Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog

Los Angeles - Los Angeles man Samuel Francisco was arrested for kidnapping and sexual assault. He is alleged to have sexually assaulted and kidnap the Los Angeles 13 year old girl that he met on MySpace. Francisco is to have allegedly lured the girl to come over to his apartment in Long Beach. The girl's parents reported her missing on Thursday. The mother was expecting her daughter to be coming out of school, but the girl never showed up.

Police found the victim at Francisco's apartment. She was distraught when they found her. Authorities think that Francisco might have done this before, because of the ease at which he accomplished the crime. He is being held on $50,000 bail. He is to be arraigned in Long Beach.

Orange county sex crime attorney and Los Angeles criminal attorney, Michael Guisti, recently commented on this case. He states that Francisco could be facing two charges. He is most likely to face the charges for the sexual assault and the kidnapping. The laws defining California sexual assault also called sexual battery can be found in the California Penal Code 243.4 (e) (1) defines misdemeanor Sexual Battery as the non-consensual touching of the intimate part of another for (1) sexual arousal, (2) sexual gratification, or (3) sexual abuse. In California, Sexual battery can either be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.

Orange County criminal attorney Michael Guisti also goes on to talk about the kidnapping. He explains that kidnapping can be found in the California Penal code 207. It states every person who forcibly, or by any other means of instilling fear, steals or takes, or holds, detains, or arrests any person in this state, and carries the person into another country, state, or county, or into another part of the same county, is guilty of kidnapping. Francisco will face a long prison sentence and fines if he is found guilty of these charges. If you or someone you care has been arrested for sex crimes, such as sexual assault, assault and battery, prostitution, pandering, pimping, child molestation or any type of violent crimes, you need to seek the legal help of an experienced Southern California criminal attorney immediately.

Continue reading "Los Angeles man arrested for Kidnapping and Sexual Assault" »

Laguna Niguel, Orange County - Laguna Niguel resident, William Baker, was arrested Thursday for stealing almost a million dollars from investors in a investment scheme. Instead of using the fund for his clients, he used the fund for his personal use. From 2006 to 2008, Baker embezzled nearly $1 million from at least 10 investors. Baker had promised investors the he would buy run down houses and then remodel them. Baker took the money from the investors and bought property, then put the properties in a trust for his son. He also used some of the investor's funds to pay back earlier investors.

Orange County white collar crime defense attorney and Los Angeles County investment fraud defense attorney Michael Guisti recently discussed about this case, stated that Baker could be facing serious felony crime in grand theft, embezzlement, real estate fraud and investment fraud charges. The Los Angeles criminal attorney also commented that a defendant like Baker with bail amount of 1 million dollars, need to prove the legal source of money before posting bond. California has very harsh penalties for people that commit real estate fraud, investment fraud and embezzlement.

Orange County white collar crime defense attorney Michael Guisti also states that these types of crimes are considered felony crimes which come with not only long prison sentences, but large fines and restitution. Baker is most likely going to also face the charge of grand theft which is defined in California Penal code section 487(a ) and it states a person has committed grand theft when the money, labor, or real or personal property taken is of a value exceeding four hundred dollars ($400). A Laguna Niguel judge might also decide to add an aggravated white collar crime enhancement which adds five years to the prison sentence and is a $500,000 fine.

The first move a person needs to make when facing a white collar crime in Southern California, such as real estate fraud, credit card fraud, insurance fraud, investment fraud, and mortgage fraud, medical fraud, healthcare fraud, grand theft or embezzlement, or need professional license defense is to retain a experienced Los Angeles criminal attorney or an Orange County white collar crime defense attorney immediately. Newport Beach fraud defense attorneys and Newport beach white collar crime defense attorney at law Offices of Michael Guisti have handled hundreds of white collar crimes in Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Costa Mesa, Fullerton, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Westminster, Los Angeles, Beverly hills, santa monica, redondo beach, pasadena and many other cities.

Continue reading "Laguna Niguel Man Arrested for embezzlement and fraud in house flipping scheme" »

La Habra, Orange County - A Westminster resident was murdered at a Halloween party in 2006. His killer was finally charged on Wednesday for the murder of Leland Washington. It is alleged that the suspect David Parga has ties with a gang that is in La Habra and killed Washington because of his race.

