Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog

NEWPORT BEACH, Orange County - A Newport Beach woman, Bethany Jane Brady, who was working as an account for a Newport Beach salon for13 years, was charged with grand theft and embezzlement for stealing more than $250,000 from the employer. Brady had been using funds from the salon's account for her personal use for the past three years. Brady was convicted of grand theft, embezzlement and identity theft.
Brady was sentenced to two years in state prison for felony theft crime of embezzling more than $250,000 from the Newport Beach salon. Besides, she also has to pay $250,000 in restitution. She was also facing enhanced sentencing for stealing more than $200,000.

There are various charges involved with theft crimes and white collar crimes, such as grand theft, fraud, embezzlement, insurance fraud, bank fraud, real estate fraud, credit card fraud, forgery, medical fraud, shoplifting and petty theft.

Under California law, embezzlement is defined as illegal transfer of money for personal use. In California, embezzlement is also called employee theft crime. It is a theft crime that committed by employees.

In a case involved someone such as Bethany Brady, who steals money from the employer for the amount over $400, can be charged with a serious Grand Theft and embezzlement. It can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. If the person is charged with felony Grand Theft, the punishment usually includes: state or federal prison, restitution, Fines and more. If you have been charged with white collar crime or embezzlement or grand theft in California, it is important to hire an experienced Los Angeles Theft crime attorney or Orange County white collar crime attorney to protect your rights.

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Costa Mesa, Orange County - The Orange County Register reports that Costa Mesa Police have served search warrants at the West Coast Wellness Center medical marijuana dispensary. The dispensary is located on the 1200 block of Logan Avenue . Three employees, ranging in age from 23 to 49 were booked on charges of illegally selling marijuana. A female customer was also cited for drug possession.

California voters approved Proposition 215 in 1996, allowing qualified patients to use marijuana for its medicinal properties. The law, however, did not establish a uniform, statewide framework for the distribution of the drug. Since then, cities have enacted conflicting approaches for regulating and sanctioning medical marijuana dispensaries. Costa Mesa prohibits such facilities from operating within its city limits.

Prop. 215 has also generated confusion regarding the legality of any marijuana sales. The face of the law prohibits sale of marijuana for profit, but allows qualified distributors to collect "reasonable compensation" for their services.

The three employees arrested in yesterday's raid will likely be charged under section 11360(a) of the California Health and Safety Code. That provision makes any unauthorized sale of marijuana a felony punishable by up to 4 years in state prison, depending on the quantity of marijuana sold and the defendant's prior record. The fourth suspect will most likely be charged under section 11357(b) of the Health and Safety Code. That provision makes possession of less than one ounce of cannabis by an adult a misdemeanor punishable by a $100 fine, unless she can provide proof that she uses marijuana pursuant to a doctor's recommendation or approval.

California Drug charges can be very serious, possibly resulting in lengthy prison sentences. Only an aggressive, experienced Southern California criminal defense attorney or Orange County Drug crime defense attorneys can help navigate the complicated judicial process and protect your legal rights. At Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, our Orange county criminal attorneys and Los Angeles drug crime defense lawyers have extensive experience in defending against all types of drug charges in both state and federal courts in Orang County, Los Angeles, San Diego and throughout Southern California. We represent clients who are accused of drug crimes, such as drug possession, drug transportation, drug cultivation and drug distribution. If you or someone you know has been accused of any drug-related offense, contact us immediately at 714-530-9690 to speak to our Orange County drug crime defense attorneys to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect your freedom or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com

Anaheim, Orange County - An Orange County woman, Christina Esquival, alleges that a man groped her breast while at California's Disney Adventure Park. The alleged incident occurred on the Tower of Terror ride with her daughter when the lights went out, as they always do just before the ride makes an adrenaline-pumping, 13-story drop. After the ride, Ms. Esquival took her own photograph of the suspect on the souvenir photo screen and is asking for help in identifying him.

