According to the CDC, 40% of teens reported being sexually active in 2017. However, sex with a minor remains illegal. Statutory rape can lead to significant penalties, including probation, fines, and even jail time. In this post, we hope to address many of the common questions that are raised with regard to statutory rape. Continue reading “California Statutory Rape Charges – Frequently Asked Questions”
Category: News re: Criminal Defense
Former Deputy Sheriff James Sexton Convicted of Conspiracy and Obstruction of Justice
A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy, James Sexton was convicted of conspiracy and obstruction of justice yesterday, August, 16th. Sexton, 29 was found guilty during a federal retrial. In Sexton’s first trial the jury could not agree, with their votes tied 6-6, the prosecutors decided to retry Sexton.
In a separate trial, Sexton’s six co-defendants were convicted and are awaiting sentencing. Continue reading “Former Deputy Sheriff James Sexton Convicted of Conspiracy and Obstruction of Justice”
Forme L.A. Sheriff’s Deputy Arrested Under Suspicion of Child Pornography Distribution
Lorne Reed, 32, an ex Los Angeles county sheriff’s deputy was arrested on Wednesday under the suspicion of distributing child pornography. Police came to his home in Santa Fe Springs, where Reed was arrested without any incident.
Law enforcement from multiple agencies arrived at his home in the morning with a search warrant, Reed at home Continue reading “Forme L.A. Sheriff’s Deputy Arrested Under Suspicion of Child Pornography Distribution”
11 Arrested at Jay Z/Beyonce Concert
On Saturday, 11 people were arrested at a concert that took place at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. 55 Thousand Fans came to see Jay and Beyonce perform. Out of those 55 thousand, 8 were arrested for public drunkenness, 2 people for ticket scalping and 1 man who was accused of biting another man’s finger tip off.
LAPD Using New Computer Techniques to Predict Crimes
The LAPD says they are now using a new tool to help them lower the crime rate. What the LAPD is calling “predictive policing” is a technique were the police use a computer that takes data from all types of crime in a specific area.
Computer algorithms take this data and maps out 500 square Continue reading “LAPD Using New Computer Techniques to Predict Crimes”
Elliot Rodger’s Attacks UCSB Students: Six Dead, Thirteen Injured
With all the tragedy around the world, it is sad when tragedy strikes so close to home. With the murder of 6 UCSB students, locals are mourning and asking themselves how this happened.
It was last Friday when Elliot Rodgers, a former student a UCSB went on a killing rampage. Rodger’s therapist contacted his mother Continue reading “Elliot Rodger’s Attacks UCSB Students: Six Dead, Thirteen Injured”
Woman Injured, Dog Killed in Sacramento Shooting
Yesterday Evening on Olmstead Drive, Sacramento one person was injured and a dog was killed during a drive by shooting.
The Police Department was called at 6:55 in the afternoon about a reported shooting. The injured person was a woman, who sustained a shot in the leg and was immediately transported to UC Davis Medical Center.
Continue reading “Woman Injured, Dog Killed in Sacramento Shooting”
Universal CityWalk: One Dead and Three Injured During Officer Involve Shooting
Yesterday Morning, James White Jr. was killed during an officer-involved shooting. White was shot when police officers opened fire in Universal City Walk after hearing gunfire and seeing an individual with a gun. The shooting took place near the Infusion lounge.
