Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog

Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys know that when it comes to witnesses testifying in a criminal case, integrity matters.

Jurors who are weighing the Los Angeles criminal defense versus the prosecution's side are going to take into account whether the witnesses are believable. There are a number of factors that can impact that credibility, and a skilled defense attorney knows how to ferret out those details.

However in a recent case involving the so-called "Bling Ring," the Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys won't have to work very hard.

That's because while the defendants have not yet gone to trial, the lead detective not only served as a paid consultant for a movie about the alleged crimes, he also accepted a role playing himself.

The Los Angeles Police Department veteran detective was reportedly paid between $5,000 and $6,000 for his services on the film project.

As one Loyola Law School professor put it: "It's a great birthday present for the defense."

That's because it doesn't look good. It creates a conflict of interest. It creates the appearance that the detective's goal all along was boosting the entertainment value of the case, for which he was being paid. This theory could also be underscored by the way in which he worded the police report, characterizing the crimes as a "twisted adventure," sparked by "celebrity worship" that "mushroomed into organized criminal enterprise." Sounds more like a screenplay than an affidavit.

The detective was also on payroll with one of the alleged suspects, who was also paid as a consultant on the film.

At the very least, it seems unprofessional, and it's an issue that's likely going to come to the surface at trial - if it even makes it that far.

An attorney for one of the defendants was quoted as saying he intends to make those facts known to the jury.

Prosecutors apparently weren't aware of the detective's role in the project until contacted by a reporter. Confronted with that news, prosecutors even said they may have to re-evaluate where they stand - it could be that detrimental.

You may recall, this is the case in which a number of youth, obsessed with fame, are believed to have committed burglaries and thefts at the home of several, high-profile celebrities, including Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan. One of the individuals is serving a four-year sentence, while another has accepted a plea deal for two years. A third, who was also paid as a consultant for the film, served a month of a 180-day sentence and is now on probation. Three more have pleaded not guilty and are slated to go on trial.

The defendant serving the two-year sentence was also offered $20,000 by the filmmaker for his side of the story, but his Los Angeles defense attorney wisely advised him to turn it down, as it could impact the case.

The film, entitled, "The Bling Ring," is being touted as a docudrama, and starring Emma Watson of "Harry Potter" fame.

The detective said he did notify his supervisors within the police department of his work on the case.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Criminal Defense Impacted by "Movie Star" Detective" »

A confused burglar was arrested earlier this month when he broke into the wrong house, according to Sugar Scape. The suspicious man tried breaking into the house of Miley Cirus, but was caught in the neighbor's garden, or what he believed to be Miley Cirus' garden.

X17Online reports the confused stalker claimed that "he had a date with Miley." When police weren't convinced; they took him into custody with a $5,000 bail.

Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers know there are many issues in such cases. Proving this man intended to break into Cyrus' house, or that he was stalking her, is a far cry from proving he was standing in a garden on private property somewhere in Southern California.

Yet, as a defendant, you have to take such charges seriously. Our defense lawyers represent clients facing stalking charges in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, including Wildomar and Riverside County. Stalking charges are becoming more and more common, whether involving celebrities or a relationship gone bad. We reported on our Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog earlier this year about a stalker incident involving hotel heiress Paris Hilton.

Ivanka Trump's was also a victim of stalking. After facing stalking charges and a court-order to stay away from Donald Trump and other residents, the 28-year-old continued to contact Mrs. Trump. He is currently held without bail.

"I should stop bothering her, but I like her," said the young stalker to a detective on a plane ride to New York, according to a court document released Tuesday. The 28-year-old recently legally changed his name to Cloud Starchaser and stated his home address as "a volcano in Hawaii," when he was originally arrested last year on previous stalking charges.

In all seriousness, victims are often falsely accused of stalking. It is important to contact an attorney immediately if you find yourself to be a victim of false accusations.

