Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog

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.

WESTMINSTER, Orange County - A Westminster woman, Yuvia Carmago, 22, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon. She assaulted her stepfather with a two-pound candlestick.

The domestic violence was caused by a heated argument between her mother and stepfather. Westminster officers responded to the report of the domestic violence or domestic dispute in the afternoon. She was taken to the Orange County Jail.

In California, domestic violence can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the extent of the violence & type of injury. California Domestic violence defines as abusive relationships which involves physical violence, threat or any forms of abuse.

Domestic violence is aggressively prosecuted crime. It is extremely important to have an experienced Orange County criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights.

The penalty for California domestic violence is very serious and it depends on the seriousness of the injuries and criminal record. There are some common Domestic Violence penal codes: Corporal Injury to a Spouse or Cohabitant: Penal Code Section: PC 273.5; Domestic Battery: Penal Code Section PC 243 ; Child Abuse: Penal Code Section P 273d ; Child Endangerment: Penal Code PC 273a ; Criminal Threats: Penal Code Section PC 422

If you decide to file a Restraining Order, the right criminal defense attorneys can help you with the preparation of the restraining order for you. We represent clients charged with domestic violence Orange County (including: Newport Beach, Fullerton, Westminster, Santa Ana, Laguna Niguel), Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino.

If the domestic violence charge involves laws immigration issues, which means if you get convicted, you might get deported. If you are not a U.S citizen accused of domestic abuse crime, it's very important that you need to have an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney to defend your right.

Continue reading "Westminster Woman Arrested for Assault with Deadly Weapon" »

TUSTIN, Orange County - A Tustin man, Jonathan Gonzalez, was charged Monday with sexual assault on a Tustin High School student. He is accused assaulting the 18-year-old woman on Sept. 30 in Tustin.

The charge he is facing is felony charge of sexual assault and sexual battery, and a misdemeanor indecent exposure charge.

Under California law, penal code section PC 243.4, Sexual assault and battery is defined as unwanted sexual contact without victim's consent. The penalties for this type of crime is very serious, the punishment is severe including jail or prison time, probation and fines, and also the accused will be registered as sex offender for life.

According to California criminal law, under California penal code section PC 240 & PC 241, Assault is defined as an illegal attempt or act to commit a violent injury or harm on another person. It doesn't require any injury or contact has when the offense taken place. The consequence could have big impact on one's life, career and future. The misdemeanor assault charge can carry penalties, including fines and jail time.

Under California penal code PC 242 & PC243, Battery is defined as a willful and unlawful use of any force or violence act on the other person. It can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the seriousness of the offense and criminal record of the defendant. The punishment including substantial fines and longer term of jail time.

If you or someone you know have been charged with assault and battery charges, either misdemeanor or felony Assault and Battery charges in Southern California, it is imperative to hire a skilled Orange County defense lawyer who can fight aggressively for your right and freedom.

Continue reading "Tustin Man Charged with Sexual Assault on a Student " »

COSTA MESA, Orange County - A 22-year-old woman, Erika Milton, from Costa Mesa, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and driving under the influence.
Police responded to a call from a Costa Mesa nightclub. Milton and another woman got into a flight, and she assaulted the other woman with a knife. She was taken to the Orange County Jail. The victim was taken to Santa Ana Hospital for treatment.

According to California Criminal law, Assault and battery, under panel code section PC 240, assault is an attempt to injure the other person in an act of violence. Battery, according to panel code section PC 242, is physically making contact with another person with the intention to harm.

Assault and battery charges are very serious crimes, from bar fights to any violent crimes, including: Domestic violence, Assault, Battery, Assault and battery, armed robberies, Assault with a deadly weapon, Aggravated battery, aggravated assault and battery, Sexual assault, sexual battery, Domestic assault, Resisting arrest.

Assault and battery can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the seriousness of the case and the criminal record of the defendant. The penalties can be very harsh, including jail time, substantial fines and criminal record.

If you have been charged with assault and battery, you need an experienced and aggressive Orange County criminal defense attorney or Orange County assault attorney. Our Southern California assault attorneys understand California criminal law and procedures, the court systems. Our Orange County criminal attorneys are committed to the highest quality of legal representation with attorney's personalized attention to each individual case. .

Continue reading "Costa Mesa Woman Arrested for Assault with Deadly Weapon " »

ANAHEIM, Orange County - Two men in their 20s was assault by 4 suspects in front of an Anaheim Topless night club early this morning.

