Probation - Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo

Cops Get a New “App”

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 17:54:00 GMT

The Los Angeles Times reported on Monday, September 9, 2013, that California Attorney General Kamala Harris announced a computer application “app” for law enforcement. This app would be used on cell phones and tablets. The purpose would be to get an individual suspects information from state and federal databases. From the databases police officers would know if the person is on parole or probation from their hand held device, not by returning to their patrol car or the police station. It saves time and gives them more information at an instant. San Francisco tested this app with 600 officers, and noticed improvement in their performance. The Los Angeles Police Department will try the app later on in the year. Security steps to access the app vary, including encryption, passwords and disabling copying or screen saves.

CBS Los Angeles reports on the new “app.”

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

Lindsey Lohan in Trouble Again!

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 21:14:00 GMT

Lindsay Lohan is under investigation for possible involvement in a jewelry theft case. The incident stems from a gold necklace worth $2,500 that disappeared from a Venice jewelry store. The Los Angeles Police Department obtained a search warrant for Ms. Lohan’s home, but the necklace was returned to a police station before officers searched the Lohan residence. The necklace was returned by an associate of Ms. Lohan’s. According to one website the owner of the store has pictures and video of Ms. Lohan wearing the necklace. Also, there may have been an issue as to whether the owner of the jewelry loaned the piece to Ms. Lohan. Ms. Lohan is currently on probation for a drunk driving case. Riverside County officials are also investigating the actress for an alleged assault incident at the Betty Ford Center. An employee at the rehabilitation center stated that Lohan shoved her, but she is declining to press charges.

The new theft case brings Ms. Lohan’s legal problems up a notch because now she can be charged with a felony and faces a maximum of three years in prison for the offense. While it is very unlikely that she would serve anything close to the maximum time in prison, her past record of violating her probation and generally failing to comply with the terms of her probation could subject her to a much harsher sentence then a first time theft offender. See Penal Code Sections 459, 487(a), 240-242.

Orange County Teenager Suspected in Robbery Shot by Officer

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 21:24:00 GMT

Orange County Police followed a vehicle suspected of being used in a robbery. When the police approached the vehicle one of the teenage suspects stabbed an officer who then shot the teenager dead. The remaining two suspects then fled in the vehicle before they were stopped again and arrested. All three teenagers had prior records. The suspect who was killed had priors for auto theft, assault and burglary. The driver was on probation for robbery, vandalism and auto theft. The remaining teenager, a female, was also on probation. All three were sixteen years of age. Under current law the two juveniles can be charged with anything the deceased teenage did if it was reasonably related to the crimes they were committing together. Juveniles can be tried in adult court if the District Attorney finds that the crimes were serious enough to warrant such treatment. See, Welfare and Institutions Code Section 602, Penal Code Sections 245(a) (1) [Assault with a Deadly Weapon] 243(c) (2) [Battery on a Peace Officer].

Former USC Student Back in Court

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 21:51:00 GMT

In 2005 former USC student, Holly Ashcraft, arrived at a Southern California Hospital showing signs of having just given birth. Police were unable to locate the infant which she claimed was still born. Los Angeles Prosecutors tried unsuccessfully to try her for murder but settled for a lesser child of endangerment in 2008. Ms. Ashcraft was put on probation which included requirements that she attend mandatory counseling and pregnancy testing. Last week a Los Angeles Judge found that she had not complied with all the terms of her probation and incarcerated her pending a hearing until January 3, 2011. Penal Code Sections 273a (a), 273a (b).

Lohan Escapes Jail

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Mon, 31 May 2010 01:02:00 GMT

A Los Angeles County Judge issued an arrest warrant for Lindsay Lohan for her failure to appear in court on May 20th. Lohan, who was scheduled to appear for her probation hearing for a 2007 driving under the Influence conviction, failed to show up. Instead she was in Cannes, France, enjoying the famous yearly film festival. Lohan claims her passport was stolen and therefore she was unable to get back to the U.S. But Beverly Hills Judge, Marsha Revel, had no sympathy for Lohan. Revel said Lohan should have skipped her France trip or made sure she was in the U.S. in time for her hearing. The Judge also commented that “actions speak louder than words” and that Lohan has “a history of not keeping scheduled appointments … I couldn’t have been more clear about the priority of this case and getting things done.” However, thanks to her representation Lohan was spared arrest when she landed in the U.S. Lohan’s $10,000 bond was posted and the arrest warrant was then recalled. See, Vehicle Code Sections 23152(a), (b), Warrants, Probation Violations.

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

Here is a CBS Early Show video discussing Lindsay Lohan’s case

Curfew in Buena Park

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Thu, 06 May 2010 04:06:00 GMT

In en effort to combat delinquency Buena Park Police Department and other agencies conducted a curfew violation sweep. According to the Orange County Register officials arrested 10 minors, two suspected of possession of ecstasy pills, and one convicted of a sex offense. Along with the BPPD, counselors from Community Service Programs Inc. were involved to lend services. The minors were taken to the police station and their parents were called to come pick them up. Then officials from the Probation Department and District Attorney’s office spoke to the parents about the curfew laws. Curfew hours are from 10pm to 5am in Buena Park. See Penal Code Section 602, Health and Safety Code Section 11378.

Return of Property

Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 04:27:00 GMT

Kris Jones was arrested just one day before his birthday in Huntington Beach, Orange County. During his arrest $700 was taken from him, which included birthday money from his family. Huntington Beach police arrested Jones on suspicion of: selling marijuana and possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell(Health and Safety Code Sections 11351, 11378). Jones later pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to serve three years of probation in addition to 90 days in jail.

Jones has now filed a claim against the city of Huntington Beach asking for the return of the $700 which was confiscated by police on the date of his arrest. Jones will soon go before a judge who will determine whether the money will be given back or not. Money that is part of evidence of the crime is unfortunately never returned and rather– permanently confiscated. Thus, it’s in one’s interest to have a criminal defense attorney prepare a written motion for the return of property and make an articulate argument in court to have a successful outcome in court.