Continue reading "Miley Cyrus 'Stalker' Arrested on Criminal Charges in Los Angeles" »

The suspected murderer of swimsuit model Jasmine Fiore has been found dead, an apparent suicide. Charged with murdering his ex-wife, reality TV contestant Ryan Jenkins had fled to his native Canada. His ex-wife was found stuffed into a suitcase in a trash bin south of Los Angeles. Strangled, her fingers and teeth removed, Fiore's mutilated body had to be identified by the serial numbers on her breast implants. Previous charges of domestic violence and recent accounts of bitter arguing, led California prosecutors to charge Jenkins with first-degree murder of his ex-wife. After initially reporting his wife missing, Jenkins fled, sparking a nationwide manhunt that ended when Canadian deputies found him dead in a hotel near Vancouver. Authorities suspect suicide.

According to U.S. Department of Justice data, 11% of murder victims are killed by an intimate; i.e., a spouse, ex-spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend. One-third of women murdered are killed by intimates, a number that is increasing. Murder, as defined in the California Penal Code, is the intentional and malicious killing of a person. Premeditation is the defining element between first- and second-degree murder.

• First-degree or felony murder requires prior consideration and planning of a willful and deliberate intent to kill. First-degree murder generally occurs during the commission of or intent to commit a crime. In California, first-degree murder carries a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.


• "Second-degree murder also requires malice and acting intentionally, but it does not require premeditation and deliberation," Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Stephen clarified. In California, the sentence for second-degree murder is 15 years to life in prison.

For information about murder defense, contact the law offices of Rodriguez, Lewis & Kahn. Fluent Spanish spoken.

R&B singer Chris Brown was sentenced to five years of probation and six months of physical labor for the domestic violence beating of then girlfriend Rihanna last February. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg sternly warned the singer that he could do jail time if he violates the terms of his sentence. Brown was also ordered to attend domestic violence counseling for one year.

High profile domestic violence cases like Brown's shed a national spotlight on a growing problem. The latest federal National Crime Victimization Survey shows a 42% increase in domestic violence over the past two years. According to the American Institute on Domestic Violence, 90% of all domestic violence victims are female; and domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women. Statistics compiled by the American Bar Association indicate that approximately 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are physically assaulted by an intimate partner each year. In 2000, 33% of female murder victims and 4% of male murder victims were killed during domestic violence disputes.

Layoffs, job loss, home foreclosures, loss of retirement savings and financial problems resulting from the recession appear to be fueling the nationwide increase in domestic violence. "Domestic violence covers a wide range of abuse, including spousal abuse and child endangerment," said expert Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Stephen Rodriguez. In California, domestic violence laws apply not only to married couples, but also to cohabiting couples, ex-spouses, unmarried parents of a child, dating couples and people with a former dating relationship.

California domestic violence laws are complex and highly specialized. "Any threatening or violent act, even if the accused did not intend to harm or compromise the safety and security of the victim, could be grounds for prosecution under the California Domestic Violence laws," warns criminal defense attorney Rodriguez. In Los Angeles, a domestic violence charge demands skilled representation by a criminal defense attorney experienced in domestic violence litigation.

Choreographer Alex Da Silva had better brush up on his fancy footwork, though that's what seems to have gotten the So You Think You Can Dance tango king into trouble. Da Silva was arrested at his North Hollywood home yesterday on charges of rape and other sex crimes. On behalf of four of Da Silva's female dance students, the Los Angeles District Attorney charged the dance master with four counts of forcible rape, two counts of assault with intent to commit rape, and two counts of sexual penetration with a foreign object. Da Silva faces possible life in prison if convicted of all charges.

The LA District Attorney's Sex Crimes Division vigorously prosecutes rape and sex crimes, warns expert Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Stephen Rodriguez. "Generally, sexual assaults include unwanted physical contact with a sexual organ. Physical contact is unwanted if the victim 'says no,' physically objects or was not able to give consent due to mental incapacitation," explained the experienced criminal defense lawyer. Because California law does not require evidence that the rape victim physically objected to the sexual act, it is critical that the accused immediately seek the services of a criminal defense attorney experienced in handling rape and sex crime cases in Los Angeles.