The victim was standing outside when Parga came up to him and shot him several time. Witnesses say that the attack was unprovoked. Prosecutors allege that this was no ordinary murder but that it is a hate crime. Washington was treated at UCI Medical Center in Orange where he was pronounced dead.

Orange County criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti commented on this incident. He stated that gang related crimes and hate crimes are very serious charges in California. He states the Parga will probably be facing serious murder charges. The punishments for murder can be found in the California Penal code section code 187 which states that a person will be sentence to federal prison if found convicted of murder. Southern California defense attorney Michael Guisti goes on to say that Parga will also face gang enhancements. The law covering gang enhancements are found in Penal code 186.22. It states that any person can have their prison sentence enlarge if it if discovered they did it for the benefit for the gang that they are associated with.

Being convicted of first degree murder is a serious charge. If convicted you could face a long prison sentence, fines restitution and you could possible lose your life. If you or someone you know has been charged with violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, first degree murder, second degree murder, three strikes, felony assault, homicide, manslaughter, domestic violence, assault, battery, sex crimes etc. and other crimes, it is critical to retain a skilled Orange County criminal defense attorney or Los Angeles criminal defense attorney immediately to protect your right and freedom.

Orange County criminal attorneys at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti has successfully handled hundreds of violent crime cases in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego and San Bernardino and are committed to providing the highest quality of legal representation for your case. If you or someone you love has been arrested or charged with felony crimes, violent crimes, murder, second degree murder, first degree murder, felony assault and battery, assault with deadly weapon, attempted murder, you need to call the experienced and skilled Southern California criminal defense attorney at the Law Offices of Michael Gusiti immediately at (714)530-9690 for a free consultation or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.

Santa Ana, Orange County - Tanya Nelson has become the second women in Orange County to receive the death penalty. She was convicted of murdering a Westminster fortuneteller and her daughter. In a Santa Ana court house a jury voted for the death penalty her murdering the Westminster woman. In April 2005 Nelson was convicted of killing a local fortune teller Ha smith and her daughter Anita Vo. She stabbed the mother and daughter and then covered the two victims in white paint.

After Nelson stabbed the victims, she stole cash, credit cards, and jeweler out of their home. Next, nelson stole the identities of her two victims. She was later apprehended by police at Costa Mesa South Coast Plaza while on a shopping spree. Nelson had an accomplice in the murdering of Smith and Vo. Phillipe Zamora says he killed Vo because he had just witnessed Nelson kill Smith and in a panic he killed her. He pled guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and could face 50 years to life in prison.

Being convicted of murder is one of the harshest convictions in California. Murder is defined in the California Penal code 187 as the unlawful killing of another human being. This is a serious offense and the charge comes with heavy consequences. Orange County criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti has recently discussed about this case in an interview. Mr. Guisti noted that if a person is convicted of a murder crime, such as attempted murder, first degree murder, second degree murder, homicide and manslaughter, he can expect to face long prison sentences, large fines and sometimes the death penalty. The person could not only lose his freedom but his life.

Hiring a highly qualified orange county defense attorney can be the most crucial step that you take in the legal process. Southern California defense attorney Michael Guisti has had experience in handling difficult felony cases. He has handled case all over Orange and Los Angeles County. He has not only dealt with murder cases but other felony cases as well such as; three strikes, sex crimes, domestic violence, assault and battery,, felony drug cases, white collar crimes, felony fraud cases, grand theft cases. The Orange county and Los Angeles criminal defense firm has handled hundreds of cases in state courts and federal courts in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego.

How can an Orange County murder defense attorney help you in your murder case ? Orange county defense attorney Michael Guisti has the experience to help you through the confusing legal system. If you or someone you know needs an orange county defense attorney contact Michael Guisti at (714)530-9690 to schedule a free consultation.

Garden Grove, Orange County - Garden Grove gang member, Ivan Garcia, was found guilty of shooting a Garden Grove resident outside of his home. Garcia was convicted of attempted murder and street terrorism, with penalty enhancements for gang activity. He is also convicted of unlawful firearm. He faces up to 40 years in prison.

The victim, David Pulga, was close to his Orange County Garden Grove home when he was shot several times by two gang members in Garden Grove. His wife reported to the Garden Grove police. From this injury he suffers memory loss, physical control and no longer has basic motor skills. The DNA evidence retrieved helped police find the Orange County attempted murder suspect, Ivan Garcia. Garden Grove police also found second gang member linked to this attempted murder case by the tagging. Cesar Mina also known as "Sleepy" has been tied to the shooting.

