Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog

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.

Santa Ana, Orange County - Our Santa Ana criminal lawyers noticed a news today regarding Tustin sex crime case. A Tustin local gymnastics coach was convicted for unlawful sexual relationship with a teenage girl today. He has pled guilty to felony unlawful sexual intercourse, felony oral copulation of a minor, felony sodomy of a person under 18, felony digital penetration of a minor and felony sexual penetration by foreign object.

Fullerton resident, the Gymnastics teacher, Jason Wayne Scofield, worked at Wildfire Gymnastics located in Tustin. According to the Orange County District Attorney's office, the girl was one of his students. He and the 16 year old girl had sex multiple times in Scofield's car and at his residents in Fullerton. The relationship lasted from February 17 to June 30th of last year.

Scofield joined the army and was relocated to Arizona. While he was in Arizona a friend emailed the parents of the girl and informed them of the relationship Scofield and the girl had. He was transported back to Orange County to face the charges. His expected to be sentenced to one year in jail and three years of formal probation.

According to Orange County sex crime defense attorney, Michael Guisti, Scofield is in violation of California Penal Code 261. 5 which states that unlawful sexual intercourse is an act of sexual intercourse accomplished with a person who is not the spouse of the perpetrator, if the person is a minor. A person like him who is convicted of sex crimes should be also required to register as a sex offender.

In California sex crimes are considered very serious and can come with very harsh punishments. Sex crimes can be having unlawful sex with a minor, but there are other sex crimes. There is child molest, rape, other sex crime defense including: child pornography, prostitution, pimping, pandering, etc. Tustin criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti is very experienced in this area of law. He has been able to bring felony sex crimes to misdemeanors. If you or some one you know has been charged with sex crimes, you need to hire an experienced Orange County sex crimes defense lawyer immediately. Call the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti and make an appointment. Contact us at (714) 530-9690 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" »

Newport Beach, Orange County - A Newport Beach corporate executive, Mark David Goodman, was arrested for DUI or drunk driving on Feb 11, 2010. Goodman, the Orange County based chief executive officer of EZ Lube, crashed into a psychic-reading business in the morning February 11 . No one was injured in the accident. Before crashing into the psychic-reading business, Goodman ran over a parking sign, a brick planter, and a bus stop bench. While Goodman was arrested at the scene on suspicion of drunken driving, he has not been charged with a crime since posting bail.

In California , a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or drunk driving constitutes a person driving a vehicle with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) higher than 0.08%, and 0.01% for someone who is under 21 years of age. Non-injury DUIs are generally considered a misdemeanor. However, DUIs that result in a bodily injury may be boosted to a felony status depending on the circumstances. Jail time is anywhere from 48 hours to 6 months. If a person is convicted of DUI or drunk driving, whether the offense is misdemeanor or a felony, the consequences can effect your life and future.

Orange County criminal defense attorneys at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti have many years of experience in handling DUI, driving under the influence cases throughout Orange County. If you or someone you love have been arrested for DUI in Orange County, whether a first DUI, a second DUI, a third DUI, a misdemeanor DUI or felony DUI (vehecular manslaughter), you need to contact our Orange County DUI defense attorney immediately. Our Orange County DUI attorney has extensive experience in DUI defense in Orange County and are very familar with all the Orange County courts (Fullerton, Santa Ana, Westminster, Irvine, Huntington Beach) and the prosecutor and judges. Our DUI defense lawyer will do all we can to help you. At Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, we have handled hundreds of DUI cases and often times we are able to get our clients charges reduced to minimum or dismissed. For more information about DUI defense in Orange County, please call a skilled Orange County drunk driving defense attorney for a a free consultation at 714-530-9690 or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com

Fountain Valley, Orange County - Fountain Valley police go undercover at a local restaurant to investigate what is called "Bikini Night". Undercover police went to the restaurant Aysya after learning that on Sunday and Monday nights. The police were able to buy at the restaurant five ecstasy pills for fifty dollars from the waitress.

Three weeks later the undercover police went back to the restaurant looking to see if they were able to buy more. Police wrote in a search warrant. Three people have been charged with the selling of ecstasy pills to the undercover police. Among those charged are Vinh Pham Buu, the restaurant's owner, the waitress who sold the pills Cindy Thi Thuy Huynh, and John Phi Ma for supplying the pills that the detective bought.

In California, drug crimes involves illegal drugs or controlled substances can be charged with drug possession for Personal Use; possession of Drugs for Sale; drug trafficking (drug transporting, drug buying, drug selling); drug distributing; drug Cultivating or Manufacturing or drug conspiracy.

Under Calfornia Law, the possession of drugs with the intent to sell is a serious offense. The California Health and Safety Code 11352 states that any person that posses or tries to sell a controlled substances can be imprisoned. Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti who reviewed this case noted that drug crime cases are usually serious charges and mostly can be charged with felony charges and that people that face these charges can be imprisoned in the state prison for three, six or nine years.

Does this sound like a situation that you are in? Have you been charged with either selling or possessing controlled substance? Protect your freedom. At the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, a leading Southern California Criminal Defense law firm, we can help you through this difficult time. Michael L. Guisti has the exceptional knowledge and experience in drug crime defense at both state and federal level. Our attorneys will provide you with the highest quality representation you need. Orange County criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti is very familiar with the court systems, prosecutors, judges in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside. He is often able to reduce a serious felony drug crime, to a lesser misdemeanor charge. We will put many years of our experience to work for you.

