On December 7, 2020, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon was sworn in as the County’s 43rd District Attorney. Following his defeat of Jackie Lacey, a DA who had built a reputation for a “tough-on-crime” approach, Gascon went straight to work making changes to his office true to his platform of criminal justice reform, progressive services, and rehabilitative prosecution. A main goal of his platform being lowering the prison population.

Gascon’s less punitive approach to crime includes no more gang enhancements, eliminating cash bail (including no longer seeking bail for anyone facing a misdemeanor charge or non-violent or non-serious felony), ending use of the death penalty, and providing resentencing eligibility. These major changes are expected to lead to the early release of thousands of state prison inmates whom Gascon said are unfairly serving overly long sentences.

The initial response to Gascon’s sweeping changes has included significant pushback and criticism by the public, victims and victims’ families, victims’ rights groups, Los Angeles prosecutors’ unions, and law enforcement. Gascon has in turn responded by adhering to his platform and reminding the public that he previously served as an LAPD assistant chief of police and has seen the broken inner workings of the Los Angeles criminal justice system. He stands by his position of reducing jail overcrowding and addressing more insidious issues in the District Attorney’s office including racism. What Does This Mean If I Am Facing Charges Or Have A Pending Case?

The new District Attorney’s office changes are having a major impact on new filings and pending cases. Beginning through not filing or stoping the filing of first-time misdemeanor offenses – associated with poverty and mental health such as loitering or public intoxication – and eliminating bail, going all the way to no more gang enhancements on filings and changes to sentencing; the DA changes affect cases of all sorts. Both new arrests and those already in the Los Angeles Superior Court system as pre-trials or awaiting trial outcomes. Misdemeanors and felonies.

Having your attorney work up your case is an opportunity you cannot miss. Your attorney will work aggressively at preventing charges, reducing the charges (in type or from a felony to a misdemeanor), and laying the foundation for your entire case defense. We can also guide you through the process of obtaining release via the new DA measures. This will result in you being as well prepared as possible to minimize the consequences of a criminal case with an attorney that is familiar working and negotiating with the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office.

What Do I Do Now?

If you or a relative or friend is currently in custody, has recently been arrested, or is facing an investigation or case; you must seek professional counsel. It is critical you consult with an experienced and qualified Criminal Defense Lawyer. Our California team has years of experience resolving cases successfully that are being prosecuted by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office. Remember, you cannot leave your defense up to the parties that are trying to convict you. Contact us now for a Free Consultation.

Countless lawsuits have been filed against the pharmaceutical giant in recent months after young male patients taking Risperdal have reportedly developed female breasts, according to an article at Bloomberg. In fact, last year Johnson & Johnson had to pay $70 million in damages after a Philadelphia jury sided with a teen from Tennessee, the largest amount ever awarded in a case involving Risperdal.

Earlier this month there were some 18,500 pending lawsuits across the U.S. and Canada involving injury from taking the drug, a condition known as gynecomastia (breast growth in males) against J & J and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, its subsidiary. The majority of the cases at that time were filed in Missouri, Pennsylvania, and California however other claims were still pending in numerous courts in both countries. While Johnson & Johnson faced many lawsuits in 2016 involving pelvic mesh, talcum powder, and hip implants, cases involving Risperdal and gynecomastia continue to evolve.

In Case No. 130402094 Yount v. Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc., the plaintiff who was awarded damages of $70 million was an adolescent boy. However, news reports reveal the case load shows no signs of slowing down, and in fact litigation regarding the drug is only expected to grow.

The development of breasts in males isn’t the only side effect of the antipsychotic drug; other reported side effects include stroke, tardive dyskinesia, diabetes and other blood sugar related issues, and more. While Risperdal was approved in 1993 for treatment of schizophrenia in adults by the FDA, problems continue to mount as many male plaintiffs are forced to undergo surgery in order to have excess breast tissue removed. Unless you are a victim, it’s impossible to imagine the emotional trauma and life-long issues associated with being a male who grows breast tissue similar to that of a female.

While no amount of money can reverse the stress and trauma experienced by those who have been negatively affected due to the use of Risperdal, compensation of medical and other costs provides at least some measure of financial relief. Pharmaceutical companies must be held liable when certain drugs cause dangerous side effects or injury consumers are not made aware of. No doubt if young males had been aware of the potential of developing breasts after taking Risperdal for bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, most would have chosen another route of treatment.

If you have suffered irreversible damages after taking the drug Risperdal, you’re certainly not alone. Hold those who were negligent accountable, and fight to secure the damages you are entitled to. Contact the Los Angeles defective drug attorneys at The Justice Firm immediately for unparalleled legal guidance and representation.