Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog

Irvine, Orange County - When the economy is down, burglary and theft crimes cases usually goes up. According to the Orange County defense attorney Michael Guisti that Orange County Theft crime and Burglary cases are on the rise especially in Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo and Lake Forest.

Terry Christopher McCarthy, a 48 year old repeat offender of burglary, drug and theft-related felonies failed to appear for his court hearing on April 13, 2011. McCarthy from Huntington Beach was charged with 2 separate counts of burglary in March 19, 2010 and again in May 21, 2010. According to reports, on March 19, 2010, McCarthy was caught burglarizing a home in Huntington Beach when the homeowner returned home and found him attempting to burglarize his residence.

On May 21, 2010, authorities said that an Irvine woman returned home finding a man inside her home, then chased the woman out of her home and called the police. In both incidences, McCarthy was arrested and booked into jail then subsequently bailed out and released from custody.

McCarthy faces stiff penalties. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of six years in state prison.

An Orange County defense attorney should always handle allegations of 1st degree or 2nd degree burglary. As these types of cases are complex in nature, hiring the right lawyer can make a world of difference in your life. Sometimes price isn't the best barometer when hiring a competent, strong and powerful lawyer. It is knowledge, skill sets, and providing a track record in defending these complex types of cases.

According to our top Santa Ana theft defense lawyer, Michael Guisti explains that under Penal Code section 459 burglary is committed when a person enters a residence without the permission of the residents with the intent to commit a theft or felony once inside.

Residential burglary is First Degree Burglary, a felony and a Strike under California's "Three Strikes" law, which means that if convicted, you would have to serve 80% of the sentence (85% if a person was home at the time).

There are two types of burglary under California law: First degree and Second-degree burglary. First-degree burglary is always a felony and a strike. Second-degree burglary is not a strike and can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. The sentencing range for first-degree burglary in California, including Orange County, is two to six years in state prison. It is also presumptive that if convicted of first-degree burglary you will not get probation and state prison will be imposed. Having a strike on your record has severe consequences if future felonies are committed. California law states that if another felony is committed by a person with one strike, the potential sentence can be doubled.

Residential Burglary in Orange County is taken very seriously by the District Attorneys Office and the consequences of a conviction can have a severe impact and long lasting effects on your life. It is therefore extremely important if you have been arrested and/or charged with Burglary or First Degree Burglary immediately seek the advice of an strong and powerful criminal defense attorney, specializing in burglary cases.

Our Irvine defense attorney further explains that residential burglary and 2nd degree burglary crime charges while serious has severe consequences including punishments of serving long prison sentences, paying fines, and restitution. It is important to hire a Lake Forest burglary defense attorney to help you defend your charges.

How can a Aliso Viejo theft defense attorney or an Missional Viejo defense lawyer help you defend your burglary crime charge?

Simple. With our wisdom, knowledge base and expertise, we can ensure that your legal matter will be properly defended at the highest level. At the Law Office of Michael Guisti our experienced burglary defense attorney has spent many years defending defendant's complex and complicated burglary crime charges.

Our California criminal lawyers have represented defendants all over Southern California; from Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Newport Beach, Los Angeles County, Orange County, Beverly Hills, Irvine, Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Garden Grove, and other cities obtaining the best results with the utmost care. Every legal matter is important which will require our legal representation. If you need a lawyer, I encourage you to call our office today and schedule an appointment.

If you or a loved one is facing a burglary charge or any other misdemeanor or felony charges call our office today. Contact our skilled Orange County criminal defense attorney toll free at 1-888-478-8999 or visit our website at www.topcalifornialawyer.com for an appointment. You'll be glad you did.