Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog

Irvine, California - Orange County resident, Andrew Reynoso, was arrested for drunk driving or DUI. It is alleged by police that Reynoso crashed his car into a palm tree causing it to fall over. It is also alleged that he also ran into two boxes were the cities sprinklers are controlled. At the scene of the accident, Reynoso admitted to police that he had been drinking and driving. Police allege that he will get charged with a DUI.

In California, a DUI charged is broken into two parts. The first part is defined in the California Vehicle code section 23152 (a). It states that it is unlawful for a person to drive under the influence of alcohol of drugs. The second part is defined in the California Vehicle code section 23151(b). It states that it is unlawful for a person to driver under the influence of alcohol if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is more than .08% or more. These are separate charges and it is common for a person being charged with a DUI is charged with both. These charges are considered misdemeanors in California. The punishments can be the suspension of you license, fines, and having a ignition interlock device installed in your car. However if a person has multiple DUI charges it can turn into a felony.

It is important hire an attorney if you are being charged with a DUI, drunk driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Many people do not know that they must request a hearing within 10 days of getting the ticket. After those 10 days, if you do not request a hearing, the DMV can suspend your, licenses. If you or someone you care has been arrested or charged with DUI in Orange County, it is imperative to consult with an experienced Orange County DUI Attorney or Orange County DUI defense lawyer immediately.

A leading Orange County DUI defense law firm, Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, our Newport Beach DUI attorneys, Irvine DUI Attorney, Fullerton DUI attorney, Santa Ana DUI attorney , Huntington Beach dui attorney, and Westminster DUI attorney have sucessfully represented hundreds of clients arrested or accused of DUI, drunk driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Often time, we can help our clients to get their charges reduced to minimum or get the charges dismissed.

Continue reading "Irvine Man Suspected of Drunk Driving" »

Laguna Beach- Orange County acupuncturist William Goit is being charged with sexual battery. It is alleged that while he was treating his patient he mad inappropriate comments to her. He made a comment about her appearance, and started to give her a message. He told his female patient to turn around. It is alleged that after he had asked her to turn around he pulled down her pants. The victim immediately went to the police. He is being charged with misdemeanor sexual battery.

In California, there are a series of codes that define sexual battery. Each code describes what needs to have happened for there to have been a sexual battery ad what the punishments are. Depending on the facts of the case the punishment will change. In the case mention above, this type of sexual battery can be defined in the California Penal code section 243.4(e) (1). Sexual battery has occurred when any person who touches an intimate part of another person, if the touching is against the will of the person touched, and is for the specific purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification, or sexual abuse, is guilty of misdemeanor sexual battery. The punishments can be affine fine of up to $2,000 and a jail sentence for up to six months. In the case above the defendant is an acupuncturist. Having a sexual battery charge on his record can be very serious. Since a license is needed to practice acupuncture. He is in danger of losing his professional license.

Sexual Battery is a very serious offense in California. It can change a persons whole life especially if the person is a license profession like a doctor, acupuncturist etc. It is important to retain a Newport Beach sexual battery defense attorney to help you defend you in your case.

Continue reading "Laguna Beach Acupuncturist Charged with Sexual Battery" »

Huntington Beach, Orange County -Titio Ortiz and his girlfriend Jenna Jameson of Huntington Beach get caught in a domestic violence dispute. Jameson's father called police during a dispute the couple was having. It is alleged by police that Ortiz pushed Jameson down. He was arrested on suspicion of felony domestic violence. He was released on bail.

Domestic violence cases can be very confusing and difficult. In California, domestic violence or spousal battery can be defined in the California Penal code section 273.5. It states that domestic violence has occurred when a person inflicts injury on their spouse or cohabitant. In California this is considered a felony which means that if a person is convicted of this charge they could face a jail sentence and fines.

At first, many people that are charged with domestic violence do not understand how serious this charge can be. It is important to retain a Huntington Beach domestic violence defense attorney if you are facing domestic violence charges.

Continue reading "Famous Huntington Beach Couple Has Domestic Violence Dispute" »

Tustin, Orange County - An Orange County secretary was caught embezzling $140,000. As a secretary at Five Star Water Truck Rental, she was in charge of the company's finances and the bank account. Beverly Winter would forge the checks and then deposit them into a personal bank account. She was finally discovered when her employer was notified from the bank that the companies account had been over drawn. She is being charged with felony forgery and felony falsifying records.

