Man Wearing FedEx Uniform Robs Pasadena Jewelry StorePosted on: March 7, 2013 at 12:50 a.m.An unidentified man dressed as a FedEx deliveryman is said to have robbed a Pasadena jewelry store at gunpoint earlier this month. According to reports, the unidentified man entered Prestige Jewelry store on Colorado Boulevard near the Paseo Colorado mall around 11:30 in the morning on March 2nd. The man asked the store’s owner, Jeffrey Tran, to show him a box of loose diamonds, and then pulled out a gun. The unidentified man made off with the box of loose diamonds. Tran and his wife, who have owned the jewelry store for 10 years, did not know the exact value of the diamonds stolen, or even how many were in the box at the time. Tran said this is the first time his jewelry store had been robbed. There are many, many different types of theft in the eyes of the law. From stealing a pack of gum at the corner store to car-jacking to a jewelry heist, theft crimes have many different “levels” and nearly as many punishments if you are convicted. The only common feature of theft crimes, in effect, is the fact that some property, money or critical information is illegally taken from its rightful owner. What tends the make the criminal charges against you more or less serious, however, is the monetary value attached to whatever you were accused of stealing. In California, the magic number that can push your theft charges from plain, old theft into the Grand Theft category is $950: if the value of the goods you are accused of stealing totals $950 or more, then you may be facing grand theft criminal charges. Grand Theft can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Interestingly enough, the state of California also has laws in place that, regardless of their monetary value, make it Grand Theft to steal an automobile, a firearm, certain types of farm animals such as horses, cows, goats and sheep, aircraft and “trade secrets.” These items may not sell in an open market for anything close to $950, but have been given legal protection nonetheless. California does big business in farming and agriculture, so legal protection of crops and farm animals comes as no surprise. Trade secrets, which may not require being stolen at gunpoint, however, can be vital to a new and growing business in any industry and have been given legal protection. The actual value of the stolen item or items, along with your prior criminal history will likely figure in to what type and the length of the punishment you are given if convicted. Being convicted of misdemeanor Grand Theft carries a maximum penalty of up to one year in a county jail, as well as fines, restitution and up to three years of informal probation. Felony Grand Theft, however, carries a penalty of between 16 months and three years in jail, with additional time possible depending on the value of the items stolen. Tagged as: armed robbery, Grand Theft, theft iPads Stolen from San Diego-area Elementary SchoolsPosted on: December 31, 2012 at 6:13 p.m.Local law enforcement agencies in the San Diego County area have released a statement asking for the public’s help in two recent thefts from local elementary schools. According to reports, thieves broke into Cardiff Elementary School in Cardiff by the Sea on Sunday morning. A similar burglary occurred at Ada Harris Elementary School in Encinitas on Monday morning. In both cases, the unidentified thieves made off with roughly $12,000-worth of iPads. Police responded to burglar alarms at both schools and say that the thieves, whoever they were, broke several classroom windows and broke a lock off of a cabinet to get to the iPads. It is estimated that the thieves took roughly two dozen iPads during the heist. Stealing technological devices is not always the smartest idea these days since many iPads, iPhones and smartphones come equipped with GPS tracking devices and can often be accessed remotely from computers that connect to the devices. In some cases, people have had their expensive gadgets stolen, only to use the available technology to help local police track down the thieves within days of the theft. No word has been released as to whether or not the iPads stolen from the two elementary schools had been equipped with such technology or if law enforcement agents were using these programs to locate the stolen items. In most cases, these programs only work if the device is turned on and in use. However these thieves are eventually identified and apprehended, they face an uphill battle in fighting what will likely turn out to be grand theft criminal charges. Theft crimes in California are often divided into several categories, and the consequences someone must pay tend to hinge on the value of the items stolen and any prior criminal history a defendant may have. Thefts where the value of the items stolen totals less than $400 and there are no weapons or violence involved may be labeled simple theft. Often, these are misdemeanors and can include thefts such as shoplifting. Theft crimes where the value of the items stolen is more than $400 is typically labeled Grand Theft and can be considered a felony criminal offense, which can land you in jail. The term “theft,” however, also tends to encompass a number of crimes besides shoplifting and Grand Theft; often, robbery, burglary, fraud, identity theft and even embezzlement. If you find yourself in the unenviable position of facing accusations of theft, find yourself an experienced attorney to consult with before you say a word to police. Tagged as: theft Break in Canadian Maple Syrup Theft CasePosted on: October 8, 2012 at 4:52 a.m.Local law enforcement agents have made what they say is a break-through in a very strange case involving a Canadian storage facility that held millions of gallons of maple syrup. Readers may recall the news that one of the world’s largest maple syrup reserves had allegedly been robbed of nearly $30 million-worth of the sweet pancake topper. Employees conducting a routine inventory of the St. Louis-De-Blandford facility, which is in the province of Quebec, noticed that several 45-gallon barrels used to store the syrup had been inexplicably emptied. At the time, the full extent of the loss was not fully known as employees were still checking their inventory in order to determine how much maple syrup was gone. The facility was a strategic global reserve for the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers and is said to have housed more than 10 million gallons of maple syrup. Local law enforcement began investigating the case and was initially perplexed as to how so much of the sweet liquid could have gone missing without anyone noticing. Investigators approached an exporter in Quebec and asked to search his facility in relation to the theft. Authorities then seized 600 barrels of syrup and claim it is their first major break in the case. The exporter, whose name is Etienne St-Pierre, told reporters that his stock, which was awaiting normal shipment, was sold to him by his normal group of suppliers. The confiscated maple syrup was then transported back to the St. Louis-Blandford facility by heavily armed guard. St-Pierre has not been charged with a crime and Canadian authorities have not released the names of any suspects in the case. If transporting maple syrup by armed guard sounds sort of like overkill, one must consider the fact that maple syrup manufacturing is actually big business in Canada. The province of Quebec is, all by itself, the world’s largest producer of maple syrup and puts out roughly 80% of the liquid sold every year all over the globe. As much as 75% of the maple syrup sold in the United States is imported from Canada. For comparison, the amount of maple syrup stored at the facility in St. Louis-Blandford equaled nearly half the amount of syrup produced by the United States annually. The St. Louis-Blandford storage facility is largely used to store maple syrup simply as a back up to normal production-in case there are any shortages as a result of a disappointing syrup production season. Authorities involved with the case did not say whether there was more maple syrup to track down. Tagged as: los angeles theft defense attorney, theft California Mining and Mineral Museum TheftPosted on: September 30, 2012 at 4:32 a.m.Apparently, some thieves consider themselves above using firearms. In a strange story reported yesterday, thieves broke in to the California State Mining and Mineral Museum in Mariposa, just outside of Yosemite National Forest and made off with as much as $2 million in precious stones from the facility. According to reports, a group of robbers entered the facility around 4 o’clock in the afternoon wearing facemasks, night vision goggles and all black clothing, armed with what was described as pickaxes. The group of thieves threatened a museum curator as well as a museum guide with their weapons and somehow managed to herd all of the facility’s employees at the far end of the museum, which is built to look like a mine. Once the museum’s employees were secured, the