Recent Blog Posts

Ventura Man Arrested for Hit-and-Run Crash and Shooting

Ventura Criminal Attorney — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:56:00 GMT

Authorities arrested a 19-year-old man who was arrested in connection to a gang-related shooting and hit-and-run crash in Ventura this last week. The shooting occurred Saturday night and authorities received multiple calls about shots being fired on South Saticoy Street. When officers arrived at the scene, they found several cars involved in a hit-and-run crash and shell casings. After an investigation, a 19-year-old man was arrested and booked for the negligent discharging of a firearm, conspiracy to commit a felony, multiple counts of hit-and-run and commission of a gang-related crime.

It was not immediately known if there were injuries caused, and the incident still remains under police investigation. The man will now face the possibility of multiple penalties if he is convicted of all of these crimes. A hit and run accident is defined by the law as the act of causing or being involved in a traffic accident and then leaving the scene of an accident before identifying oneself. This crime can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor, and the penalties for conviction can include jail time, fines, probation, two points on one's driving record and more. It can be difficult to defend against these charges in court, and it is necessary to have a strong legal advocate who is thoroughly acquainted with the law.

Here at Lessem & Newstat, we understand the delicate nature of criminal charges and we do everything in our power to help those who have been accused. If you have been charged with a hit and run, a Ventura criminal attorney from our firm will carefully investigate the scene of the accident and the evidence brought against you. Our strong defense team will then build a compelling defense case against your charges and fight for your charges to be reduced or dismissed altogether. Whatever situation you may find yourself in, contact a Ventura criminal lawyer from our firm for help!

San Fernando Police Hunting for "Valley Predator"

Van Nuys Criminal Attorney — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:30:00 GMT

The San Fernando Police are pursuing the possibility that there are two men who are responsible for the recent assaults and attempted kidnappings of young women and girls by someone known as the "Valley Predator". Instead of one man being responsible for all of the attacks, the LAPD is strongly considering that two men are switching seats and switching roles in these crimes. This certainly explains the wide variety of suspect descriptions for the "Valley Predator", who has been attacking victims throughout the San Fernando Valley communities dating back to January 2011.

Two assaults on young girls in the San Fernando Valley occurred this past week, and the "Valley Predator" is known for trying to make some type of verbal contact or eye contact with his victims. There was also an attempted kidnapping of a 13-year-old in Granada Hills on Monday, but police have not yet confirmed if these crimes were related. The LAPD has issued three safety alerts in the three weeks for schools in the San Fernando Valley, and detectives are working hard to uncover who the "Valley Predators" may be.

The penalties for being charged with assault are severe, and individuals who are found to be guilty of this violent crime can suffer felony charges if convicted. The penalties for being charged with kidnapping are even more severe as this is always considered to be a felony charge. The individuals who are charged with being the "Valley Predators" may face various forms of these criminal charges, depending on the evidence that is brought against them and the testimonies of the victims. They will likely face time in California state prison unless they have strong legal defense from a Van Nuys criminal attorney. For more information on these crimes, contact a Van Nuys criminal lawyer today at Lessem & Newstat, LLP.

Man Charged with Stealing Almost $500,000 in Movie Posters

Van Nuys Criminal Attorney — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:10:00 GMT

A 36-year-old man from Reseda was arrested Thursday for allegedly stealing nearly $500,000 worth of movie posters for scores of films such as "The Hunger Games" and other current box-office films. The man was tried in a Van Nuys courtroom and pleaded not guilty to one count each of grand theft of personal property and receiving stolen property. The majority of the 3,000 movie posters were stolen from bus shelters and the criminal complaint includes allegations that the man took property valued at over $200,000.

If the man is guilty and convicted of all charges, he could face a maximum of five years behind bars according to California law. Theft is the criminal activity of stealing, taking, carrying, leading or driving away the personal belongings or valuables of another without their consent. Theft charges are generally categorized as petty theft or grand theft depending on the value of the merchandise stolen. In this situation, the Reseda man is charged with grand theft because the value of the merchandise exceeds $400.

Prosecutors are saying the man stole the 3,000 posters owned by CBS from bus shelters throughout the San Fernando Valley during an eight to nine month period. He is also accused of selling the posters on an online auction site for more than $450,000. The LAPD have conducted a thorough investigation and search of the man's property, and he will need an especially strong defense case to prevent spending time in jail. At Lessem & Newstat, our team of defense lawyers is highly knowledgeable in criminal defense law and the strategies that are effective at avoiding a theft conviction in the San Fernando Valley.

A Van Nuys criminal defense lawyer at our firm can help if you have found yourself in a similar situation to this man and are now facing theft charges. From shoplifting to grand theft, we take on all types of cases and provide high-quality legal representation for every client. Contact a Van Nuys criminal attorney at our firm today to schedule a free consultation!

Bobby Brown Released from Jail on Bail after DUI Arrest

Van Nuys Criminal Defense Lawyer — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:09:00 GMT

The ex-husband of Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown, was released on bail from the Van Nuys jail where he was taken after being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. According to the police report, the 43-year-old was pulled over in Reseda around 12:20 p.m. and taken to jail for having a blood alcohol level over 0.08 percent, the legal limit.

