Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog

Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies raided a property north of Lancaster and found 100 roosters, $1 million in methamphetamine and children living in substandard conditions, the Los Angeles Times reports.

The defendants thus far face drug charges only while sheriff's deputies continue their investigation,

Charges of drug possession in Los Angeles can be serious, depending on the type of drug, the alleged conduct of the accused, location of the offense and the quantity of the drug.

There are many factors that go into what kind of penalties a person could face when charged with a drug offense. Because of overcrowded California jails, California's Proposition 36 allows Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers to petition the court to allow a defendant to serve time in a drug treatment program instead of going to jail.

This has been beneficial to many of our clients because they not only avoid jail time and can possibly maintain their job, but they can also get the treatment they may need to get their lives straightened out. Proposition 36 applies to those who have small amounts of drugs on them, typically low-profile drugs unlike heroin or cocaine, and who don't possess weapons or refuse treatment.

This can be a helpful alternative to incarceration not only for the state, which is dealing with unprecedented overcrowding issues, but also defendants, who can put their life together without suffering the consequences of jail.

In this case, deputies obtained a search warrant for a residence in an unincorporated area of the county north of Lancaster after conducting a narcotics investigation.

When deputies served the warrant, they found 100 roosters, which they suspect were involved in cockfighting, $1 million -- or five pounds -- of methamphetamine, and seven children living in dilapidated sheds.

The children, ages 4 to 17, were turned over to child welfare officials. It's unclear what relationship, if any, the children have with the accused. Deputies also found firearms during the raid as well as sparring materials and steroids that they suspect were used for the roosters.

Six adults are now charged with narcotics violations, though authorities haven't released their names. Given the details released by the sheriff's department, it's possible these individuals could end up also facing additional charges related to child abuse and animal abuse in Los Angeles.

As in any case involving a search warrant, the defendants must heavily scrutinize the affidavit prepared to get the search warrant. Investigators must have proven they had good cause to go into the property on more than a "hunch" or a "witch hunt."

And if the information they provided to the judge is false or if they misled the judge into signing for the search warrant, it's possible that the evidence collected could be deemed unusable at trial. That could lead to having the charges dropped or at least downgraded. In a case where drugs, animal abuse and child abuse are all in play, that should be one of the first things considered by a lawyer.

Continue reading "Cockfighting, Drugs, Child Abuse Alleged After Los Angeles Search Warrant Issued" »

Recent news of two Riverside men being charged with animal cruelty for allegedly abandoning a horse comes on the heels of a restaurant owner not being charged with animal cruelty for painting a donkey and leaving it outside in 90 degree heat.

The cases show the disparity between who is charged and who isn't charged with animal cruelty and neglect. But regardless, these charges are serious and should be treated accordingly. Hiring a Los Angeles Animal Cruelty Attorney if charged would be the first move to make.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the two men were charged with felony suspicion of animal cruelty for allegedly walking a bruised and starving horse to a Riverside field and leaving it there. The horse makes more than 40 abandoned horses that have been recovered this year.

At the same time, NBC News reports that the Pink Taco restaurant in Century City has come under fire and drawn protests for painting a donkey pink and leaving it outside in 90 degree heat during a Cinco De Mayo promotion.

Meanwhile, lawmakers have moved closer to passing into law a bill that makes penalties for animal abuse and neglect more streamlined and bans street vendor animal sales, the San Francisco Chronicle says. The bill awaits approval by the California State Assembly.

As you can see, animal cruelty is a hot-button topic and likely will be forever. But while authorities sometimes make legitimate arrests, they also can arrest someone who doesn't intend to harm an animal at all. Animal cruelty in Los Angeles and elsewhere in California is serious and can be punished by up to a $20,000 fine and anywhere from one to three years in custody. That type of penalty can ruin careers, families and reputations. So, the charges should be fought aggressively.

Keep in mind that animal cruelty charges can and should be defended like any other type of criminal charge. For instance, self defense is applicable in animal cruelty cases. If you, a loved one or even your pet may be attacked by an animal you feel could do harm or cause death, you can use force to defend yourself.

Accidental deaths, like if a pet runs away and gets hit by a vehicle, happen all the time. And, unfortunately, there are cases of mistaken identity that ensnare people in the criminal justice system. Sometimes people try to tarnish someone's name to get revenge by making accusations of animal cruelty or neglect. Even though they're innocent of any crimes, they can be charged based on someone else's word.