group made a beeline for the Fricot Nugget. The nearly 14-pound chunk of crystalline gold is believed to be the biggest gold chunk to have survived the California Gold Rush in the mid-19th century. The nugget is kept in an iron safe inside a vaulted room at the facility, however, and the robbers managed to trip an alarm within the building that immediately started to lock down the doors to the room that contained the prized chunk of gold. The thieves were not able to steal their prize, but they were said to have left the building with other gold and gems. Museum staff members do not yet know what exactly was taken and are in the process of conducting an inventory to clarify the issue. The thieves remain at large. Theft can be a tricky crime in the state of California. For the most part, it is the dollar value of an item stolen that determines whether the theft is considered Petty Theft (typically a misdemeanor offense), or Grand Theft (usually a felony criminal offense). The magic number in so many cases of theft is currently $950. If the total value of something stolen is less than that, the offense is likely going to be classified petty theft. If the dollar value of the item is above that $950 mark, however, you are likely looking at prison time for a conviction. Oddly enough, California, being a state heavily invested in agriculture and food production, also considers it Grand Theft and a felony offense to steal $250-worth or more of domestic fowl such as chickens, and fruits or vegetables such as avocados, olives, or artichokes or other farm crops. Tagged as: theft Foster Convicted Of Grand TheftPosted on: December 10, 2011 at 11:47 p.m.The father of Oscar-winning actress Jodie Foster was convicted of grand theft in a Los Angeles court last week for his part in a scheme that allegedly bilked several people of as much as $130,000. Lucius Foster, who is 89 years old and is estranged from his famous daughter, was accused of running a housing scheme that promised to build several homes on single-family lots out of 40-foot-long Chinese shipping containers. According to reports, Foster had been advertising three-bedroom homes for $85,000 through ads such as Craig's List. Prospective buyers, who were often elderly or low-income, handed Foster $5,000 each as a deposit on these homes with projected dates of completion for the future. As one angry home buyer testified, the completion dates came and went with no progress on the home building. When asked about the building's expected completion, Foster is said to have given several excuses until criminal charges were filed against him. During the trial, Foster acted as his own attorney and claimed he wanted to get his jail sentence over with quickly so he could work on getting his clients' money back. After being convicted on 21 counts of grand theft as well as nine counts of contracting without a license, Foster is facing nearly 26 years in a Los Angeles County Jail. According to reports, Foster used a lot of personal charm to get people to agree to deals with him, telling them war stories and even talking about his estranged daughter to build his credibility. It remains unclear as to what Foster did with the $130,000 he had amassed through collecting deposits from as many as 21 different prospective home-buyers since Foster's own personal bank accounts were nearly empty. If you are facing criminal charges for theft, call the attorneys at Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP to talk to an experienced Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney today. At Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP, our attorneys have over five decades of combined experience in successfully defending clients like you from criminal charges of all types and we know what it takes to win. The difference between simple theft and grand theft is largely determined by the dollar amount or cash value of what was stolen. If the amount money, or the cash value of something stolen that was stolen is above $400, it will most likely be considered Grand Theft instead of plain Theft and is likely to be considered a felony criminal offense. Call today at 1-877-781-1570 to speak to an experienced and skilled The father of Oscar-winning actress Jodie Foster was convicted of grand theft in a Los Angeles court last week for his part in a scheme that allegedly bilked several people of as much as $130,000. Lucius Foster, who is 89 years old and is estranged from his famous daughter, was accused of running a housing scheme that promised to build several homes on single-family lots out of 40-foot-long Chinese shipping containers. According to reports, Foster had been advertising three-bedroom homes for $85,000 through ads such as Craig's List. Prospective buyers, who were often elderly or low-income, handed Foster $5,000 each as a deposit on these homes with projected dates of completion for the future. As one angry home buyer testified, the completion dates came and went with no progress on the home building. When asked about the building's expected completion, Foster is said to have given several excuses until criminal charges were filed against him. During the trial, Foster acted as his own attorney and claimed he wanted to get his jail sentence over with quickly so he could work on getting his clients' money back. After being convicted on 21 counts of grand theft as well as nine counts of contracting without a license, Foster is facing nearly 26 years in a Los Angeles County Jail. According to reports, Foster used a lot of personal charm to get people to agree to deals with him, telling them war stories and even talking about his estranged daughter to build his credibility. It remains unclear as to what Foster did with the $130,000 he had amassed through collecting deposits from as many as 21 different prospective home-buyers since Foster's own personal bank accounts were nearly empty. Tagged as: theft Theft Crimes in Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena Require a Skilled Criminal Defense AttorneyPosted on: July 31, 2011 at 9:06 p.m.In Burbank, Pasadena and Glendale, having a skilled Los Angeles Theft Crime lawyer working for you can be the difference between twenty years in prison and staying out of jail. For an individual living in the city, years in prison could be his punishment for some serious crimes. The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) is looking for a man who has become known as the "Tri-Cities Bandit". The man is suspected of bank robberies in Burbank, Pasadena and Glendale. The alleged criminal is Hispanic and in his 30's. He is suspected for multiple theft crimes, including a June 13 holdup in Burbank, a July 19 robbery in Pasadena and June 20 theft crime in Glendale. The thief did not target one bank chain, robbing one Citibank and two Wells Fargo locations. Because the crime is being investigated by the FBI, so it will be charged as a Federal crime, which brings a great deal more punishment, and a more serious chance at conviction. In this instance, having a defense lawyer who understands federal laws and statutes will be of supreme importance to whoever gets arrested for this crime. The man uses notes, demanding cash in large amounts. The FBI has gone so far as to put out descriptions of the suspect in newspapers such as the Los Angeles Daily News to try and get people living in those communities to call in if they see someone who fits the description. Theft crimes in Los Angeles have become a complicated matter, especially since the economy took a negative turn. People have gotten more desperate and that has led to an increase in the number of theft crimes, especially by people who would not normally be involved in that sort of activity. When people are more needy, their actions can be more uncertain. However, a highly skilled Attorney can help defend you in any such situation, providing the kind of legal help you need in a time of crisis. If you or someone you know has been arrested for, charged with or accused of a theft crime in Los Angeles, you need an experienced law firm. At Kestenbaum Eisner & Gorin, LLP our defense lawyers have an insider's perspective on how the prosecution will work and have experience defend against federal charges. Instead of leaving your fate to public defenders who have a million cases, you should hire a criminal defense lawyer who will make you and your case his top priority. Tagged as: theft Van Nuys Criminal Defense AttorneyPosted on: June 20, 2011 at 9:27 p.m.There are major crimes going on every day in Southern California, and for those who stand accused, hiring a Van Nuys criminal lawyer is absolutely necessary for any theft crime accusation. In Van Nuys, one of the more populated parts of the San Fernando Valley, getting arrested for a theft crime could mean serious prison time, huge fines, and possibly even restitution for any stolen items. A recent, dangerous case in Van Nuys highlights just how complicated any criminal case can be. Three men who were armed with semi-automatic handguns broke into a Van Nuys