Sex crimes are a particularly hot button issue in American society today. But as attorney Rodriguez points out, "As unpopular as sex offenses and alleged sex crimes are in society, individuals accused of sex crimes have the same rights as any other criminal defendant." Consent, insufficient evidence and mistaken identity provide avenues for defense. Conviction of a sex crime is life changing. Penalties can include jail, community service, counseling, probation or parole and lifetime sex offender registration. If you are charged with rape or a sex crime, contact experienced criminal defense lawyer Stephen Rodriguez today.

Los Angeles police are investigating possible manslaughter charges against Michael Jackson's personal physician. Investigators in Houston, Texas obtained search warrants and raided a medical clinic and storage unit used by Dr. Conrad Murray, searching for evidence to support manslaughter charges against the doctor. According to news reports, police confiscated a variety of documents, letters and emails, computers and vials of drugs.

Several times Murray has stated to the press that he did not give the pop star any medications or narcotics that were likely to cause his death. However, Jackson's family has been critical of the doctor's late involvement in Jackson's life. A cardiologist, Murray was hired as Jackson's personal physician during the star's preparation for a comeback tour. The doctor discovered the collapsed singer at his home on June 25 and administered CPR until paramedics arrived. Jackson was pronounced dead after arrival at UCLA Medical Center. Medications, including the powerful anesthetic propofol, were found in Jackson's home after his death. Jackson had complained of severe insomnia, and there is suspicion that ingestion of propofol may have contributed to the singer's death.

So why are LAPD investigators pursuing a charge of manslaughter instead of murder as some of Jackson's fans are demanding? In both murder and manslaughter an individual is killed; the difference is intent. Murder is the intentional, willful, deliberate and malicious killing of another. When premeditated -- planned in advance -- it is classed as first-degree or felony murder. Examples of first-degree murder include killing while committing arson, burglary, robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, rape and drive-by shootings. When murder lacks premeditation or deliberation, it is called second-degree murder. Examples of second-degree murder include use of a gun in a fight that results in death or swinging a baseball bat at a victim that accidentally hits him in the head causing death.

In contrast, manslaughter is the unpremeditated killing of another person without malice. Manslaughter can be either voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary manslaughter is the provoked killing of another in the heat of passion. Involuntary manslaughter is the unintentional killing of another either through recklessness or negligence or during the commission of an unlawful misdemeanor crime. If Jackson's doctor is found to have administered a drug that unwittingly caused the singer's death, he is likely to be charged with involuntary manslaughter.

Manslaughter or murder charges require experienced, aggressive criminal defense by a highly experienced, aggressive criminal defense attorney like expert Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer Stephen Rodriguez. If you are questioned or charged with murder or manslaughter, there are important steps you should take immediately. To discuss your case with a knowledgeable LA criminal defense attorney, contact Stephen Rodriguez today. Fluent Spanish spoken.

Stalkers deal in fear. Their obsessive harassment of celebrities regularly makes the news. Earlier this year, Georgia resident Brady Green was convicted of stalking, harassment, criminal trespass and attempted aggravated harassment for hounding supermodel Tyra Banks. Dawne Wilson was convicted of felony aggravated stalking and sentenced to jail for sending murderous email messages to actor Tyler Perry. Overzealous fans and paparazzi regularly cross the line from acceptable fandom to frighteningly aggressive behavior in their pursuit of celebrities. But stalking is not limited to the famous. Celebrities may get the press, but the majority of stalking victims are ordinary citizens. Jealous ex-boyfriends stalk their former girlfriends, ex-husbands stalk their former wives, sexual predators stalk school children. From 75% to 80% of all stalking cases involve a male stalking a female and are often connected to domestic violence cases. Too often, stalking leads to more aggressive and more frightening behavior, including assault, battery, even murder.

In 1990, California was the first state to enact anti-stalking laws after obsessed fan Theresa Saldana stabbed to death TV star Rebecca Schaffer. Stalking laws protect against not only celebrity stalking, but cyber stalking, workplace stalking and any stalking behavior or harassment that puts the victim in fear of his or her safety, explained expert Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Stephen Rodriguez. Stalking "is a series of unwanted actions or conduct that puts a person in fear for their safety."