Under California Law, sex crimes are extremely serious and can require registry as a sexual offender. The Tower of Terror suspect could be charged with Sexual Battery, under California Penal Code Section 243.4. Two types of Sexual Battery exist: misdemeanor and felony. California Penal Code Section 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. Misdemeanor Sexual Battery can be punished by six months in jail, up to a $2000 fine, and requires registration as a sexual offender. Here, the suspect should be charged with misdemeanor Sexual Battery if the prosecution can show that the groper touched Ms. Esquival's breast for sexual arousal or gratification.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a sex crime you need to consult an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney or Southern California sex crime defense lawyer immediately to protect your legal rights. At Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, our Los Angeles criminal attorney and Orange County sex crime defense lawyers have deep knowledge in law and extensive experience handling sex crime defense for both misdemeanor and felony sex crime charges, such as sexual assault, sexual battery, prostitution, rape, pandering, pimping, child molestation, child pornography and other crimes in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego. At Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, our goal is to aggressively fight to win you case. To discuss your case with our skilled Orange County criminal defense attorney, please contact our attorney at 714-530-9690 or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com

Anaheim, Orange County - Ms. Christina Esquival alleges that a man groped her breast while at California's Disney Adventure Park. The alleged incident occurred on the Tower of Terror ride with her daughter when the lights went out, as they always do just before the ride makes an adrenaline-pumping, 13-story drop. After the ride, Ms. Esquival took her own photograph of the suspect on the souvenir photo screen and is asking for help in identifying him.

Under California Law, sex crimes are extremely serious and can require registry as a sexual offender. The Tower of Terror suspect could be charged with Sexual Battery, under California Penal Code Section 243.4. Two types of Sexual Battery exist: misdemeanor and felony. California Penal Code Section 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. Misdemeanor Sexual Battery can be punished by six months in jail, up to a $2000 fine, and requires registration as a sexual offender. Here, the suspect should be charged with misdemeanor Sexual Battery if the prosecution can show that the groper touched Ms. Esquival's breast for sexual arousal or gratification.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a sex crime you need to consult an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney or Southern California sex crime defense lawyer immediately to protect your legal rights. At Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, our Los Angeles criminal attorney and Orange County sex crime defense lawyers have deep knowledge in law and extensive experience handling sex crime defense for both misdemeanor and felony sex crime charges, such as sexual assault, sexual battery, prostitution, rape, pandering, pimping, child molestation, child pornography and other crimes in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego. At Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, our goal is to aggressively fight to win you case. To discuss your case with our skilled Orange County criminal defense attorney, please contact our attorney at 714-530-9690 or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com

Anaheim, Orange County - Ms. Christina Esquival alleges that a man groped her breast while at California's Disney Adventure Park. The alleged incident occurred on the Tower of Terror ride with her daughter when the lights went out, as they always do just before the ride makes an adrenaline-pumping, 13-story drop. After the ride, Ms. Esquival took her own photograph of the suspect on the souvenir photo screen and is asking for help in identifying him.

Under California Law, sex crimes are extremely serious and can require registry as a sexual offender. The Tower of Terror suspect could be charged with Sexual Battery, under California Penal Code Section 243.4. Two types of Sexual Battery exist: misdemeanor and felony. California Penal Code Section 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. Misdemeanor Sexual Battery can be punished by six months in jail, up to a $2000 fine, and requires registration as a sexual offender. Here, the suspect should be charged with misdemeanor Sexual Battery if the prosecution can show that the groper touched Ms. Esquival's breast for sexual arousal or gratification.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a sex crime you need to consult an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney or Southern California sex crime defense lawyer immediately to protect your legal rights. At Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, our Los Angeles criminal attorney and Orange County sex crime defense lawyers have deep knowledge in law and extensive experience handling sex crime defense for both misdemeanor and felony sex crime charges, such as sexual assault, sexual battery, prostitution, rape, pandering, pimping, child molestation, child pornography and other crimes in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego. At Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, our goal is to aggressively fight to win you case. To discuss your case with our skilled Orange County criminal defense attorney, please contact our attorney at 714-530-9690 or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com

Long Beach, Los Angeles - A Long Beach California resident Insurance Agent has been convicted of felony count of grand theft in Orange County superior court. Matthew Shawn Bissell has pleaded guilty. His sentencing includes five years probation, restitution and community service. Bissell's insurance license was revoked.

