California Criminal Lawyer Blog

Series of Orange County DUI-Related Crashes Result in $75K in Damages

2010-03-09T17:00:00Z

A 41-year-old Orange County man was arrested on February 9, 2010 for driving while intoxicated after a succession of hit and run crashes culminated in an estimated $75,000 worth of damage to a local storefront; according to a Corona Del Mar Today article. The alleged drunk driver drove his SUV onto the sidewalk and into trees, signs and a planter before crashing into the front of a psychic shop in Corona Del Mar, wedging his vehicle about a quarter of the way into the building. The man declined medical treatment and was arrested for DUI at the scene. He also faces possible charges for leaving the scene of an accident which can be charged as misdemeanor hit and run.

If a person is convicted of drunk driving, current California DUI penalties for first-time offenders incur a minimum sentence of a $390 fine, jail time and a six-month license suspension. Subsequent offenses can rack up more than a year in jail, fines of up to $1,000 and a license suspension of several years. Judges also have the discretion to require persons convicted of DUI to install an Ignition Interlock Device IID, undergo drug and alcohol treatment programs and participate in community service.

]]> A DUI offense coupled with another crime, such as vehicular manslaughter, can result in felony DUI charges that carry even heftier sentences and prison. Although a drunk driver may not intend to cause a collision, to inflict pain or to cause someone’s death; a prosecutor can argue that driving while intoxicated was an act of criminal negligence and this can result in a jail sentence.

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony DUI, the Southern California drunk driving defense attorneys at Takakijan, Sowers & Sitkoff LLP have a wealth of experience in defending an array of individuals concerning DUI and drunk driving offenses. Call our Orange County DUI offices at 866-430-8383 to schedule a free and confidential consultation. We will defend your rights and work to reach a successful outcome in your case.

Source article: http://www.coronadelmartoday.com/home/dui-arrest-75000-damage-in-suv-crash/

Los Angeles Judge Rules Retail Sale of Marijuana is Illegal

2010-03-04T17:00:00Z

In the first decision of its kind in California, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruled that the retail sale of marijuana is not permitted under California state law. According to an LA Weekly article, the case was brought against a medical marijuana dispensary that the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office said was targeted because its product was found to have traces of pesticide. The marijuana dispensary was ordered to temporarily shut down. The ruling also stipulated that medical marijuana providers must comply with the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act which requires particular testing, labeling, warnings and product information to be provided to patients.

The California legal system’s treatment of marijuana use and cultivation derives primarily from the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 (California Health & Safety Code Section 11357-11362.9), which provides protections from existing federal or state laws criminalizing marijuana use and cultivation for “seriously ill” Californians using the drug for medicinal purposes. The language of the legislation was left intentionally vague so as to allow regional authorities to make reasonable determinations about how to implement the marijuana law.

]]> In an effort to dissuade the excessive and sometimes illegitimate retail sale of marijuana in Los Angeles, the City Council has begun enforcing a rule that dispensaries can only operate as non-profit entities. They are permitted to charge only enough for their product to cover production costs.

The judgment is likely to be appealed to further clarify California medical marijuana law interpretation, and it may be indicative of future legal trends. In spite of the legalization of medical marijuana use, California has some of the harshest sentencing guidelines for recreational drug offenses. If you have been charged with a marijuana-related crime, call the California marijuana crime defense attorneys of Takakjian, Sowers & Sitkoff LLP at 866-430-8383 for a free consultation regarding your drug case.

Source article: http://blogs.laweekly.com/ladaily/city-news/judge-shuts-down-la-dispensary/

Police Arrest Homeless Gang Member for Sexual Assault

2010-03-02T17:00:00Z

Los Angeles police recently arrested a 20-year-old homeless man in Venice Beach on suspicion of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old Menlo Park girl who went missing in January.

According to police, Venice Beach is noted for having a number of young runaway girls. Based on a Mercury News story, this runaway had left home January 6th after a dispute with her parents. She then hopped a train to Los Angeles Union Station. The alleged, an admitted gang member, met the girl and offered her drugs and alcohol. He also threatened to hurt her or kill himself if she left him and proceeded to beat and sexually assault the girl.

