The Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer will appeal a judge’s ruling against the police department’s vehicle impound policy. Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck had developed a policy, Special Order 7, regarding vehicle impounds for unlicensed drivers. If the unlicensed driver has insurance, a valid identification card and no record for unlicensed driving, then the vehicle will not be impounded. Those representing the police officers had sued against the policy, explaining that it attempted to override California Law. Police Chief Beck explained on October 27, that officers were told to disregard Special Order 7.

According to the L.A. Times, City Attorney Feuer was going to ask an appeals court to set aside the judge’s ruling while the appeal process takes place. The L.A. Times also reported October 3, 2013, that Governor Brown has signed a bill granting undocumented immigrants a driver’s license. The license will give a person a driving privilege but would not be acceptable for federal use, employment or to receive “public benefits.”

CBS Los Angeles reports on the new “app.”

If you are having trouble viewing the video, you can see it here.

Here is an NBC Los Angeles news report covering Mr. Robinson turning himself into LAPD.

If you are having trouble viewing this video, you can see it here. 

Criminal Law Updates by the Law Offices of Orange County Defense Lawyer William W. Bruzzo (714) 547-4636

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You can watch a KABC.com red-light camera video story below.

Authorities seized about 7 kilograms of cocaine, a pound of methamphetamines, 23 firearms and a quarter million in cash. Allegedly the gang imports drugs from Mexico, and provided “street level” distribution in their gang territory.

If convicted, the defendants face punishment under California Health and Safety Code 11379 and 11372. See, also Penal Code Sections 273a(a), 211 and 186.22.

Los Angeles detectives are investigating another shooting at a marijuana dispensary. In Northridge this past weekend $11,000.00 was stolen from a dispensary, and an employee was shot in the face. He was taken to the hospital and was in critical condition according to a Los Angeles Times’ article. Days before on Thursday, June 24 two stores in L.A. were held up. In Echo Park two employees were shot, one of them died. Another pot dispensary in Hollywood was also robbed; multiple robbers entered and killed one person during the incident. This activity has concerned officials but they have not established a connection between the three robberies. See, Penal Code Sections 211, 245(a) (1) and 187.

The City of Los Angeles has recently created gang intervention programs. While nonprofits and other organization work throughout the city providing the same services, the city is now adopting a gang prevention academy for those that want to work in that field. Classes train and educate people on gang issues, history and how to deal with situations on the street. Alternatives to violence and how to handle a tense situation are discussed and scenarios explored. Some of the students in the academy are very familiar with these issues since its something they were involved with in the past. They have first hand experience of the split second decisions that can change lives forever. Students learn about public health issues, and immigration law among other things. The idea is to quell some of the tensions or prevent escalations of a situation. City officials, police and those involved in creating the program will now have to wait and see what happens once the first batch of graduates enters the field. The program is being run by the Advancement Project which is has contracted with the city. See Penal Code Section 186.22.

A two-month-old English bulldog was taken from a 15-year-old boy in Los Angeles County on May 5, 2010. The man who committed the act is now being charged with second degree robbery in connection with the alleged “puppy-napping.” According to California Penal Code Section 211, robbery is the “felonious taking of personal property in the possession of another, from his person or immediate presence, and against his will, accomplished by means of force or fear.” Robbery of the second degree is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for two, three, or five years according to Section 213(a) (2). Albiter was arrested when he took the boy’s puppy from him and after the young boy wrote down Albiter’s license plate number. The next week, police tracked the puppy to Albiter’s home. The puppy was not harmed and was subsequently returned to the family. Albiter was later released on a bail of $50,000.

Baseball season has commenced and for Dodger fans it was a harsh opening day. In an effort to curtail violence and more minor disturbances the LAPD made their presence known during tailgating. Officials took a stricter approach after last year’s opening when someone was stabbed and several fights broke out. Capt Bill Murphy of the LAPD explained to the Los Angeles Times that last year’s incident created much criticism toward the department and the baseball franchise for allowing such a disruptive atmosphere at a baseball game. Based on the article by the Los Angeles Times several fans were upset by the strict attitude of the police. Their view was that several tailgaters were drinking but were not hurting anyone and that more attention should be given to rowdy fans during the game. The number of arrests during tailgating was 132, with people cited for drinking in public and disorderly behavior. Both fans and police want a safe Dodger game experience they just differ on the means to achieve it. See Penal Code Sections 415, 647(f).

Charlie Sheen and his wife received a visit from Child Protective Services (CPS) at their home in Los Angeles. The reason for the home visit by authorities was a result of an alleged domestic violence incident which occurred near a ski resort in Colorado. After domestic violence incidents it is not uncommon for CPS to visit the home to insure the safety of the children who live there. The Sheens have two infant sons and Mr. Sheen has two other children from a previous relationship. After an official visit like this one CPS can decide to take no action or they may institute Dependency Proceedings, wherein the courts assess whether the parenting skills of the parents are sufficient for the children to remain in the home. In extreme cases the children can be removed from the parent and placed with a family member or in foster case. In the case of the Sheens it appears no action was taken by CPS.

According to The Orange County Register, the Los Angeles City Attorney is trying to legally force three dispensaries to stop selling marijuana for medical purposes. Specifically, the city prosecutor’s office is trying to get injunctions to force Organica and two Holistic Caregivers stores to stop all their over-the-counter sales. The City Attorney states that the law only authorizes “collectives” to grow marijuana and recover their costs, not to sell it.

Americans for Safe Access, an organization that supports medical marijuana, has repeatedly assisted these dispensaries in their legal battles against the City Attorney. Joe Elford, chief counsel for the organization stated that “the city attorney’s legal arguments are horribly flawed and have no basis in law.” He also accused the City Attorney and the District Attorney of taking action before the dispensaries even had time to comply with the city’s ordinance. Chief Deputy City Attorney, William Carter said that they are simply “enforcing the existing local and state laws as [they’ve] been doing for a long time” and therefore will not withdraw these lawsuits.