Bissell Los Angeles Insurance Company provided various insurances services and products to his business clients. Bissell was allegedly took the client checks from the business account to his personal bank account. It caused the extreme financial risk to his clients. From 2005 to 2007, Bissell also allegedly committed insurance fraud by issuing bogus certificates of insurance.

There are different types of theft crime charges, such as grand theft, fraud (Bank Fraud, Credit Card Fraud, Healthcare Fraud, Insurance Fraud, Real Estate Fraud Investment), embezzlement, white collar crime, bribery, petty theft, shoplifting, burglary, receiving stolen property. If convicted, the consequences for the theft crimes are very serious and the punishments can be very harsh. It usually includes the jail time or prison time, substantial fine, probation and restitution.

Whether it is a misdemeanor or felony theft crime charge, you need to consult with an Orange County theft crime defense lawyer or Los Angeles criminal defense attorney immediately to protect your legal rights.

Continue reading "Long Beach Insurance Agent Convicted of Felony Grand Theft" »

CYPRESS, Orange County - Cypress Police Department has been contacted by a 17-year-old Orange County boy who reported a sexual assault case happened in Monday early morning. According to the report, the boy was driving in Cypress, and he pulled over on the side street to make a phone call, and he was approached by a man who claimed that he was an off-duty police officer. He sexually assaulted the boy several times during the search. He fled the scene after the assault.

The Orange County sex crime defense attorney and Los Angeles crimina defense attorney Michael L. Guisti has reviewed this case and comments that the alleged man could be charged with sex crime charges of child molestation with the under aged, false impersonation of a police officer, kidnapping, and sexual assault and battery.

Under California law, sex crimes are very serious criminal offenses. If one is convicted of sex crime, the conviction can carry long term prison sentence or a lengthy probationary sentence. Additionally, defendant who is convicted of sex crimes in California is required to register as a sexual offender. The registration has all the information available on the internet for the public

Whether you have been charged in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, or anywhere in Southern California, and either a felony charge or misdemeanor sex crime charges, such as solicitation of prostitution, pandering, pimping, rape, Sexual assault and battery, child pornography, child molestation, Lewd act with a child (molestation); Indecent exposure, and other sex crimes, it is imperative that you seek the legal representation of an experienced Orange County criminal defense lawyer.

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IRVINE, Orange County - According to Orange County Register that violent crime in Irvine has increased 42 percent in 2009. However, Irvine still remains as the safest city nationwide. The report also lists Fullerton with violent crime increase of 40 percent, and Costa Mesa crime increases by 18 percent.

The statistics showed that Irvine has been holding the title of the safest city nationwide for five years. The crimes reported increased in Irvine include crimes such as white collar crimes, murder, homicide, assault and battery, grand theft, shoplifting, domestic violence, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, fraud and embezzlement and others.
The report also shows that there is a drop of crimes in Orange County cities including Newport Beach, Santa Ana, Orange, Garden Grove, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, and Westminster.

Irvine criminal defense attorneys at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti have the knowledge and skills in both state and federal cases. Our Orange County criminal attorney have many years of experiences defending individuals who have been charged with crimes or under the state and federal criminal investigations.

If you or someone you love have been charged with murder, homicide, white collar crime, fraud or felony grand theft in Irvine, Newport Beach, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, or anywhere in Orange County, Los Angeles, you should contact our experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney and Southern California criminal defense attorney at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti immediately to protect your rights at 714-530-9690 or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.

Orange County Register reports that a Los Angeles drunk driver who killed two young Rancho Cucamonga women Saturday in La Verne was charged with murder. Alan Michael McConnell, of Covina, was charged with two murder counts on Tuesday. He was also charged with driving while intoxicated, hit-and-run and driving on a suspended license. McConnell crashed into another car and fled the scene. One woman was killed at the scene and the other seriously injured.

Due to the prior felony drunk driving conviction, McConnell was charged with murder this time instead of vehicular manslaughter. It is clear that the prior convictions on McConnell didn't change his driving behavior. After the previous convictions, he should have learnt that it is dangerous on the road when he was driving behind the wheels while intoxicated or drunk. However, he chose to do it again and again.