On January 30, the girl turned herself in to Culver City police and was sent home to the Bay Area that night. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office indicated that the accused was involved in a 2009 sexual assault case, but prosecutors had not yet charged him of the sex crime in Los Angeles. He is currently being held in lieu of a $175,500 bail.

]]> Sex crimes are among the most vigorously prosecuted and severely punished offenses within the criminal justice system. If you have been accused of a sex crime in Los Angeles, you should contact an experienced Los Angeles sex crime defense attorney. Often times, people accused of such offenses find it helpful to learn about their legal rights before acting in ways that could worsen their situation.

If convicted of a sex crime, you may face incarceration and be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life. The skilled California sex crime attorneys at Takakjian, Sowers & Sitkoff LLP can help you build an aggressive defense and ensure that your constitutional rights are protected. Contact our offices today at 866-430-8383 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Source article: http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_14392709

Man Accused of DUI, Gross Vehicular Manslaughter

2010-02-16T17:00:00Z

A 43-year-old Orange County man has been accused of drunk driving and speeding in connection with a car accident, which killed a woman on the 10 Freeway in El Monte. According to a news report, the man has been charged with one count each of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, DUI causing injury, and driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent causing injury. Officials say the deceased woman was a passenger in a car that was hit by the alleged drunk driver. The driver was apparently traveling at more than 120 mph.

If you have been accused of felony drunk driving and/or vehicular manslaughter in Los Angeles or Orange County, you are looking at serious consequences including jail time, loss of driver's license, hefty fines, and other severe penalties. California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) states: "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle." The same code section also states that in California it is illegal for any person with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or more to drive a vehicle.

]]> Anyone who is facing such serious charges would be well-advised to get in touch with the skilled and knowledgeable Los Angeles and Orange County DUI defense lawyers at Takakjian, Sowers and Sitkoff LLP. We will represent you at your DMV administrative hearing and help you retain your driving privileges. Our California criminal defense attorneys handle all cases from DUI and DMV driver's license suspensions to the most serious felony drunk driving, DUI with injury, vehicular manslaughter and vehicular homicide cases. Call us today at 866-430-8383 for a free consultation.

Source: http://www.scpr.org/news/2009/12/23/el-monte-drunk-driver-scheduled-arraignment-follow/

Couple Accused of Running Prostitution Ring in Los Angeles and Orange Counties

2010-02-11T17:00:00Z

A husband and wife were arrested and charged with running a prostitution ring out of two upscale apartment buildings in Pasadena and Irvine, according to a Los Angeles Times news report. The couple allegedly managed about two dozen women, who officials say, charged $200 per hour. In addition to the couple, four other men between the ages of 20 and 45 were also arrested on prostitution charges. The couple is facing charges of pimping and pandering. Officials said they initially suspected that human trafficking was involved, but later discovered that the women were attracted to the Los Angeles and Orange County business because of relatively higher pay.

According to California Penal Code Section 647 (b), committing prostitution means "any lewd act between persons for money or other consideration." Pandering, defined under Section 266 i of the California Penal Code, is considered to be a crime committed by a pimp – recruiting prostitutes and soliciting customers for prostitution services. If you are convicted of prostitution or pandering, you are looking at significant jail time, probation, community service, AIDS testing, fines, and other penalties.

]]> If you are facing solicitation of prostitution or pandering charges, please contact the Los Angeles and Orange County prostitution criminal defense lawyers at Takakjian, Sowers and Sitkoff LLP. We believe that everyone deserves quality legal representation after an arrest. Your lifestyle or social status should not determine the kind of justice you receive. If you have been charged with an allegation of prostitution, our skilled sex crime defense attorneys can assist California business owners and massage parlor operators accused of providing prostitutes, call girls or sexual services. Call us today at 866-430-8383 for a free consultation.