Under California law, forgery and falsifying records are just a couple examples of "white collar crimes". A white collar crime is usually a crime like embezzlement, identity theft, credit card fraud, check fraud, and grand theft. Forgery can be defined in the California Penal code section 470(d). Forgery occurs when a person knowingly alters, falsifies, or counterfeits anything like checks, and money orders. This can be charged as a felony in California and is a very serious offense. There can also be an en added if enhancement amount stolen amounts to over $100,000.

White collar crimes are considered very serious in California. They are usually charged as felonies and can come with enhancements. A person facing a white collar crime charge like fraud, embezzlement, forgery or grand theft should immediately hire an Irvine white collar crime defense attorney or a Newport Beach criminal attorney to protect your rights.

Continue reading "Orange County employee charged with felony grand theft and Embezzlement" »

Santa Ana, Orange County - Christian Cabrera and Cesar Valle of Santa Ana are suspects in a home robbery. It is alleged that the men entered the house of the victim, punched the owner in the face, and stole various items in the house. The victim was able to tell police officers the whereabouts of one of the suspects. Police arrested one of the suspects Cabrera by a vending truck. The other suspect was seen driving around the victim's home.

In this case two major crimes have happened. The first one is robbery. This can be found in the California Penal code section 211. The second one is burglary. California law breaks this into two parts, and can be defined in the California Penal code section 459. It defines the crime as entering a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime. It is also called first degree burglary and is the most serious of the type of burglary. This type is usually charged as a felony. The second type of burglary is called commercial burglary. This is type is usually things like shoplifting and is charged most often as a misdemeanor.

Burglary is a very serious offense in California. Since there are two types of burglary in California, it can be confusing on which crime you are being charged with. It is imperative to retain a Santa Ana theft crimes defense attorney if you are facing a theft charge like burglary or robbery.

Continue reading "Two Santa Ana Men Suspects in Home Robbery" »

Placentia- Orange County businessman Joseph Aluya is being accused of stealing around $321,000 in tax returns from his clients. He owns a company that does tax preparation as well as real estate, notary and loans. It is alleged that Aluya will plea not guilty to the allegations. Aluya has a trust account set up for his client's returns. The money is wired into this account and would then print out a check to give to a client. He claims he never had a customer complain about getting cheated. He is facing the charges of tax evasion and possession of stolen government money.

In California, crimes involved with professionals in embezzlement, fraud or grand theft are considered "white collar crimes". White crimes can involve fraud, healthcare fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, band fraud, check fraud, credit card fraud, and grand theft. Grand theft or grand larceny is a very serious offense. In this case not only will he have to face the charges of tax evasion and possession of stolen government money, but could also face embezzlement and grand larceny charges. Grand theft is one of the most common white collar crimes in Orange County. It can be defined in the California Penal code section 487. Grand Theft has occurred when the amount of what was taken amounts to more than $400. This is usually charged as a felony.

Since being charged with a white collar crime such as grand theft or fraud is so serious. It is important to hire an experienced Orange County white collar crime defense attorney to handle your case so that your legal rights can be protected.

Continue reading "Orange County Business man accused of Grand Theft and White Collar Crime for stealing $321,000" »

Santa Ana, Orange County - Santa Ana man, Michael Martinez recruited members of a Santa Ana gang to help him commit Medicare fraud. He and 20 other defendants planned to defraud Medicare by making fraudulent orders on wheelchairs, orthothics and hospital beds. Some of the defendants were supposed to act as owners of a medical supplies company. They submitted around 11.2 million dollars of fraudulent claims to Medicare. He is expected to plead guilty.

Under California criminal law, Medicare fraud falls under a set of crimes called "white collar crimes". These crimes usually deal with crimes like embezzlement, healthcare fraud, identity theft, grand larceny and credit card fraud. In cases like this one, the suspect usually faces grand theft charges. Grand theft can be defined California Penal code under section 487. Grand theft or grand larceny, is committed when what was stolen amounts to more then $400. This charge is usually charged as a felony which means that the person being charge will have to pay fines and serve a prison sentence.

