Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog

Santa Ana, Orange County - Orange County felony defense attorney and California felony criminal lawyer at Law Offices of Michael Guisti got an emergency client's call for legal representation on his felony kidnapping, false imprisonment and robbery charge and possible assault with deadly weapon. The case is so serious that it is reported in the news on the Orange County register the next morning.

A young Vietnamese male of Stantan in his 20's was taken into custody on charges of kidnapping, false imprisonment and robbery. Le met with Orange County defense attorney Michael Guisti of law offices of Michael Guisti in Garden Grove for legal representation last week in Guisti's office. Le was joined, at Guisti's office by several supportive members of his family who brought him food. Mr. Guisti explained the law and legal options to the client and his family and arranged for Le's peaceful surrender in Guisti's office. The investigator's allowed Le to finish his meal and say goodbye to his family.

The alleged Orange County kidnapping and false imprisonment took place in several cities including Westminster, Garden Grove, Stanton and Fountain Valley. Le sought legal representation from the top Orange County criminal defense attorney, Michael Guisti, who arranged for the local deputies at the Orange County Sherriff's to come to his office for his client to surrender peacefully.

Le was booked into Orange County Central Men's Jail for suspicion of kidnapping, false imprisonment and robbery.

Under California criminal law, kidnapping is one of the most serious crimes. Under California Penal Code Section 207, kidnapping is defined as the use of force or fear to take a person and move them a substantial distance.

Under the California Three Strikes Law, if a person was convicted of kidnapping, it can be also a "strike," and if there are any other criminal charges in future, it can lead to significant enhancements to more serious sentencing.

In California, Kidnapping is a felony crime, if convicted, a person can be facing imprisonment from 10 year to life, depends on the seriousness of the crime. The punishment also includes restitution and substantial fines. If it causes the death of the victim, the defendant could be facing life in prison.

If one has been charged with kidnapping in California, the consequences of a conviction of the crime could be a life changing impact on one's life. It is imperative for you to seek the legal help from the experienced Orange County kidnapping attorney or California criminal attorney immediately. Kidnapping charges and related crimes can be very complex and difficult in legal systems, you should contact Law Offices of Michale Guisti immediately for legal help and advice to protect your rights.

How can an experienced California felony defense attorney help you in a kidnapping defense in Orange County, Santa Ana, Los Angeles ?

At Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, our California criminal attorneys have many years of successful experience defending clients in felony crimes in both state and federal court, such as kidnapping, murder, attempted murder, appeals, assault with deadly weapon, drug crimes, domestic violence, fraud, grand theft, three strikes, sex crimes, robbery, burglary, etc.

If you have been arrested for kidnapping in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside or Southern California area, contact the California criminal lawyers and Los Angeles felony crime attorney at Law Offices of Michael Guisti. Our California criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti has exceptional experience and knowledgeable in criminal law in felony and misdemeanor cases, the court systems and the legal system. He has also built intimate relationships with law enforcement, prosecutors, judges and law officials in Los Angeles and Southern California.

Our California felony crime defense attorneys understand the serious of there crimes and have successfully handled the cases in kidnapping crime and related charges such as kidnapping for rubbery, assault with deadly weapon, attempted murder, terrorist threat. Our Los Angeles criminal attorney knows how best to defend our clients and how to negotiate with the police and prosecutors and how to get your charges to the minimum or even to get some of the cases dismissed.

If you, or someone you love, has been arrested or charged with a kidnapping in Los Angeles, Riverside County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, or anywhere else in Southern California, you should retain the service of a skilled Santa Ana felony crime attorney immediately.

If you have been charged with a kidnapping, domestic violence, murder, felony assault and battery, assault with deadly weapon, drug crimes, sex crimes, white collar crimes, theft crimes, fraud, embezzlement in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, or any where in Southern California, it is important that you seek the services of a criminal defense attorney with extensive experience to protect your rights and freedom.

For more information about kidnapping case, felony crimes, fraud, grand theft, terrorist threat, domestic violence, murder, appeal, drug crimes, and to schedule your free consultation, contact skilled Orange County felony crime defense lawyer at the Law Offices of Michael Guisti.at 888-478-8999 or 714-530-9690

Huntington Beach- Huntington Beach resident Jennifer Smalls pleaded guilty to felony domestic violence. Smalls was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence after an incident with her husband. It is alleged that Smalls had stabbed her husband in a chest in a hotel room. His injury was not life threatening. She was sentenced to three years probation an 34 days in jail. She will also have to pay restitution.