Source: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-prostitution7-2010jan07,0,2040986.story

DUI Charges Expected in Fatal Los Angeles Car Crash

2010-02-09T17:00:00Z

Police are looking for a suspected drunk driver, who they say, fled the scene of a fatal car accident in Los Angeles. KTLA News reports that the accident occurred on the Santa Monica (10) Freeway at La Brea Avenue. A 2005 BMW, traveling at a high rate of speed, rear-ended a pickup truck, causing it to overturn, California Highway Patrol officials said. A 20-year-old passenger in the BMW, died at the scene. Another passenger in the car and the driver of the truck also sustained moderate injuries.

Those arrested for drunk driving in Los Angeles may either be charged with a misdemeanor DUI offense or a felony, which is a much more serious charge. Usually, when a DUI arrest does not involve an accident, injuries, fatalities or major property damage, it results in a misdemeanor charge. When a DUI accident does involve deaths, injuries or major property damage, the driver will most likely be charged with a felony. When fatalities are involved, the driver could also face gross vehicular manslaughter charges.

California Penal Code section 191.5 (a) states: "Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, in the driving of a vehicle, where the driving was in violation of (DUI) Section 23140, 23152, or 23153 of the Vehicle Code, and the killing was …, in an unlawful manner, and with gross negligence."

]]> In California, whether you have been charged with misdemeanor DUI or felony drunk driving, the stakes are high and you may lose your driving privileges. If convicted, you could face jail time and other harsh penalties. It is critical that you contact an experienced Los Angeles DUI defense lawyer immediately to discuss your case. If you are in such a situation, please contact the skilled criminal defense lawyers at Takakjian, Sowers and Sitkoff LLP for a free consultation. Call 866-430-8383 today.

Source: http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-10-freeway-fatal,0,7481570.story

New Law Requires Ignition Interlock Devices for DUI Offenders

2010-02-04T17:00:00Z

A new California law, effective this year, requires anyone convicted of DUI in Los Angeles County to install an ignition interlock device in his or her vehicle. According to news reports, Los Angeles is one of seven California counties where this pilot program goes into effect starting July 1, 2010. What this law means is that even if you have been convicted of drunk driving for the first time, you need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.

What is an ignition interlock device or IID? Basically, these are devices that require you to blow into them. If the device detects alcohol from your breath, it will not let you start the vehicle. The devices may be pre-programmed to measure the level of alcohol in your breath. For example, you could have it set or the court could order you to have it set at 0.02 (approximately one drink). Therefore, if you blow a 0.02 or more, you will not be able to start your vehicle and you would potentially be in violation of your drunk driving probation and be sent to jail.

If you are ordered to have an ignition interlock device installed, you will have to pay the fees for renting the IID alcohol detection device and for having it installed in your vehicle. The installation could cost you anywhere between $100 and $200. The monthly rental fee can range from $70 to $100. These fees do not include the additional charges for maintenance or having the device calibrated.

]]> As you can see, this new DUI law is an added expense for DUI offenders, on top of several others including alcohol education, penalties, and fees. If you have been charged with drunk driving in Los Angeles, Orange or Ventura counties, please call the skilled California DUI defense lawyers at Takakjian, Sowers and Sitkoff LLP for a free and confidential DUI consultation. If you have been arrested for drunk driving, you may not have to go to jail or pay thousands in fines and other penalties. Call us today at 866-430-8383 to find out how we can help.

Source: http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=7197417&rss=rss-kfsn-article-7197417

Orange County Teacher Accused of Sex Crimes

2010-02-02T19:16:42Z

A history teacher at a Cypress school has been charged with sex crimes against a 17-year-old student, according to a news report in The Orange County Register. The 42-year-old history teacher has been accused of one misdemeanor and six felonies that allegedly took place on six separate occasions. Police have apparently obtained about 11 pages of sexually explicit text messages the teacher sent to the girl in September and October. According to the report, the girl's mother discovered the text messages and handed them over to police.

And in another recent high profile case, a former California Highway Patrol Lieutenant, was found guilty Tuesday in an Orange County court of attempted lewd acts on a child. Had had sent text messages to an undercover police officer who was posing as a 13 year old female.