Any of the white collar crime like embezzlement is considered very serious charges, and most of the time they get charged as felonies. This can mean long sentences, large fines and having to pay restitution. Retaining an experienced Irvine white collar crime defense attorney or a skilled Newport Beach fraud defense attorney is imperative when defending white collar crimes, grand theft, or fraud charges, such as medical fraud or health care fraud.

Continue reading "Santa Ana Gang Commits Medicare Fraud and Grand Theft" »

Fullerton- Sean De Lacerda, a Los Angeles Sheriff's Deputy was arrested in Fullerton for the alleged assault on his girlfriend. The ex-girlfriend, who had called the police, states that she was concerned for his safety and her own. She told police that he had showed up to her apartment and immediately they started fighting. At the time he was armed with a hand gun and was making threats of suicide. Fullerton police arrested him on the suspicion of felony assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, and false imprisonment.

Assault with a deadly weapon is considered a serious offense in California. It can be defined in the California Penal code section 245(a). It states that any person that commits assault to another with a fire arm can either be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. In California it is called a "wobbler". This means that he unique factors for your case will determine whether it gets charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Burglary is also considered a "wobbler in California. It is defined in the Penal code section 459. It defines one type of burglary as breaking into a residence with the intent to commit a crime. There is also commercial burglary or second degree burglary which is more common. This is usually a shoplifting charge and is considered a "wobbler".

It is important to hire a Fullerton criminal defense attorney if you are facing charges like assault with a deadly weapon or burglary. An attorney with experience will be able to successfully defend you in court.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Sheriff's Deputy Arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon" »

Santa Ana- Santa Ana police arrested a 15 year old boy for vandalism and possession of marijuana for sale. On Friday a store owner called the police complaining that someone was tagging on his wall. He told police were the boy was walking. He was spotted police officers that were in the area. When they searched him they found multiple bags of marijuana on him and a spray can, which matched the vandalism on the wall. He is being held at Juvenile Hall on the suspicion of vandalism, possession of marijuana for sale, and being affiliated with a gang.

In California, Juvenile crimes are dealt with much differently than adult crimes. In many cases the judge wants to keep the minor out of jail so punishments like community service are available. Possession of marijuana for sale is a fairly serious crime. It is considered much more serious than just possession of marijuana for personal use. It can be found in the California Health and safety code section 11360. It states that any person who either transports or sales marijuana is guilty of a felony. In this case there is also the charge of a vandalism .This charge can be found in the California Penal Code section 594. It says anyone who has graffiti another's property is guilty of vandalism. Depending on how much the damage amounts to will determine if it gets charged and a misdemeanor or felony. The minor may also face additional charges because he is in a gang. In California if it is found by the court the crime was committed for a gang there could be a gang enhancement that will be added to the sentence.

Since there is a chance the minor facing the charges is able to serve a community service sentence rather than a jail sentence, it is important to hire a Santa Ana juvenile crimes defense attorney to help you in defending the charges.

Continue reading "Santa Ana Teen Arrested for Selling Marijuana and Vandalism" »

Irvine- Juan Candela was a security guard for a high school located in Irvine. He and a 16 year old female student were having a sexual relationship. It is alleged that they would regularly have sex in his car and at the minor's house. Newport Beach police caught the two of them in his car while they were engaging in a sexual activity. He is facing the charges of unlawful intercourse with a minor and oral copulation of a minor. He could be sentenced to three years and eight months in a state prison.

Unlawful sex with a minor can be defined in the California Penal code section 261.5. It breaks down the punishments of the charge unlawful sex with a minor into three sections:

1. Any person who has unlawful sex with a minor who is not 3 years older or younger than the minor is guilty of a misdemeanor.
2. any person who has unlawful sex with a minor and the minor is 3 years younger, it is either a misdemeanor or a felony
3. Any person who is 21 years of age or older and has unlawful sex with a minor who is under the age of 16, is guilt of a misdemeanor or a felony.

Many time s, the charge of unlawful sex with a minor is considered a "wobbler" which means it can either be a felony or a misdemeanor. The defenses, prior history, and the facts in your case will determine what it will be charged as. Oral copulation is another charged described in this case. It is defined in the California Penal code 288 and it states that anyone who conducts any lewd or lascivious act on a child who is under the age of 14. This is usually charged as a felony and a person charged with crime can face up to 8 years in prison.

