Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog

Santa Ana, Orange County - When people are facing a Murder charge in Southern California, Orange County, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, their first question should be how their rights can be protected. Southern California criminal attorneys at our firm have successfully handled many felony violent crimes, California murder crimes, attempted murder, first degree murder, second degree murder, appeals. The key is that you have a skilled Orange County defense attorney who has the know-how to provide a strong defense for you and your family.

Our Orange County felony defense attorneys recently discussed about a case on the news regarding Orange County murder crime. In the news, an Orange County Santa Ana man, was charged with murdering his wife and fleeing to Mexico. Agustin Amaraz Espinoza is accused of killing his wife, 53-year old Marisela Espinoza on July 29, 2010, after she asked him to move out. According to authorities, Marisela found out that Agustin had gambled away $100,000 of his retirement fund and was having an extra-marital affair.

Police say that Agustin left his wife's body in the living room before fleeing to Mexico. Agustin was arrested while re-entering the United States from Mexico.

Newport Beach criminal defense lawyer reviewed the news explained that if convicted, Agustin faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in state prison. Under California Law, Murder is the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought. In California, there are two degrees of murder. First degree murder is a second degree murder plus an aggravating factor, therefore it is punished more severely.

California criminal attorney explains that under California Penal Code Section 190 (a), a conviction of first degree murder carries a sentence of imprisonment for a minimum of 25 years to life. If certain conditions are met, one can be sentenced to the death penalty. One of these conditions is murder committed after lying in wait. In addition, using a firearm to commit murder or any other California felony crime can increase the sentence by 3 to 10 years.

Santa Ana felony crime defense attorney further explain, whether it is first degree murder, second degree murder, attempted murder, homicide or manslaughter, murder is the most serious of all crimes committed, and severely punishes those who violate or break the law. A conviction can and will destroy a person's life. It is imperative for an individual facing a murder charge to retain a highly qualified California murder defense attorney or Orange County felony crime defense lawyer as quickly as possible.

At the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, we have highly experienced attorneys to help reach the best result possible. Our experienced Orange County criminal defense lawyers will inform you of your rights throughout the pre-trial process, explain you the elements that the prosecutor needs to prove for a conviction, familiarize you with all possible defenses you can assert, and defend you in court.

Our law firm also represent clients in all types of criminal charges such as appeals, habeas corpus, domestic violence, assault and battery, murder, attempted murder, hit and run, DUI, drug crimes, white collar crimes, embezzlement, fraud, professional licensing defense, abuse, sex crime, appeals and habeas corpus. Our Orange County defense attorney and Santa Ana felony defense attorneys have successfully defended clients in Orange County, Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Santa Ana, Westminster, Huntington Beach, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Costa Mesa, Tustin, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino.

Whether you have been wrongfully accused of a crime or want to avoid a difficult or unjust sentence, we are available day or night to come to your defense. From misdemeanors to serious felony crimes, the law offices of Michael L. Guisti has the experience and firepower to fight any criminal charges you may face.

Committing murder is a serious charge that has grave consequences. If you or someone you love has been arrested or charged with a felony like murder in the above story, call us today at 714-530-9690 or our toll-free number at (888) 478-8999 for a free no-obligation consultation with our skilled Orange County criminal defense attorneys. You'll be glad you did.

Cypress- Alonzo Gamez of Cypress in Orange County and his 17 year old friend are suspected of robbery and attempted murder. It is alleged that Gamez and the other teen robbed a man that was working in his garage. They took the victim's wallet and then ran. The victim then started to chase after them. This is when one of the suspects shot at him. The victim was not hurt. The 17 year old suspect was arrested at the scene, Gamez as found later.

In Orange County and all over Southern California, juvenile crimes are treated differently then adult charges. Robbery can be defined in the California Penal 211 and it states that robbery is the taking of another's property through force or fear. Murder can also be found in the California Penal Code section 187 and it states that murder is the unlawful killing of another. Usually in juvenile charges, the judge will charge the juvenile as a minor. However if the crime is a violent charge like murder or robbery they can get charged as an adult if the crime was committed by a juvenile that was at least 16 years old.