home and tied up three women living there. They allegedly ransacked the residence, stole roughly $10,000 in cash and jewelry and all this before police arrived. The residence was located on Archwood Street and took place around 3:30 AM. The women were tied up with duct tape while the suspects searched the home, one of the women was taken to the hospital for treatment of a head wound. Two of the women were senior citizens and were tied up with one of the women's daughters, all three were Russian. Eventually, the daughter was able to escape and call the police, but obviously the situation was a nightmare. There are countless nightmares in this situation, even for the accused. People who are accused have all sorts of complications in keeping their freedoms. In a public case such as this, it could be dangerous for someone falsely accused. The men were supposedly between the ages of 25 and 30, meaning that any Russian men in their 20's with an arrest record in their past could be facing arrest, accusation and even charges. If you or someone you know is in need of a Theft Crime Defense Atorney in Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks or anywhere else in the San Fernando Valley, contact Kestenbaum Eisner & Gorin, who can provide some of the best defense possible for you. Tagged as: theft German Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Animal SmugglingPosted on: May 17, 2011 at 11:17 p.m.Very few people like the idea of handling spiders, but a German man was sentenced to six months in prison for tarantula smuggling. While this crime may sound odd, theft crimes can take all sorts of forms, and every Los Angeles federal criminal lawyer has a story about someone accused of stealing, smuggling or robbing a seemingly odd item. In this case, a man was sentenced to six months in a federal prison for bringing hundreds of tarantulas into the United States by mail. Smuggling animals into the U.S. is illegal, and the case estimated the illegal wildlife trade generates as much as $20 billion per year. The man pleaded guilty to one count of smuggling goods into the U.S. and faced up to 20 years in prison. The man portrayed himself as a spider breeder and became one of the three largest spider smugglers in the world. During his sentencing, he said "I just can say I'm very sorry about what happened and it wasn't my intention to defraud anyone or anything." It probably was also not his intention to spend six months in federal prison, but that is where he will be spending a large part of his life. Smuggling, theft and crime of this nature require a skilled lawyer who has experience with federal trials. An attorney who understands federal courts, who understands the federal government's best lawyers and who has experience with federal judges will be incredibly valuable to people facing federal charges. Federal courts rarely try someone unless they can prove guilt, and people facing federal judges are almost guaranteed to spend at least some time in prison. Without a lawyer who understands the stakes, and who has success in the past, it could spell doom for your future, your family and your freedom. If you or someone you know has been charged with a federal crime, contact Kestenbaum Eisner & Gorin. We have a long track record of success, our lawyers can create a great defense against even the toughest charges. Tagged as: federal law and defense, theft Major League Baseball and TheftPosted on: April 19, 2011 at 7:57 p.m.Most people would think that any story involving a professional baseball player and theft would be about a player having items stolen from him. However, a Cincinnati Reds pitcher was arrested for shoplifting at a downtown department store. As Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys know, almost anyone can be accused of a theft offense. Movie stars and A level celebrities are often involved in theft crimes, including Winona Rider and Lindsay Lohan. The 23 year old pitcher is named Mike Leake and he is arrested for stealing six shirts with a value of less than sixty dollars. What makes this case more remarkable is that the pitcher makes $425,000 a year. An arrest for a theft offense such as shoplifting carries with it a maximum of 180 days in jail. The young man was arrested just two hours before pitchers were expected to report to the Reds' stadium for the game. As Defense Attorneys know, the real shame lies in the public humiliation the man will have to face. Professional athletes are already public figures, and every success and failure is magnified. A public embarrassment such as this could follow him the rest of life, in addition to any legal problems the young man faces. In case such as this, you will need a lawyer who will stand with you throughout the legal process, even if everyone else leaves. A qualified lawyer can provide support, knowledge as well as skilled legal representation. Without a knowledgeable attorney with a track record of success, you may be facing a long road of complicated legal problems. At Kestenbaum Eisner & Gorin, LLP we have seen people abandoned by their friends and family, right when they need them the most. If you or someone you love needs a skilled Criminal Defense Attorney, contact Kestenbaum Eisner & Gorin, LLP today by calling 877-781-1570. Our legal staff will work to clear your good name, keep you out of prison and free from fines. Call us today. We can help represent you no matter how bad things seem to look. Tagged as: theft Lindsay Lohan and her Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney, the Saga ContinuesPosted on: February 9, 2011 at 10:46 p.m.Lindsay Lohan, former child star and current legal nightmare, is in court in again and is facing possibly the most severe legal circumstances in her life. Lindsay Lohan was arrested for stealing a necklace and has been charged with a felony, giving her Los Angeles Criminal Lawyer even more work to do. The judge in this Los Angeles felony case was so strict that he told Ms. Lohan, "You're no different than anyone else...please don't push your luck." During the initial hearing, Lohan sat next to her lawyer listening while she was pleaded not guilty in her felony theft case. Judge Keith Schwartz set her bail at $20,000 and warned "if you violate the law, I will remand you and there will be no bail." Lohan was also ordered to refrain from contacting the jewelry store accusing her of stealing from them. Lindsay Lohan is accused of stealing a $2,500 necklace from a Venice, CA jewelry store in January. The store's surveillance video shows Ms. Lohan walking out with the necklace. If convicted of felony grand theft, she could face up to three years in state prison. Her Defense Attorney also has to be concerned with the felony charge as a parole violation, because it could complicate the case. If Lohan is convicted, it could add jail time, add fines or add to her parole. While Ms. Lohan has spent time in jail, she has never spent time in prison, which is a far different creature. More severe treatment, larger restrictions and being surrounded by other felons is what she has to look forward to if the judge comes back and says she's guilty. The jewelry store claims she left their establishment without paying for the necklace, she claims she thought she was being given the necklace the way other celebrities are given merchandise in order to spread the word about a store or product. Regardless, she is now facing felony charges and could be going to prison for a very long time. Theft crimes in Los Angeles are no joke, and require the skill of a determined and experienced law firm. If you or someone you love has been arrested for or charged with a theft crime, contact the lawyers at Kestenbaum Eisner & Gorin. we can provide the kind of legal defense you need. Tagged as: theft Olympic Gold Medal Stolen in Southern CaliforniaPosted on: January 28, 2011 at 7:10 p.m.Los Angeles criminal lawyers who defend people in theft cases often have to prove the details of the case do not add up. Most theft cases are built through evidence, not through eye witness accounts. For example, finger prints, lack of alibi, where abouts of the suspect, money changes hands and so forth are how police build their case. In a recent case in San Diego, a former Olympian had her gold medal stolen out of her home. She and her husband were out at breakfast when thieves allegedly broke in took the irreplaceable medal. The woman won the gold medal in the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympics in the sport of skeleton, a head first sledding competition. The woman and her husband were in the midst of a move into another home, and had her gold medal, computer hard drives, her engagement ring and her Olympic ring. In this case, police already have some leads. Some men allegedly came into the house earlier while the woman was home and were casing the joint. Neighbors also gave descriptions and license plate numbers of the alleged suspects to police who are actively searching for the individuals in question. In cases such as this, contacting a lawyer as