During the robberies, one of the suspects was wearing a security-type uniform and carried a handgun. The other suspect wore all black clothing and a jacket that said SECURITY. Santa Ana Police Commander said, “The suspects’ demeanor was that of police officers and the victims did not realize they were being robbed until the suspects fled with their money.”

Robbery, a felony, may be punished by 3 to 6 years in State Prison. California Penal Code Section 211 defines robbery as 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. Fear means fear of injury to oneself or the person’s family or property or to someone in one’s company. The value of the property taken does not matter.

An important element for robbery to be established is force or fear. Only an experienced criminal defense attorney can present a robbery defense by demonstrating that no force or fear was used to take the property or to prevent the victim from resisting. See also Penal Code Sections 211, 212.5 and 213; Criminal Law Updates from the Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo (714) 547-4636

CBS Los Angeles reports on the new “app.”

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

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

The last and fourth incident occurred in front of a Carl’s Jr. where witnesses called police, and found Ocampo at a mobile home park. He was arrested and had blood on his hands and face. All the victims had multiple stab wounds, from 40 to over 60 in some cases. The wounds were to the head and torso. Ocampo is being charged with murder with special circumstances which includes a possible death sentence if he is found convicted.

Here is a KTLA5 News video.

None of the jurors would speak to the media but an alternate juror who heard all the evidence but did not deliberate stated that he was surprised by the public’s reaction because he did not believe that the state had proved its case. While it was clear that Ms. Anthony had lied the juror said no motive for killing Caylee was presented and that they had no idea how Caylee died. The latter is important because a murder finding requires that a specific intent to kill be proven by the prosecution. In addition, a manslaughter charge generally requires a killing involving sudden passion or a death resulting from an illegal act. The jurors apparently felt that this could have been an accident which might cause it to fall short of murder or manslaughter. The alternate juror, who is a high school teacher, said that there was evidence from Ms. Anthony’s friends who testified that she was a good mother. The alternate juror felt then that this implied that the death could have been accidental. The alternate juror did not comment on his opinion of her failing to report the child missing for 30 days as a reflection on her mothering ability.

Notably, the prosecution did face a considerable challenge since the body was so badly decomposed they could not establish how the child died. This left open the possibility of an accidental death. Regardless, many Americans are clearly outraged at Ms. Anthony’s failure to report the child missing for so long and her partying during that time period. While acquitted in the court of law she was clearly found guilty in the court of public opinion. See Penal Code Sections 187 and 192.

The father and his parents were sentenced yesterday for the abduction of his 2 and 4-year-old sons from outside the Anaheim home where they lived with their mother. Abraham Fernandez, 23, and his father Louis Mendoza Fernandez, 52, both of Houston, pleaded guilty Jan. 4, 2011, to two felony counts of child abduction and were sentenced to 270 days in jail and three years of formal probation. Fernandez’s mother, Elizabeth Fernandez, 42, Houston, pleaded guilty Jan. 4, 2011, to two felony counts of child abduction and was sentenced to 90 days in jail and three years of formal probation.

Co-defendants David Daniel Nicholas, 26, Monrovia, and Linda Fernandez, 29, Monrovia, are charged with two felony counts of kidnapping and two felony counts of child abduction. If convicted, they face a maximum sentence of nine years and eight months in state prison. See Penal Code Sections 278 and 278.5.

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

Here is an AP Video covering the story:

The city of Newport Beach has picked out their new police chief, Jay R. Johnson. Johnson, who comes from a family of law enforcement, was a commander in the Long Beach Police Department since 2004 and a 23-year veteran of the Department. His two brothers and cousin are currently in the Long Beach Police Department.

Johnson takes the place of John Klein, who resigned in June 2009 after serving two years as chief. City Manager has been quoted as saying “[Johnson] stood out as a candidate with great integrity, professionalism, diverse experience, a strong education, and an excellent sense of our community.” He also added that Johnson “thoroughly understands what’s needed in Newport Beach, particularly in terms of community-oriented, professional policing with a friendly and approachable style.”

Anaheim city officials are planning to add a measure to the November ballot: No more red light cameras. Yes, the City Council wants to put an end to the days of the flashing bulb as you pass a red light. City officials explain that they worry the red light cameras are a way of putting money into the city’s pocket and not really a concern for safety. Mayor Curt Pringle and others want to add the measure to the ballot for a public vote in November. If it passes by a 51% majority an amendment would be added to the City Charter prohibiting the cameras. Critics believe that the system increases rear-end collisions and that traffic enforcement should be done by police not automated cameras. Those who support the red light cameras express that the system promotes safer driving and reduces side collisions at intersections. Garden Grove and Santa Ana are cities that use this automated system and do not seem to mind the extra money coming in.

The search continues for a missing family of four whose car was found miles from the U.S.-Mexican border in a San Ysidro parking lot. No one has heard or seen from Summer McStay mother of four year old Gianni Giuseppe and three year old Joseph Mateo since February 4th. Her kids and husband Joseph McStay had moved from San Clemente to Fallbrook and were in the process of settling in to their 4 bedroom house. The last person to talk to her was Jesi Silveria a family friend when they had a phone conversation on February 4. Two friends had attempted to communicate with the McStays on different occasions and no one responded. Joseph’s brother Michael stopped by to find the house empty and contacted police on the 15th. The police found Summer and Joseph’s cell phone in the house and refrigerator items left out. Family and friends hope they find them safe and soon.

A second Orange County Kohl’s store was robbed in a period of just two days. The first Kohl’s robbery occurred in Cypress where the suspects are still at large. The first robbery involved two women who stole $520.00 worth of cologne and silver jewelry. The second robbery involved a man who used a weapon to steal jewelry from the Irvine Kohl’s. No gun, however, was ever recovered. Police utilized a “reverse 911 call” to warn Irvine residents to stay indoors as police searched for the suspect on the afternoon of February 25th. Two schools were also locked down. Police have now apprehended a suspect who they believe to be the one who carried out the armed robbery (Penal Code Sections 211 and 245(a) (1)). He was found walking in the courtyard of an apartment community in Irvine. No estimate of the stolen goods has yet been given.

Police investigations are keeping up with the social networking trend as they investigate gang members and gang activity. Sites like Facebook, my space, and twitter serve as a way to communicate between gang members. Some use the internet to post videos and photos sometimes showing current criminal activities that they are involved in. Music and art related to the gangs are also posted for others to see and create a presence. Through pictures, art or music gang affiliation can be linked to someone the police are investigating. By monitoring these sites officials are gathering prosecutorial evidence. Many of the comments, written posts or pictures are publicly available while the site managers cooperate with officials when presented with a subpoena.