But the first step anyone charged with animal cruelty should take is contacting an attorney that has experience in these types of cases. Don't speak with authority figures about the case. Pick up the phone and call an attorney.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Animal Cruelty Cases Spark Outrage, Carry Tough Penalties" »

Los Angeles Sheriff's deputies recently made four arrests in what they believe was a cockfighting operation in the backyard of a Valinda home, The Los Angeles Times reports.

Charges involving animal cruelty in California are serious, as the state has some of the most comprehensive animal cruelty laws in the United States. Because of their severity, they should not be treated lightly. Consult with an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney to protect your rights.

In the case in Valinda, deputies told The Times they discovered more than 40 birds in the 15800 block of Fairgrove Avenue in San Gabriel Valley. Authorities said about 100 people at the home fled when deputies arrived.

While authorities speculated the fight may have taken days to prepare, a neighbor told the newspaper she was surprised to hear that an illegal cockfighting operation had taken place. Authorities said the homeowner wasn't present when deputies arrived and they are investigating whether that person was involved.

Deputies arrested three adults and one juvenile on charges of suspicion of watching an animal fight exhibition, which is a misdemeanor. While law enforcement investigates this case, it is possible that others will be charged or charges against those arrested will increase. That's why it's important to prepare a defense as soon as possible in situations like these.

California has dozens of laws dedicated to the fighting of animals for sport. Most are punishable as misdemeanors, which could involve jail time and fines, but it is possible for prosecutors to seek felony charges in some cases, which could result in prison time and probation.

Prosecutors have the discretion to file a crime under the more specific animal cruelty laws, or under the more general animal abuse descriptions in Penal Code 597. Depending on the seriousness of the case, the defendant's criminal history and the law under which the crime is prosecuted, animal cruelty can be charged as an infraction, a misdemeanor or a felony. Defendants with criminal histories can have these charges enhanced and before you know it, the person could be facing serious prison time.

Continue reading "Four Arrested in Alleged Los Angeles Cockfighting Operation" »

A Los Angeles city councilman wants to prohibit the sale of dogs and cats bred in mills, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Los Angeles animal cruelty attorneys know that dog and cat breeders often are labeled as operating "mills" and authorities often bring charges for animal cruelty. In California, especially Los Angeles, animal cruelty and abuse is a serious offense, often punishable by prison time, fines and a crimnal record.

Before you talk with authorities, contact an attorney who has experience in animal cruelty defense.

Councilman Paul Koretz introduced a motion to Los Angeles City Council recently that is aimed at cutting down on the number of dogs and cats in the city. Some pet stores purchase animals from large-scale breeding operations and Koretz wants to give financial incentives to stores for not doing so. He wants to encourage pet owners to adopt.

The motion calls for a study by police and the city attorney's office about banning sales of commercially bred dogs, cats and rabbits and a ban of what Koretz calls puppy, kitten, chicken and rabbit "mills" within city limits, the number of which is unknown.

The California Penal Code lists dozens of laws designed to penalize people for abusing animals, including laws that could relate specifically to breeders. Penal Code 597t makes it a crime to confine an animal in an area that does not provide it with adequate exercise or restricting an animal with a leash that allows the animal to become entangled. Code 597z makes selling dogs younger than 8 weeks of age a crime.

Committing these crimes may constitute a misdemeanor conviction on your record as well as various fines. More serious animal cruelty crimes are considered felonies and can result in imprisonment.

Continue reading "Proposed Puppy Mill Ban Could Increase Risk of Animal Abuse Charges in Los Angeles" »

Several cases of animal cruelty in Los Angeles are in the news this week.

In many cases, these charges snare a defendant who is not experienced with the justice system. Combine that with the fact that California has some of the most comprehensive animal cruelty laws in the country, and a defendant can quickly find himself in serious trouble. Do not speak to authorities before you have consulted an animal cruelty defense lawyer in Los Angeles. You are not likely to talk yourself out of trouble. But what you do say could conflict with your future defense strategy. Exercise your right to remain silent and talk to a lawyer.