Cyber stalking on the Internet is of growing concern in Los Angeles County, said attorney Rodriguez. "Cyber stalking takes on many forms such as sending email to the victim, impersonating the victim in char rooms and email messages, and spreading untruths in a chat room," Rodriguez explained. "The Internet is a very efficient and inexpensive way for cyber stalkers to intimidate, terrorize and harm their victims while at the same time remaining anonymous." Incidents of cyber stalking in Los Angeles have become so numerous that special law enforcement units called Stalking and Threat Assessment Teams (STAT) have been created to aggressively investigate and prosecute cyber stalking.

Stalking can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the presence of aggravating factors, the defendant's record and whether he is a repeat offender. If convicted of a felony, stalkers can be sentenced to up to five years in state prison. Stalking is a serious crime that requires serious defense. If you are accused of stalking, contact Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Stephen Rodriguez today for a free and private consultation.

Actor Tom Sizemore was arrested in Los Angeles late last week on an outstanding warrant related to a 2007 drug offense. The actor was apprehended with another man when L.A. police answered a domestic violence call. According to an unverified report on TMZ.com, the actor and his buddy were found in possession of narcotics. Sizemore was booked and released. The Saving Private Ryan and Heat actor received probation last May on seven drug charges. That probation was revoked in April. Since 2003, the troubled actor has been in trouble with the law, arrested for various drug offenses, assault and theft.

In California, drug offenses are vigorously prosecuted. Drug offense penalties can be severe and result in a criminal record and prison time. In California, drug offenses fall into four categories:

• Drug possession for personal use. Possession of controlled substances for personal use is a felony in California, explains expert Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Stephen Rodriguez. However, possession of marijuana, being under the influence of a drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia are generally charged as misdemeanors. You can be convicted of drug possession if drugs are found in your car, house or purse, even if drugs are not found on your person when you are arrested.


• Drug possession with intent to sell. Selling or the intent to sell drugs is a felony. Attorney Rodriguez cautions that you can be convicted of intent to sell drugs even if no money changed hands and the sale was not completed. If you are caught with drug packaging, weighing scales or cutting agents, or if police have proof of sales activities, you can be convicted of possession with intent to sell.


• Drug trafficking. Transporting, importing or selling/distributing drugs is a felony in California. However, if you are arrested with less than 28.5 grams of marijuana meant solely for personal use, you can be charged with a misdemeanor. L.A. lawyer Rodriguez notes that you can be charged and convicted of drug trafficking if you merely aid or conspire with someone to sell or purchase a controlled substance.


• Manufacturing drugs. Planting, cultivating or harvesting marijuana and manufacturing illegal drugs or possessing chemicals that can be used to manufacture illegal drugs are crimes in California.

"The most powerful defense for a drug bust or drug crime is the evidence and how it was obtained," notes skilled criminal defense attorney Stephen Rodriguez. Evidence obtained through an illegal search and seizure cannot be used to convict you. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can, in court, challenge the way evidence was obtained, resulting in dismissal if successful. A skilled criminal defense attorney may also be able to obtain alternative sentencing for non-violent drug offenders, substituting rehabilitation for jail time.

Former Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Jimmy Smith was arrested by police in Florida April 22nd for possession of both crack cocaine and marijuana. A Florida State Trooper pulled the five-time Pro Bowl player over just outside of Jacksonville to check the legality of window tinting on Smith's 2009 Mercedes-Benz when he smelled a "strong odor of marijuana" from inside the vehicle. The Trooper determined that Smith's license was suspended stemming from a DUI conviction just last August, when Smith could not produce the driver's license for review.

The Trooper proceeded to search Smith's car, finding marijuana residue on the seats. In the center console, he found six ounces of crack cocaine, three ounces of marijuana and one half-smoked marijuana cigarette, all of which led to drug possession charges. The 40 year-old Smith was arrested on charges of drug possession, driving on a suspended license and the window tint violation. He is currently free on $11,500 bond and has publicly stated that he is seeking treatment to overcome addiction to unspecified drugs. Smith will be arraigned on May 6th.