The L.A. County Fire Department pronounced the suspected gunman dead at the scene of Continue reading “Universal CityWalk: One Dead and Three Injured During Officer Involve Shooting”
Mourning of LAPD Officer Killed in Collision Continues
LAPD Officer Roberto Sanchez, was killed early in the morning of Saturday May, 3rd. According to the LAPD, Officer Sanchez was involved in a Hit & Run accident at 3:45 am, when an SUV “T-boned” his patrol car, killing Officer Sanchez and Continue reading “Mourning of LAPD Officer Killed in Collision Continues”
LAPD Squad Card Tampered With by Field Officers
Although the LAPD is currently in the middle of a pilot program testing new on the field recording equipment, Continue reading “LAPD Squad Card Tampered With by Field Officers”
California DNA Collection Law For Felony Arrests Upheld
Much to the dismay of various civil liberties advocates who have challenged the law, a five year old California law that permits the collection of DNA sample during a felony arrest is being upheld. The samples may be collected without a judge’s review over the matter and even if criminal charges are not pressed Continue reading “California DNA Collection Law For Felony Arrests Upheld”
Homeless Man in Prison for Vehicle Theft and Animal Cruelty
Mateo’s 2 year old daughter with Maru
Danny Fis, a 30 year old homeless man has been sentenced to sixteen months in prison for stealing a van with a dog inside of it and ultimately causing the dog’s death. Fis plead “no contest” to both the vehicle theft and animal cruelty charges, according to a statement from the L.A. County District Attorney. Continue reading “Homeless Man in Prison for Vehicle Theft and Animal Cruelty”
Victory in the Courts for Gun Rights Advocates in California
On Thursday, the 20th, A federal appeals court overturned some restrictions that will allow gun owners to carry a concealed weapon. The majority of votes said that the restrictions imposed on gun owners are in violation of the 2nd amendments right to bear arms.
This decision is being celebrated by gun rights advocates all over, Continue reading “Victory in the Courts for Gun Rights Advocates in California”
Eighteen Sheriff’s Deputies Charged With Engaging In Corruption and Civil Right Abuses.
Eighteen current and former Los Angeles County deputies are currently facing charges for engaging in corruption and civil right abuses. The charges include beating inmates and visitors, as well as falsifying reports and trying to block an FBI investigation.
The charges were announced yesterday after 16 of the 18 deputies were arrested. The two deputies Continue reading “Eighteen Sheriff’s Deputies Charged With Engaging In Corruption and Civil Right Abuses.”
Reward Offered for Information on the Hit and Run that Killed a Probation Officer
On Wednesday, a 50 thousand dollar reward was offered for any information that may lead to the arrest and conviction of the person who committed the fatal hit and run that killed Kenneth Hamilton, an employee with the Los Angeles County Probation Department.
On October 28, Kenneth Hamilton was struck and killed, while riding his Continue reading “Reward Offered for Information on the Hit and Run that Killed a Probation Officer”
Child Shot Multiples Times During Gang Related Shooting
Last night an adult in his 20s and a 5 year old child were shot in Orange Avenue, Long Beach. The child, a 5 year old playing in his yard is believed to be an innocent bystander in a gang-related shooting targeted at the adult. The shooting took place just before 7:00 p.m. When police Continue reading “Child Shot Multiples Times During Gang Related Shooting”
State Assemblyman Mike Gatto’s Father Shot During Home Invasion
The Father of California State Assemblyman Mike Gatto, Joseph Gatto was found dead at his residence in Silver Lake Wednesday night. A member of the Gatto family arrived at their home to find 78 year old Joseph’s body over a desk. Firefighters arrived just past 8 pm to conduct a death investigation, the investigation determined Continue reading “State Assemblyman Mike Gatto’s Father Shot During Home Invasion”
Former Texas Prosecutor, Ken Anderson Convicted of Criminal Contempt
A former Texas district attorney plead guilty to intentionally failing to disclose evidence. Ken Anderson, former district attorney for Williamson County will be serving 10 days in jail and is giving up his license to practice law. Anderson withheld information that led to the conviction of an innocent man, Michael Morton, Continue reading “Former Texas Prosecutor, Ken Anderson Convicted of Criminal Contempt”
Sam’s Club Shoppers Accidentally Discharge a Gun Outside the Store
A southern California man, Robert Duncan and his wife, Helen Marie Duncan were arrested after a gun Helen was carrying inside a fanny pack accidentally went off outside of Sam’s club in Glendora.
The incident took place outside the Sam’s club located at 1300 block of South Lone Hill Avenue just before Continue reading “Sam’s Club Shoppers Accidentally Discharge a Gun Outside the Store”
California Punishes Sex Offenders Who Tamper With Their GPS Devices
California Governor Jerry Brown
On Saturday Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation requiring sex offenders who disarm or disable their GPS trackers while on parole to return to jail.
