The Latest Breaking News from Laurie Levenson

Trump used Forbes list to inflate wealth

Morgan Stanley official testified that Trump used Forbes printout in lieu of documents in bid to buy Buffalo Bills

Salon · Nov 1, 2023

‘Expect the unexpected’: Trump fraud trial becomes family affair

Donald Jr, Eric and Ivanka scheduled to give evidence with father this week in case against Trump Organization

The Guardian - US · Nov 1, 2023

Trump isn't accustomed to restrictions. That's beginning to test the legal system

Donald Trump was slapped with a $10,000 fine for violating a gag order after he was unexpectedly called to the witness stand in his New York fraud trial

The Independent UK · Oct 26, 2023

Feds say captain saved himself as California boat fire killed 34. But prosecution hits a wall

LOS ANGELES — Three years have passed since Captain Jerry Boylan jumped overboard from the Conception dive boat as it was swallowed by flames that killed 34 people onboard off the Channel Islands.

Los Angeles Times · Sep 3, 2022

They were unarmed when police shot at them. Then LAPD pushed for weapons charges

LOS ANGELES — After Joshua Hatfield fled a traffic stop in late June, a police officer thought the 28-year-old was armed and shot at him outside an apartment building. But no gun was found at the scene.

Los Angeles Times · Aug 9, 2022

La Luz del Mundo dissidents pressure authorities, seek more charges against 'apostle'

LOS ANGELES — Holding her sons tight, Deborah Contreras shuddered with sobs as the women in a Los Angeles courtroom recounted years of sexual abuse inflicted by the man they once believed was an "apostle" of Jesus Christ.

Los Angeles Times · Jul 21, 2022

Probation department had not seen El Monte cop killer for months before deadly shootings

LOS ANGELES — Justin Flores was on probation the night he shot and killed two El Monte police officers. But his probation officer hadn’t seen him in person in more than six months.

Los Angeles Times · Jun 29, 2022

Police inaction moves to center of Uvalde shooting probe

The actions of a school district police chief and other law enforcement officers moved swiftly to the center of the investigation into this week’s shocking school shooting in Uvalde, Texas

The Independent UK · May 28, 2022

Mario Batali acquittal underscores perils of #MeToo cases

Legal experts and victims’ advocates say celebrity chef Mario Batali’s acquittal on sexual assault charges underscores the inherent difficulties of prosecuting such cases nearly five years into the #MeToo era

The Independent UK · May 11, 2022

LAPD was right not to investigate Will Smith for ‘slap heard around the world,’ experts say

LOS ANGELES — By the time Will Smith made it back to his seat after smacking Chris Rock across the face in front of a stunned Oscars audience, armchair legal scholars had taken to social media with their hot takes on whether the theatrical slap amounted to a crime.

Los Angeles Times · Mar 29, 2022