Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Blog

Tiger Woods, the popular champion golfer apparently was involved in a domestic violence incident. Rather then being the violent perpetrator, Mr. Woods was chased from his house by his wife, Elin Nordegren. According to reports, Ms. Nordegren was furious about an affair that Tiger Woods was having a 24-year-old cocktail waitress.

If the stories of her assault were correct, then she could have been charged with domestic violence. Under California law, an assault with a weapon is a strike offense and could lead to four years in prison. Ironically, had Tiger Woods been driving under the influence of alcohol when he crashed into the fire hydrant, he could have been charged with a DUI. However, these facts were never even alleged against the pro-golfer.

Tiger Woods’ wife blasted his mistress in a furious phone call when she found out about their affair. The "other woman" Jaimee Grubbs, is a Los Angeles cocktail waitress. A smart woman, Tiger's wife called her from a blocked number and when Ms. Grubbs asked who was calling, Mrs. Woods said "you know who this is because you're fuc*ing my husband."

As details of the car crash and Tiger Woods' wife chasing out of the house and threatening him with, of all things, a golf club, Tiger finally admitted that he had cheated on his wife and apologized for what he had done.

Ms. Grubbs is the second person to be allegedly connected to Tiger Woods. Immediately after the 2:00 AM crash of his $50,000 Escalade, the press was reporting his connection with Kalika Moquin, a Vegas nightclub promoter.

According to reports, Tiger Woods complained to friends that his wife had gone ballistic on him and scratched his face just hours before the car crash.

Continue reading "Tiger Woods involved in a Domestic Violence incident and was the Victim" »

Former Tennessee quarterback, Steve McNair, who was found this past Saturday shot and killed in his girlfriend's apartment was determined to be murdered. Also found dead was Sahel Kazemi with one gunshot wound to the head.

From the very beginning, investigators were very quiet about what happened while they were waiting for results from tests completed immediately after the bodies were discovered. This morning, those same investigators announced their conclusion that McNair's girlfriend murdered the football player and then turned the gun on herself. Top criminal defense attorneys assisted in the investigation

At a news conference, Police Chief Ronal Serpas made the announcement that Kazemi, 20, was extremely depressed over mounting personal problems. Apparently, financial problems and a recent DUI arrest contributed to the stress. But, the final straw was learning that McNair was married.

Police stated that they believe that Kazemi approached McNair while he was asleep on the couch at a rented condominium at 1:45 AM on Saturday. She raised the gun and shot him once in the left temple, then pointed the gun to his chest and shot him two more times. The final shot was to his left temple. Then she shot herself in the head after positioning herself that she would die in his lap.

The evidence pointed to McNair being asleep because it appeared he did not raise his hands to defend himself. Recent advances in forensic testing allows law enforcement to tests for Gun Shot Residue (GRS). The residue is the burnt gun power that is discharged when the gun is fired.

Continue reading "Former NFL Steve McNair Murdered by Girlfriend WHo Then Killed Herself" »

After two trials and well over a week of deliberations, music producer Phil Spector was convicted of second degree murder in the Los Angeles shooting death of actress Lana Clarkson. Spector, 69, was immediately remanded into custody by Judge Larry Paul Fidler.

The producer was quiet as usual when he arrived in court. As the verdict was read he looked straight ahead and did not show any emotion. The six-man, six-woman jury began deliberating on March 26, 2009, after a 5 month trial. This was the second trial for Spector whose first trial ended in a hung jury. Alan Jackson, the prosecutor, tried both cases. The facts presented in both cases was primarily the same. This time the jury seemed to take the evidence of Phil Spector's quirky behavior of pointing guns at the heads of woman who he dated, but refused to sleep with him, as evidence of his implied malice.

As soon as the shooting occurred back in 2003, Spector immediately hired his pre-filing Los Angeles defense attorney. The reason to do so is that a Southern California criminal defense attorney can make the difference between the police immediately gathering all of the evidence and destroying the crime scene, and a representative of the accused being able to begin the process of preparing a strong and capable defense.