In Florida, possession of 20 ounces or less of marijuana is generally classified as a first degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in a county jail and a $1,000 fine. Driving with a suspended license in Florida is considered a misdemeanor for a first offense, with a maximum sentence of 60 days in a county jail and up to $500 in fines. Penalties escalate for second and third offenses to as much as five years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines. Possession of cocaine, however, is usually considered a third degree felony and carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of as much as $5,000. In Smith's case, he claimed that another man was driving in the car with him just before he was arrested. He might be able to claim that the drugs were not his. Aside from that, his lawyer will have to investigate the details of his vehicle search very carefully to see if perhaps the evidence found by the State Trooper might have been collected illegally and might be inadmissible in court. Being charged with a drug possession is a serious crime that could affect your future. You need an experienced criminal defense attorney to guide you through all the confusing legal procedure and fight for your freedom.

If you or someone you know has been charged with drug possession, call the attorneys at Rodriguez, Lewis & Kahn right away to begin preparing your defense.

If you are a member of the paparazzi in Los Angeles, chances are you will need a paparazzi lawyer to defend you from false accusations. The paparazzi lawyers at Rodriguez, Lewis & Kahn have worked with numerous paparazzi to defend against false claims and other charges.

A paparazzo has been implicated in pop superstar Madonna's recent horse riding accident in Long Island, New York. The singer was riding a horse at a friend's house when she claims a paparazzo jumped out from behind some bushes, startling her horse and causing it to rear. The singer was treated at a Long Island hospital for "minor injuries and bruises" according to a local police report.

While the police report does not specify the presence of any paparazzi at the time of the incident, numerous photographs exist of the singer both just before and just after her incident according to her spokeswoman, Liz Rosenberg. Photographer Thomas Hinton claims he was taking pictures of the singer from a public road before and after her fall, but was not present when she fell. Celebrities such as Madonna are increasingly taking a tough stance against the ever-present paparazzi, and lawmakers are following suit.

California became the first state in the nation to enact laws against the paparazzi when it enacted a bill in 1999 that protected those with celebrity status from a physical invasion of privacy when photographers are trespassing, as well as rendering any audio or video enhancing devices that would also violate the celebrity's privacy illegal. In 2005, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a second piece of anti-paparazzi legislation that punished members of the paparazzi for assaults or altercations caused by the photographer's attempts to take photos.

The new legislation tripled the amount of damages that may be awarded to a celebrity in such cases and makes it illegal for photographers to profit from photos taken illegally during an intrusion. In California, freedom to take photos of celebrities in public spaces is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution. Celebrities, however, are targeting the paparazzi with both civil suits and criminal charges as photographers use increasingly aggressive tactics to get photos.

If you are a photographer facing criminal charges, call the attorneys at Rodriguez, Lewis & Kahn immediately to fight for you.

When fandom become obsession, celebrities get understandably frightened, police become suspicious and judges act. Last week a Los Angeles judge extended the temporary restraining order against Robert Michael O'Ryan for allegedly stalking 17-year-old gymnast Shawn Johnson. Police caught O'Ryan packing a gun and trying to break into the Dancing With the Stars studio. Johnson is a participant on the hit TV show this season.

In another event last week, Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies arrested Miranda Tozier-Robbins after security guards caught her peeking in the windows of Britney Spears' Calabasas home. Tozier-Robbins, a fifth season American Idol hopeful who auditioned with the Spears' ballad Everytime, was toting a camera and dressed in camouflage gear at the time of her arrest. She was charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct before being released.

It's not just paparazzi who can be caught on the wrong side of the law when celebrity worship becomes obsessive. Stalking, trespassing, and breaking and entering are serious crimes in California, whether you're one of the paparazzi or a besotted fan. Even when the crime committed could be charged as a misdemeanor, having a gun in your possession when you commit a crime ramps the charge up to a felony.