According to the LAPD, Brown was put through four sobriety tests and was arrested after failing all of them. Brown has a previous DUI that occurred in Georgia back in 1996, an offense for which he served eight days in jail. Thankfully, his prior DUI was more than 10 years ago and Brown will not have to worry about the extended penalties that result from a second DUI offense in the state of California. With the help of a skilled Van Nuys defense lawyer, Brown may be able to challenge his DUI charges and avoid penalties such as jail time, costly fines and more.

With more than 50 years of combined experience assisting clients with DUI charges, our firm understands what is at stake when you are charged with a DUI. Regardless of whether your arrest was the result of a failed breathalyzer test or a failed field sobriety test, we are intimately familiar with the legal defense strategies that can be used to protect your rights in the courtroom. In some cases, we have been able to successfully prove that our clients' charges were the result of errors that were made in the testing process by the police officers involved. To learn more about your DUI charges and the many ways that Lessem & Newstat can help, contact a Van Nuys DUI attorney at our firm today!

Van Nuys Manager at H&R Block Arrested for Identity Theft of Clients

Van Nuys Criminal Defense Attorney — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 18:05:00 GMT

A manager at H&R Block in Van Nuys has been arrested for using the identities of former tax preparation clients in an identity theft scheme. The 38-year-old man from North Hills was arrested by the IRS's Criminal Investigation division after a criminal complaint was filed against him, and H&R Block is contributing to the ongoing government investigation into the man's actions. It is alleged that the man obtained personal identifying information of past customers while working as a manager for an H&R Block office in Van Nuys, and that he used this information to file bogus tax returns in their names. After filing the fraudulent returns, he obtained tax refunds and credits by using H&R Block Emerald Cards to withdraw the refunds from automated teller machines.

According to a spokesperson, H&R Block is taking this matter very seriously and this was an isolated incident that involved only a small number of clients. When the police pulled over the manager, he was found with six envelopes each containing a name, partial Social Security number and an H&R Block Emerald card inside. The man was also found with nearly $2,960 in cash and a printout of Social Security numbers of clients. The police found further evidence in the manager's home that points to illegal activities, and he awaits further court hearings to determine his penalties.

Identity theft is defined as the unlawful obtainment and use of someone else's personal information in order to commit fraud or other illegal activities. If you are under investigation for a form of identity theft, it is in your best interests to contact a Van Nuys identity theft attorney immediately. These investigations typically involve government agencies such as the IRS and you need a knowledgeable legal advocate who will protect your rights. Don't wait to call an experienced Van Nuys defense lawyer from our firm to learn more!

Former LAPD Detective Convicted of Murder in Van Nuys

Van Nuys Criminal Attorney — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 17:13:00 GMT

After three days of deliberation, a jury found a former LAPD detective guilty of the killing of her ex-boyfriend's wife in 1986. The detective had been a member of the LAPD for only two years at the time of the death, when police found the body of a 29-year-old hospital nursing director badly beaten with multiple gunshot wounds in her Van Nuys home on February 24, 1986.

Police did not immediately suspect the LAPD detective, even though they knew she had a long-term romantic relationship with the victim's husband before he married the nursing director. The case went cold when investigators couldn't find any evidence leading to the suspects, but was reopened in 2004 by LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division cold case detectives who discovered DNA evidence in the case. With no match linking the DNA to any of the profiles in the database, the case went cold again.

The case was reopened again in 2009 as part of a systematic review of cold cases, and they began looking at the LAPD detective as a possible suspect. After a DNA sample was retrieved from her person, police were able to link her to the killing. The Chief of the LAPD apologized to the victim's family for the more than two decades that it took to solve the case and bring justice to the situation.

When a police officer is convicted of murder or any type of crime, it can make us question whether or not they are being honest in their day-to-day work. It is possible that this LAPD detective accused several other individuals of committing the murder so that she could avoid suspicion. If you have been accused of a crime in Van Nuys or the surrounding neighborhoods in Los Angeles, you need the help of an experienced Van Nuys criminal attorney who will fight for your rights. Contact a Van Nuys criminal lawyer at our firm today to learn more about how we can defend you and fight your charges.

Child Sexual Abuse Starting to be Recognized More in Los Angeles

Van Nuys Criminal Attorney — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:26:00 GMT

The recent child sex abuse scandals on the news have traumatized parents, schools and communities throughout Van Nuys and the greater Los Angeles area. After two school teachers at Miramonte Elementary School were arrested for sexual misconduct in February, another female teacher in Los Angeles was arrested for allegations of abuse. The Los Angeles school district is now conducting an investigation into the personnel files on school staff in an attempt to uncover any cases that were not previously reported.

The district is also calling for major changes on how such allegations are handled and all teachers who are accused of misconduct will be reported to the state credentialing commission. This effort to uncover cases of abuse could trigger new investigations and unfounded accusations of sex crimes as well. According to state law, the term "sex crime" defines a wide range of acts that can involve indecent exposure, solicitation, internet sex crimes, prostitution and much more.

