COMPTON CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY AND DUI LAWYER
Compton, CA is world-famous for its crime.  Frequently referenced popular culture (mostly in Hip-Hop music, as well as movies depicting violence, drugs and other crimes).  But to nearly 100,000 residents, Compton is simply home.  Located in southern Los Angeles County, Compton is nearby Lynwood, Gardena, South LA, Long Beach, Carson, Paramount, West Compton, East Compton and Rancho Dominguez.

Compton has produced some of LA's and the world's most famous rappers, including NWA (Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, MC Ren, and DJ Yella),The Game, Kendrick Lamar, DJ Quick, and more.  Additionally, Compton is known for its basketball players, with current NBA stars DeMar DeRozan, Tyson Chandler and Brandon Jennings calling Compton home.  Former NBA stars Tayshaun Prince, Cedric Ceballos, and Dennis Johnson are also from Compton.  Though frequently regarded as a predominantly African-American community, nearly two thirds of Compton residents are Latino or Hispanic (of any race).  This trend began just after the 1992 LA Riots and has steadily continued into the 2000s.

With the cultural references and high crime of the 80s and early 90s, Compton has had a hard time shaking its reputation as a gang-run slum.  Crime rates have, however, dropped significantly in recent years.  Compton still has high crime rates relative to the rest of LA County, California and the nation, but crime is down.  Compton's murder rate is lower than it has been since 1965, while property crimes and other violent crimes are also down considerably.  LA County Sheriff's Department is in charge of Law Enforcement for Compton.  Criminal and traffic matters proceed to the historic Compton Courthouse.
  
Even with the reduction in crime, Compton still has a heavy gang crime presence, and drugs and violent crimes continue to plague the area.  With traditionally Black gangs having previously controlled the area, race wars between Black and Latino gangs have become an issue.  Violent crimes involve everything from domestic violence, to gang-related murders.  Drug crimes vary from simple possession, to sophisticated drug sales conspiracies.  Marijuana, cocaine (both powder and crack cocaine), methamphetamine, prescription medications and PCP are profitable markets in Compton, and gangs continue to fight each other over real estate in the region.  Vandalism is also common, mostly due to the gang presence.  Weapon offenses are also common, as even law-abiding citizens often feel unsafe and carry weapons for protection.  DUI enforcement is also common, with law enforcement throughout LA putting a lot of emphasis on stopping drunk driving.

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Compton, Lynwood, Gardena, Long Beach, South LA or anywhere else in Los Angeles, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Loncar for a free consultation with a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney.  We can discuss the details of your case, assess the strength of the evidence against you and evaluate your potential defenses.  

EXAMPLE of a Compton Criminal Defense Case:
Mark, a former gang-member and Compton resident, is driving home from work in his car, when an LA County Sheriff's Deputy recognizes him, and initiates a traffic stop.  Mark knows that he has not committed any traffic violation or other crime.  Mark is no longer affiliated with any gang, and is no longer involved in any significant criminal activity.  Due to Mark's past, he not only has a lengthy criminal history, with prior felonies and trips to California State Prison, but he also must be careful to avoid enemies from rival gangs, and even his own former gang.  Although not legally allowed to possess a firearm, Mark keeps a gun in his car should the need arise.

The deputy pulls Mark over, claiming that he was swerving.  Upon contact, the officer says that he smells marijuana, and asks Mark to step out of the vehicle.  Mark had smoked a joint with a co-worker before leaving work, but did not feel impaired to drive.  Mark refuses to submit to any field sobriety tests (wisely) and refuses all chemical tests (not wisely).  The officer then places Mark under arrest for DUI, without really having much evidence aside from the smell.  Upon searching the vehicle, the officer locates a loaded firearm under the seat.  Mark is booked and charged with being a felon in possession of a loaded firearm, as well as misdemeanor DUI.  Due to Mark's record, he is facing a lengthy prison term for this case.

Mark hires a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney to help him with this important Compton case.  The defense attorney subpoena's video footage from two nearby fast food restaurants, to dispute whether Mark committed any traffic violations.  Additionally, the police cruiser was mounted with video surveillance equipment.  The defense attorney requests a copy of that video as well.  Both videos help to show that the officer had no justification to pull Mark over.  Mark's defense lawyer files a motion to suppress all of the evidence, arguing both (1) the officer did not have probable cause to pull Mark over, and (2) the officer lacked probable cause to arrest Mark for DUI (thereby justifying the search yielding the gun).  The motion is granted, the evidence is suppressed, and the case against Mark is dismissed.

Again, if you have been arrested, charged with a crime, or believe you may be under investigation for a crime in Compton, South Central, Long Beach or somewhere else nearby, a skilled, passionate LA defense lawyer can help.  Contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Loncar now for a free consultation.

Nicholas M. Loncar, Esq.
t. 323.803.4352 | f. 323.617.3838
www.iDefendLosAngeles.com
[email protected]

Published By: Nicholas Loncar | Written by Nicholas Loncar