Continue reading "Fountain Valley Restaurant Owner Charged with Drug Sales to Undercovered Orange County Police" »

Santa Ana, Orange County - Serial Murder suspect Rodney James Alcala took the witness stand in his own defense stating that a 1978 episode of the 'Dating Game' affirms his argument that he owned a pair of earrings that were similar to the victims earrings. Alcala is defending himself against the five murder charges. He told the jury that a tape of the "Dating Game" shows him wearing the earrings similar to the earrings that the 12 year old murder victim Robin Samsoe may have been wearing when she was kidnapped and murdered in 1979.

Under California Penal Code 207(a) Every person who forcibly, or by any other means of installing fear, steals or takes, or holds, detains, or arrests any person in this state, and carries the person to another country, state, or into another part of the same country, is guilty of kidnapping.

Deputy District Attorney, Matt Murphy, states that Alcala kidnapped Samsoe while she was riding her bike to ballet lessons. Prosecution states that she was the driven to the foothill of Los Angeles where she was murdered. It is alleged that Alcala then kept her gold earrings as a trophy.

Her body was found 12 days later and Alcala was then charged with Samsoes's murder. Huntington Beach detectives found gold ball earrings from a storage locker that Alcala had been renting in Seattle after Samsoe was abducted. Marianne Connelly, Samsoe's mother, testified that she could identify the earrings because she had clipped the earrings to alter the way they looked.

Alcala insisted that he owned similar earrings and was wearing them when he appeared on the show "Dating Game". He claimed that he too had altered the earrings, because they appeared to feminine. He also states that was at Knott's Berry Farm asking about a job to photograph "Disco Night" at the same time Samsoe was riding her to ballet lessons in Huntington Beach.

Under the California Penal Code 208(a) Kidnapping is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for three, five, or eight years(b) If the person kidnapped is under 14 years of age at the time of the commission of the crime, the kidnapping is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for 5, 8, or 11 years. This subdivision is not applicable to the taking, detaining, or concealing, of a minor child by a biological parent, a natural father, as specified in Section 7611 of the Family Code, an adoptive parent, or a person who has been granted access to the minor child by a court order.(c) In all cases in which probation is granted, the court shall, except in unusual cases where the interests of justice would best be served by a lesser penalty, require as a condition of the probation that the person be confined in the county jail for 12 months. If you or your loved has been arrested or charged with kidnapping, murder or any other violent crimes in Orange County, Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Fullerton, Tustin, it is critical to obtain the legal service of an experienced Criminal Defense attorney immediately to protect your rights and freedom.

Continue reading "Murder Defendant: 'Dating Game' Proves Point " »

NEWPORT BEACH, Orange County - An Ex-CFO of an Irvine based architectural company, was arrested Thursday for grand theft and white collar crime. Salvatory Josef Fulwider, of Yorba Linda, was charged on Thursday with embezzlement for stealing over $1.9 million from the firm's business accounts and the firm owner's personal account from 2003 to 2009. Fulwider is held on $1.3 million bail and will be arraigned on Monday at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach.

According to Orange County Theft Crime attorneys at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, if Fulwider wants to post the bail of $1.3 million, he needs to prove that the fund he will use for bail is from a legal source instead of the illegal source.

After reviewing the case, the Orange County criminal defense attorney and Irvine Theft Crime defense lawyer, Michael Guisti, analyzed that it looks like that the CFO, Fulwider, could be convicted of white collar crime, grand theft, forgery, falsifying records, and also he could get sentencing enhancements for grand theft of over $1.3 million. If this corporate financial executive is convicted, he is most likely to be sentenced to over 40 years in prison.

There are various types of theft crime charges, such as grand theft, petty theft, embezzlement, forgery, shoplifting, medical fraud, insurance fraud, band fraud, credit card fraud, identity theft, auto theft, and money laundering.

Under California criminal law, theft charges are serious crimes and the punishment is very harsh, it includes: prison time, large fines, restitution, probation and parole. Theft crime penalties depend upon the seriousness of the crime and prior criminal records. If you or someone you know has been arrested or investigated for theft crime, embezzlement or white collar crimes, it is critical to retain the services of a criminal defense attorney who has the knowledge and experiences to ensure a successfully defense for your theft crime charges.

Continue reading "Newport Beach CFO charged with White Collar crime, Grand Theft and Embezzlement " »

SANTA ANA, Orange County - An Irvine new resident, Janelle Peralta, was murdered by her long time boyfriend in Irvine on July 4, 2007. The man, Javier Colon, was found guilty by jury and was convicted of first degree murder of murdering his girlfriend using deadly weapon in Irvine. He will be sentenced Feb. 19.

The couple moved from New York to Irvine one week before the murder happened. It all started from a fight that night followed by an escalated assault and battery with deadly weapon. Javier slit his throat and wrists and had slashed Peralta 15 times. He was trying to kill both Peralta and himself. Peralta's mother took the 1-year old baby and ran out of the apartment and called police.

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.

Continue reading "Newport Beach Woman convicted of Felony Grand Theft and Embezzlement" »

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

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.

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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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