California's animal cruelty law (Penal Code 597) prohibits maliciously or intentionally harming an animal, which can include overwork or deprivation. Cases often prosecuted on the margins include declawing exotic animals, leaving an animal unattended (in the car or otherwise), transporting animals in unsuitable conditions, failure to provide reasonable care, and inadequate confinement. You can even be charged with animal cruelty for selling a dog under 8 weeks old. In some cases, animal cruelty can result in up to 3 years in prison. It can also count as a third strike, which can result in 25 years to life in prison.

-The L.A. Times reports a Santa Ana shop owner was charged with felony cruelty for allegedly tormenting his pit bull with a machete.

-ABC7 reports a 38-year-old Fontana man is charged with animal cruelty for allegedly kicking and killing his pet Yorkie after it urinated on the carpet. He was jailed on $25,000 cash bail.

-The Pasadena Star-News reports police are investigating the death of four cats in El Monte.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Animal Cruelty Charges require Aggressive and Experienced Defense " »

Many California residents make a living raising healthy, happy, puppies. Local law enforcement may be stepping on the wrong toes and shutting down these responsible and caring homes for man's best friend by creating a new ordinance that could lead to questionable animal cruelty charges in Los Angeles.

Our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers understand that raising dogs in California is a living for some, supplemental income for others, and a hobby for many. When the government gets carried away with ordinances and regulations that infringe upon your privacy, unwarranted criminal charges may result.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors recently passed an ordinance to regulate the actions of animal breeders, according to The Beverly Hills Courier. While the ordinance is intended to target those who irresponsibly and inhumanely run puppy mills, over-restrictive law enforcement may prove to do more harm than good considering the popularity of dog breeders in our area.

"There are definitely some meaningful, impactful components to the ordinance that will improve the lives of dogs and make it less likely that they will suffer in large-scale breeding operations," said Elizabeth Oreck, national manager for Best Friends Animal Society,

Under the rules of the new ordinance, breeders will now be required to:

-Keep the puppies at the breeding facility until they are at least 8 weeks old.

-Keep the pregnant mothers separate from the other at least three days before they give birth.

-Provide new mothers and their puppies with proper nesting boxes.

-Wait until the dogs are at least 1 year old before breeding.

"In a county like L.A., where there is a very high shelter euthanasia rate, it is just as important to limit the production of animals as it is to ensure that dogs in breeding facilities are well cared for," said Oreck.

According to PR Web, Oreck understands that it may be impossible to put a complete ban on breeding dogs, but she hopes that eventually the regulations can be stiffened. She hopes to one day reduce euthanasia for the abundance of dogs that no longer hold their power as prestigious show dogs.

While the enforcement of this new ordinance is important in keeping irresponsible breeders under careful watch for the safety and regulation of these dogs, it may prove as a hassle for the many responsible breeders in the Los Angeles area.

Continue reading "New Ordinance Regulating Puppy Breeders may lead to Animal Cruelty Charges in Los Angeles" »

The L.A. Times is reporting a number of defendants are facing criminal charges involving dog fighting in Los Angeles after authorities seized 17 pit bulls in the Antelope Valley.

A Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer should always be called to handle charges of cruelty to animals in L.A. or criminal allegations involving dog fighting. The case of NFL Quarterback Michael Vick showed the criminal penalties for being convicted of animal abuse may be more severe than assaulting another human being.

In some instances, the laws have gotten so tough that pet owners are unfairly charged in cases where a dog has gotten sick or a family cannot afford proper vet care. In other cases, defendants are facing charges for taking in an attempting to care for too many strays. In still other instances, animal care may not rise to the level of someone's ideal standards but is not substandard enough to warrant criminal charges.

And, of course, there is no shortage of instances in which government authorities have inserted their noses and become involved in situations that are simply none of their business. They call it private property for a reason.

In this case, authorities raided an Antelope Valley property and seized more than a dozen dogs along with treadmill machines, medicines and surgical equipment used in the treatment of injured animals. Presumably they had a search warrant. A defense attorney will likely challenge the legality of the search. In cases where a search warrant is improperly obtained, or where authorities overreach their bounds, charges are frequently reduced or dismissed.

Authorities also allegedly recovered an ounce of cocaine at the house on 178th Street East in Lake Los Angeles. Training manuals and records allegedly related to dog fighting and breeding were also recovered.

A 43-year-old man and his wife were arrested on suspicion of felony dog fighting and possession of a controlled substance.

Continue reading "Felony dog fighting charges filed in Los Angeles after raid on Antelope Valley residence" »