Sex crimes like unlawful sex with a minor and oral copulation on a minor are very serious charges to have on a person's record. Many sex crimes require a person found guilty of a sex crime to register with the state as a sex offender. Since theses charges are so serious anyone facing a sex crimes charge should retain a Newport Beach criminal defense attorney right away.

Continue reading "An Irvine High School Security Guard Charged with Unlawful Sex with a Minor" »

Santa Ana- A women who resides in Santa Ana was recently the victim of grand theft auto. The victim alleges that she had just parked her car in front of her house. She states that she was getting her three children out of the car when two men approached her. The two men then ordered her to get out of the car. The victim immediately complied with the suspect and grabbed her children. Police state that no one was injured.

Grand theft auto is considered a theft crime in California. It can be found in the California Penal code section 487(d). The code section states that Grand theft occurs when a car is stolen. This situation is unique compared to how most grand theft crimes are defined. Usually grand theft occurs when what is stolen amounts to more than $400, however is a car is stolen it automatically becomes grand theft. It can also be defined in the California 1085 and it states any person who drives or takes a vehicle that does not belong to them and with the intent either to permanently or temporarily deprive the owner of the vehicle. In California this is considered a wobbler, which means it can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. However if the car is over a certain amount of money it could be charged as a felony.

Having a grand theft auto charge on your record is serious. If a person is found guilty of the charge they could face fines, and a jail sentence. It is important to hire a Orange County criminal defense attorney if you are facing grand theft auto charges.

Continue reading "Two Santa Ana Men Commit Grand Theft Auto" »

Riverside- Armando Ochoa of Riverside is being held on suspicion of drunk driving. Two CHP Officers were helping another car on the freeway. The officers were sitting in the patrol car at the time of the accident. Ochoa lost control of his vehicle and slammed in to the patrol car. The officers sustained minor injuries and was treated at the hospital. Ochoa is being held on suspicion of a felony drunk driving charge and driving without a license.

Riverside DUI defense attorney Michael Guisti explains what a person can expect when facing a DUI charge. He explains that it is defined in the California Vehicle code 23152 it is unlawful for any person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle. There are several factors that will change a misdemeanor DUI into a felony like if there is an injury or a DUI conviction. The punishments for a felony DUI are more severe than a misdemeanor DUI. If convicted a person could face jail time, fines, and loss of your driver's license.

Being charge with a DUI or a felony DUI can be overwhelming. Many people do not know if the should retain an attorney or not. It is critical in defending your DUI or felony DUI charge to hire an aggressive Los Angeles DUI defense attorney to represent you.

Continue reading "Riverside Drunk Driver Injures CHP Officers" »

Lake Forest- Feliza Novack of Lake Forest was arrested on the suspicion of attempted murder. Her victim was a next door neighbor trying to break up a fight that was between two men. As the neighbor attempted to break up the fight, Novack pulled the victim in a choke hold a stabbed him in the back repeatedly. Novack and the other man then fled the scene. The victim was able to drive himself to the hospital and is in stable condition. Novack was later arrested and booked at the Orange County Women's jail in Santa Ana.

Irvine violent crimes defense attorney Michael Guisti, recently commented on the charge of attempted murder. He states that murder can be found in the California Penal code section 187 and defines murder as the unlawful killing of another. He goes on to state that Penal code section 664 states that is a person attempts to commit a crime; they shall serve half of the prison sentence of the fully committed crime. The punishments for murder are among of the most sever punishments given by the state of California. A person that is convicted of murder can face long prison sentences, fines, and even the death penalty.

Being convicted of murder is very serious. Since the punishments for murder is so serious it is important to retain an Orange County criminal defense attorney that has had experience representing clients in their murder and attempted murder cases.

Continue reading "Lake Forest Women Arrested for Attempted Murder" »

Garden Grove- Three teens were arrested at the end of a police pursuit. Police tried to pull over the teens, but instead ended up chasing them. The chase went through the Garden Grove, Santa Ana, and Westminster area. As police were chasing the suspects, one of the suspects threw a loaded gun from the passenger's side. Kimanna Nguyen was arrested on suspicion of stolen property, Khuong Tu was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm, and the last suspect who is 17, was arrested on suspicion of grand theft auto.