A recent investigation showed that because of jail crowding many sex offenders who were detained for tampering with their GPS devices were released immediately after they were Continue reading “California Punishes Sex Offenders Who Tamper With Their GPS Devices”
San Diego Man Arrested for Marijuana Possesion and Child Endangerment
A 23 year old man from San Diego, Christopher Palmer is currently being held in custody after police officers found dozens of cannabis plant along with 13 puppies, 3 adult dogs and a 3 month old baby at his home.
Firefighter’s arrived at Palmer’s home in the City Heights after a garage fire was reported Continue reading “San Diego Man Arrested for Marijuana Possesion and Child Endangerment”
Deputy of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Charge With Lewd Acts with a Minor
Deputy John Rose (left) along with a colleague.
John Augustus Rose, A deputy of the Los Angeles county sheriff’s department was arrested after allegations of him having sexual relation with an underage girl arose.
When the sheriff’s department became aware of the allegations against deputy Rose, they immediately commenced an investigation to look into the matter. Continue reading “Deputy of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Charge With Lewd Acts with a Minor”
How the War on Drugs is Changing
Currently, the United States imprisons more people than any other country, a large portion of U.S. prisoners are there because of drug sentencing policies that are not helping people in need, instead they are throwing nonviolent drug offenders into state prisons along with violent criminals.
Because of the policies and mandatory minimums that are tied Continue reading “How the War on Drugs is Changing”
Undocumented Immigrant Fights for His Right to Practice Law
Sergio Garcia
On Wednesday, Sergio Garcia, 36, was the subject of a Supreme Court hearing in California. Garcia is an undocumented immigrant who was brought to the U.S. as a baby, then returned to Mexico when he was 9 and came back to the U.S. at the age of 17. He graduated from high school Continue reading “Undocumented Immigrant Fights for His Right to Practice Law”
16 Year Old Facing Two First-Degree Murder Charges
Daniel Marsh
Daniel Marsh, a 16 year old who is currently facing murder charges for the deaths of Chip Northtrup and Claudia Maupin, an elderly couple from Davis, CA.
Marsh is facing two counts of first degree murder with special circumstances relating to the deaths of the Davis couple.
Two days after his arrest, Marsh Continue reading “16 Year Old Facing Two First-Degree Murder Charges”
Landlord’s Property Seized by Federal Government
After an undercover Anaheim police officer used a doctor’s recommendation to purchase marijuana from a medical marijuana dispensary located at one of Tony Jalali’s office spaces, the federal government began proceeding in order to seize the building in which the sale of marijuana took place in.
Jalali’s building consists of 12 offices and is worth Continue reading “Landlord’s Property Seized by Federal Government”
Loophole Fixed in California Rape Law
Early this year in People v. Morales, the court overturned a rape conviction of a man who posed as a woman’s boyfriend as she slept in order to have sex with the victim. The court ruled that California’s rape law covered impersonators, however the court said, only when the impersonator acts as a spouse.
Because Continue reading “Loophole Fixed in California Rape Law”
Eric Holder Proposes Changes in our Justice Department
Attorney General Eric Holder
Attorney General Eric Holder has announced a new policy in our Justice Department, under this new policy low level, nonviolent drug offenders who are not tied to gangs or drug organizations will no longer be charged with offenses that require mandatory minimum sentences.
Holder revealed this new policy at the American Continue reading “Eric Holder Proposes Changes in our Justice Department”
California Releasing Around 1,000 Inmates Early.
Overcrowding in a CA State Prison
California, currently under court orders to minimize the crowding of their prisons by the end of the year is facing a tough time figuring out how to relocate 9,600 inmates. Officials claim that they may be forced to free about 1,000 inmates before they complete their prison sentences.
Many Continue reading “California Releasing Around 1,000 Inmates Early.”