After he got convicted in Orange County, he got on the road and arrested for the same drunk driving offense the following weekend. While awaiting arraignment for that arrest, he crashed a car, allegedly while intoxicated, and two young women died.

Under California law, felony count of DUI or drunk driving is a serious criminal charge. In Southern California, if someone had prior felony convictions or a penalty enhancement or bodily injury, he can be charged with felony DUI. A felony DUI driving conviction carries serious consequences: prison time, a heavy fine, and suspension of driver's license. if you or someone you know has been charged with murder, DUI or any crimes, you need to contact an experienced Orange County DUI attorney immediately.

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Santa Ana, Orange County - A Santa Ana man who was convicted of first degree murder in 2008 was granted a new trial today. Ruben Oliveros, of Santa Ana, was facing life in prison without the possibility of parole. An Orange county criminal defense attorney brought up a motion for a new trial and stated that the defendant may not have been at the crime scene. The Judge granted a new trial because it seems that there is strong evidence that a jury could give a different verdict.

Co-defendant, Charcas-Fernandez, has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in this case. Aurelio Saldivar, another defendant, was also convicted of murder in the case.

Under California law, murder is one of the most serious crimes. Under California penal code section PC 187, murder is defined as causing the death of another person with the presence of malice aforethought. The punishment is severe, if convicted the accused can get 25 to life in prison. It has life-altering consequences. If you or someone you care has been arrested for murder, you need to speak to an experienced Southern California criminal defense attorney immediately.

Whether it is in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Pasadena, Orange County, Santa Ana, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Tustin, Newport Beach or anywhere in Southern California, if one is convicted of a first-degree or second-degree murder charge, he could face prison time for the rest of his life.

The first- degree murder and second-degree murder are considered as the willful killing of another person. A first-degree murder can carry a minimum 25 years in prison, and second-degree murder is minimum of 15 years. It could be a sentense for life in prison depends on the circumstances.

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SANTA ANA, Orange County - A disbarred Orange County attorney and his two business partners in the loan modification business were charged with a felony count of conspiracy for committing fraud, grand theft and felony counts of grand theft by false pretense. Christopher Lee Diener, Stefano Joseph Marrero, and Terrence Green Sr., of Ladera Ranch, were arrested today for the grand theft and white collar crimes in defrauding over 400 homeowners. The business was under the name of Home Relief Services LLC and US Loan Mod Processing and Diener Law Firm. The business provided service to people who need loan modification and facing home foreclosures.

Under California criminal law, white collar crime, grand theft are very serious crimes. Under California Penal Code Section PC 487, Grand theft is defined as the unlawful taking someone else's money or property valued above $400. Theft crimes are serious offenses and it carries severe penalties. It can be charged as misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity of the case, circumstances of the case and prior criminal records.
And the punishment for the felony white collar crimes are severe. If convicted, they could be sentenced to 70 years in prison. They could also face sentencing enhancements for white-collar crime and excessive taking.

If you're charged with a California felony theft crime, you need to consult wit an experienced Orange County Criminal defense attorney or Southern California Theft crime defense lawyer immediately. A highly qualified attorney can help you avoid jail, minimize the penalties and achieve favorable outcome of your case.

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According to Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles man Rodney Alcala is facing murder charges for the murders of four Los Angeles women who were sexually assaulted, beaten and strangled 2 years before the death of another woman Samsoe.of Huntington Beach,

12 year old Huntington Beach girl Robin Samsoe disappeared from the beach after she and her friend were asked by a man if he could take their picture. The friend accompanying Samsoe to the beach that day, later identified Rodney James Alcala as the man who took their picture. Alcala was twice convicted for the murder of Samsoe, but those convictions were reversed on appeal due to evidence improperly allowed into evidence. During Alcala's second appeal from his second conviction in 2001, DNA evidence was discovered by LA County Investigators. Alcala pleaded not guilty to the charges.

As stated in California Penal Code Section 187: murder is an act that results in the death of another human being, while California Penal Code Section 189: states 1st Degree Homicide is murder due to some form of deliberation and premeditation. While no DNA evidence was found in the Samsoe case, it appears the DNA evidence found from the victims prior to the death of Samsoe will be enough to hold Alcala accountable for murder. Because Alcala is facing multiple murder charges, the possibility of spending the rest of his life behind bars is certainly a possibility.

