Law Office of Mark Rosenfeld - July/August 2021

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MARKROSENFELD LAWOFFICEOF

JULY/AUGUST 2021

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In the spirit of Friendship Week this August, I thought I’d talk about a common misconception about my career as an attorney: During a case, I always view the opposing party as the “opposition,” not the enemy or evil nemesis. Legal dramas often portray attorneys against the worst odds, the worst press coverage, and their professional and personal lives falling apart with the entire world seemingly against them. However, in real life, the legal community is much more amiable and interconnected than you'd expect. When I graduated law school and began working in the legal field, I met many judges and fellow lawyers who were also early in their careers. Since then, I’ve seen many of the same prosecutors, attorneys, and judges in the same courts for over 15 years. There’s a reason why it’s so important for a client’s attorney to have a good reputation: A judge’s trust can make a significant difference in a case. Before I ever talk to my prosecutor about my case, I’ll know a lot more information about how to present and proceed based on my past experiences with them. If I were on bad terms with a prosecutor, I might miss important insights I would’ve never received otherwise (not dissimilar from being stuck in a classroom with a teacher you dislike). But how can you be a strong attorney and client advocate and still get along with everyone? That’s a tricky line to walk for some. But the truth is that if you’re burning bridges left and right, you’re just not going to get as far as you’d like in your cases. Attorneys Need Friends Too

A respected attorney who treats everyone kindly (even when he’s in a professional confrontation mode) is someone who tends to have an advantage over others. When I’m in court, the prosecutors trust that I am a zealous, well-researched client advocate and know that I’ll go to great lengths for the best possible client result. In turn, I know what typical objections and concerns a prosecutor will have. I will also often know how to lay out an argument to defeat a specific opponent and appease a specific judge. In a way, being an attorney is like being a sports fan. There are some rivalries that are more serious than others, but even if you have an opponent and you want to win, at the end of the day, you don’t hate the opposition. There’s a certain sportsmanship that comes along with arguing against the same attorneys for decades. While I never compromise client rights, I enjoy having professional relationships with my peers that last nearly 20 years and will last many more. With relationships that old, it’s almost like we grew up together. We’ll always be able to have professional disagreements without any resentment. In a sense, we made it to where we are together. I’m extremely grateful to be surrounded by such incredible people in our local legal community — and when I get clients referred to me by judges, it makes me feel like others might just feel the same way towards me, which I feel very lucky for.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful Friendship Week, starting on Aug. 16!

–Mark Rosenfeld, Esq.

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HAVE CELEBRITY DIVORCES ALWAYS BEEN CRAZY?

What is it about celebrity marriages — and their subsequent endings — that fascinates society? Depending on how you measure, telling the stories of makeups and breakups is a multibillion-dollar industry for media organizations online, in print and on TV. Are we really that hungry for nasty headlines? Or is something deeper going on in the human psyche? In the last 12 months, we’ve seen some of the worst marriage breakups in Hollywood history, but Amber Heard and Johnny Depp’s libel suit took center stage. As usual, “Whom do you believe?” was the question of the day, but it became obvious that both parties needed a therapist to work though serious emotional problems but tried unsuccessfully to do it on their own, instead.

seemed to pervade their daily lives. But that’s nothing new; in fact, the violent behavior of both partners is likely what drew so much attention in the first place. That was certainly the case with O.J. Simpson’s breakup with his wife, which didn’t get half the headlines her murder would (and the “trial of the century” that followed) two years later. You could argue, though, that we’re getting better. When we look at the roots of the “celebrity divorce” phenomenon, it goes back in time to the realm of myth. The gods of Greece and Rome were always leaving each other and getting back together, a clear indication of the drama that interested our ancestors. But the most famous celebrity divorce of the pre-19th century (and perhaps of all time) was Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. It had all the hallmarks of modern public breakups: People took one side or the other,

with other parties still “shipping” Henry and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. Henry and Catherine’s divorce led to the trauma of war across England and Europe. Like today’s celebrity cases, it didn’t last long. Anne was executed a few short years later when someone new caught the king’s eye. Henry VIII was the archetype of the modern Hollywood actor with the wandering gaze, and Catherine and Anne typified the women willing to give him “one more chance.” Seeing how that ended, perhaps we should be grateful that things today are aired out in the media — instead of on the battlefield!