According to Orange County criminal attorney Michael Guisti, who has successfully handled many high profile felony crime cases, murder crime defense and attempted murder cases, states that "attempted murder" can be found under the California Penal code 187 which defines murder as the unlawful killing of a human being. The punishments for murder are the most severe among all other crimes, and it is the most aggressively prosecuted crime. The punishments for murder crimes, such as attempted murder, first degree murder, second degree murder, homicide and manslaughter, are very harsh, it could carry very long term prison sentences, the death penalty and heavy fines. The consequences could impact a person's entire life.

Orange County criminal defense attorney also explains that a person committed a murder or any other crime as part of a gang could also face gang enhancements. An enhancement is defined under California Penal code 186.22. This law states that any person committed of a felony in California can have their sentenced enlarged if it was to benefit the gang. If you have committed a felony for the gang, you could face an additional 4 years of prison time.

Making the right decision for hiring the most qualified criminal defense attorney for your case is the most important decision in the whole legal process. Southern California murder crime defense attorney at Law Offices of Michael Guisti have handled hundreds of felony cases in Orange County and Los Angeles. Attorney Michael Guisti has not only has the exceptional knowledge in California criminal law, federal law and extensive experience with Orange County court systems, Los Angeles court, San Bernardino courts, Riverside courts, San Diego courts. Our Los Angeles felony crime defense attorneys are experienced in felony criminal defense in areas such as: murder, attempted murder, three strikes, sex crimes, domestic violence, assault and battery, federal cases, felony drug cases, white collar crimes, felony fraud cases, grand theft cases, etc. Los Angeles and Orange County murder defense lawyers at Law Offices of Michael Guisti has also had experience defending clients that have been charged with gang related offenses.

Continue reading "Garden Grove Gang Member convicted of attempted murder " »

Cypress, Orange County - Monday night police found a man shot in Cypress. He is believed to have lived over seas and might have been on a business trip. The victim was a house guest of the suspect Brent Wilcox. Wilcox was arrested for assault with deadly weapon. He was booked at the Orange County jail hand is held on bail.

The gunshot victim is said to be in critical condition. Police have alleged that this might have been an accident. They have ruled out suicide because the gunshot was in the hands of another person, but that have not yet ruled out that it was accidental. The police think that the suspect Wilcox did not have any intention on shooting his house guest.

Orange County criminal defense attorney, Michael Guisti, who has many years of experience defending clients charged with felony violent crimes, states that assault with a deadly weapon is a serious offense in California. Under the California Penal code 245 (2), it illustrates that assault with a deadly weapon can be charged when a person commits assault with a firearm. The punishment can be very severe. if convicted, a person can expect to be imprisoned in jail and to pay a fine for up to $10,000. The Orange County criminal attorney further explains that there needs to be certain steps proven for him to be convicted of assault with a deadly weapon. It must be proven that he acted and when he acted he did the act the reasonable person would forsee the act being dangerous.

If you or someone you know has been charged or arrested for assault with deadly weapon, assault and battery, or any violent crimes in Orange County, Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Fullerton, Westminster, Santa Ana, it is vital to retain the legal service of an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney. Hiring a strong and highly qualified defense with Southern Calfornia criminal attorneys at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti would help the defendent minimize the charges brought against him. Our Orange County assault and battery defense attorneys are experienced with Orange County courts, Los Angeles courts, Riverside courts, San Diego courts, in both state and federal court.

Continue reading "Cypress Man arrested for Assault with deadly weapon" »

Orange County - Dr. Steven Kooshian was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for not giving his patients the correct dosage of their medication. Kooshian is a well know AIDs doctor in Orange County and runs many clinics. He pled guilty to two counts of health care fraud and two counts of making false statements relating to health-care matters. Kooshian would purposely prescribe or administer a lower dosage of the patients AIDs medication.

Kooshian's assistant Virgil Opinion, was the person that had started this investigation. He had been Kooshian'd assistant for more that 10 years. He terminated his employment with the doctor and then went to the press with the information. He told the police that his conscience had been killing him. He pled guilty to being an accessory to the crime and will serve three years probation and is ordered to pay restitution jointly with Kooshain.