Spector was convicted of second degree murder. The crime carries the a penalty of 15 years to life in prison. In order to prove this crime the prosecution must prove that at the time he shot Ms. Clarkson, he knew the dangers of his actions and then proceeded to handle the gun in a manner that was careless as to human life. The standard of proof is very high. The prosecution must prove this crime beyond a reasonable doubt. That is the highest standard there is in any court.

Continue reading "Phil Spector Guilty Of Murder of Lana Clarkson in Los Angeles" »

After two years of investigation, rapper T.I. plead guilty and was sentenced to just over one year in prison. T.I., whose given name is Clifford Harris, was charged with three felony counts after he was arrested as he received machine guns equipped with silencers.

Originally, he pleaded not guilty. When his attorneys informed him that he could face 10 years in prison for each count, he changed his mind. He plead in October but sentencing was continued to this past Friday, March 27, 2009. During the several months between conviction and sentencing, TI has performed over 1000 hours of community service and completed his reality series.

He will soon turn himself in to prison the face the sentence that he agrees to take. It is important that if a person is arrested or charged with a weapons charge, that a top notch Los Angeles and Southern California weapons defense attorney is contacted right away. Waiting until the charges have been filed or until the first court date can be too late gather evidence to convince the prosecution not to file criminal charges.

As we see the beginning of a new President and Vice President for the United States, we will most likely see a new beginning for criminal prosecutions for Los Angeles DUIs and Southern California criminal law.

Already the new administration has claimed that there will be a clamp down on crime. The local administrations have also claimed that they will vigorously prosecute even minor offenses. It will not matter if you are arrested for a Los Angeles DUI, a Long Beach crime, a San Fernando robbery, or a Pasadena DUI, the police will be trying to enforce the law to the fullest. For that reason, it is important to hire a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney who has the experience and knowledge to defend you.

The new emphasis on punishment for minor offenses is going to put regular citizens in a bad position. In the past, judges and prosecutors understood that there is a clear difference between people who are law abiding but who make a mistake, and those who a repeat offenders. Now, even minor offenses are going to punished more severely.

As a former prosecutor, Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Michael Kraut, handles criminal matters in the Los Angeles and throughout Southern California. His Harvard Law School training and over 14 years experience as a senior trial prosecutor has put Mr. Kraut in a unique position to defend individuals arrested and charged with Los Angeles based crimes.

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime and or you need to hire a Los Angeles pre-filing defense attorney or you are under investigation for violent crime in Southern California, please contact Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Michael Kraut for 24/7 assistance by phone at (323) 464-6453 or toll free at (888) 334-6344 or online.

A man dressed as Santa Claus opened fire at his relative's house in Los Angeles suburb of Covina killing 9 people and then shooting himself after going to the house at almost midnight. The shooter then set fire to the scene starting a Los Angeles arson and then fled the scene, traveling 40 miles to Sylmar, California and then killed himself. Had the gunman lived, he could have been charged with a Los Angeles murder. In fact, he could have faced capital murder charges, also called murder with special circumstances. In California, a person that commits murder in the commission of a Los Angeles arson crime, could be charged with the death penalty. In addition, the special circumstances of the multiple murders also could lead to the death penalty. These crimes are defended by a Los Angeles homicide crime defense attorney.

Continue reading "Christmas Eve shooting in Los Angeles Suburb of Covina Ends with Arson" »

I want to wish everyone in the Los Angeles and Southern California area who reads or is redirected to this Los Angeles and Southern California Criminal Defense Blog a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah. This blog is now six months old and I am pleased that it seems to have helped so many people. I have received many comments from people around the area that they have been helped by the information here.

In an attempt to wrap it up for the year I want to make sure that people are safe for this holiday season. I also want those people people who get into a Los Angeles DUI that if they should be stopped by the police in at a Southern California DUI checkpoint, or by Los Angeles law enforcement, that a Los Angeles DUI defense attorney is available 24/7 to assist if you or a loved one.