Perhaps the most disturbing element in the Heard/Depp trial was the violence that

ARE POLICE KNOCKING ON THE DOOR? Here’s What You Should Do

W hen members of law is perfectly understandable to feel anxious, nervous, and even scared. You may start to wonder if you’d done something wrong or if someone in your family was in trouble. If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to have a general understanding about your legal and constitutional rights. Why? Because, unfortunately, there is a risk that police officers may attempt to take advantage of someone’s lack of knowledge enforcement unexpectedly show up at your front door, it concerning their legal rights and try to conduct an illegal search of your home or improperly begin questioning you without the presence of your legal counsel. First, remember to keep calm and be respectful. When police show up at your front door, it is strongly recommended that

you remain calm and collected and address the police officers in a respectful manner. This is important because it will reduce the risk of the situation escalating. Second, do not default to letting the police in your home. Before even opening the door, it is important to determine who is actually at your front door. When the doorbell rings or they knock, you should look out the side window or through the peephole and simply ask, “Who is it?” If they respond that they are the police, you have options that can help reduce the risk of police unexpectedly entering your residence.

to stay in your home and communicate while they stay outside.

If police come to your front door and you do not require their assistance, you have the right to simply decline to answer the door at all (this is my favorite option). Unless the police have a search warrant, they will eventually leave. Overall, you should not consent to the police searching your home. Why? Because there are typically only downsides to voluntarily allowing the police to search your home. If you consent to a search, police then have the ability to search and seize any illegal items that are in plain view, which can lead to your arrest. If you have any other questions or need a free consultation, give our offices a call for one of the best criminal attorneys in the local LA area and check out our video at Youtu.be/BoX3d4smV7w

If you are concerned the police might attempt to force their way into your

residence, you have the right to simply greet them outside or speak to them while you remain inside your home and they remain outside. Of those options, it is recommended

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What Happens if Drugs Are Found in My Car?

At the Law Offices of Mark Rosenfeld, we focus exclusively on criminal defense. Although we often defend clients who are charged with a DUI, we also have clients who are charged with other crimes, such as the possession and sale of drugs. It can be a paralyzing experience, especially because you’re often left at a disadvantage without an excellent defense.

this circumstance was illegal. A prosecutor only has to prove that the accused knew the drugs were present and intended to use or control them.

Possession can come in two forms: actual or constructive possession. Actual possession is when a person has the drugs in their pocket or in personal custody. Constructive possession is when the person has control or access to the drug, such as having it hidden on their property. I’m being charged with this crime. What next? A huge issue that often comes up with possession charges is whether the police acted legally when they found the controlled substance. Take advantage of your Fifth Amendment rights to remain silent and try to speak as little as possible to the police, but don't lie. False information to a police officer is another crime! The only thing you should do is give your name, date of birth, and ask for your lawyer. Do not answer any questions or consent to any searches. The consequences for lying to the police can worsen your case, so it’s ultimately more beneficial for you to stay quiet and call my office right away.

So, how exactly is this crime defined, and what can you do about it if drugs are found in your car?

What constitutes ‘illegal possession of controlled substance(s)’?

There are two aspects to prosecuting someone who is charged for illegal possession: whether that person had personal and physical control over the illegal substance, and whether the person knew the drug was in their control or possession in the first place. The prosecution doesn’t have to prove that the accused knew that the drugs were controlled (i.e., the accused might’ve assumed it was an uncontrolled drug), or that possession in

We hope you never fall into this situation, but, if you do, give our expert legal team at Law Offices of Mark Rosenfeld a call.