According to Orange County criminal attorney and professional license defense attorney, Los Angeles Medical fraud defense attorney, Michael Guisti, that under the California Insurance Code Section 1871.4 and California Penal Code Section 550, a person who is charged with healthcare fraud in a situation when he / she makes a false statement to obtain or deny insurance benefits while claiming for insurance. the person could also be charged with penal code section 118 together as the insurance claim is based on false statement.

Continue reading "Orange County Doctor charged with health care fraud for Skimping on AIDS Medicine" »

Fullerton, Orange County - In downtown Fullerton a shot was fired at a popular bar Tuesday monring. The suspect Sosaih H. Fifita, of Long Beach allegedly shot a .22 revolver in the middle of a fight. No one is reported to be hurt from the bullet. The alleged man was in the assault and battery with suffered lacerations on the back of his head.

The suspect Fifita fled the scene. Police later found the vehicle with the revolver inside of the car. The police then arrested the suspect and the driver of vehicle Maata Kasamota Malupo who is suspected of being an accessory. Fifita was later identified by a witness as the man who shot the gun. They are both being held at the Orange County Jail.

Orange County criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti commented about this crime that it is very likely that Fifita will be charged with assault with a deadly weapon. According the California Penal code 245 (a) (1) assault with a deadly weapon is described as Any person who commits an assault upon the person of another with a deadly weapon or instrument other than a firearm or by any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury. In California violent crimes are dealt with very harshly and come with heavy consequences. In California those convicted assault with a deadly weapon can expect to face imprisonment in the state prison for two, three, or four years, or in a county jail for not less than six months and not exceeding one year, or by both a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars and imprisonment. If you have been arrested or under investigated for assault with deadly weapon or pc 245, or assault and battery, it is vital to consult an experienced Orange County criminal attorney or Los Angeles assault attorney immediately.

At law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, we handle various violent crimes, felony offenses, such as domestic violence, assault and battery, murder, three stikes, sexual assault. People facing these charges need to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney in Orange County. Our Orange County criminal attorneys are extremely experienced in criminal defense cases. We have many years of successful experience representing clients in Newport beach, Fullerton, Santa Ana, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Tustin, Irvine, Westminster, Garden Grove, Beverly Hills and Los Angeles. If you or someone you know is being charged with a violent crime, you need to contact our skilled criminal defens lawyer at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti immediately to protect your rights, at (714) 530-96910 to make an appointment or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.

Fullerton, Orange County - According to Orange County Register, a 14-year-old boy was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and robbery on Saturday.
The incident occurred on Saturday three teegagers approached a man on the street in Anaheim and attacked him and stabbed him with a knife after they were trying to rob him. The man was injured and the three boys fled the scene with the man's bicycle.

The Placentia police investigators later on helped the victim find one of the boys who attacked him. The boy was arrested and booked in juvenile hall.

If your child as been charged with a juvenile offense, it is vital to seek the legal help of a criminal defense attorney who has experience specifically in juvenile court. Because juvenile court is an entirely different world compared to an adult court. In juvenile court, the terminology is different, procedures are different, and many of the laws are different as compared to an adult court.

In California, the most common Felonies or misdemeanors juvenile crimes include : Assault - Penal Code Section 245; Battery - Penal Code Section 242, 243 ; Theft crimes - Penal Code Section 459, 484, 484(e); Shoplifting - Penal Code Section 484; DUI (Driving under the influence) - Vehicle Code Section 21352(a), 21352(b); Speeding and reckless driving, driving without license; Unlawful Firearms and weapons possession - Penal Code Section 12022; Sex crimes - Penal Code Section 261; Sexual assault - Penal Code Section 243.4; Drug crimes, including: drug possession - Health and Safety Code Section 11350(a); Drug transportation - Health and Safety Code Section 11352(a); Drug sales - Health and Safety Code Section 11352(a); Marijuana crimes - Health and Safety Code Section 11357(a), 11357(b)

There are several objectives our Southern California criminal defense attorney will strive for in a juvenile case. First, the attorney will try to keep the minor out of custody. The attorney will work to keep the minor out of CYA (California Youth Authority) or Juvenile Hall and place the minor at your home, in school, and in the community where the minor belongs. Second, the attorney will work to keep the offense off the record so that it will not hinder the minor in obtaining employment, getting a driver's license, and etc. Third, the attorney will work to identify the problem that resulted in your child being charged with the offense, whether it may be drugs, alcohol, or hanging out with bad friends; so that the minor can stay out of the juvenile court system.