Having a criminal charge on your record as a teenager can be life altering. It is imperative to retain an experienced Orange County juvenile defense attorney to help you and your loved one defend this criminal charge.

Continue reading "Two Orange County Teens Suspected of Robbery and Attempted Murder" »

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

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

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

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

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.

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 " »

Santa Ana, Orange County - A Costa Mesa dentist that killed three patients in his dental chair wants to be paroled. Protopappas is currently serving for three counts of second-degree murder. His patients died while sitting in his dentist chair after receiving an overdose of anesthesia. Protopappas in past years stated that he was not responsible for the death of the three victims. The Board of Prison Terms claims that Protopappas does not demonstrate an understanding of what he had done, and is therefore in ineligible for parole. However, Protopappas says that he understands what he has done and is no longer a danger.

A Santa Ana criminal attorney is filing an appeal in Orange County court system stating that the parole board has violated Protopappas's due proves rights. His Orange County criminal defense attorney says that the parole was wrong in using Protopappas insight in to the murders as a gauge for parole and that he knows has remorse. He also claims that he can no longer be a danger because he will no longer be a dentist.

Under California Law, Second -degree murder can be defined in California Penal Code 187 as the unlawful killing of a human being, or a fetus, with malice aforethought. Murder is considered as one of the most serious crimes among all crimes. In California the punishment for murder is very harsh. If found guilty of murder, you could face life in prison with out parole. Orange County criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti has noted in this case that a professional, such as a doctor, a physician, a surgeon, a therapist or any medical health care professional, who is convicted of murder, first degree murder, second degree murder, attempted murder, could you get life in prison, and the defendant could also lose his professional license. If you or someone you know is facing murder charges or under investigation for murder, it is imperative to retain an experienced Southern California criminal lawyer immediately to protect your rights.

Continue reading "Costa Mesa Dentist charged with second degree murder for killing three patients" »

Orange County, California - A Winnipeg doctor, Dr. George Korol, was suspended from his medical practice in Manitoba in February. According to Medical Board of California's record, Korol was arrested in Orange County on July 4, 1995 and he was charged with attempted murder, arson and terrorist threats. He was sentenced to 2 years in prison for attempted murder and arson. His medical license was revoked in California in 1998. His license was revoked by the medical board for "unprofessional conduct, corruption and criminal charges substantially related to the qualifications of a physician and surgeon." He was accused of tossing firebombs into his mother-in-law's house during the divorce proceedings. He was convicted of arson in the firebombing and terrorist threats to harm his wife and her family.

If you have a professional license through one of California's professional licensing boards, then being faced with criminal charges could mean more than just the temporary loss of your freedom -it could mean the loss of your livelihood, if your professional license is suspended or revoked. Here at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, our Orange County professional license defense attorneys have been helping clients such as doctors, nurses, realtors, lawyers, chiropractors, and many other licensed professionals fight to keep their licenses when they are being charged with a crime, or even after they have been convicted of a crime.

Our Southern California Criminal Defense Attorneys have successfully handled numerous cases in California Professional License Defense and White collar crime defense throughout Southern California, such as Orange County, Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Santa Ana, Fullerton, Laguna Beach, Irvine, Beverly Hills, Pasadena, Torrance, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Tustin, San Diego.

Continue reading "Ex Orange County Doctor's License Suspended due to Criminal Charges" »

FULLERTON, Orange County - Orange County Register reports that police arrested a Fullerton man who was suspected of an attempted murder Saturday.

Orange County Police responded to a call in Fullerton in the morning Saturday.
According to a witness, a Fullerton man had been hit in the head with a large woken stick at his home backyard. He was sleeping on a couch in the backyard of Fullerton home when this happened.