Sex crimes, such as child molestation, are among the most forcefully prosecuted and severely punished offenses in our criminal justice system today in Orange County. Even if you are not guilty of the sex crime allegations, when you hold a profession, such as a teacher, police officer, or someone respected in society, you run the risk of ruining your reputation and losing your livelihood. Many sex offense defendants are drastically affected by sex crime charges, even if they are not convicted. This is especially true with regard to crimes involving children or minors. If convicted of a sex crime in Orange County, you may encounter extremely serious consequences including a lengthy prison sentence and registration as a sex offender for the rest of your life.

]]> Please do not allow this to happen to you. If you have been charged with a sex crime in Orange County, you need an experienced Orange County sex offense lawyer. At Takakjian, Sowers and Sitkoff LLP, our lawyers are former district attorneys who understand sex crime cases both from the prosecution and defense point of view. Even if you believe the evidence against you is overwhelming, we can provide aggressive defense on your behalf to bring about the best possible result. Call us for a free consultation today at 866-430-8383.

Source: http://www.ocregister.com/news/ontiveros-227376-text-messages.html

Three Arrested for Growing Marijuana

2010-01-29T17:00:00Z

Three people were arrested after Los Angeles County Sheriff's officials seized more than 300 marijuana plants at a home in Lancaster. According to a CBS News report, deputies found two bedrooms and a large room in Lancaster that were all converted to a marijuana growing facility. The grow areas had sophisticated lighting and automatic irrigation. A 23-year-old man was arrested inside the home and two others were arrested in the backyard of a home nearby. All three men were arrested for marijuana possession related charges under the California Health and Safety Code.

In California, marijuana possession and use of most drugs, even if it is for personal use, is a felony. Misdemeanor drug offenses include possession of marijuana, being under the influence of a drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia such as bongs, pipes or needles. It is also a felony to possess or buy illegal drugs with the intent of selling them. Evidence for intent to sell can include items such as weighing scales, large amounts of cash or cutting agents. In any drug case, it is important to look into whether the search and seizure was conducted properly by the police. Were the defendant's constitutional rights violated? If that was the case, the court may dismiss the drug or marijuana possession charges.

]]> If you are convicted for possession or sales of drugs, the consequences can be severe. If you have been accused of a drug crime in Los Angeles, please call the skilled criminal defense attorneys at Takakjian, Sowers and Sitkoff LLP for a free and confidential consultation. Our Los Angeles drug crime defense law firm has successfully handled cases ranging from misdemeanor drug possession to serious felony drug transportation and sale charges. Call us today at 866-430-8383 to find out how we can help.

Source: http://cbs2.com/local/lancaster.pot.marijuana.2.1396583.html

Orange County School Bus Driver Gets 151 Years in Prison for Sex Crimes

2010-01-28T20:31:12Z

A school bus driver in Orange County has been sentenced to 151 years to life in prison for molesting and taking sexually explicit photos of three young girls. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the 54-year-old man lured the girls, including one 7-year-old, into his car with the promise of a trip to Disneyland. He was convicted of 15 felony child molestation counts, sentencing enhancements for committing lewd acts on multiple children, substantial sexual contact with a child, and kidnapping to commit a sexual offense against a child, the report stated.

Sex crimes like child molestation, especially those against young children, are vigorously prosecuted in our criminal justice system in Orange County. If convicted, those accused of child sex abuse may face spending the rest of their lives in prison. In this case, the judge said he issued the maximum allowable sentence because, as a school bus driver, this man was a "predator" who took advantage of his position of trust to exploit and molest these young, vulnerable victims.

]]> If you have been accused of a sex crime against a child, please contact the skilled and experienced Orange County sex crime defense attorneys at Takakjian, Sowers and Sitkoff, LLP for a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation. Our Southern California criminal defense law firm has more than 60 years of criminal prosecution, investigation, judicial and defense trial experience. Our aggressive team will provide the highest level of criminal defense representation in your Orange County sex crime case. Call 866-430-8383 today.