Garden Grove criminal defense attorney, Michael Guisti, who has represented clients in not only Garden Grove, but also in Santa Ana, and Westminster, comments on these charges. He explains the charge of possession of stolen property. This is considered a theft crime and can be defined in the California Penal code 496. It states that any person who knowingly buys or sells stolen property could either be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. He goes on to say that possession of a fire arm and grand theft auto are both considered serious crimes in California and can be charged as felonies.

Since charges like possession of stolen property and grand theft auto are so serious, it is important to retain an attorney that has had experience dealing with them. An aggressive Santa Ana theft crimes defense attorney will be able to raise defense to help you in your case.

Continue reading "Three Garden Grove Teens Arrested After Police Pursuit" »

Huntington Beach- Bridget Ganier was convicted of grand theft at Huntington Beach West Justice Center earlier this week. Ganier worked at Orange Coast Medical Center as a cafeteria executive assistant. Part of her job was to handle the cafeteria's daily deposits. It is alleged that Ganier stole form the hospital over the course of five years. She stole a total of $300,000 and deposited the money into her personal account. With the money she bought houses in Las Vegas, and rental homes in Orange County, several cars, and jet skis. Ganier would take the money, and then alter the records and the receipts. She was finally discovered by the hospital administrators when she went on vacation and the cafeteria's profit doubled. She was sentenced to three years in the state prison and must pay $306,000 in restitution.

Huntington Beach white collar crime defense attorney Michael Guisti defines the charge of grand theft. He explains that it can be found in the California Penal code section 487(a). It describes grand theft occurs when the money, labor, or real or personal property taken is of a value exceeding four hundred dollars. He goes on to say that grand theft is usually charged as a felony which means you will have to serve a prison sentence and may be ordered to pay restitution. However, having an aggressive, knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can help you get the felony grand theft charges dropped down to a misdemeanor.

White collar crimes cover a wide variety of charges. If you are facing the charges of medical fraud, credit card fraud, health care fraud, grand theft, embezzlement, identity theft or real estate fraud, you are facing a white collar crime charge. When facing a white collar crime charge, it can seem confusing, and overwhelming. The person facing the charge may feel like they do not have any options. Hiring an aggressive Newport Beach grand theft defense attorney can give you some options.

Continue reading "Huntington Beach Hospital Worker Stole $300,000" »

Huntington Beach, Orange County - Huntington Beach couple Mary Jones and Miguel Orozco were arrested for suspicion of burglary. Police had been investigating a series of commercial burglary cases in the Huntington Beach area. The couple was stopped for a traffic violation when the officer noticed the stolen property in the back seat of their car. The victim of the burglary was able to identify their property that had been stolen by the couple. They are being held on burglary charges.

Huntington Beach criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti, who spent years defending theft crime charges in Orange County and commented on this case. He states that the charge of burglary can be found in the California Penal code section 459. It defines burglary as entering a residential area with the intent to commit a crime while inside. This is also called first-degree burglary, and is usually charged as a felony. However this cases deals with commercial buragalry. It is also referred to as second-degree burglary. This is the lesser of the two burglaries and can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.

Having a burglary charge on your record can be serious. The Orange County criminal process may seem confusing to a person that is facing a theft crimes charge like burglary. Hiring an experienced Newport Beach criminal defense attorney and Costa Mesa Theft Crime defense attorney to help lead you through the court system is the most important step in defending your theft crimes charge.

If you or someone you know has been investigated or arrested for theft crimes, either a misdemeanor or a felony theft crime, whether it is embezzlement, grand theft, shoplifting, fraud, white collar crime, financial fraud, medical fraud, health care fraud, insurance fraud, petty theft, or any type of theft crimes, you need to have an experienced and qualified Orange County theft crime attorney or an Irvine criminal attorney to protect your rights immediately.

Continue reading "Huntington Beach Couple Arrested for Theft and Burglary " »

Newport Beach, Orange County - A Newport Beach business owner of the Health Collective and his three employees plead guilty to felony drug charges. The first defendant Steve Wick, the owner pleads guilty to the unlawful sale of marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale. Wick also has another drug cases pending with the courts that he will plead guilty to. In this case he is being charged with possession of marijuana for sale and possessing more than $25,000 obtained through drug sales. He is being sentenced to three years in state prison. The second defendant Marilyn Manuel, manager, pled guilty to the charge of possession for sale of marijuana, and was sentenced to one year in jail. The last defendant Tara Sorenson is being charged with three felony counts of the sale of marijuana and one felony count of possession of marijuana for sale. She has yet to be sentenced.