Because Southern California DUIs are taken so seriously, you need to know your rights and responsibilities. Remember you do not need to take the Los Angeles Law Enforcement PAS test in the field. If you are stopped by the police make sure to be polite. If they ask you to take the Los Angeles field sobriety tests you must comply. But if they ask or demand that you take a PAS test you are allowed to refuse. It is the recommendation of this Los Angeles DUI defense attorney to refuse this test. It can only be used against you. If you blow a significant BAC then you will be arrested. If you are taken to the police station you will be offered a choice of the breath or blood test. The choice is yours. But try to delay the test as long as possible. The law requires that the blood test must be taken with a specific time. If it is not done within the allotted time then the results will be thrown out in court.

Continue reading "Christmas and Holiday Wishes From Los Angeles and Southern California" »

A Los Angeles driver of a Bentley Continental was shot and killed late at night this week while driving on the 101 freeway near downtown Los Angeles. While shootings and murders are not uncommon in this Southern California city, violent crime rates with the use of weapons had recently been published as falling significantly.

Now that the person who committed this violent crime needs to contact a Los Angeles violent crimes defense attorney who has extensive experience on handling both Southern California murder cases, and who practices as a Southern California weapons crime defense attorney.

Now that the victim died, the person who pulled the trigger, or the person who knowingly drove the vehicle with the shooter inside, could be charged with murder. Shooting from a motor vehicle is a capital crime if convicted the person could be charged with the death penalty, also called capital murder.

The person who either committed this crime, or who helped in any way needs to contact a Los Angeles pre-filing criminal defense attorney. There may be several defenses to this crime, but the police will be looking to pin a murder case on who ever was involved. Even though violent crime has recently fallen, there are still many murders occurring in the Los Angeles area.

In fact, almost all of the serious crimes, except Los Angeles DUI charges handled by a Los Angeles DUI defense attorney, had been falling in recent years due to increase policing activities by local law enforcement. The unnamed motorist was driving his $200,000 vehicle on the highway when he crashed into the center median. Other cars stopped to render aide, but found that the driver had not been in just a simple car wreck, but had been peppered with bullets.

The crime scene that ensued snarled traffic in excess of 8 hours. Police state that a 25-year-old man was driving the luxury car on the freeway and was found unconscious and riddled with bullets. He was in critical condition and not expected to live when he was admitted to the hospital. He later died.

Police could not find any reason for the murder, nor were there any clues as to who was the shooter(s). Police are now turning to traffic and security cameras to see if the crime was caught on video. Police are clueless if this was a random shooting or a gang murder.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Celebrity Car Peppered with Bullets on Southern California Highway" »

Mark Ruffalo's brother was found dead in his Beverly Hills apartment after a gunshot killed the young man in this Los Angeles city. Scott Ruffalo, 39, was pronounced dead at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. A woman that was wanted for questioning was initially arrested and held with no bail. According to those in the know, her Los Angeles criminal defense attorney met with the detectives from the Beverly Hill s Police Department.

After a careful review of the facts, the woman,Shaha Mishaal Adham, known to be a Saudi princess, was released from custody. Apparently, she was scared and left the location of the shooting after she went to Ruffalo's residence to retrieve keys to her SUV.

Police learned that Ruffalo was playing "Russian Roulette" with a hand gun when the gun went off. Facts now show that the woman was not involved, but merely was a witness to a horrible crime.

Continue reading "Actor Mark Ruffalo's Brother Dies From Gunshot in Los Angeles" »

Los Angeles County Sheriffs arrested a Monrovia man at Disneyland after his 5 day violent crime spree. The man was arrested after he traveled through 3 different counties in Southern California committing carjackings, home-invasion robberies, and an attempted murder.

The man, Anthony Hislar, was arrested after law enforcement officials informed Anaheim police of the whereabouts of the suspect. He was then located at Disneyland and taken into custody. He was at Disneyland socializing with two people he met on MySpace.