Orange County crimina defense attorney Michael Guisti is an experienced Orange County juvenile attorney who has successfully represented numerous juvenile clients accused of juvenile crimes, including gang crimes, Drunk driving, manslaughter, murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, car jacking, rape, assault and battery, theft, drug possession and sales, sex crimes, DUI, and molestation.

Our Orange County Juvenile attorney at Law Offices of Michael L Guisti, possess deep knowledge, experience and skills in juvenile law and familiar with juvenile courts and procedures. Our orange county juvenile lawyer is dedicated to juvenile law.

If your young child is charged with juvenile crimes, it is crucial to hire an experienced Southern California juvenile attorney to protect your child and fight for his / her freedom. Call our skilled orange county criminal attorney at 714-530-9690 for a free consultation or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com

Santa Ana, Orange County - A Costa Mesa dentist that killed three patients in his dental chair wants to be paroled. Protopappas is currently serving for three counts of second-degree murder. His patients died while sitting in his dentist chair after receiving an overdose of anesthesia. Protopappas in past years stated that he was not responsible for the death of the three victims. The Board of Prison Terms claims that Protopappas does not demonstrate an understanding of what he had done, and is therefore in ineligible for parole. However, Protopappas says that he understands what he has done and is no longer a danger.

A Santa Ana criminal attorney is filing an appeal in Orange County court system stating that the parole board has violated Protopappas's due proves rights. His Orange County criminal defense attorney says that the parole was wrong in using Protopappas insight in to the murders as a gauge for parole and that he knows has remorse. He also claims that he can no longer be a danger because he will no longer be a dentist.

Under California Law, Second -degree murder can be defined in California Penal Code 187 as the unlawful killing of a human being, or a fetus, with malice aforethought. Murder is considered as one of the most serious crimes among all crimes. In California the punishment for murder is very harsh. If found guilty of murder, you could face life in prison with out parole. Orange County criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti has noted in this case that a professional, such as a doctor, a physician, a surgeon, a therapist or any medical health care professional, who is convicted of murder, first degree murder, second degree murder, attempted murder, could you get life in prison, and the defendant could also lose his professional license. If you or someone you know is facing murder charges or under investigation for murder, it is imperative to retain an experienced Southern California criminal lawyer immediately to protect your rights.

Continue reading "Costa Mesa Dentist charged with second degree murder for killing three patients" »

Orange County - According to Orange County Register, a man who illegally practiced medicine, distributed unapproved drugs, and ran an unauthorized HMO was sentenced today to five years of probation and 270 days in jail.

Daryn Wayne Peterson plead guilty to several charges including: one felony count each of the unauthorized practice of medicine, operating a health care service plan without a license, offering an unapproved drug for cancer treatment, and one misdemeanor count of selling misbranded food.

Not only did Peterson practiced medicine without a license, but also claimed to have obtained his PhD from "Canterbury University." However, investigators found out anyone can get a "degree" from "Canterbury University" for $180 from an internet website. Peterson illegally ran an HMO under "National Health Care Organization," which claimed "doctors" can cure cancer patient without surgery. These "doctors" were not licensed to practice medicine in California.

The practicing of medicine without a license or nursing without a license is also known as the unauthorized practice of medicine. Practicing medicine without a license can include the examples such as: claiming to be a doctor without a license, using the letters "M.D." or "D.O.", prescribing medication to a person without a license, providing medical treatments without a license, etc.

Medical doctors who practice medicine outside of their scope of license are also considered as an unauthorized practice of medicine. The same goes for doctors who had their medical license revoked but continues to practice medicine.

Orange County criminal attorney and Los Angeles professional license defense lawyer, Michael Guisti, recently discussed about this case in an interview. He commented that unlawful practice medicine in California, whether in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Newport Beach, Irvine, Beverly Hills, can be charged by Business & Professions Code section 2052(a), grand theft by deception (Penal Code section 487(a), or perjury (Penal Code section 118(a), all of them are considered as felonies.