soon as possible is highly recommended. If, for example, you work in the neighborhood and feel you may be targeted unjustly, you should contact an attorney to be prepared for any eventual police investigation. If arrested, police may try to put the issue to bed without actually having the correct person in custody. As is often the case, public pressure and the need for closure can lead to the wrong person being prosecuted for a crime, simply because it is more convenient to the people involved. having a skilled defense attorney ready to defend you and your reputation beforehand can be the difference between walking free and being convicted of a crime you did not commit. Obviously, it is a great tragedy that an American hero lost her medal, but for anyone wrongly accused and/or arrested, the tragedy is made that much worse. With such a high profile case, police may be pressured to bring the case to closure quickly, which could lead to mistakes in the investigation. If you have been arrested for a theft crime, contact Kestenbaum Eisner & Gorin where our lawyers will analyze your case and provide quality legal services. We utilize the best experts whenever we build a case. Tagged as: theft A 70 Year Old...Bank Thief?Posted on: November 30, 2010 at 7:12 p.m.Occasionally, there are crimes that truly make no sense, and a recent bank robbery in La Jolla, CA is just such a case. A bank robber in his 70's with a wrinkled face and sun spots robbed a bank in San Diego according to police. To make matters even more strange, he is not the famed "Geezer Bandit" who has been robbing banks throughout San Diego County. At some point, this old man will need to hire a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer to help him avoid jail time. Even at the age of 70 (or older) this man faces serious consequences for his crimes. Robbery, which in this case involved the threat of a gun, brings with it heavy jail time, serious fines and years of probation. For a man of his extreme age, even a brief jail sentence could be a death sentence due to the stress and hopelessness prison often brings on a person. A skilled Attorney would have to work overtime to make sure the man received no jail sentence, which could be quite difficult. In addition to the threat of a gun, the man threatened to use a grenade to get a teller at the California Bank & Trust in La Jolla to give him an unspecified amount of money. He then walked away. This year, the "Geezer Bandit" robbed 11 banks, the last of which came in June. He struck in Riverside County in June. He used a revolver to rob a Bank of America in Temecula and is suspected of robbing 10 other banks which were all in San Diego County. That man is allegedly 60 to 70 years old and six feet tall. Any theft offense is serious, and will require a skilled Defense Attorney to create an effective defense. With the economy in such a difficult place, there has been a rise in theft crimes and theft crime accusations. The penalties have grown more severe as businesses are lobbying the government to increase the consequences. Whether you are a minor or a senior citizen, getting arrested for, charged with or accused of a theft offense could lead to years in prison, years on probation, heavy fines and even restitution. If the threat of a weapon or an actual weapon is used, it could lead to increased penalties. At Kestenbaum Eisner & Gorin has a successful track record and know how to get results for our clients. Tagged as: theft Robbing a Bank...For Coins?Posted on: November 20, 2010 at 12:55 a.m.Theft crimes are no laughing matter. If you have been arrested for a theft crime of any kind, you could be facing a variety of punishments, including jail, probation and restitution. Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer who represent people charged with theft understand that the consequences can change a person's life, even a life sentence in prison. However, on occasion, there are theft crimes that truly make no sense. In Manhattan Beach, someone broke in and pried open quite a few teller drawers hoping to find cash. However, he came away with "a lot of change and coins" according to police. The break in was reported in the early morning hours on Sepulveda Boulevard in Manhattan Beach. Police said the burglars took "change, apparently no paper money, according to the security company." Unfortunately, the thieves may have risked prison for just a few bucks. There are many different types of theft crimes, each of which carries its own set of penalties:
Tagged as: theft San Fernando Theft Crimes and CelebritiesPosted on: October 14, 2010 at 11:07 p.m.Lisa Rinna, former host of Merge, star of Melrose Place, former star of Days of Our Lives and currently on a reality show on TV Land co-owns a clothing boutique wither her husband Harry Hamlin (formerly of the hit 80's show LA Law). Unfortunately, while the two have experienced success on the camera, their boutique has become a target for thieves off the camera. The shop, located in Sherman Oaks, CA, was burglarized for the second time in less than a week! Police are investigating the two burglaries to see if there was any connection. The Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer who represents the alleged criminal will have his work cut out for him as the burglar allegedly made off with $4,000 worth of handbags, jewelry and accessories in a white pickup truck. The thief broke in through the back door, the breaking and entering adds serious consequences to the crime. In fact, Mr. Hamlin and Ms. Rinna were doing an interview for their new reality show when they were alerted to the crime. The two break ins were quite similar, happening at the same time of day (early morning) and in the same manner. What this means for any Defense Attorney is that whoever is arrested for one crime will most likely be charged with both burglaries. Throughout Los Angeles, high end boutiques, department stores, and other retail shops get robbed on a daily basis. In order to thwart such crimes, authorities often crack down hard on anyone accused of, charged with or arrested for theft, burglary, robbery or any other such crime. having a skilled, knowledgeable Attorney representing you can mean teh difference between freedom and years in prison. Whether your crime is a misdemeanor or a felony, you can be facing serious consequences. If you or someone you know has been charged with a felony grand theft crime or a misdemeanor petty theft crime, you need a skilled lawyer representing you. Contact the lawyers at Kestenbaum Eisner & Gorin today. We can help you get the results you need to stay out of jail and free from fines. Tagged as: theft Thief Freed After Potential Life TermPosted on: August 17, 2010 at 12:20 a.m.Whenever a Los Angeles theft crime lawyer represents someone charged with a theft crime, it can be an odd situation. There are such a range of crimes, from petty theft to armed robbery, that trying to understand exactly how a judge will sentence someone convicted of a theft crime is very difficult. In the end, it is incredibly important to hire a Defense Attorney to protect your freedoms, your rights and your future. One odd case involving someone convicted of a theft crime is a situation involving Gregory Taylor. Under California's Three Strikes laws, anyone charged with three felonies is immediately sentenced to life in prison, which is 25 years at a minimum. Gregory Taylor was sentenced in 1997 for stealing food from a Los Angeles church, which was his third strike. The judge changed the sentence to eight years. He was arrested 13 years ago while trying to pry open a screen above a church's kitchen door. The priest testified that the man was often given food and allowed to sleep at the church. He was convicted of burglary and sentenced to 25 years to life. Burglary, also known as breaking and entering, involves breaking into a home, office, business, etc. for the purposes of stealing something. A Attorney may have their work cut our for him because a buglary is a felony offense and can lead to a minimum amount of jail time. Most of the outrageous California Three Strikes penalties involve theft crimes, with someone going to jail for life based on three theft crimes. At Kestenbaum Eisner & Gorin, LLP, we possess a unique understanding of the law and can protect your rights no matter how much is on the line. If you or someone you love has been charged with a theft crime, contact us today at 877-781-1570. A theft crime conviction could lead to jail time, fines, restitution, community service, years on parole and more. In fact, depending upon the judge in the case, you could be facing years in a state or federal prison. Having a skilled lawyer on your side to protect your rights could make all the difference in your theft crime case. Tagged as: theft Los Angeles Theft Ring ExposedPosted on: January 30, 2010 at 10:54 p.m.Los Angeles police discovered a petty theft ring that stole bicycles. Undercover detectives in exposed this Los Angeles theft ring after they met a man in Santa Monica to