Under California criminal law, Homicide cases tend to be extremely complex. If you or someone you know has been arrested or under investigated for murder, homicide or manslaughter, it is imperative that you need to seek a strong legal representation from an experienced Southern California criminal defense attorney to protect your rights.

At Law offices of Michael L Guisti, our Los Angelels Criminal defense attonrey Michael L. Guisti has accumulated a wealth of knowledge about how to craft effective murder / homicide defenses over the past decade. Mr. Guisti has successful represented many criminal defendants charged with murder, felony sex crimes, assault and battery, felony violent crimes, as well as those facing capital crimes to avoid the death penalty.

To further discuss your felony criminal charges, murder crimes, please contact our Southern California criminal attorneys at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti at 714-530-9690 or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.

Orange Couny Register reports that on July 14, 2009, at approximately 2:00am, while walking home the victim noticed 3 unknown persons tagging a wall. The victim shouted to the perpetrators to stop and was subsequently followed by all 5 unknown persons to the southwest corner of McFadden Avenue and Maple Street where he was allegedly surrounded by the 5 individuals and beaten and stabbed. Brothers, Alejandro Duran and Nicolas Duran admitted they were involved in the assault and stabbed the victim twice in the abdomen. A third suspect; a juvenile, Manola Mauricio, stated he was present during the assault and given credit for serving over 200 days in custody; plus three years probation.

As stated in California Penal Code Section 245 (a) (1): 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 shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for two, three, or four years, or in a county jail for not exceeding one year, or by a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by both the fine and imprisonment. The actions of the Duran brothers fall under this particular code due to the fact that during the beating or assault upon the victim, defendants used a deadly weapon and in this case it was a knife. Nicolas Duran already had two previous violent felonies on record against him. This could very well mean he may face his third strike. If you or someone you know has been charged with assault and battery either misdemeanor or felony charges, you need to seek the legal console of an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney or Southern California Assault and Battery Attorney for a quality representation.

At Law offices of Michael L. Guisti, our Orange County criminal defense attorneys have extended experience in criminal case in both state and federal court and has handled hundreds of Assault and Battery cases with a successful track record in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Bernardino and Riverside.. Please call us at 714-530-9690 or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com

TUSTIN, Orange County - Four Orange County men were arrested Tuesday for the murder of a Tustin teen who was shot to death on Sun at a house party in Tustin. On Tuesday, Nhem, Pablo Kachirisky Steven Kao, and David Escobar have been arrested and were charged with felony counts of terrorism and murder, with sentencing enhancements.

The enhancements are murder involves a criminal street gang activity, or a firearm which caused the death of another person. Santa Ana man John Saway and Sarith Yin have been arrested for the murder charges. Anaheim resident Belinda Vu, 19, was also arrested Tuesday, but has since been released and no charges are being filed.

Los Angeles - The body of an 84 year old woman was found in her home, a victim of sexual assault, robbery and murder, the Anaheim police reported Sunday. The woman's car had been found in a San Bernardino County grocery store. The suspect, 25 year old Anthony Wade of Los Angeles, allegedly tried to use the victim's stolen credit card when he was apprehended after he became agitated when the clerk would not accept the credit card.

The police went to the home of the victim, Bessie Whyman, to see if she knew the whereabouts of her car and to check on her welfare when her naked body was discovered in the living room of her home. Wade, was transferred to an Anaheim detention center and is expected to be arraigned on charges of first degree felony murder, robbery and sexual assault.

Under California Penal Code Section 187, murder defined as unlawful killing of another human being with the intent of malice. Murder is one of the most aggressively prosecuted crimes among all crimes and the punishment for murder is harsh. If a person is convicted of murder, it can carry a sentence of 25 years to life in prison depending upon the severity and degree of murder. If you or someone you care has been arrested for murder in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside or San Bernardino, it is imperative to retain an experienced Southern California Criminal Defense Attorney to represent you. Our attorneys handled hundreds of criminal cases in both state and federal courts.

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