Orange County Police officer received the emergency phone call around 2 a.m. from the California Girls Club.

Police responded to the call and arrived to the scene of the assault. They found two men in their early twenties from Santa Ana Orange County lying on the ground suffering from stab wounds. Later, both of the young men were taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange. The injuries are not life threatening.

In the investigation, the victims told Orange County police officers that the assault happened at the parking lot and there were four men approached them at the parking lot and attached them. They assaulted them and stabbed them. After the attack, the suspects jumped into a car and fled.

Police are still in the investigation to find out what happened that night. Police are searching for the four suspects for this assault.

Under California Criminal Law, Panel code section 240, Assault defines as an unlawful attempt to commit a violent injury on the person of another, regardless of the physical contact of the person. Assault has the effects on the other person to make him/her feel threatened or fear of some immediate danger without the requirment of the physical contact.

Sometimes, people refer assault as "assault and battery". A battery, according to panel code section 242, it defines as any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another.

Assault and Batter can be charged either a misdemeanor or a felony crime, depending on the individual situtation. Whether it's a misdemeanor or felony, the consequences of the charge will have a huge impact on your life and future.

The punishments for the Assault and Battery include: Jail time, fine, probation, loss of right to have a firearm. Therefore, it is important to seek a criminal defense attorney immediately so that your rights can be protected as soon as possible.

If you or someone you know are arrested or charged with Assault and Battery, you need to consult with an experienced Southern California Criminal attorney specialized in Assault and Battery law and who will aggressively defend your rights and freedom.

Continue reading "Orange County Men Assaulted at Anaheim Club" »

Anaheim, Orange County - Orange County Register reports that an Anaheim man was arrested for sexual assault a woman.

Dexter Villanueva, 44, of Anaheim, walked into a woman's home with a bandanna on his head and mask covering his face. He walked into the house through an unlocked door and sexually assaulting her with a knife. He was charged with six counts of felonies.

The victim, the 59-year-old woman, forgot to lock the back door at night, was sitting on a couch watching television at around 10:45 p.m at home when Dexter assaulted her.
Villanueva sexually assaulted her and threatened with his knife to kill her if she reports. He put a pillow to cover her face.

After the assault, Villanueva also stole the money from the victim. He is charged with threatening to kill her with knife if she called police.

Villanueva was later arrested the next morning at his home by Anaheim police.

He was charged with six felony charges at the arraignment today. If he is convicted for the six counts of felony, he would carry a combined sentence of 91 years to life in state prison.

Villanueva is being held on $1 million bail. The next arraignment has been scheduled for Sept. 4 at the Fullerton North Justice Center.

Orange County Register reports that Santa Ana police arrested a Santa Ana lawyer and charged him with Assault with Deadly Weapon for his attempting to attack a process server with knife when he was serving the lawyer at his home with civil court papers.

The Santa Ana Attorney, Ralph Gibson Pagter, 49, was chasing after the process server and attempted to stab him with a large hunting knife while the server was trying to serve the lawyer with civil court papers. The process was able to escape the scene and he called Santa Ana police after he ran away from the lawyer's home to avoid being stabbed.

The Santa Ana lawyer, Pagter, later got back into his house after the process server fled. Later on, Santa Ana police arrived and order the Santa Ana Attorney to come out the house and explained what's happened. The Santa Ana lawyer surrendered peacefully and was arrested. Santa Ana police found the large hunting knife in his house after the arrest.

The Santa Ana lawyer, Pagter, was charged with assault with a deadly weapon and is being held in Orange County Jail.

According to California Penal Code 240, "An assault is an unlawful attempt, coupled with a present ability, to commit a violent injury on the person of another."

Assault and battery is very serious crime. Under California criminal law, assault and battery is a violent crime. An individual charged with assault and battery could get a "strike" on his criminal record. And when a second charge for a violent crime or felony charge could result in double penalties, and a third charge, even for a minor offense, can give this person life in prison. Assault with a deadly weapon can be charged as a felony, and the penalities are server, it can result in a state prison sentence of 2 to 4 years and a $10,000 fine.

If you have been accused of assault and battery, the penalties are servere. It involveds large fines, jail time, probation, time in prison, or career opportunities. The consequence also could big impact on your future and freedom. Individuals need an experienced criminal defense lawyer or Assault and battery attorney to represent you.

Continue reading "Santa Ana Lawyer Charged with Assault with Deadly Weapon" »