The witness reported to the Orange County police officer that he saw two men had been drinking in the backyard. And later on, the alleged suspect hit the victim with a wooden stick and fled the scene. The victim was seriously injured and has been taken to UCI Medical Center for treatment.

The suspect, Arturo Valverde, was arrested for suspected attempted murder and taken to Fullerton City Jail.

Under California Criminal Law, attempted murder defines as intentionally and deliberately trying to commit murder of another person.

Attempted murder is a felony charge. It can be charged in the first or second degree based on the severity of the offense. It's usually very hard in the prostitution to proof or provide the evidence of the intention and the attempt to murder.

If you or someone you love has been charged with attempted murder, it will have a big impact on your life. The punishment is severe for attempted murder, including: large fines, jail or prison, probation, and more.

If you are arrested or charged with attempted murder, you need to seek an experienced Orange County criminal attorney immediately to protect your future and constitutional rights.

Continue reading "Fullerton Man Arrested for Attempted Murder" »

Orange County Register reports that an orange county man has been charged with attempted murder by assaulting his ex-girlfriend. The pretrial date has been set on Oct. 2 in Orange County's Superior Court Harbor Justice Center. He was charged with a previous assault a few days ago and was released from jail.

He had 11 criminal charges filed against him on Friday, the crimes he was charged of include attempted murder, forcible rape and sodomy, battery, burglary and violation of a restraining order.

Mark Jarosik, the alleged, 43, a manager at Orange County architectural firm, pleaded not guilty to all charges in June.

He is accused of breaking into his ex-girlfriend's Orange County home on May 15, with intention for larceny and murder. He was accused of forcible rape and attempted sodomy.

He was bailed out by his mother for $100,000 on June 5. But he went back to the Orange county home the next day and assaulted his ex-girlfriend again.

A preliminary hearing was set for Oct. 30. If he is convicted, he could be sentenced to 29 years to life in prison.

Jarosik had an argument with the ex-girlfriend on May 15. And the argument got escalated and he changed the lock to the house and left her inside the house. He was accused of raping her and she contacted police the next day. He was arrested on May 16 at a restaurant near the home.

California Penal Code Section 187 defines Murder as causing the death of another person with malice aforethought. Under California law, the punishment is severe. The punishment for murder is life in prison.

The defense to a murder crime depends on each individual situation, it could involves mistaken identification, accident, self-defense or justifiable homicide.

If you or someone you know has been accused of, arrested or investigated for murder, it is essential to consult an experienced Southern California Criminal Defense Attorney with expertise in Murder crimes or Homicide cases immediately.

Continue reading "Orange County Man Charged with Attempted Murder of Ex-girlfriend" »

SANTA ANA, Orange County - A gang member was convicted of manslaughter in the murdering of a 13-year-old boy in Westminster, California. He was sentenced to 25 years and eight months in prison.

Quang Hal Do, 24, of Westminster, pleaded guilty to trying to slaying two of the victom's family member to benefit his gang.

On Aug. 13, 2003, Minh Tran was at a Mexican restaurant in Westminster with friends. Some gang members saw him, mistook him for someone else from a rival gang member, and shot at him.

Gang Members followed the Tran's car in Westminster. Another defendant, Jason Aguirre, got out of Do's car and shot repeatedly into the other car.

A jury decided the death penalty for Aguirre, of Garden Grove, in June. He is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 14.

Five other defendants have pleaded guilty in the case. Pham, who was convicted of vehicular manslaughter with two counts of attempted murder and street terrorism, was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison.

Two other defendants also pleaded guilty. Villegas and Duong are scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 11 after pleading guilty.

Manslaughter is a type of Murder or homicide, where someone is killed, but the person in the crime did not intend to kill the other person. One example of vehicular manslaughter in which case someone drives a vehicle and by mistake, gets into an accident, and someone unintentionally ends up dead.

Continue reading "Westminster Gang Member Convicted of Manslaughter" »