This is not Hislar's first contact with law enforcement. Three years ago Hislar was arrested in Santa Barbara after a high speed chase with police. In 2005, he drove the wrong way on roadways. He was then arrested. Mr. Hislar needs to hire a Monrovia serious crimes attorney. Because if he is convicted of these charges, he probably will never be released from custody again.

Three years ago, Anthony Hislar was arrested after leading a high-speed chase through UCSB and Isla Vista.

After the arrest at Disneyland, Hisler was booked on more then two dozen charges and his bail was set at $3.4 million.

Only a few minutes ago OJ Simpson , and his co-defendant were convicted of 12 different felonies. As most people know 13 years ago the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office unsuccessfully tried Simpson on double murder charges. He was acquitted of all charges and was immediately set free. Soon thereafter he moved to Florida.

Simpson was never able to stay out of the news. Repeatedly he was hauled into court to face one charge or another however there was never a conviction. That all changed today. Simpson and his co-defendant, Mr. Stewart, now face a minimal of 15 years to life for the crimes that occurred at the Palace Station Hotel and Casino. Simpson is currently 61 years old. That means that Simpson will be at least 76 years old before he is eligible for parole.

Simpson faced a dozen charges stemming from a conspiracy between Simpson and five associates . They all stormed into the room of a sports memorabilia collectibles dealer. Many of the items that Simpson was convicted of stealing were given by Simpson to the dealer to avoid paying the multi-million dollar civil judgment . That Judgment was owed to the Goldman and Brown families after he was convicted in civil court in the deaths of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson. All but one of his associates pled prior to trial, many of them ended up testifying against Simpson.

Continue reading "OJ Simpson Convicted 13 Years To The Day He Was Aquitted In Los Angeles of Double Murder" »

This past week a 15 year old boy in Montebello, CA, a suburb of Los Angeles, was charged with two counts of murder for the shooting death of a man and his 12 year old son at a graduation party. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office charged the minor as an adult and filed 2 counts of murder with the use of a gun against the teen.

In California, the prosecution may file adult charges on a minor that commits certain violent crimes. One of those crimes of course is murder. Murder is the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought. Malice aforethought is defined as an intent to kill. The LADA's Office also charged this minor with a gang allegation. The gang allegation is charged under Penal Code Section 186.22. This is used to prove intent and motive for the killing. For example, the prosecution wants to prove that the killing was intentional and was planned a head of time. This would make the level of murder 1st degree murder. The punishment for first degree murder is 25 years to life. The fact, as in this case, the defendant is charged with a second murder increases the penalty and punishment even higher. California criminal law allows for a person convicted of multiple murder to be sentenced to death or life in prison without the possibility of parole. Because the defendant charged in this crime is a minor, by law, he is not allowed to be given the death penalty and the judge would have to sentence him to life in prison without parole.

Because the defendant is also charged with shooting the two victims, he faces another 25 years to life for the use of the gun in each count. Therefore, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life without the possibility of parole plus 50 years to life for the gun allegation.

Continue reading "Teen Charged as an adult with double Murder in Los Angeles" »

This past week there was a new turn of events on the recent crime wave of robberies on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. For the eighth time in recent weeks a group of young men have held up shoppers taking their personal possessions and scaring these victims. Some news reporters have incorrectly stated that the culprits were committing armed burglaries.

In California, robbery is defined by Penal Code Section 211 as the taking of personal property of some value, no matter how slight, from the immediate presence of another person, by the use of force or fear. The force could be a gun or other weapon. The fear element means that the person being robbed felt fear for their safety, or the safety of another person. It is punishable by jail or prison and and fines.

There are two types of robberies, first degree robbery and second degree robbery. Robbery of the first degree is when the person commits a robbery as defined previously, but the robbery occurs either at an ATM, in the home of a person, or of a taxi or bus driver. The more common form of robbery is robbery of the second degree. These are all other types of robberies, such as street muggings.

Continue reading "Robbers attack shoppers on Melrose in Los Angeles" »