Los Angeles Couple Imprisoned In Qatar
The Huangs, with two of the children
Matthew and Grace Huang, a couple from Los Angeles were arrested in Doha, Qatar after their adoptive daughter, Gloria Continue reading “Los Angeles Couple Imprisoned In Qatar”
High School Teacher Facing One Year in Jail After Pleading Guilty to Six Counts of Sex Crimes
Elizabeth Whitehurst at her trial in San Bernardino County
A former High school teacher is facing a year in jail after she plead guilty to sex crimes she committed with three of her students. Laura Elizabeth Whitehurst, 28, faced 41 felony counts of sex crimes, on Wednesday she plead guilty to two counts for oral copulation and Continue reading “High School Teacher Facing One Year in Jail After Pleading Guilty to Six Counts of Sex Crimes”
Riot in Huntington Beach Sunday 7/28/2013
Looters breaking into a bike shop in Huntington Beach
Sunday night a violent group of rioters broke away from the thousand gathered at Huntington Beach for the Vans U.S. open for surfing. Vehicles, street signs, newspaper racks, and a bike shop were damaged during the incident.
According to police and witnesses the violence started after Continue reading “Riot in Huntington Beach Sunday 7/28/2013”
Police Officer Fired, After Voicing Concerns Over Ticket Quota
Former Auburn police officer, Justin Hanners
A former police officer of Auburn, Alabama has recently spoken out against the police department’s ticket quota tactics. “When I first heard about the quotas I was appalled.” says Justin Hanners, whose refusal to drop the issue of ticket quotas lost him his job.
“I got into law enforcement Continue reading “Police Officer Fired, After Voicing Concerns Over Ticket Quota”
Hundreds Marched Against Police Brutality
Protestors gathered in Anaheim
On Sunday, hundreds of civilians marched through Anaheim, marking the one year anniversary of a police shooting that killed Manuel Diaz, 25, who was unarmed.
The demonstration also focused on the police brutality that has taken place in Anaheim recently. The day after police shot Manuel Diaz, another police shooting took Continue reading “Hundreds Marched Against Police Brutality”
Hollywood’s Roaming Robbers
Band of robbers in Hollywood Boulevard
Tuesday night a band of robbers tore through Hollywood Boulevard. Police believe these are the same juveniles who broke off from the Zimmerman protest in the Crenshaw district and attacked people earlier this week.
Los Angeles Police Department’s Sergeant Johnson said “I think this specific group came up to Continue reading “Hollywood’s Roaming Robbers”
Los Angeles Zimmerman Protests continue
Protestor gathered at Leimert Park
After the fourth day of protest over the acquittal of George Zimmerman. Los Angeles police have vowed to crack down on disorderly conduct. On Monday night, the police department said that protesters will no longer be able to march on the streets, as the department allowed on previous nights. Instead, Continue reading “Los Angeles Zimmerman Protests continue”
Largest Prison Hunger Strike in California History
Supporters of the inmates protesting outside twin towers correction facility
Monday morning nearly 30,000 inmates stopped eating in order to protest prison conditions and rules. The protest has spread over two-thirds of California prisons, and many inmates are also refusing to attend their work assignments.
The strike is centered on the state’s solitary confinement practices Continue reading “Largest Prison Hunger Strike in California History”
Detroit, Nearly Bankrupt and Paying its Lawyers $1000 an Hour
Detroit, currently facing a $380 million deficit is paying its lawyers $1,000 an hour because as Charlie Langton, a legal analyst at WWJ (A Detroit based TV Channel) explains it “that’s the going rate.”
Jones Day, the company hired by Detroit government to restructure its finances has already stacked a bill of $1.4 million according Continue reading “Detroit, Nearly Bankrupt and Paying its Lawyers $1000 an Hour”
Couple Arrested in Davis for Indecent Exposure
Wenyi Xu and Nicholas Bowen
Davis police have arrested a couple under charges of indecent exposure and lewd acts in public after a city park worker saw Wenyi Xu, 30, flashing bicyclists.
Police say the couple was targeting kids at a popular Davis bike trail yesterday morning at 9:30 am. Her accomplice, Nicholas Bowen, 61 Continue reading “Couple Arrested in Davis for Indecent Exposure”
Arson Suspect Faces Charges for Nine Fires
The Mill Fire in Yucaipa
On Wednesday, July 10, 2013, Stephen Taylor Rutherford, 47, was charged with 13 felony counts of arson. He has been accused with the burning of more than 600 acres in the San Bernardino and Riverside counties, including the Mills Fire in Yucaipa. Rutherford is currently behind bars with a set Continue reading “Arson Suspect Faces Charges for Nine Fires”