Source: http://www.ocregister.com/news/shields-225771-sexual-girls.html

Southern California Law Enforcement Agencies Actively Pursuing Drug Offenders

2010-01-13T16:00:37Z

Drug crimes are not only a huge problem in California, but are also a major issue of concern throughout the nation. According to recent FBI reports, drugs and drug-related offenses account for about one-third of all arrests. California has led the nation when it comes to arrests for possession and sale of controlled substances and narcotics. According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's statistics for 2009, 28 percent of all incarcerated inmates are there primarily for a drug offense. Last year alone, 10,310 inmates were enrolled in prison drug treatment programs.

A recent news report in The Acorn states that law enforcement officials are also aggressively pursuing drug offenders by joining forces to conduct raids – even outside of their jurisdictions. When it comes to drug crimes, it seems as if there are no boundaries. The article gives the example of a drug case in November when two Simi Valley teens were arrested on suspicion of dealing heroin in East Ventura County. Also, in September, a Simi woman was arrested for operating a cocaine delivery service, which covered Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and the San Fernando Valley.

]]> Agencies are now teaming up with one another and pooling their resources more than ever to apprehend drug offenders. However, it is still imperative that these agencies and their investigators follow proper policies and procedures while conducting these raids. If you are facing drug possessions, sales or transportation charges in Los Angeles or Ventura counties, please contact Takakjian, Sowers and Sitkoff LLP for a free consultation. Our Ventura County drug crime attorneys will make sure that your Constitutional rights were not violated. We have helped numerous clients charged with drug offenses, such as meth or marijuana charges, get acquitted or have their charges considerably reduced. We have also helped clients obtain alternative sentencing such as drug diversion, Prop. 36, and admission into drug treatment programs instead of jail time. Call us today at 866-430-8383 to find out how we can help.

Source: http://www.simivalleyacorn.com/news/2010-01-08/Front_Page/When_drug_dealers_cross_jurisdictions_local_cops_d.html

Los Angeles Area High School Teacher Charged with Sex Crime

2010-01-07T16:00:00Z

A 50-year old high school teacher in Redondo Beach has been accused of engaging in lewd behavior in the presence of a student at the local high school. According to CBS news report, the teacher was arrested and booked for arranging a meeting with a minor "for purposes of engaging in lewd behavior." Redondo Beach police officials said that the incident involved a 16-year-old girl. The teacher is accused of talking about sex and engaging in "a sexual act in her presence." The teen reported the incident to school officials. The teacher, who has taught at the high school for eight years, is a married man with two children, according to the news article.

Sex crime charges can have devastating effects on a person’s life. As a teacher who is facing a serious sex crime charge, this individual is looking at prison time, hefty penalties and required registration as a sex offender. This could mean the end of his teaching career. He may not even be allowed to be around children or minors if convicted of this serious sex crime charge.

]]> There's a lot at stake in such cases and that's why it is extremely important for anyone accused of a sex crime to seek the counsel of an experienced Los Angeles sex crime defense lawyer. If you’ve been accused of a sex crime, you need an attorney who will listen to your side of the story and make sure the facts are accurately conveyed. In many cases involving minors, the criminal defense attorneys at Takakjian, Sowers and Sitkoff, LLP have found that false charges and misunderstandings can lead to the sex charges. We have been able to get serious sex offenses dismissed. Call us today at 866-430-8383 for a free and confidential consultation. This decision could affect your career, your future and your life. Let us help.

Source: http://cbs2.com/local/Teacher.Lewd.Act.2.1351001.html

Drunk Driver Hits and Injures Three Workers in Los Angeles

2010-01-05T19:06:15Z

A female driver was arrested for drunk driving in Los Angeles after she struck and injured three employees doing work on an underground vault for the Department of Water and Power. According to a KTLA News report, the three men were working in the 5800 block of Franklin Avenue in Hollywood, during the early morning hours, when the driver went through the work zone and hit them. The car apparently also hit a Los Angeles DWP vehicle that was parked in the work area. The woman was arrested for DUI. Two of her passengers were uninjured. However, the three workers were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

If you have been arrested for DUI in Los Angeles, the first thing you need to remember is: you DO NOT have to plead guilty. DUI charges are usually based upon subjective opinions of the arresting officer. Law enforcement officials are trained to look for signs such as the smell of alcohol in the vehicle or on the person, slurred speech or red eyes. But you may have these symptoms even if you did not drink any alcoholic beverages. You're not guilty just because you got pulled over or arrested.