Under California law, practicing medicine without a license is a serious crime and can be punished by jail and prison sentences, fines, community service, and parole. In addition, practicing medicine without a license can result in civil action. The victims can institute a civil lawsuit against the person pretending to be a doctor for assault, battery, emotional distress, etc.

If you have been charged with unauthorized practice of medicine, whether you are a doctor, physician, a surgeon, a doctor, a nurse or a medical health care professional, it is imperative to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney and professional license defense attorney immediately.

Continue reading "Orange County 'Doctor' practicing medicine without license is sentenced " »

Irvine, Orange County - Irvine Police Department, City of Irvine, and victim's advocate groups are teaming together to raise awareness and prevent incidences of domestic violence. Irvine has been famous for being the safest city with a population over 10,000 in the country. However, Irvine has noticed an increase in the rise of domestic violence rates. Several high profile homicides that occurred in Irvine during the past several years has been linked to relationship strife, such as, fatal shooting of Rebecca Benedict in 2009 by her ex-husband, who was a UCI grad student, regarding the custody of four-year-old son on, death of Janelle Peralta in 2007 after a bloody fight with her boyfriend, and the fatal stabbing of Yolanda Snyder in 2007 by her estranged husband.

A prominent Irvine Domestic Violence Attorney and Orange County criminal lawyer, Michael L. Guisti, who has successfully handled hundreds of domestic violence cases in Orange County, noticed that the domestic violence and domestic abuse rate has been on the rise in the past couple of years in Irvine, Tustin and Newport Beach areas. In an latest attorney interview regarding this findings about the domestic violence in Orange County, Mr. Michael Guisti spoke about domestic violence crimes. He said domestic violence is serious crimes in California. Many district attorney's offices have units dedicated just for domestic violence offenses. District attorneys will often proceed with the charges and trial even if the victim forgives the defendant and decides to not press charges. In addition, most jurisdictions impose jail time for domestic violence convictions, even for first-time misdemeanor offenses. Convictions of this sort stay on your permanent record and can hinder you from getting a job or going through a background check. Police has worked to increase the teamwork and communication between victim's advocate groups by inviting them on ride-alongs during busy nights of the week. In addition, the police focused on increasing the training of its officers regarding domestic violence to raise the sensitivity of the issue and to prevent the crime before it happens.

If you are charged with domestic violence, you need an aggressive, competent, and experienced criminal defense attorney to fight for you. Just because you are charged with domestic violence does not mean the charges will stick.

For immigrants, convictions of domestic violence crimes can have additional serious consequences. Convictions of domestic violence are considered crimes of moral turpitude which can get you deported from the United States and prevent you from obtaining a citizenship. Thus, it is very important to hire a competent criminal defense attorney to fight for your case so that it does not result in criminal conviction.

In some cases, our skilled criminal defense attorney can meet with the district attorney and persuade the district attorney to fight not press charges at all.

If you or your loved ones have been charged or arrested for domestic violence, assault and battery, or related felonies and/or misdemeanors in California you need legal consultation from an experienced and knowledgeable Orange County criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and freedom.

Continue reading "Irvine domestic violence cases on the rise " »

Santa Ana, Orange County - Six Los Angeles residents were charged with check fraud today. The defendants have stolen more than$ 650,000 from various retail stores around the area. The defendants Tyrone Grey, Tyrica Goff, Jazmine Williams, Brittnay Myvett, Niesha Johnson and Nedra Beard allegedly have been writing the checks in several stores.

The scheme consisted of the defendants writing counterfeit American Express travelers checks at stores like T.J Maxx, T.J Maxx Home Goods and Marshall's. The defendants would then buy merchandise that amounted over $100. Then the six defendants would return the merchandise to get the money. They used the counterfeit checks in different stores within those chains.

In California theft crime are a very serious offense and the punishments can be very harsh. There are various forms of theft crimes such as: grand theft, white collar crime, shoplifting, petty theft, fraud, medical fraud, issurance fraud, larceny, grand larceny, embezzlement, auto theft, and credit card fraud. Los Angeles criminal attorney Michael Guisti, of a Leading criminal defense law firm in Orange County and Los Angeles, spoke about the case, indicated that if these 6 people are convicted with theft crime or check fraud using or making counterfeit checks, the punishments could be severe, such as prison time in a federal prison and large fines as outlined in California Penal Code section 470-483.5.