The charge of domestic violence can be confusing. Domestic violence or corporal injury on a spouse is 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, probation and restitution.

Many people do not understand how serious a domestic violence charge can be. A lot of the times a spouse will make a domestic violence accusation during an argument and then want to drop the charges. However, the DA may still press charges. It is imperative to hire an experienced Huntington Beach domestic violence defense attorney to handle your case.

Continue reading "Police Chief's Daughter Pleads Guilty to Domestic Violence" »

Santa Ana- Javier Velazquez of Orange County was arrested for pistol whipping his wife's boyfriend. It is alleged that the victim worked with the wife at Disneyland. The two sent text messages back and forth. This eventual led to the couple having a relationship. One day the victim got a text message from the girlfriend stating she was leaving her husband and that they should meet. The victim met her but discovered that the husband was in the car. Velazquez then started the hit the victim with a firearm and threatened to kill him. He was finally able to escape. Velazquez was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping, possession of a uncontrolled substance and assault with a firearm

In Orange County assault with a firearm is considered a very serious crime. In California this crime is considered a "wobbler" this means that it can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor. The charge can be defined in the California Penal Code section any person who commits an assault upon the person of another with a firearm shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for up to four years in a county jail for up to one year, or by a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars . An experienced Westminster criminal defense attorney can defend a person facing this crime.

Since this crime is a wobbler, it is important that a person who is facing a crime like assault with a firearm retain an experienced Santa Ana criminal defense attorney. Being convicted of a felony is serious and a person facing a felony charge should contact an attorney right away.

Continue reading "Orange County Husband Assaults Wife's Boyfriend " »

Orange County- John Fischer of Yorba Linda is facing charges for allegedly getting into a fight with a man over a woman. It is alleged by police that Fischer and the women had recently broken up. He had discovered that she was spending the night at another man's house. Fischer allegedly showed up at the house armed with a baseball bat. The other man then also armed himself with a baseball bat. Fischer is expected to face assault with a deadly weapon charges.

In Orange County, assault with a deadly weapon is dealt with very seriously. It is defined in the California Penal Code section 245 (a) (1). It states that assault with a deadly weapon has occurred when 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. Assault with a deadly weapon is considered a felony in California. This means that a person convicted of assault with a deadly weapon can get up to four years in prison and have to pay a fine of up to $10,000.

Since assault with a deadly weapon is considered a felony, the charges are serious and can change a person's whole life. It is important to hire an experienced Orange County defense attorney to help defend you.

Continue reading "Orange County Man Faces Assault with a Deadly Weapon Charge" »

Anaheim- A Anaheim resident was arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault. Police was called out to the suspect's mother's house for a possible assault. When police arrived it is alleged that the suspect ran past the police with blood on him. Police pursued then man and later caught him. The mother was badly beaten and in critical condition.

In California aggravated assault is considered a violent crime. It can also be called assault with a deadly weapon. It can be defined in the California Penal code section 245 (a) (1). It states that assault with a deadly weapon has occurred when 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. This crime is considered a felony. A person that is charged with assault with a deadly weapon could face up to four years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

A charge like assault with a deadly weapon can change a person whole life. It is imperative to hire an experienced Santa Ana criminal defense attorney when facing a crime like assault or battery.

Continue reading "Anaheim Resident Arrested for Assault" »

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" »

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, Orange County - Santa Ana man, Gaylord Daney, plead not guilty in an Orange County court house to assaulting his public defender .He was appointed a female attorney for his recent marijuana possession charges. He asked the court to fire his current attorney and give him a new one. The court denied his motion. While in the hallway of the court Daney punches his female attorney in the face. The punch caused her glasses to break on she hit her head against the wall. She suffered bruises and cuts on her face. This attorney is no longer representing Daney.

Orange County assault and battery defense attorney Michael Guisti recently reviewed this case. He states that Daney will not only be facing charges for his marijuana possession, but he will also be facing the charges of felony assault charges. Assault and its punishments can be found in the California Penal code section 240. The code section states that an assault occurs when a person attempts to injure another and has the means to do so. Since the woman is an officer of the court it is a felony. He could be facing a fine of $2,000 and jail time. He will face additional misdemeanor charges if convicted of possession of marijuana.

