Los Angeles & San Fernando Valley Airport Arrests & Citations Attorney

Have you been arrested or given a court citation at the airport?
Have you been stopped, detained, searched, arrested, or given a citation (a notice to appear in court), while you were at the airport? Have you been charged with a violation of the law based on conduct which occurred at the airport? Routine searches at security checkpoints operated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) "routinely" result in the above situations. The consequences can be severe and you certainly want to do everything you can to protect your constitutional and statutory rights. Airport Crime Defense Attorney Gregory Caplan has the experience in handling many of these cases, and can be your secret weapon in court.

Mr. Caplan, an experienced criminal airport crimes attorney,  can provide you a significant tactical advantage in dealing with your arrest at the airport. Prior to becoming a private defense attorney, Mr. Caplan spent over 12 years with prosecuting agencies. During that time, he handled hundreds of airport prosecutions, gaining an intricate understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of these cases, as well as the prosecution strategies. His knowledge of the criminal justice system offers you a unique opportunity to take advantage of the best approaches to deal with your particular situation.

Below are types of airport charges that Mr. Caplan has handled in criminal courts:

DRUGS AT THE AIRPORT

Cocaine, Crack, Methamphetamine, Heroin, Marijuana, Medical Marijuana, Mushrooms, Ecstasy/MDMA, Syringes, Pipes, etc.

If you are found in possession of drugs at the airport, you are subject to arrest for felony and /or misdemeanor criminal charges. Although drug charges may lead to jail or prison sentences, there may be other alternative available to you.  It is important to find the best legal representation to protect your rights. Mr. Caplan provides his clients the best options for their particular situation.

WEAPONS AT THE AIRPORT

Guns, Handguns, Pistol, Antique Firearm, Cane Gun, Wallet Gun, Sawed-Off Shotgun, Cane Sword, Dirk or Dagger, Knives, Kubatons, Brass Knuckles, Metal Knuckles, Black Jacks, Switchblades, Batons/Billy Clubs, Mace, Pepper Spray, Night Sticks, Nunchaku, Throwing stars, Shocking Devices, Explosive Devices, Explosive Agents, etc.

If you are found to be in possession of a weapon when you pass through a security checkpoint at the airport, you can be charged with a felony or misdemeanor. Jail or prison sentences are not uncommon. What are your options? What are the defenses? Who will look after your rights? Who has specialized knowledge in this area of law? Mr. Caplan provides answers for his clients.

PROHIBITED ITEMS AT THE AIRPORT

Firearms, Imitation Firearms, Frame/Receiver/Barrel/Magazine of a Firearm, Knives, Box Cutter or Straight Razor, Replica/Practice Grenades, Tear Gas, Taser/Stun Gun, BB/Pellet/Air Pressure/CO2 Pressure/Spring Action/Spot Marker Gun/Paint Gun, etc.

TSA (Transportation Security Administration) commonly screens for weapons, drugs and explosive devices in airport facilities. Recent changes in the California Penal Code have influenced TSA to expand its screening for 12 additional prohibited items listed in Penal Code section 171.5(b). These items include tear gas products and certain types of razors. People who bring these items into airports (oftentimes unaware that they are in possession of such items) are subject to state and federal prosecution. Significant criminal penalties attach to these violations, including possible jail time.

A common explanation from passengers contacted by TSA for a violation of Penal Code section 171.5(b) is “I left it in my duffle bag two years ago- I didn’t realize it was still in my bag when I packed the bag for this trip.” Nonetheless, after giving what seemed to be a plausible explanation, the police are notified and the person is “arrested” and cited into court for a criminal violation of Penal Code section 171.5(b).

Mr. Caplan has significant experience in dealing with this particular situation. Put him on your side to protect your rights. Experience counts.

FALSE REPORT OF EXPLOSIVES AT THE AIRPORT

Penal Code section 148.1(a) prohibits a person from falsely reporting an explosive device at an airport. Today, there is virtually a “no tolerance” policy to this type of conduct. Even when it is readily apparent that a person’s statement lacks any credibility, law enforcement will still arrest and take that person to jail. Bail can be set at $100,000 for this charge, and the prosecutors have discretion to file a criminal charge as a misdemeanor or felony. Persons found guilty of this charge can be incarcerated in the county jail or state prison, depending on the circumstances. This is an extremely serious charge which requires legal representation to fully protect your rights. Mr. Caplan can assist you if you have been arrested for a violation of this type.

TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS AT THE AIRPORT

Traffic violations have a way of turning into something much more serious at the airport. People are oftentimes stressed and in a hurry as they arrive at the airport. Many cases of people parking in a no stopping zone or even jaywalking develop into a criminal charge of Penal Code section 148 (a), resisting/delaying/obstructing a peace officer in the line of duty. In the highly-charged environment of the airport, law enforcement takes an extreme “no tolerance” approach to violations of the law. If someone openly questions law enforcement strategy while being contacted at the airport for a minor violation, a very low threshold is set for officers to arrest the person rather than continue to allow the person to “vent.”  The arrest may eliminate the immediate “problem,” but often creates a new one when the person is charged with a serious crime. Having dealt with numerous cases of this sort as a prosecutor, there are ways to avoid harsh sentences in court. Mr. Caplan gives his clients the best approaches in these situations.

DISTURBING THE PEACE AT THE AIRPORT

This is a very common scenario at the airport today. Anything from a disagreement at a ticket counter to a verbal dispute at a concession booth can result in law enforcement intervention. Any verbal outburst coupled with consumption of alcohol has the strong likelihood of law enforcement intervention. As mentioned in the prior section, airport authorities have a very low tolerance for anything which might upset the orderly flow of traffic through their airport. If a verbal dispute has the potential to slow down curious passersby in the vicinity, law enforcement is apt to move the dispute to another location. While oftentimes this has the effect of solving the problem, persons interested in “asserting their rights” to resolve the problem without police assistance, may be arrested. If I have been arrested for a charge of disturbing the peace at the airport, what are my options? Let Mr. Caplan answer this for you.

HEIGHTENED SECURITY ISSUES

Heightened security concerns after September 11th, 2001, has led governmental agencies to intensify law enforcement efforts in airports across the country. Prior to this time period, various "minor" incidents occurring in United States airports were often handled informally. Today, law enforcement has what amounts to a "no tolerance" policy on airport misconduct, and cases are being pursued aggressively. Violations are oftentimes considered more serious by virtue of the fact that they occurred at the airport. It is serious business- anybody who walks through an airport today notices the incredible resources expended towards airport security. And that serious business continues into the criminal courtroom, where the stakes become even more significant.

In order to convict you of an airport-related violation, however, the prosecution must prove certain key facts. As is often the case, the facts required to arrest someone at the airport are not necessarily the facts required to prove the case in court. Although law enforcement might have the right to arrest a person in the airport, in some situations, if the case is effectively defended in court by an attorney, the charge could be dismissed. That is what makes legal representation in airport-related charges so critical. You need to know what you can do to protect your legal rights.

We know what to do if you have been charged with a violation at the airport. You owe it to yourself to get the best legal representation possible, from an experienced attorney who is familiar with your specific charge and the possible defenses you may have. Gregory Caplan is that attorney.

Call 213-400-5355 now to speak to Gregory Caplan personally about any airport arrest or citation, or contact him by email at

help@TheLosAngelesCriminalDefenseAttorney.com

Contact us about your legal matter today!