Celebrity outcry and fear of tragedy led to California's enactment of anti-paparazzi laws in 1999 and their expansion in 2005. The laws have made it possible for paparazzi to be punished for becoming too aggressive in their efforts to photograph celebrities. Both civil and criminal charges are allowed. Paparazzi and aggressive fans can be charged with assault, battery, conspiracy, false imprisonment, stalking, and trespass. While most of these are usually charged as misdemeanors, some can also be charged as felonies. Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony can make the difference between a fine and probation or a criminal conviction and serving time in jail.

Effective defense against a paparazzi charge requires aggressive representation by an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney. Skilled L.A. criminal defense lawyer Stephen Rodriguez said the worst thing you can do if charged of a paparazzi crime is try to talk your way out of the situation. "Talking to law enforcement without consulting an attorney first is a mistake," said Rodriguez. For more information about paparazzi crimes, visit the website of Rodriguez, Lewis & Kahn.

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Actor Jamie Foxx made headlines again recently for being stalkedin Philadelphia where he is currently shooting his latest film. On three separate occasions in late March, 49 year-old Steven Taliver (also known as William Brown), tried to break into the Academy Award winner's hotel room. The suspect allegedly claimed to be singer Beyonce's music producer. On at least one occasion, Foxx is said to have become physically forceful, pushing Taliver out of his hotel room and slamming the door. Several days later, Foxx's security guards spotted Taliver hanging around the film set and he was then taken into police custody. Taliver reportedly has 24 prior arrests and is currently facing several criminal charges, including burglary. Add stalking to the list.

Stalking, legally defined, is a repeated series of encounters that puts one person in fear of their personal safety. Statistically, 75% of stalking victims are women. Stalkers typically make repeated attempts to contact a person, famous or not, that can be through the Internet, phone calls, personal contact or any one of several other methods. This repeated attempt at communication is considered stalking when the person on the receiving end of this persistent behavior starts to feel threatened. In most non-celebrity cases, stalking is usually the result of domestic violence. Stalking victims often file restraining orders against their stalkers that require them to not come within a specified distance of them. Violations of these restraining orders can also qualify as a separate criminal offense.

In Los Angeles, stalking can carry harsh penalties and can be either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances. For a misdemeanor stalking conviction, up to a year in a county jail is often handed down as punishment. A felony stalking conviction could land you in a state prison for up to five years, which is likely what will happen in Taliver's case, though Pennsylvania's statutes on stalking may differ. This unwanted behavior can be difficult to prove in stalking cases. A good criminal defense lawyer will know exactly what kind of behavior qualifies as stalking and could possibly get charges against you dropped. Rapper Nate Dogg (real name Nathaniel Dwayne Hale) was charged with stalking his estranged wife in Los Angeles in June of 2008, along with making criminal threats to her. This week all charges against him were dropped by Los Angeles prosecutors.

If you have been charged with stalking, call the attorneys at Rodriguez, Lewis & Kahn today at (213) 223-2173 to begin defending yourself.

TMZ, one of the leading paparazzi media outlets, had one of its photographers attacked by actor Woody Harrelson. The attack occured in New York's Laguardia Airport. As the paparazzi asked Harelson questions, the actor shoved the camera into the photographer's eye, causing it to temporarily stop recording. A few seconds later the video returns but then the screen goes black again -- you can still hear Harrelson attack full bore, ripping the camera out of the photog's hands.

The paparazzi says Woody smashed the camera to the ground, breaking it. Harrelson then picked the camera up and began walking away with it. The photographer followed him, claiming he was assaulted and demanded that Harrelson return the camera. That's when Harrelson attacked again, striking the paparazzi repeatedly and grabbing his neck.

The paparazzi have had a hard time dealing with the laws in California, and now are treated as criminals. The nation's first civil anti-paparazzi law went into effect in California on January 1, 1999. This protects celebrities against physical invasion of privacy where a trespass occurs, as well as constructive invasion of privacy, where no trespass occurs but an audio- or video-enhancing device is used to violate a reasonable expectation of privacy. However, this law apparently wasn't enough to thwart paparazzi activities so on September 30, 2005, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law an anti-paparazzi bill to punish Paparazzi for assaults and altercations caused by their attempts to photograph celebrities. The new law expands the Anti-Paparazzi Act, Section 1708.8 of the Civil Code, tripling the damages that may be awarded to a celebrity, and denies photographers the right to profit from images illegally taken during intrusions.

