Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog

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" »

Santa Ana, Orange County - Santa Ana police was called to a neighborhood in Santa Ana where a fight between two people was taking place. The victim was a juvenile and the suspect is alleged to be around 18 years old. Witnesses told police that the victim was running from the suspect. Eventual the suspect caught up to him and started to assault him. The victim sustained stab wounds. The fight is said to be gang related.

In California if it is suspected that the crime that was committed was for the benefit for a gang, the district attorney can decide to add one what is called a gang enhancement. The law that covers gang enhancements is defined in the California Penal code section 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. The main crime that was committed was assault with a deadly weapon. This charge 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. It is imperative to hire an experienced Santa Ana violent crimes defense attorney if facing a criminal charge like assault with a deadly weapon.

Continue reading "Santa Ana Juvenile Stabbed During Gang Fight " »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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.

Cypress, Orange County - Monday night police found a man shot in Cypress. He is believed to have lived over seas and might have been on a business trip. The victim was a house guest of the suspect Brent Wilcox. Wilcox was arrested for assault with deadly weapon. He was booked at the Orange County jail hand is held on bail.

The gunshot victim is said to be in critical condition. Police have alleged that this might have been an accident. They have ruled out suicide because the gunshot was in the hands of another person, but that have not yet ruled out that it was accidental. The police think that the suspect Wilcox did not have any intention on shooting his house guest.

Orange County criminal defense attorney, Michael Guisti, who has many years of experience defending clients charged with felony violent crimes, states that assault with a deadly weapon is a serious offense in California. Under the California Penal code 245 (2), it illustrates that assault with a deadly weapon can be charged when a person commits assault with a firearm. The punishment can be very severe. if convicted, a person can expect to be imprisoned in jail and to pay a fine for up to $10,000. The Orange County criminal attorney further explains that there needs to be certain steps proven for him to be convicted of assault with a deadly weapon. It must be proven that he acted and when he acted he did the act the reasonable person would forsee the act being dangerous.

If you or someone you know has been charged or arrested for assault with deadly weapon, assault and battery, or any violent crimes in Orange County, Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Fullerton, Westminster, Santa Ana, it is vital to retain the legal service of an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney. Hiring a strong and highly qualified defense with Southern Calfornia criminal attorneys at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti would help the defendent minimize the charges brought against him. Our Orange County assault and battery defense attorneys are experienced with Orange County courts, Los Angeles courts, Riverside courts, San Diego courts, in both state and federal court.

Continue reading "Cypress Man arrested for Assault with deadly weapon" »

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.

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 - 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.

According to Orange County Register that surprisingly some of the safest Orange County's cities have been added to the list of the cities with more violent crimes this year, even though the number of crimes nationwide has been dropped dramatically this year.

According to the report, some of the cities in Orange County which used to be considered as violent crime cities have reportedly seen improvement this year, cities such as Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Westminster, Anaheim, Garden Grove and Orange.

Irvine, the safest city in the county with lowest crime rate, has seen violent crime increased significantly. The reported violent crimes have increased 42 percent
Irvine city has reported more felony crimes on the rise in some serious criminal charges, such as grand theft, assault and battery, assault with deadly weapon, domestic violence, fraud, white collar crime, embezzlement, aggravated assaults and violent crimes. However, Irvine is still considered as the safest city to live as the rate of the violent crimes is only 3.9 per 10,000 residents.

The reported violent crimes in the city of Costa Mesa and Fullerton are also on the rise. Costa Mesa has a 15 percent rise on the violent crimes and Fullerton has a reported 40 percent of the increase for violent crimes.

In Orange County, murder crimes dropped by 10 percent in 2009. In Orange County rape charges have been decreased by 3.3 percent and robbery dropped by 6.5 percent.

If you or your loved one has been charged or arrested for violent crimes or any type of crimes, either a felony or misdemeanor, you need to hire an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney or Southern California criminal lawyer to protect your right and freedom. Criminal defense attorneys at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti have handled hundreds of criminal cases in both state and federal court, including assault and battery, domestic violence, appeals, unlawful firearms, white collar crimes,
embezzlement, grand theft, murder, sex crimes, robbery, aggravated assault, fraud, prostitution, vehicular manslaughter, DUI, Driving under the influence and drug crimes. Our criminal defense attorneys have the exceptional knowledge in law, the connections and resources and the expertise to prevail in your defense.

Santa Ana has been considered the city with the highest crimes in the county, but the number of the crime has been dropped 5 percent. Santa Ana common violent crimes such as Murder, three strikes, assault and batter, robbery, aggravated assault, and grand theft have been all decreased.

However, Santa Ana has reported much higher number of homicides this year than other cities.

Whether you have been charged with a felony crime or misdemeanor in Santa Ana, Irvine, Newport Beach, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Westminster, Anaheim, Orange, Costa Mesa, or any cities in Orange County, you should contact a skilled Orange County criminal defense attorney at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti immediately. Please contact us at 714-530-9690 for a free consultation to discuss more about your criminal charges or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.

Newport Beach, Orange County - One Orange County man and four Los Angeles men were charged with armed robbery and assault with firearm for robbing the house of founder of Quick Loan Funding in Newport Beach. The robbers assaulted 9 people in the house during the home invasion and caused the serious injuries to the victims. The robbers have been arrested Tue night. Peter Paturzo, of Mission Viejo, and the 4 men from Los Angeles have been charged with the felony arm robbery and felony assault in the crime. A $1 million warrant has been issued for the arrest of two other robbers.

The suspects have been charged with felony conspiracy to commit robbery, felony kidnapping to commit robbery, felony first degree robbery in concert, and felony assault with a firearm. If they are convicted on all counts, they could be facing the sentencing of life in state prison.

Irvine, Orange County - The son of Irvine company developer Donald Bren was charged with Domestic violence and dissuading witness. Steven Bren was convicted of disturbing the peace and illegal drug possession without prescription. He was ordered by the judge to take drug counseling program.

According to Orange County court, the charges can be reduced to infraction if he could complete his 52 weeks domestic violence counseling. In the court order, he was given 36 months of probation and pay $1,000 fine. He also had a prior charge for domestic violence case in 1996, but it was dismissed.

California criminal law defines Domestic violence as assault, assault and battery, domestic abuse, threats to an individual in a close relationship. In California, in a domestic violence case, if the police are involved, the charges are always filed. Domestic violence charges can be pursued even if the victim does not want to file the charges. Once it is convicted, it carries very serious consequences. It is imperative to consult with an experienced Orange County Criminal defense attorney who can protect your rights.

The Law Offices of Michael L.Guisti provides highest quality domestic violence defense and criminal defense representation to clients charged with domestic violence in Southern California, including Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino. If the cases involves federal criminal charges, it is critical to seek legal help from an experienced and aggressive federal crime defense lawyer.

Continue reading "Irvine Billionnair's son facing conviction drug crimes and domestic violence" »

Santa Ana, Orange County - A gang member, of Santa Ana, was convicted of felony Assault with Deadly weapon for attacking a grandmother with a firearm during home invasion robbery. He'll be sentenced at West Justice Center in Westminster court.

He was also convicted of felony aggravated assault and battery with firearm causing great bodily injury, assault with a firearm, felony first degree robbery, felony false imprisonment by violence, and felony first degree residential burglary, elder abuse, street terrorism, and sentencing enhancements for criminal street gang activity.

Carlos Martinez, entered a Santa Ana home and assault the grandmother and mother with firearm. He was charged with prior strike for robbery. He is facing two life terms in prison.