]]> If you or a loved one is facing DUI charges and the possibility of losing your California driver's license or your freedom, please call Takakjian, Sowers and Sitkoff LLP for a free and confidential consultation. We have an excellent track record of getting DUI charges dismissed for our clients based on our defense strategies. If you have been arrested for drunk driving, you may not have to go to jail or pay thousands of dollars in fines. Call us today at 866-430-8383 to find out how we can help.

Source: http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-dwp-workers-hit,0,6095055.story?track=rss

1,300 Pounds of Marijuana Seized from Los Angeles Area Home

2009-12-31T20:23:52Z

Local law enforcement officials seized 1,300 pounds of marijuana with a street value of $1 million. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, four men were arrested in the Ontario, California, home, which officials say was being used by a Mexican drug cartel. Agents apparently discovered about 1,200 pounds of marijuana inside two vehicles that were parked at the home. Another 100 pounds of pot were found inside the home along with scales, packaging materials and other documents that indicated that the pot was being sold. Investigators say the marijuana was grown in Mexico and was to be distributed across the United States.

A California drug offense refers to the possession, use, sale or furnishing of any drug or intoxicating substance or drug paraphernalia that is prohibited by law. Most drug offenses in the State of California are now felonies. The penalties for drug crimes in San Bernardino County, Los Angeles County or Orange County can be extremely severe. The nature or severity of the charges are usually based on the quantity of drugs seized, the intent to sell or distribute, and other factors such as use or possession of weapons, evidence that the drugs are being sold, and possession of large amounts of cash used for drug transactions. Charges also depend on a drug’s classification under the drug schedule and the purpose of the possession – whether it's for personal use or sale.

]]> Although the penalties for drug possession or sale are severe, frequently an accusation of drug possession is based upon an "illegal search and seizure" by law enforcement officials. If police did not follow proper procedure during their search of your property or seizure of the drugs, your case could be dismissed. A truly experienced Los Angeles criminal defense law firm such as Takakjian, Sowers and Sitkoff LLP can successfully handle a wide range of drug crime cases from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Call us today at 866-430-8383 to schedule your free and confidential consultation.

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/11/pot-bust.html

Drunk Driver Arrested after Fatal Car Crash in Los Angeles

2009-12-29T17:00:00Z

A 29-year-old Norwalk man was arrested, following a fatal car crash, for drunk driving after his 2000 BMW M3 collided with another a Toyota Celica, killing its 42-year-old driver. According to a Fox News report, the fatal car accident occurred on the transition road from the westbound 105 Freeway to the northbound 710 Freeway. The Toyota hit a curb and rolled over. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the BMW sustained moderate injuries, but was later arrested for drunk driving.

According to California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics, there were 268 deaths and 5,169 injuries involving alcohol-related car accidents in Los Angeles County in 2007. In Orange County, 75 deaths and 1,501 injuries were reported as a result of DUI car accidents in 2007.
Driving under the influence or DUI is a serious violation of California law. If the car accident results in serious injury or death, the driver accused of causing the accident could be looking at vehicular manslaughter charges or even murder.

]]> California Penal Code section 191.5 (a) states: "Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, in the driving of a vehicle, where the driving was in violation of Section 23140, 23152, or 23153 of the Vehicle Code, and the killing was either the proximate result of the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony, and with gross negligence, or the proximate result of the commission of a lawful act that might produce death, in an unlawful manner, and with gross negligence."

If you are facing drunk driving or vehicular manslaughter charges in Los Angeles, Orange or Ventura counties, please contact the experienced and knowledgeable DUI defense attorneys at Takakjian, Sowers and Sitkoff LLP for a free consultation. Call our DUI defense Los Angeles lawyers at 866-430-8383 today.

Source: http://www.myfoxla.com/dpp/news/local/paramount-freeway-crash-20091128