If you are under investigation for a sex crime, it is important to take action to defend your rights. This type of criminal investigation is notorious for spreading like wildfire, and may impact your reputation and your current job situation as well. Contact a Van Nuys defense attorney at our firm immediately after you learn about your charges. We know how to effectively defend your rights against all types of sex crime charges, and we are not afraid to go to trial for you.

Court Rules that California Inmates Can Be Forced to Submit DNA

Van Nuys Criminal Lawyer — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 20:05:00 GMT

The federal appeals court approved the right of California law enforcement officials to collect DNA samples from people arrested for felonies. This practice has been in place for some time, but was recently appealed because of privacy concerns raised by the forced DNA collections. The court ruled that the law enforcement officials' interest in identifying crime suspects, solving cold cases and clearing those wrongly accused of crimes overshadowed the concern for privacy.

The appeal was in response to a lawsuit filed by four Californians who were charged with felony crimes but never convicted. They challenged the right of law enforcement to collect DNA samples from those who are accused but not convicted, stating that it was an unconstitutional search and seizure. There have been roughly 20,000 "hits" connecting suspects with crimes since the practice of collecting DNA began, and the state Department of Justice firmly believes that it is an effective tool in finding criminals.

When you consider that one-third of the 30,000 people arrested in California for felonies each year are never actually charged with felonies, you can see why the state wouldn't want to go through the trouble of removing the DNA information for those who haven't been convicted. The state has made it possible for individuals who were never convicted to have their DNA information removed through the process of expungement. If you were charged with a felony offense in Southern California but never convicted, a Van Nuys defense lawyer at our firm can help you file for expungement to have the DNA information removed. We strongly believe in your privacy rights and we will fight for you so that you can have a clean record. This process can be legally complex, and we recommend that you contact our firm today to get started.

Charged with a DUI While Visiting Southern California?

Van Nuys DUI Lawyer — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 23:02:00 GMT

If you are visiting California from another state or country, you must realize that every state has different driving rules and legislation regarding DUI charges. Many times, out of state drivers are caught off guard by the aggressive way in which California law enforcement officers will pursue drivers suspected of driving under the influence. If you or someone you know have received a DUI charge while visiting Southern California, those charges will not go away when you return home.

Drivers often think that they can leave behind a DUI charge when they return home, when in actuality their DUI charge will not only remain in California but it will follow them to their home state as well. You will face some of the harshest penalties in the country for your DUI in California, and you may lose your privilege to drive in the state for an extended period of time. Thanks to an agreement called the Interstate Drivers' License Compact, there is a high possibility that your home state will receive information about your DUI arrest and any charges or license suspensions that result.

You will have 10 days to request a DMV Administration hearing after you have been charged with a DUI in California. Without the help of a criminal defense lawyer, you will have to travel back to California to attend the hearing in person and defend your rights. You will also have to make another trip to attend your court hearing, where a judge will determine the extent of your penalties. You can avoid the hassle and expenses of traveling, as well as make sure your rights are protected, when you contact a DUI lawyer at our firm. We are highly skilled in California DUI lawyer and we excel at defending out of state drivers against all types of DUI charges.

The Most Common Types of Internet Fraud

Van Nuys Criminal Lawyer — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 19:27:00 GMT

According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, more than a million women and almost 400,000 men are stalked online every year. Cyperstalking is on the rise, and senior citizens and children are the most likely targets. But these numbers for cyberstalking seem insignificant compared to the shocking number of "spoofing" of "phishing" fraud scams that occur every year. Spoofing is an attempt to make Internet users believe they are receiving emails from a reliable, trusted source or that they are securely connected to a trusted web site. Individuals are tricked into providing personal or financial information that will be used to commit credit card, bank fraud and other forms of identity theft.

Spoofing and other fraud attempts are illegal and are receiving special attention from the FBI's specialized Cyber Squads and Cyber Crime Task Forces across the country. Those who are charged with internet crimes will face serious repercussions under the law, and may be put on trial against federal or international prosecutors. In a recent case, a 17-year-old high school student living in his parent's home in California defrauded unwitting investors of more than $1 million in an online scam. Even though he is considered a juvenile, the court will likely punish him to the full extent of the law.

Spoofing is a crime covered under Internet Fraud law, and may be punishable by jail/state prison, federal prison, probation, restitution, loss of employment, fines and more. If you have been charged with any type of internet fraud crime, you need to act quickly to defend your rights against harsh prosecution. You need a Van Nuys criminal defense attorney who will fight aggressively to defend your rights and who will not back down from a challenge. Contact a Van Nuys criminal defense lawyer at Lessem & Newstat, LLP to learn more about how a legal expert may help you reduce or dismiss your criminal charges.

Welcome to our Criminal Defense Blog

Criminal Defense Attorney — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 21:40:00 GMT

We are pleased to announce the launch of Criminal Defense Blog. You can subscribe to our RSS feed by clicking here.