buy a bicycle that he had posted on Craigslist the same day the bike's true owner had reported it stolen off Olympic Blvd in Downtown L.A. This crime was fairly obvious because the particular bicycle that tipped police off was unique, a Sirrus bicycle which retails for about $600. When authorities went to meet the man, he pulled a bicycle out of his Mercedes' trunk, and when his accomplice came into the Motel Room sting operation, they saw he had bolt cutters and many other bicycles. This sting also uncovered several counterfeit bills, a computer and a printer for making counterfeit bills. Theft crime penalties can be serious, even for misdemeanors. It can lead to imprisonment, large fines, restitution, community service, probation and/or parole if the defendant is found guilty. Normally these crimes range from such petty theft crimes as stealing some food from a grocery store to more severe felonies such as grand larceny. In this particular crime, a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney will have a number of challenges. While stealing one bicycle might be petty theft, stealing multiple bicycles could lead to a felony theft charge. That, plus the counterfeit charge is a federal charge, meaning the entire crime could be charged in federal court. A theft crime requires the skill of an experienced Los Angeles criminal attorney. If you want to avoid jail time and prison, you should contact the law offices of Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin. Tagged as: burglary, theft Apple Store Customers Targeted In Los Angeles BurglariesPosted on: January 13, 2010 at 12:51 a.m.Serious burglary crimes can carry years of jail time, heavy fines and even financial restitution, which is why anyone charged with such a crime needs a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney with a track record of success. A recent burglary case involved a specific set of stores. The Orange County district attorney’s office has charged three people with burglary and grand theft in association with 28 cases which they believe are tied to a Los Angeles-area crime ring that allegedly targeted Apple Store customers through Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties. Those charged are said to have allegedly followed Apple Store customers that were thought to have computers that they would leave unattended in vehicles after leaving the stores. Once the customers left their cars unattended, that’s when the alleged burglars would make their moves. Manhattan Beach Police are also looking into 15 cases that are tied to the Village Mall Apple Store in Los Angeles. Authorities suspect that the crime ring is involved with these and other cases throughout Southern California. Burglary and grand theft charges in California are serious and can carry lengthy jail sentences in county or state prisons. These two offenses can either be considered misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the value or type of property that is stolen. There are, however, several defenses that can be used when facing a burglary and/or grand theft charges that can result in reduced or dropped sentences. Some of the most common defenses against grand theft charges include; consent, property, lack of intent and claim of right. A skilled and professional Los Angeles criminal defense team can maneuver through the court system in order to reduce your sentencing or have your charges dropped with an effective defense strategy. The Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys at Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP can help develop a defense strategy that can be beneficial to you. If you have been charged with a burglary or grand theft, contact us immediately. We will aggressively fight on your behalf to make sure that you are given a fair trial in court and help avoid the consequences of a felony on your record and possible jail time. Our firm is recognized as one of the leading firms in the counties of Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Judicial Districts so you can have complete confidence in the services that we provide, contact us immediately. Tagged as: burglary, theft Los Angeles White Collar CrimePosted on: September 18, 2009 at 4:32 p.m.White collar crimes usually consist of crimes of deception or theft perpetrated by professional people, as opposed to, say, crimes of force. White collar crime can include such offenses as money laundering, extortion, embezzlement or bribery. September 2009 has already seen two notable incidents of white collar crime. Los Angeles real estate broker Mario Raul Guevara, 30, was recently charged with four counts of grand theft of personal property, two counts of forgery and two more of failing to file tax returns. Guevara, who pleaded not guilty on September 15th, is accused of making millions of dollars through shady real estate transactions and bribes he accepted from investors. According to the Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney, Guevara forged a client’s signature in order to sell a North Hollywood property to an accomplice, a sale which netted him almost $800,000. If he is convicted Guevara faces up to 14 years in state prison. In another case of white collar crime, a former lawyer who practiced in California for more than 20 years pleaded guilty on September 15th to ten counts of “grand theft by embezzlement." The man was accused of misappropriating $150,000 from a client, as well as settling a case against the wishes of another client and embezzling the judgment money. He was sentenced by a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge to serve three years in prison and to pay his victims more than $500,000 in restitution for his crimes. Tagged as: theft, white collar crime fraud theft laws Los Angeles White Collar Crimes: Ponzi Schemer Gets 150 YearsPosted on: June 30, 2009 at 11:05 a.m.Bernie Madoff, possibly the most famous criminal in America right now, was sentenced to 150 years for his role in a ponzi scheme. Madoff pleaded guilty to stealing billions of dollars from investors, may of whom were completely wiped out after his ponzi scheme was discovered. A Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent investment operation that pays returns to separate investors from their own money or money paid by subsequent investors rather than from any actual profit earned. The Ponzi scheme usually offers returns that other investments cannot guarantee in order to entice new investors, in the form of short-term returns that are either abnormally high or unusually consistent. Los Angeles White Collar Crime White collar crimes are varied; they include embezzlement, bribery, ponzi schemes and more. A qualified Los Angeles white collar crime defense attorney must have a thorough knowledge of accounting laws, financial laws, SEC statutes and more. People in all walks of life are accused of Los Angeles white collar crimes, including school administrators, politicians, accountants, CEOs and others. Los Angeles white collar crimes have serious consequences, especially now that the economy is so bad. People often blame executives for their roll in damaging an economy, especially if their roll was an illegal one. Throughout the news, people are being sentenced to decades in prison for their involvement in investment fraud, securities fraud and other Los Angeles white collar crimes. The FBI even has a strategic white collar crime team that investigates all manner of fraud, including white collar crimes> that involve some form of fraud, including health care fraud, bank fraud and more. Some state laws govern white collar crime, but usually on a smaller scale. The larger crimes are prosecuted by federal law and carry with it much harsher penalties. If you have been charged with a white collar crime, do not hesitate to call Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP at (877) 781-1570. Our knowledgeable legal team can evaluate your case and advise you of your legal options. Tagged as: theft, white collar crime fraud theft laws Los Angeles White Collar CrimesPosted on: June 9, 2009 at 11:33 a.m.Bradley L. Ruderman, 46, of Los Angeles recently surrendered himself to federal agents after it was discovered he had defrauded roughly $44 million from investors in yet another white collar crime case. Ruderman allegedly persuaded several family members and friends to invest in two separate hedge funds that he founded and managed, promising returns as high as 60%. This white collar crime was performed by Ruderman apparently been sending false statements to his 22 investors since form his hedge funds in 2002. Ruderman claimed through his account statements that his hedge funds had managed $206 million while the funds' actual net value at the beginning of 2009 was just $588, 246. Evidence compiled by federal investigators claims Ruderman spent over $8.7 million of investor money on personal expenses, including a summer vacation home in Malibu and two Porsches. Ruderman also admitted to losing as much as $5.2 million more of his investors' money in