Andrea’s Kitchen

Easy Foil-Grilled Sausage and Vegetables

Dinner is ready in 30 minutes with this easy, seasonal August sausage and vegetable bake.

Ingredients

Directions

• 4 sausage links of your choice • 1 lb green beans • 1 red bell pepper, diced • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced • 1 red onion, diced • 1 zucchini, diced • 1 yellow summer squash, diced • 3 tbsp olive oil • 2 cloves garlic, grated

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat or your oven to 425 F. 2. In a large bowl, add all of the ingredients and mix well. Divide into four equal portions. 3. Prepare four 16-inch pieces of foil and place a portion in the middle of each section. Wrap each foil piece tightly and avoid holes. 4. Grill each foil packet for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also bake each packet for 20 minutes at 425 F.

Beach Fishing Friendship Garden

Heat Outdoors Pool Rainy

Rhubarb Sardonyx Schooling Vacation

• 1 tbsp thyme • 1 tsp oregano

You never have to go it alone if you’re charged with a crime or facing any other legal issue. If you or a loved one is in trouble with the law, call me right away at 310-424-3145. I’m here to get you the legal help you need (and if your issue is outside of my areas of expertise, I can connect you with other trusted, experienced attorneys). LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT

• 1 tsp basil • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)

Inspired by NutmegNanny.com

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Law Office Of Mark Rosenfeld 8200 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 200 Beverly Hills, CA 90211 310-424-3145

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1 2

The Importance of Friendship – Even in a Court of Law

Have Celebrity Divorces Always Been Crazy?

Are Police Knocking? Here’s What to Focus On

3

What Happens if Drugs Are Found in My Car?

Easy Foil-Grilled Sausage and Vegetables

4

The Best International Dishes That Require No Electricity

Never face a legal problem alone. Any time legal help is needed, please call my office right away. My office will make sure you get the right attorney and the help you need.

THE BEST INTERNATIONAL DISHES THAT REQUIRE NO ELECTRICITY

Around the world, electricity can be difficult to come by. But that hasn't stopped people from creating beautiful, innovative dishes. Here's how you can explore world cuisine in your home without electricity — and for this article, we’ll skip things you can make with a wood-burning stove or oven, too. Indian Instant Mango Pickles Want to add an interesting, sweet-and-sour condiment to your toast or family barbecue? Prepare these fast, pickled mangoes by using either jarred or fresh mangoes. Cover mango strips with salt, then add an equally small amount of asafoetida (can substitute with onion powder, garlic powder, or fresh fried garlic), turmeric powder, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, chili powder, and mustard oil. Mix well and enjoy this incredible flavor bomb immediately! Mediterranean Hummus No need for tahini — just smash canned garbanzo beans until smooth! Add olive oil, ground cumin, salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. You can even mix in fresh crushed garlic. It is delicious with crunchy vegetables or flatbread! Mexican Barbacoa Earth ovens are one of humanity’s oldest ways of preparing food. They’re created by digging at least a 3-by-3-foot hole in the ground,

adding hot coals, tightly wrapping food (with burlap or foil in modern day), and replacing the dirt to conceal the fire and food. The pressure of the heat essentially bakes and steams your food over 12 hours, and it’s best when preparing enormous batches of food, like Mexican barbacoa! Use boneless beef chuck — beef cheeks and tongue also work! — and add freely crushed garlic cloves, white onion, black peppercorns, salt, and fresh Mexican oregano to achieve the classic barbacoa flavor. Spanish Gazpacho This is a great, refreshing soup for summer! Get 2 cups of tomato juice, 4 medium peeled and finely chopped tomatoes (feel free to use canned), 1/2 cup peeled and chopped cucumber, 1/3 cup finely

chopped onion, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 minced garlic clove, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix it together in a bowl, and you’ve got a classic, easy gazpacho.

Thanks for reading, and we hope you pick up a new family-favorite recipe from these ideas!

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