Arson

Published on: January 21, 2009

New Beginning for Los Angeles and Southern California Criminal Law

As we see the beginning of a new President and Vice President for the United States, we will most likely see a new beginning for criminal prosecutions for Los Angeles DUIs and Southern California criminal law.

Already the new administration has claimed that there will be a clamp down on crime. The local administrations have also claimed that they will vigorously prosecute even minor offenses. It will not matter if you are arrested for a Los Angeles DUI, a Long Beach crime, a San Fernando robbery, or a Pasadena DUI, the police will be trying to enforce the law to the fullest. For that reason, it is important to hire a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney who has the experience and knowledge to defend you.

The new emphasis on punishment for minor offenses is going to put regular citizens in a bad position. In the past, judges and prosecutors understood that there is a clear difference between people who are law abiding but who make a mistake, and those who a repeat offenders. Now, even minor offenses are going to punished more severely.

Published on: January 5, 2009

Violent crime down in Los Angeles and Southern California in 2008

by Michael Kraut

In a shift from a decade ago, violent crime in Los Angeles has declined for 6 straight years. Police in this Southern California city are thankful in the decrease. Others worry that the decline will reversed due to the failing economy.

Los Angeles homicides decreased about 5% from the previous year. While that number is not that impressive, the total total drop of 27% in 5 years. Law enforcement claim that the decrease is due to the severe push in gang eradication.

Violent crime has also dropped for other Southern California cities. San Diego saw a slight down turn, while San Bernardino had a 7% decrease, and Orange County also saw a drop in violent crimes

Published on: December 27, 2008

Christmas Eve shooting in Los Angeles Suburb of Covina Ends with Arson

by Michael Kraut

A man dressed as Santa Claus opened fire at his relative’s house in Los Angeles suburb of Covina killing 9 people and then shooting himself after going to the house at almost midnight. The shooter then set fire to the scene starting a Los Angeles arson and then fled the scene, traveling 40 miles to Sylmar, California and then killed himself. Had the gunman lived, he could have been charged with a Los Angeles murder. In fact, he could have faced capital murder charges, also called murder with special circumstances. In California, a person that commits murder in the commission of a Los Angeles arson crime, could be charged with the death penalty. In addition, the special circumstances of the multiple murders also could lead to the death penalty. These crimes are defended by a Los Angeles homicide crime defense attorney.

Published on: December 25, 2008

Christmas and Holiday Wishes From Los Angeles and Southern California

by Michael Kraut

I want to wish everyone in the Los Angeles and Southern California area who reads or is redirected to this Los Angeles and Southern California Criminal Defense Blog a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah. This blog is now six months old and I am pleased that it seems to have helped so many people. I have received many comments from people around the area that they have been helped by the information here.

In an attempt to wrap it up for the year I want to make sure that people are safe for this holiday season. I also want those people people who get into a Los Angeles DUI that if they should be stopped by the police in at a Southern California DUI checkpoint, or by Los Angeles law enforcement, that a Los Angeles DUI defense attorney is available 24/7 to assist if you or a loved one.

Because Southern California DUIs are taken so seriously, you need to know your rights and responsibilities. Remember you do not need to take the Los Angeles Law Enforcement PAS test in the field. If you are stopped by the police make sure to be polite. If they ask you to take the Los Angeles field sobriety tests you must comply. But if they ask or demand that you take a PAS test you are allowed to refuse. It is the recommendation of this Los Angeles DUI defense attorney to refuse this test. It can only be used against you. If you blow a significant BAC then you will be arrested. If you are taken to the police station you will be offered a choice of the breath or blood test. The choice is yours. But try to delay the test as long as possible. The law requires that the blood test must be taken with a specific time. If it is not done within the allotted time then the results will be thrown out in court.

Published on: October 14, 2008

Man Dies in Marek Fire in San Fernando Valley

by Michael Kraut

Murder charges may now result from the Marek Fire in the San Fernando Valley. Fire officials came across the charred body of a homeless man and his dog trapped in an out building after clearing the fire away from one portion of the Valley. If this fire was purposely set, then the person who set the fire may be charged by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office with murder with special circumstances. In plain language that means that the person who set the fire could be given the death penalty.

Law Enforcement has stated that the man apparently died as a result of smoke inhalation. His body was found in a small building along with his dog. The fire has now jumped the 118 freeway and threatening thousands of homes in the area of Porter Ranch. Over 3000 homes are threatened.

What began as a suspected arson has been elevated to a murder charge if the person who started the fire is caught. A Southern California criminal defense attorney is best suited to counsel and represent any person involved with this fire. An aggressive attorney who has previously worked as a senior trial prosecutor for the District Attorney’s Office, and has prosecuted arson and murder cases previously may be in the best position to assist someone charged with these crimes

Published on: October 13, 2008

Arson in the San Fernando Valley Burns Homes As The Marek Fire Spreads

by Michael Kraut

This morning homes and other property in the San Fernando Valley woke up to flames caused by an arsonist. The fire began at 2 AM on Sunday morning and is suspected to be caused by an arsonist. By early Monday morning, 3,200 acres had burnt so far and with 60 mile per hour Santa Ana winds feeding the fire. In the early morning hours the containment was good until sometime after 7 AM when the winds picked up the number fell to 5% containment. The fire then spread to an additional 1500 acres. The fire is being called the Marek Fire because of the location.

The resources that have responded to this crisis have been amazing. Over 200 fire engines have been assigned to fight the fires . LA County and LA City Fire Departments have assigned over 1000 fire fighters, plus police and other law enforcement personnel to assist the fire personnel.

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A mobile home park was fully engulfed in the flames and so far as many as 10 homes have already been lost. People and horses were being evacuated.