Continue reading "Sanat Ana Man Assaults Public Defender" »

Irvine, Orange County - An Irvine man, Victor Gillespie, was charged for sexually assaulting a woman in Irvine. Gillespie entered the woman's house through the unlocked sliding door. He entered her house in the middle of the night, climbed on top of her, and assaulted her. The victim fought her attacker back and screamed. Gillespie than ran away, however he was caught by police shortly after the incident. Gillespie is being charged with residential burglary, assault with the intent to commit a sex crime, and resisting a police officer.

Irvine sex crime defense attorney Michael Guisti recently discussed this case. He explains that in California, a sex crime is considered a very serious offense and comes with serious consequences. Sexual assault can be found in the California Penal code 243.4 (e) (1) defines misdemeanor sexual battery or sexual assault in to three parts: 1) as the non-consensual touching of the intimate part of another for sexual arousal, 2) sexual gratification, or 3) sexual abuse. In the state of California this can either be a misdemeanor or a felony. Gillespie is also getting charged with residential robbery. That is found in the California Penal code 211 and is defined as the taking of personal property from another by means of force or fear. Residential robbery is a felony and a person charged with this crime could face up to 9 years in prison. If you or someone you care has been charged with sexual assault, assault and battery, felony assault, sex crimes, assault with deadly weapon, or any type of crimes, you need to consult an experienced Orange County criminal attorney or a skilled Los Angeles assault and battery attorney immediately.

Continue reading "Irvine Man Charged with Sexual Assault" »

Santa Ana- Well known city attorney David R. Hunt was arrested on Sunday for an alleged domestic violence situation. Police were called to Hunt's house Sunday night. Hunt was having an argument with his son and his wife tried to intervene. It is alleged by police that this is when the assault on his wife happened.

She was taken to the hospital were she was treated for a cut on her arm and a bump on the back of her head. Santa Ana police said that she hit her head on a table on the way down to the floor. Hunt is being held on suspicion of felony spousal battery.

Southern California domestic violence defense attorney Michael Guisti, who is highly experienced in domestic violence cases, comment on the news article. He states that in domestic violence situations they can either be charged on a felony or a misdemeanor. Whether it is charged as a felony spousal battery or misdemeanor spousal battery lies on how sever the battery was. In California domestic battery is covered in the penal code section Penal Code 243(e)(1) makes it a misdemeanor crime to inflict force or violence on an intimate partner...a category that includes your fiancé, cohabitant, the parent of your child, or your current or former spouse or dating partner. Domestic violence is considered a very serious offense and it usually means jail time.

Continue reading "Santa Ana city Attorney Arrested for Alleged Domestic Violence" »

Los Angeles, California - A Los Angeles man was assaulted with a deadly weapon after complaining about the suspect being on her phone during a movie. The victim was complaining that the woman was talking on her cell phone during the movie. The suspect then left the movie theater with the two men that were with her. The two men came back into the theater to stab the victim with the meat thermometer in her neck.

The victim, who has not been identified, has been hospitalized with serious stab wounds. Los Angeles police have yet to find the suspects that committed this violent felony crime.

Los Angeles felony crime defense attorney Michael Guisti recently commentated on the incident at the movie theater. He states that violent felony crimes like this one are dealt with very harshly in California. The Orange County criminal defense attorney further says that the unidentified suspects could possibly be charged with a variety of violent crimes such as assault, battery, aggravated assault, assault with deadly weapon and attempted murder, three strikes, ect.. In California, if a person has been charged with Assault and Battery or felony assault or felony battery, assault with deadly weapon, attempted murder in Orange County, Los Angeles, the punishments are very serious. Assault and Battery are defined in the California Penal Code as an unlawful attempt to injury another person. Battery is the act of injuring someone and a person charged with theses crimes can face jail time or prison time, heavy fines, or both the fine and imprisonment.

How can an experienced Orange County criminal lawyer help you in your Assault and Battery defense in Orange County and Los Angeles?

At the Law Offices of Michael Guisti, our experienced Los Angeles criminal attorneys can lead you through the criminal defense process. Southern California criminal lawyers at Law Offices of Michael Guisti have been very successful in case all over Southern California. He has helped people in Orange County, Los Angles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and San Diego County. He has handles a vast variety of violent felony crimes like assault, battery, murder, attempted murder, sex crimes, and domestic violence. It is critical that if you or someone you know is facing a violent crime to retain an experienced Southern California criminal attorney.

Continue reading "Los Angeles man assaulted with Deadly weapon for talking on a Cellphone" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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