We are Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys focusing exclusively on criminal defense and we aggressively defend those accused of criminal offenses in California. We have over 90 years combined criminal experience and we know how to get the best possible results for our clients. If you are a paparazzi and being charged with any paparazzi crimes please contact us to discuss your case.

Don't settle for a "guilty" plea. Being convicted of a crime in California can lead to jail, hefty fines and a criminal record. Let Rodriguez, Lewis & Kahn, a team of experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys, represent you in court. Call us now for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Back in Los Angeles court this week, R&B star Chris Brown pleaded not guilty to the charge that he physically abused his off-and-on girlfriend, pop star Rihanna. Arraigned in Los Angeles Superior Court, neither the 19-year-old Brown nor his attorney spoke to the press. After the hearing, Rihanna's attorney told reporters the 21-year-old singer hopes Brown, with whom she is still involved, will be able to reach a plea bargain with the Los Angeles prosecutor's office. Brown will be back in court later this month for a status hearing. If convicted, Brown could face up to four years in prison.

Since the reported February attack, photos of a bruised and battered Rihanna have circulated on celebrity gossip websites, along with reports of the couple's off-and-on love affair, a tearful apology by Brown, and even rumors of a secret wedding. Police reports indicate that Brown shoved Rihanna's head against the window of his rented Lamborghini during a roadside argument last winter, punching her in the face repeatedly while yelling, "I'm going to kill you."

Brown faces potentially harsh consequences for his actions. In California, assault and battery can not only result in felony charges but conviction can count as a strike under the state's harsh Three Strikes Law, warns expert Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Stephen Rodriguez. While domestic violence most often happens behind closed doors, Brown and Rihanna's celebrity status has pushed the issue into the media spotlight. Most of the victims of domestic violence are women. Domestic violence accounts for the majority of emergency room care provided to women in the U.S. More than 32% of Americans know someone who has been a victim of domestic violence. More than 50% of female victims never come forward and 25% are repeat victims, complicating prosecution and defense. However, once domestic violence charges are filed, Rodriguez said, "it is very difficult to get the charges dropped;" even if the victim wants to, as it appears Rihanna does.

What many couples don't understand is that once an arrest is made the prosecutor takes over the case. Rodriguez explained, "When this happens, even if the victim wants to forgive and forget, the victim is simply a witness and must take a back seat while the prosecutor moves ahead with the criminal case." In such cases, as with Brown and Rihanna, the skill and legal knowledge of an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney like Stephen Rodriguez is needed to defend against charges of domestic violence and assault.

Hit and run cases in southern California are fairly common because it's such a car culture. However, Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys know how deadly a hit and run case can be, and how severe the punishment is for those convicted of hit and run.

Hit and Run accidents are the result of one party causing damage to another party's property or person and leaving the scene before producing the proper driver documentation. Hit and Run charges can be both misdemeanors and felonies, depending on the seriousness of the accident. In Los Angeles, a hit and run case can lead to serious jail time of it turns into vehicular manslaughter.

Two recent cases have highlighted this serious crime. In once instance, a woman was arrested for allegedly hitting two students near the campus of USC, killing one and critically injuring the other. In another high-profile case, a pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim was killed in a car wreck the morning after he pitched a big game.

Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart was among the three people killed in a crash in Fullerton when a minivan driver ran a red light, an associate of the rookie player said this morning. The crash occurred hours after the 22-year-old appeared in Wednesday night's Angels game.

The driver of the minivan fled on foot shortly after the accident but was taken into custody on suspicion of hit and run when police found him a mile away. Further charges are pending as the investigation continues, he said. A passenger in the minivan was taken to Western Medical Center, authorities said. The condition of that person was unknown.

If you have been involved in a California Hit and Run accident, please call the criminal defense attorneys at Rodriguez, Lewis & Kahn to discuss the facts that surround your case.