private poker games held at a Los Angeles-area hotel. Ruderman has officially been charged in a Los Angeles court with wire fraud. Fraud is one of the most common examples of white collar crime, but still carries potential prison time if you are convicted of it. As in Ruderman's white collar case, fraud involves taking other people's money under false pretenses and through non-violent means. Both an individual and a business can be charged with fraud. In the case of a conviction, an individual can likely go to jail while a business would most likely be hit with substantial fines. In both cases, credibility would be ruined, making a return to business as usual near impossible. Because fraud and white collar crimes in general deal with such large quantities of money, penalties for a conviction can land you in a state or federal prison for several years. With your reputation and your freedom on the line, you need an experience white collar crime defense attorney at your side if you have been charged with fraud. Call the attorneys at Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin today to find out what your options are and being preparing your defense. Tagged as: theft, white collar crime fraud theft laws Yet Another Los Angeles Area White Collar CrimePosted on: December 17, 2008 at 10:03 a.m.As the economy continues to tumble, and those involved in questionable real estate deals come to light, Los Angeles area white collar criminal defense attorneys are seeing more and more clients regarding white collar crime allegations. A recent case in Norwalk is a great example. According to the Los Angeles Times, when federal postal inspectors raided a Spanish-language religious bookstore in Huntington Park, they said they found something unusual: envelopes filled with $3 million in cash. The discovery helped federal prosecutors build a case against Norwalk businessman Milton Retana, a Salvadoran citizen. He was arrested Tuesday after being indicted on charges of white collar crimes, including fraud and making false statements as part of a scheme that, beginning in 2006, allegedly lured more than 2,000 people into investing an estimated $62 million. With Wall Street white collar crimes reaching the $50 billion mark, $62 million may not seem like that much. However, Federal prosecutors will come down hard on any individual accused of white collar crimes, especially at a time when the public is anxious to see executives face serious jail time. Some blame the current economy on white collar criminals who presented one situation, yet stole countless amounts of money. Whether or not this is true, it will sway juries and even prosecutors who want to make a name for themselves (or in the case of District Attorneys, help their re-election chances). A sign of the serious in this particular white collar criminal matter, Retana faces a maximum of 165 years in federal prison if convicted on all the charges. There are a variety of white collar crimes that are prosecuted to the fullest extent by law enforcement. Commonly committed white collar crimes include:
Tagged as: theft, white collar crime fraud theft laws Los Angeles Politicians and White Collar CrimePosted on: December 8, 2008 at 5:38 p.m.The history of the City of Los Angeles is filled with stories of corruption among city officials, both law enforcement and elected officials. That history has been consistant, with a new controversy arising every few years. White collar crimes are the most common crime for a political official to be accused of, because of the money, power and relationships involved in politics. Los Angeles white collar crime attorneys know that such cases involve miles of paper work and countless hours of discovery and fact finding. One such white collar criminal matter involves Three Valleys Municipal Water District Board Member Xavier Alvarez. Alvarez is accused of felony counts relating to illegally funneling health insurance benefits. Mr. Alvarez, who represents Pomona's first district on the board, is charged with 3 felony counts relating to illegally funneling health insurance benefits to his ex-wife for nearly $4,000. The charges include misappropriation of public funds, insurance fraud and grand theft. Three Valleys Municipal Water District offers insurance coverage to board members and their dependents. According to Deputy District Attorney Sandi Roth, Mr. Alvarez has not been married since March 4, 2002, 5 years before he received health coverage for his ex-wife. If charged on all counts, Mr. Alvarez could be sentenced to anywhere from felony probation with community service, county jail time or a maximum of 6 years in state prison. The Public Integrity Division of the Los Angeles County District Attorney Tagged as: theft, white collar crime fraud theft laws Mayor Charged With White Collar CrimesPosted on: December 2, 2008 at 11:15 a.m.Federal authorities arrested the mayor of Birmingham, AL in a corruption probe surrounding the sewer bond debt that could lead to the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history. The white collar crimes committed include 60 counts including bribery, money laundering, conspiracy and filing false tax returns. Mayor Langford was charged along with investment banker William Blount and lobbyist Al LaPierre for a total of 101 counts. The government said it was also seeking $7.6 million in forfeiture from the three men. In this white collar crime investigation, Blount's company profited from collecting fees recommended by Langford in the sewer bond transactions. Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama's Jefferson County, which is fighting to stave off bankruptcy over what is now a $3.2 billion sewer debt. Allegedly, the mayor's white collar crime involved him selling out his public office to his friends Blount and LaPierre for about $235,000 in expensive clothes, watches and cash to pay his growing personal debt. All the while, Blount was paid fees topping $7 million. White collar crimes are criminal offenses that are usually committed by white collar professionals, such as managers, directors, supervisors, executives, politicians, and other individuals in respected, high-profile positions. Los Angeles white collar crime defense attorneys have seen various charges arise in the last few years, between mortgage frauds, political kickbacks and other white collar crimes committed in LA County. Los Angeles white collar crime attorneys understand that the odds are stacked against them, because people often have little sympathy for a public official or corporate executive who allegedly hurts the public financially. Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP is a criminal defense law firm that has been helping clients throughout Southern California contest their criminal charges and obtain superior results for years. Our skilled white collar crimes attorneys have over 50 years of collective court room experience and we are fully prepared to undertake our clients case. Tagged as: theft, white collar crime fraud theft laws White Collar Crimes, A Growing SituationPosted on: October 21, 2008 at 11:33 a.m.White collar crimes are criminal offenses that are usually committed by white collar professionals, such as managers, directors, supervisors, executives, politicians, and other individuals in respected, high-profile positions. During the recent economic crisis and real estate/credit crunch, law enforcement authorities have been targeting individuals in real estate, banks and related fields, searching for white collar crime violations. While many of these cases won't garner the same attention as the recent Congressional hearings have, these matter carry serious consequences and the accused need experienced and knowledgeable Los Angeles criminal attorneys to represent them. There are a variety of white collar crimes that are prosecuted to the fullest extent by law enforcement. Commonly committed white collar crimes include: money laundering, pyramid schemes, counterfeiting, embezzlement, fraud, tax evasion, RICO, extortion, computer crimes, forgery, bribery, and bankruptcy fraud. In California, lenders have foreclosed on $100 billion worth of homes over the last two years and are foreclosing at a rate of 1,300 houses every business day, according to a recent report. That sort of activity will lead to many angry citizens, and will lead to not only tougher laws, but action. People will be hostile towards the government and law enforcement if they think individuals are getting away with white collar crimes. That kind of public pressure has mounted before; after the Enron and energy crisis in California, tougher regulations were put in place and some individuals were prosecuted for their involvement. In fact, that particular crisis is one of the main reasons former Governor Gray Davis was recalled. The FBI had about 1,000 agents deployed on banking fraud during the S&L bust of the 1980s and '90s, said Anthony Adamski, who oversaw financial crime investigations for the FBI at the time. The FBI says it now has about 200 agents working