A person that is being charged with a theft crime they need to hire an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney or an Orange County criminal attorney

Orange County theft crimes defense attorney Michael L. Guisti has handled hundreds of theft crimes cases and has the experience you need to represent you. If you or someone of know is getting charged with a theft crime. Contact the Law Offices of Michael Guisti and consult with our skilled Southern California criminal defense attorney. Call him at (714) 530-9690 or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.

Los Angeles - Recently, a Los Angeles golf course operated by the Veterans Affairs Medical Center was shut down due to financial improprieties. Two employees Christopher Spelio and Brian Clark were charged with embezzlement. The two had been undercounting green fees and concessionaire profits and pocketing thousands of dollars.

The pair was caught after local police had place surveillance equipment in the course's club house. The police had been tipped of by some employees that had been suspecting Spelio and Clark of stealing. Police found that the stealing had been going on for six years. They have estimated that the amount that has been embezzled amounts to $180,000.Other employees think it could be as much as $200,000

The two men entered in misdemeanor guilty pleas in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Orange County Theft Crimes attorney and Los Angeles white collar crime attorney, Michael Guisti predicts that these men might also charged with other theft crimes such as grand theft and money laundering

Embezzlement is considered a "White Collar" crime. This type of crime is also referred to as employee crime. Under the California Penal Code 186.11(a) embezzlement consist of a pattern of related felony conduct and the pattern of related felony conduct involves the taking, or result in the loss by another or entity of, more than $100,000 a person that is facing such a charge would need a good Orange County Criminal attorney. If you are facing these charges you could face upon conviction you could be facing imprisonment in federal prison.

There are a wide variety of theft crimes such as grand theft, petty theft, grand theft, petty theft, embezzlement, forgery, shoplifting, medical fraud, insurance fraud, band fraud, credit card fraud, identity theft, auto theft. Under California law if you are charged with a theft crime it can be very serious. Penalties for being charged with a theft crime are prison time, large fines, restitution, probation and parole. Theft crime penalties depend upon the seriousness of the crime and prior criminal records. It could also mean the loss of your professional license.

It is critical that if you are charged with theft crime that you retain a criminal defense attorney that has experience in this area of the law. If you or someone you know has been arrested or charged with a theft crime or a white collar crime like embezzlement. Call our skilled Los Angeles Criminal Attorney or Orange County criminal lawyer at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti at 714-530-9690.

San Clemente, Orange County - San Diego police were conducting a checkpoint station near the San Clememte Border. Two unidentified men were caught in Orange County trying to smuggle 18 pounds of cocaine into the United States. The value of the cocaine is said to be about $300,000.

The deputies saw two men in a white Dodge truck on a Saturday morning. The deputies then questioned the men and ask where they were going. The men were questioned separately and each of their locations was different. The deputies then used police dogs to sniff around the truck. The dogs found the cocaine hidden in the truck.

Under California criminal law, drug crime charges are serious cases. There are several type of drug crime charges, such as drug manufacturing, drug trafficking, drug possession, drug possession with intent to sell, drug cultivation, money laundering or drug sale of an unlawful narcotic, including: heroin, LSD, meth, cocaine, crack, marijuana, methamphetamines, or illegal use controlled substances or unauthorized prescription medications.

In California, Drug offense is one of the most aggressively prosecuted crimes. Most of the drug crimes can be charged as felony charges. An Orange County Criminal Attorney, known as an Orange County and Los Angeles drug crime defense authority, Attorney Michael L. Guisti, has evaluated this case and he thinks this is a very serious offense. He comments that if these two drug traffickers are convicted, these two drug traffickers could face serious felony drug crime charges involving a federal crime.

In the State of California, transporting a controlled substance is a serious offense. If you or someone you love has been arrested or charged with any kind of felony drug crimes, whether in Orange County, Los Angeles or San Diego, you need to consult an experienced Southern California Drug Defense attorney for legal advice immediately. Our Orange County criminal attorney and Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys have handled hundreds of drug cases on both state and federal level.

Under the California Heath and Safety Code 11352 any person who transports for sale any controlled substances shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for three, six, or nine years.

Continue reading "Men Arrested for Drug Smuggling of 18 Pounds of Cocaine at Orange County Checkpoint" »