Newport Beach drug crimes defense attorney Michael Guisti who has experience handling cases in California drugs crime cases in both federal and state court commented on this article. He states that possession of marijuana for sale can be defined in the California Health and Safety code 11360 which states that every person who transports, imports into this state, sells, furnishes, administers, or gives away, or offers to transport, import into this state, sell, furnish, administer, or give away, or attempts to import into this state or transport any marijuana shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for up to four years. He goes on to explain that possessing marijuana and possessing marijuana to sell it are dealt with differently. Possessing marijuana is considered a misdemeanor in California, but possessing marijuana to sell it is a felony and usually means a jail sentence.

Having a drug charge on your record is very serious. It can have negative aspects on every part of your life. Since possession with the intent to sale is dealt with so much more harshly than just possession, it is imperative to your freedoms that you hire a skilled Orange County criminal defense attorney and an experienced Irvine criminal attorney immediately to protect your rights.

Continue reading "Newport Beach Businessman Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Sales of Marijuana" »

Westminster- Two off- duty police officers from Westminster have been arrested on the suspicion of carjacking, kidnapping and rape. The two suspects Anthony Orban and Jeff Jelinek attacked the victim at the restaurant she worked at. The woman who lives in San Bernardino County works at the Ontario Mills Mall. The night of the incident, the two suspects approached the victim when she was walking to her car. Orban forced himself into the car while Jelinek watched. Orban held the women at gunpoint and forced her to disrobe. He then brutally raped the victim. Orban then left, leaving his service weapon in the victim's car. Next Orban called the other suspect Jelinek picked him up and took him back to mall parking lot. There Orban called his wife to report the missing gun. When Orban left, the victim immediately called Fontana police to report the incident.

Ontario police questioned the two suspects about the missing guns, but their stories seemed suspicious to the police officers. As the two suspects were being interview, the police officers got a call about the rape. Orban and Jelinek were then identified as the suspects responsible for the rape. Orban is being held on suspicion of kidnapping, false imprisonment, rape, and carjacking.

Westminster police misconduct attorney Michael Guisti has had experience dealing with police misconduct cases and commented on this case. He states that under that United States Constitution, police must conduct themselves in a way that is reasonable and professional. Everyone in this country has the right to be treated fairly by local law enforcement. Orban is being charged with false imprisonment, which is an example of police misconduct. This can be found in the California Penal code 236 and it is defined as the unlawful violation of the personal liberty of another. Police misconduct also includes jail deaths and injuries, Wrongful death, No-warrant searches, and excessive force.

When police misconduct happens, the victim can feel intimidated by the police officer. They sometimes feel that since the police officer holds a position of authority, that they have no options. Its is important to hire an aggressive Irvine police misconduct attorney to help you fight for your rights.

Continue reading "Westminster Detective Arrested on Suspicion of Rape " »

Santa Ana- Janeth Vallejo of Santa Ana was arrested on suspicion of homicide. Santa Ana police allege that Vallejo killed her husband after an argument that occurred between them on Monday. Police were called out to the suspect's house, and found large amounts of blood on the floor. The victim suffered gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Santa Ana homicide defense attorney Michael Guisti recently commented on this case. He explains the homicide can be defined in the California Penal code 187 and describes murder as the unlawful killing of a human being, or a fetus, with malice aforethought. The punishments for homicide are life in prison without parole, the death penalty and fines. The charge or homicide in California is very serious, however there are defenses to homicide like self-defense for example, that could possibly help your case. He goes on to say that Vallejo might also face separate domestic violence charges as well.

Since the charge of homicide is such a serious one, it is important to hire an experienced Santa Ana criminal defense attorney right away. At first when being charged with homicide or domestic violence, it may seem like you do not have any options. Retaining a highly skilled attorney will give you these options.

