Felony Offenses
Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter? What You Need to Know.
It's almost never the case in incidents involving involuntary manslaughter that the defendant had intended to kill the victim, but unfortunately a death does in fact occur under the circumstances – even in the absence of any murderous intent. Consequently, the defendant will still face involuntary manslaughter charges as long as the killing was the result of the defendant's own wrongful conduct or recklessness. Under California Penal Code Section 192(b),…
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Chatsworth Boy Cody Burton Found Safe After Kidnapping Fears – California Penal Code Section 207
It was recently reported that a missing 11-year-old Chatsworth boy was found safe after being reported missing the night before. Cody Burton went missing at 6:40 on a Sunday night after taking out the trash. He did not return to his apartment complex and did not have contact with his mother the rest of the night. Burton's mother called the police when her son did not return, fearing he had…
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Former Mayor and Ex-Judge Pleads Guilty to Conflict of Interest and Misuse of Funds Charges, Receives Generous Plea Deal
It was recently reported that Roosevelt Dorn, a longtime fixture in the Los Angeles legal community and Mayor of Inglewood, plead guilty to a conflict of interest charge in connection with an Inglewood loan program. Just hours after entering his plea, he resigned from his mayoral position. Dorn was charged with misusing a housing loan program designed to help municipal employees afford housing in the area. He allegedly helped create…
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Five Accused in Newport Beach Robbery – California Penal Code Section 211
According to the Orange County Register, five men have been accused with robbing a former mortgage lender at his Newport Coast mansion on December 8, 2009. One was arraigned on December 11, 2009. Two posted bail and were arraigned on January 26, 2010, and warrants have been issued for the other two suspects. Each suspect has been charged with one felony count of conspiracy to commit robbery, two felony counts…
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Two Elected San Bernardino County Officials Charged with Bribery and Why You Need an Experienced Southern California Defense Attorney to Represent You – California Penal Code Section 641
It was recently reported that two San Bernardino officials have been charged with over a dozen felony counts, including bribery and misappropriation of public funds. Former Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Postmus and former Assistant County Assessor Jim Erwin are accused of accepting $100,000 apiece from land development company Colonies Partners to settle a lawsuit the company filed against the city for $102 million. The lawsuit was filed because the…
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I am Accused of Child Endangerment – What Should I Do? – California Penal Code Section 273a
California Penal Code Section 273a defines child endangerment as any person causing great bodily harm or death to a child. This crime includes inflicting physical abuse upon a child, but also punishes any person who allows for a child to physically or mentally suffer. In other words, a person may be convicted of child endangerment if they cause any physical or mental harm to a child. The definition of child…
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Lesser Included Offenses: How An Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Could Save you From a Felony Conviction
Most felonies could be charged as lesser offenses. In other words, the lesser offenses are a part of the felony because they include the same elements. Typically, the jury must be instructed on the lesser included offense. For example, the crime of felony assault includes the lesser offense of simple assault. Simple assault requires that the prosecution prove the following elements: The defendant willfully attempted to inflict injury upon another,…
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Los Angeles Neighborhood Councilman Facing Felony Charges for Misusing City Funds
James Tyrell Harris, a South Los Angeles anti-gang activist, was arrested for allegedly misappropriating $85,000 in city funds. While serving as chairman and treasurer of the Empowerment Congress Southwest Area Neighborhood Development Council, Harris is said to have made unauthorized withdrawals and purchases for travel expenses and hiring his daughter for administrative work. Harris already has two prior felony convictions for robbery in Los Angeles during the 1980s. Although Harris…
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California Supreme Court to Hear Riverside Dismissal Cases
In a follow-up to a blog previously posted on this site, the California Supreme Court has decided to review to Riverside County criminal cases that had been dismissed for lack of a judge to hear them. The case that was previously posted on and that is currently under review by the California Supreme Court is People v. Wagner. This is the case where the defendant allegedly shot the victim in…
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A Person Who is Charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon May Be Surprised When their Driving Privilege is Suspended for Life
In some situations, being convicted of assault with a deadly weapon may result in serious penalties. Most people are generally aware of the potential consequences associated with a conviction for assault with a deadly weapon. A person convicted of assault with a deadly weapon may be unfortunate enough to get a lifetime suspension of driving privileges by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Under California law, the Department of Motor Vehicles…
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