You heard it from our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers first.
Last month we reported on the white collar theft charges facing city officials in Bell. And we said the real question was how many more Bells were out there. This month, the Los Angeles Times reports that three current and former Irwindale city officials have been charged with five felony counts of misappropriating city funds.
A councilman, the former city manager and the finance director are charged with taking lavish trips to New York City to discuss housing for the poor. The city spent $87 million in affordable housing funds over eight years, but built just 42 homes. A councilwoman also faces one criminal charge.
In the wake of the Bell incident -- in which city leaders were charged with paying themselves excessive salaries -- prosecutors will no doubt be quick to charge other public officials. While complex in nature, many of the investigations will not withstand an experienced defense.
In this case, records dating back to 2003, allege less than 8 hours of meetings were scheduled during a six-night-stay at the Ritz-Carlton. While this might be bad business. And it is no doubt bad politics. It is unlikely that it is a crime.
Unfortunately, defendants charged with embezzlement in Los Angeles are often unfamiliar with the legal system. As shoddy as many such cases are when brought by prosecutors, they count on defendants making statements against other alleged co-conspirators or just generally sticking their foot in their mouths. Your chances of matching wits with professional investigators is virtually zero -- although those odds are still better than your chances of talking yourself out of trouble once you have been brought in for questioning or arrested.
You have the right to remain silent: Use it.
If you are facing theft or other criminal charges in Los Angeles, contact The Law Offices of Rodriguez, Lewis & Kahn for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.
