Giants, found himself in police custody in Los Angeles on suspicion of robbery. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office officially confirmed Ward’s arrest, which took place on Monday evening. However, authorities had not yet formally presented the case to prosecutors for their consideration of […]
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Arrest Made in Series of Residential Burglaries in Granada Hills and Porter Ranch

Photo Credit: (Bolton’s Photograph) Via: www.lapdonline.org Case Overview and Key Details: The arrest of 21-year-old Bobby Bolton marked a significant development in addressing a series of residential burglaries in Granada Hills and Porter Ranch, California. Devonshire detectives, after a thorough investigation, successfully linked Bolton to these crimes. This breakthrough was largely due to the diligent […]
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Juvenile Process for Domestic Violence in California

Domestic violence is a significant issue that doesn’t spare any age group, including minors. In California, the rise in domestic violence cases among juveniles has led to a more focused response from the legal system. When minors are involved in such incidents, they face a legal process that can lead to either misdemeanor or felony […]
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Ex-La Habra Police Chief Sentenced for Capitol Riot Involvement

Case Summary The sentencing of Alan Hostetter, the former La Habra police chief, to over 11 years in prison is a pivotal development in the legal proceedings following the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot. This analysis delves into the case specifics, the charges, and the broader legal implications of this high-profile sentencing. Alan Hostetter […]
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Arrest Warrant Issued for Fan Accused of Aggravated Trespassing at Steph Curry’s Home for Autograph

Incident Description Sheng Gao, 18, is facing a charge of aggravated trespassing for an alleged incident at the Atherton home of NBA Warriors star Steph Curry. Gao managed to access Curry’s property by manipulating the security gate keypad, granting him entry to the premises. Once inside, he proceeded up the driveway and entered the residence […]
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Understanding Ja Morant’s Self-Defense Claim in the Alleged Assault Case

Grizzlies’ star Ja Morant, recently testified in a Memphis courtroom. He stated that his altercation with teenager Joshua Holloway at his home was an act of self-defense. This testimony marks Morant’s first court appearance in the lawsuit. In July 2022, at Ja Morant’s home, an altercation occurred during a pickup basketball game involving Morant and […]
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Mikey Williams Secures Plea Deal, Evades Jail in Gun Incident

Mikey Williams, a prominent basketball recruit, recently navigated a crucial phase in his legal proceedings. By entering a plea deal in a high-profile gun case, Williams marked a significant shift in a case that has garnered extensive attention. The Plea Deal in Detail Williams faced nine felony charges, arising from a shooting incident at his […]
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Gareth Pursehouse Receives Life Sentence in the Amie Harwick Murder Case

Gareth Pursehouse Receives Life Sentence On Wednesday, December 6, Hollywood sex therapist Amie Harwick’s ex-boyfriend received a life sentence without parole. This decision was announced by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Gareth Pursehouse, 45, was convicted of murder in September. He threw Harwick over a balcony at her Hollywood Hills home on February […]
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Riverside County Woman Receives 3.5-Year Federal Prison Sentence for $2.8 Million Unemployment Fraud

Case Overview Sasha Lizette Jimenez, a 26-year-old from Riverside County, California, received a sentence for her involvement in a major unemployment insurance fraud case. This case showcases the serious legal consequences of large-scale financial fraud. Jimenez and her accomplices, including her boyfriend Meshach Samuels, defrauded the California Employment Development Department (EDD) of over $2.8 million. […]
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DUI

How to Expunge a DUI Conviction in California

The Impact of a DUI Conviction in California In California, driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is illegal, with stricter limits for commercial drivers and those under 21. The consequences of a DUI conviction are substantial and long-lasting, including: Significant fines. A possible jail term of up to six months. […]
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The Josh Giddey Situation: Newport Beach Allegations Bring Legal Heat to NBA Player

Josh Giddey, a prominent player for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA, is under investigation by the Newport Beach Police Department. The probe concerns allegations of an inappropriate relationship with an underage girl. The allegations surfaced when photos and social media posts involving Giddey and a 15-year-old girl became public. The incident reportedly took […]
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Disneyland Arrest: 26-Year-Old Detained for Public Indecency at ‘It’s A Small World’ Ride

Location: Disneyland, California. Time of Incident: The incident took place on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at around 1:30 p.m. Suspect: A 26-year-old man, identity undisclosed. Charges: Indecent exposure and being under the influence of a controlled substance. A 26-year-old man caused a significant disturbance at Disneyland, California, leading to his arrest for indecent exposure and […]
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Laguna Beach Homicide: A Legal Overview of the Tatum Goodwin Case

The arrest of Dino Rojas-Moreno for Tatum Goodwin’s alleged murder in Laguna Beach marks the beginning of a complex legal case under California law. The Incident in Detail: On the morning of November 12, 2023, Tatum Goodwin, a 27-year-old local waitress, was found dead in an alleyway near her workplace. The discovery, made by a […]
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Grand Theft at Alhambra Sephora: Unpacking the $10,000 Incident

The Incident: Adrian Burton and Tanganique Bendard are currently facing charges for allegedly orchestrating a theft at a Sephora store located on Garfield Avenue in Alhambra, California. The incident involved the theft of merchandise collectively valued at approximately $10,000. The Alhambra Police Department quickly apprehended the suspects after the incident. Acting on detailed descriptions and […]
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