on mortgage fraud, and that number is expected to increase, especially depending upon the new president. Due to the life-altering legal consequences that are involved, it is always in a person Tagged as: theft, white collar crime fraud theft laws Unauthorized Practice of Law is Criminallly ProsecutedPosted on: August 11, 2008 at 11:17 p.m.While these criminal offenses are rarely seen in Los Angeles criminal courts, the crimes of Unauthorized Practice of Law, and similarly the Unauthorized Practice of Medicine, are in fact prosecuted in Southern California as violations of the California Penal Code, and the California Business and Professions Code. The offenses carry the possibility of jail time, fines, and even prison if victims demonstrate they were defrauded or suffered substantial pecuniary harm. Oftentime, unsuspecting clients may be hurt by individuals posing as trained lawyers or doctors. An aggressive courtroom defense, or plea negotiations, are typically pursued of those who are criminally accused. Recently the State Bar shut down a Montebello company accused of providing immigration legal services without a law license. The raid took place after the State Bar obtained the interim order pursuant to Business and Professions Code Sec. 6126.3. The law, which entered into effect in January 2006, allows a judge, on the petition of the State Bar, to grant the bar jurisdiction over a law practice if there is probable cause to believe that the practice is being illegally operated by a non-lawyer and that a client or other interested party is likely to be harmed if the practice continues. Immediately after the order was issued, a team of State Bar investigators entered the company's offices and seized client files, served a court order on several banks to freeze the company Tagged as: federal law and defense, theft, white collar crime fraud theft laws South Los Angeles and White Collar CrimePosted on: June 24, 2008 at 11:53 a.m.The media makes a big deal about white collar crime on Wall Street, with backroom deals and embezzlement seemingly around every corner, but Crenshaw Blvd. isn't all that different from Wall Street when it comes to white collar crimes. Fraud, embezzlement, theft and other such crimes have ruined the reputation and record of numerous officials and individuals in L.A. For example: Martin Ludlow, now a volunteer at Dorsey High, pled guilty to fraud when he was charged with using union workers and union money in his city council campaign. Numerous officials of mortgage firms have been arrested on charges of fraud which are tied to the current real estate crisis in America, much of which is focused in Southern California where the real estate economy fell the hardest. A number of city council and local government officials have been accused of fraud and theft in the last few years, which as affected the outcome of numerous elections. White collar crime is defined as a crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of his occupation. These crimes can harm a community, especially when the individual guilty of the crime is a respected member of his community. The crimes usual are fraud, insider trading or theft of funds. The penalties for white collar crimes include jail time, fines, and probation, as well as loss of respect and most likely losing one's job in the process. Tagged as: theft, white collar crime fraud theft laws The Rule of Lenity, The Crime of Money LaunderingPosted on: June 15, 2008 at 9:50 p.m.On the assumption that all readers will have by now be informed of the ridiculous (beastial pictures on judicial websites) and the sublime (yesterday's Supreme Court decision affirming the availability of habeas corpus for Guantanamo prisoners), let me deal with something in between: two defense victories in the Supreme Court on June 2nd in cases interpreting the federal money laundering statutes. The unanimous opinion written for the Court by Judge Thomas in United States v. Cuellar is of more limited utility, in that it deals with a specific section of 18 U.S.C. section 1956 prohibiting the transportation of illegal proceeds to conceal them. Nonetheless, what is refreshing is that the Court does what so few lower courts do: it reads the statute narrowly, as criminals statutes should be read, rather than giving them the broad interpretation always desired by the prosecution. In Cuellar, money was being sent back to Mexico concealed in a car to pay members in a drug smuggling operation. The fact that the concealed money was clearly proceeds of a drug operation did not stop the Court from holding that the smuggling was not a money laundering operation, because, while the money was concealed in order to transport it, it was not being transported in order to conceal it, the required element in the relevant provision of section 1956. The Court ruled that the purpose of the money laundering statutes was to criminalize attempts to give criminal proceeds the appearance of "legitimate wealth." Remarkably, the decision did not merely reverse due to a faulty jury instruction, but actually held Cuellar not guilty as a matter of law. In the second case, United States v. Santos, Justice Scalia demonstrated that while when he is bad, he is very bad (the Guantanamo cases), when he is good, he is very, very good. He threw future money laundering prosecutions into chaos by holding that the statute applies only to a criminal operation's profits, rather than simply gross receipts or operating expenses. When Justice Scalia believes in something, damn the consequences, and he does believe in fair notice to the citizen of what is criminal and he does believe in the rule of lenity. Writing for a four judge plurality (himself, Thomas, Ginsberg, Souter), joined by Justice Stevens' concurrence, Scalia observed that the term "proceeds" in the money laundering statute could mean either receipts or profits; given that ambiguity, "under a long line of our decisions, the tie must go to the defendant. The rule of lenity requires ambiguous criminal statutes to be interpreted in favor of the defendants subjected to them." Music to our ears, and language applicable to state statutes as well. Tagged as: theft, white collar crime fraud theft laws Internet Crimes: What Are They and What Are the Consequences?Posted on: June 12, 2008 at 10:29 a.m.Every so often a new medium for communication comes along and brings with it a new field for the law. The Internet is nothing new in terms of historic advancements in the technology, however it is a new arena for the law. Internet crimes are many, and they include everthing from identity theft to sexual offenses. An Internet crime is defined as any crime that involves the Internet. For example, when an individual over the age of 18 contacts somone under the age of 18 through the Internet for the purposes of a sexual encounter, that is an Internet crime. One of the challenges for the accused is that many Internet crimes can also be federal offenses and can carry with them far greater charges than the same crime committed under state jurisdiction. For sex crimes, if the offender contacts someone under age that is also in another state, then that's a double whammy as crossing state lines also makes it a federal offense. Internet crimes include kidnapping, sexual offense, bank robbery, credit car fraud, harassment, phishing, scams, espionage and more. The level of offense can range from smaller crimes to major felonies, however due to the amount of research and investigation it usually takes to charge and convict someone of an Internet crime, most cases are on a grand scale. Protecting children is often a major focus for Internet crime laws, as children as the most vulnerable. Using chat rooms to contact children for sexual purposes or with other unsavery motives is against the law. Having an attorney with experience and knowledge in defending the accused in Internet crimes is vital, as the law is ever changing and only someone with experience will be able to provide a solid defense. Tagged as: high profile defense, internet crimes defense, sex crime accusations, theft, white collar crime fraud theft laws California Criminal Law: Robbery, Penal Code Section 211 vs. Theft, Penal Code Section 484 and 487Posted on: May 14, 2008 at 12:43 p.m.Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys are frequently confronted with the question of what constitutes a robbery: If the suspect steals some items from a store, and then chased by security does the conduct constitute a robbery or a petty theft? California robbery laws are defined by the legislature in Penal Code Section 211: the crime is the taking of property from a person by using force or threats. The famous People vs. Estes decision that interpreted Penal Code Section 211 further expanded this definition, holding that a defendant who is running away (having shoplifted property from a store without force or fear) becomes a robbery suspect when he uses force or threats to dissuade security from detaining him. The sentencing difference between a petty/grand theft and a robbery is important, as the former is typically a misdemeanor, while the latter is a felony that usually carries substantial prison time. A recent Court of Appeals decision further discussed how a defendant Tagged as: jury trial defense, theft, white collar crime fraud theft laws Prosecution and Defense of Consumer Fraud Crimes in Southern California CourtsPosted on: September 2, 2007 at 11:51 a.m.Consumer Fraud is organized into several areas under the misdemeanor prosecution powers of the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office for fraud practices - Immigration, Contractor, Auto Insurance, Solicitation, Loan Scams, and Credit Repair Fraud. The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office prosecutes these criminal fraud cases as well, but typically as felony matters. The Los Angeles Criminal Defense of all consumer felony and misdemeanor fraud matters requires timely intervention, especially with aggressive prosecution practices in Los Angeles and Southern California courtrooms. Often a California Criminal Lawyer's aggressive intervention can result in a felony theft matter being reduced to a misdemeanor charge. In Los Angeles courts, one area of criminal law enforcement scrutinty is so-called Immigration Consultant fraud -- the investigation of people who are not attorneys, but pretend to be by misadvising clients about areas of law they have no expertise in, nor appropriate licensing. Under California law, an immigration consultant cannot provide a client with any advice on immigration matters. The Los Angeles City Attorney's Office feels these consultants are not lawyers and should not give legal advice. An immigration consultant may only provide a person assistance with translating information, locating and securing documents on your behalf, and completing immigration forms. Another area of criminal investigation by Los Angeles prosecutors is Contractor Fraud. Often contractors have legal issues related to appropriate licensing, bonding, and pending complaints. Crimes of theft, fraud, and other legal matters are aggressively investigated and prosecuted as both felonies and misdemeanors. The decision to file charges depends on the level of loss, as well as the age and level vulnerability of the alleged victim. Again, Los Angeles Criminal Attorneys defend these allegations immediately, ensuring that restitution if any is paid, and that felony charges are reduced. Another hotbed area for covert investigations, including undercover media reports, is Auto Repair Fraud, which includes appropriate licensing and fraudulent estimates/work inquiries by the police. The police often set up sting operations, and seek the filing of felony charges. Again swift and strategic legal action by a criminal defense lawyer can mean the difference between jail, and no custody time, in Los Angeles and So. California courtrooms. Identy theft is another area of Consumer Prosecution. Los Angeles prosecutors focus on prosecuting all individuals using others' personal data for fraud. This is on of the fastest growing crimes in the United States is identity theft. Identity theft occurs when someone steals a person's identity and proceeds to ruin credit or commit crimes in the person's name. Finally, Loan Scamming is a related area of criminal prosecution -- money is taken from a consumer, under the guise of a loan promise that nevermaterializes. Or, a consumer's equity is taken under the false promise of a home improvement, or refinancing. Again, these are fraud matters that Los Angeles criminal lawyers defend as either felony or misdemeanor cases. Southern California consumer fraud matters are typically aggressively prosecuted, and thus the criminal defense of these matters needs to be equally aggressive. Tagged as: federal law and defense, theft, white collar crime fraud theft laws Small theft from a store: Petty Theft v. BurglaryPosted on: July 23, 2007 at 12:26 a.m.California law defines a burglary as entry into a building with the intent to steal. Even if nothing is taken, a burglary is committed when the entry happens (with the intent to steal or commit a felony inside the store). For example, prosecutors may argue that someone entering a store with a booster bag (one with false bottom), and scissors, shows premeditated conduct to steal at entry, and thus even if something under $50 is taken, the criminal conduct is a burglary. A burglary is a wobbler which means it could be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. Compare this to a Petty Theft, a violation of Penal Code Section 484. This crime is a misdemeanor. Anytime a theft occurs of items under $400 - California law deems a violation of this statute occurs. So, if there is no evidence of premeditation before entry into the store, a defendant is usually charged with a Petty Theft offense. If Defendant tells the police or store personnel that he or she planned the theft, a Burglary will also be charged. Tagged as: california criminal laws, federal law and defense, theft, white collar crime fraud theft laws If I am accused of stealing from the company I worked for, can I go to jail?Posted on: June 24, 2007 at 10:22 p.m.This criminal conduct is called "embezzlement," and is typically charged in California criminal courts as a violation of Penal Code Seciton 487(a), commonly known as Grand Theft (if the theft exceeds $400). The offense carries a maximum of 1 year in the county jail, or 3 years in prison. If the amount of theft exceeds $50,000, the "Economic Crimes" enhancements are applicable, and the prison time is increased to 4 years and up. The Criminal Law Blog authors have represented many clients charged with "Embezzlement." Where appropriate mitigation is presented to the Court, and the District Attorney, the large majority of our clients have not gone to jail or prison. This is because we worked out alternative dispositions involving community service, restitution, probation, and fines instead of jail. What if the employer wants to drop the charges? The police and prosecutors are usually unwilling to dismiss a case once it is filed, as they are concerned that resources have been expended to investigate, document, and bring the case to court. However, jail or prison are distinct possibilities whenever embezzlement, or other white collar crime charges, are prosecuted in state or federal court. Tagged as: faq, theft, white collar crime fraud theft laws Federal Criminal Law: Tax Evasion, Bankruptcy Fraud, Money Laundering - A Local Attorney ConvictedPosted on: June 23, 2007 at 11:32 a.m.The Los Angeles Times reported today that civil rights attorney Stephen G. Yagman was convicted on June 23, 2007 in federal court of 19 felony counts of tax evasion, bankruptcy fraud and money laundering. Because these are "moral turpitude" crimes, it is likely the verdict (assuming the courts of appeals upholds it) would cause him to be disbarred and lose the license to practice law. He is also facing the possibility of spending 6 years in prison. The jury considered the allegations that that Yagman had transferred the deed of his house to his girlfriend, K.D. Mattox, and deposited all of his income into her account, while signing checks in her name. Further, it was argued by propsecutors that Yagman had filed for bankruptcy in New York so trustees would not find his assets in California, and that hours after the filing he spents thousands of dollars on clothing and dinner on Madisons Avenue. For the defense, the criminal attorney presented innocent alternative explanations for the same actions. It was argued Yagman transferred the deed to his house to Mattox to give her a sense of security in their relationship after she moved from Orange County to be with him, he said. At the end, the jury did not believe Yagman's testimony and found him guilty of all charges after twelve hours of deliberations. Community reactions to the verdict was widely spli: "Former Los Angeles Police Chief Daryl F. Gates let out a slow, deep chuckle. "What can I say? He's been playing the system for a long, long time," he said. "This is a real bad man, a disgrace to the bar...Joe Gunn, a retired LAPD commander and a deputy for former Mayor Richard Riordan, said Yagman undermined the department's standing in minority communities with false allegations. "He won very few cases, but you say things long enough and people start believing it." At the other end of the spectrum, Paul Hoffman, former legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, called the conviction "a tragedy." This was not the first time Yagman's financial actions were questioned. The L.A. Times further reported that he was disciplined by the California State Bar for collecting unconsionable legal fees from clients. Tagged as: federal law and defense, theft, white collar crime fraud theft laws Kestenbaum Eisner & Gorin LLP has been recognized as one of the best U.S. law firms, based on the experience, professionalism, and ethics of its criminal defense lawyers and attorneys. 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