Continue reading "Santa Ana Wife Kills Her Husband" »

Irvine, Orange County - A Irvine teenager has been arrested for arson in Irvine. Irvine Police allege that five fires have been intentionally started in the last couple of days at an Irvine park. Police got called to an Irvine elementary school for a fire that had been set in a garbage bin. The police detained the teen, and he later admitted he had set the six fires. He is being held at the Orange County Juvenile Hall.
Irvine juvenile defense attorney Michael Guisti, who has many years of successful experience in defending juvenile clients at courts in Irvine, Newport Beach, Santa Ana, Fullerton and throughout Orange County, Los Angeles, states that juvenile charges are dealt differently by the courts than adult charges.

He further explains that for most crimes in California, the juvenile that has been arrested can be released into the custody of a parent or guardian. The California courts are also more likely to have the young adult serve a community service sentence rather than a jail sentence. However if the charge is considered a violent crime like murder for example, and the juvenile being charged is over the age of 14 years old, the court can decide to try the juvenile as an adult. This means that they will have to serve a prison sentence if they are proven guilty of the charge.

If your loved one is being accused of a juvenile charge, many guardians do not know where to start the task of defending this charge. The most important step a person can take is hiring an experienced Santa Ana juvenile defense attorney to help guide them through the criminal defense process. At the Law Office of Michael Guisti, our qualified and skilled Irvine criminal attorneys have spent years representing clients in juvenile court and have the winning strategies in defending our clients.

Continue reading "Irvine Teen Arrested for Arson " »

Garden Grove, Orange County - Garden Grove man, Jason Vanhorn, was killed in a fatal fight over two oranges. The suspect Luciano Flores stabbed his friend in Garden Grove. Garden Grove Police say that the two men started arguing, and then someone tried to pull them apart. Flores stabbed the victim leaving him to die in front of the coin laundry. Flores drove off but was later arrested by police. He is being held on suspicion of murder.

Orange County homicide defense attorney Michael Guisti, who is a prominant Orange County criminal attorney, explains how California deals with the charge of murder. He states that it can be found in the California Penal code section 187 and describes murder as the unlawful killing of a human being, or a fetus, with malice aforethought. The punishment for murder is life in prison, the death penalty, and fines. Whether or not a person can be paroled depends on whether it was first degree murder or second degree murder. Santa Ana murder defense attorney Michael Guisti goes on to say that murder is a serious conviction, however there are defense like self-defense.

Murder is dealt with very seriously in California. Being charged with murder can feel overwhelming, and can feel like you don't have any options. Hiring a skilled Orange County defense attorney to represent you will give you options. Since there are defenses to murder, it is imperative to your case to retain an Orange County criminal lawyer that will aggressively defend you in court.

Continue reading "Garden Grove Man Being Held on Suspicion of Murder" »

Westminster, Orange County - A trio from Westminster were caught trying to pull off a real estate fraud scam that is worth $17.5 million. Kathy Chen, her boyfriend Richard Gonzalez, and his brother Daniel Gonzalez, are being charged with 157 felony counts of conspiracy, grand theft, forgery, recording false documents, and identity theft. Chen used to work as a real estate broker and owned several businesses. The three of them bought 35 properties around Orange County with stolen identities. They used the identities of unsuspecting victims that had little income and could not speak English. The group had planned to take out the loans and never pay the loans back. Chen's boyfriend and his brother are fugitives. Authorities allege that the two have a house in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Orange County Fraud defense attorney Michael Guisti explains the charges in this case. Grand theft can be defined in the California Penal code 487(a), which states that grand theft has occurred when the money, property or real property amounts over $400. Chen is also being charged with identity theft. This can be found in the Penal code 530.5(a) and occurs when a person willfully obtains personal identification with the intent to use it for an unlawful purpose. Irvine criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti goes on to state that both of these charges are considered felonies in California. If a person is convicted of these crimes then they will face lengthy prison sentences and large fines.

White collar crimes is a very serious offense. A white collar crime can be medical fraud, grand theft, real estate fraud, identity theft, check fraud, health care fraud, credit card fraud, money laundering and embezzlement. When first being charged with a white collar crime such as grand theft, it can be overwhelming. Hiring a skilled Newport Beach white collar crime defense attorney is the most important thing a person can do when defending a white collar crime charge.

Continue reading "Westminster Trio Caught in Real Estate Fraud" »