Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog

Los Angeles, California - A high profile Los Angeles drug crime attorney and an Orange County cocaine pocession attorney have been interviewed for legal opinion about the recent criminal news regarding the arrest of Paris Hilton for Cacaine pocccession.

In the news, the famous Los Angeles and Hollywood star Paris Hilton was arrested in Las Vegas for cocaine possession. Hilton's car was pulled over after officers believed that the smoke coming from the car was marijuana smoke. She was escorted to a nearby hotel so that officers could question both Hilton and her partner, who was in the car at the time. It was in the hotel that allegedly while Hilton took out a stick of lip balm a bag containing cocaine fell to the floor, directly in front of the officers.

California drug crime defense attorney was asked about possible punishment in California, as the punishment for cocaine possession alters from state to state, but what punishment would Hilton be looking at if she had been arrested in California?

According to the Los Angeles celebrity criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti, "Under California Health and Safety code 11350, cocaine is defined as a controlled substance. California law also recognizes the distinction between those who simply possess a controlled substance and those who are selling it. The accused does not need to have used, sold or be under the influence of the controlled substance to be arrested for possession, to have been found with the drug is enough. "Drug Possession is charged as a felony and can lead to up to 3 years in prison as well as a large fine." said the Los Angeles celebrity criminal attorney Michael Guisti, who represented many California high profile celebrity cases on drug crimes before.

How can an experienced California Drug crime defense attorney help you in a felony drug crime defense or drug poccession in California, Los Angeles or Orange County ?

If you or anyone you know is has been arrested for possession of drug, cocaine or any other controlled substance, it is important to consult an experienced California criminal attorney or Newport Beach drug poccession defense attorney to as soon as possible.

Our Orange County drug crime defense attorneys in the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti are experts in controlled substance possession cases. We have represented numerous high profile cases in the drug crime defense. Our Los Angeles drug crime attorney and Orange County drug defense lawyer have been very successful in the past experience getting the results for our clients.

If you or someone you care has been accused of any drug crimes, you need to contact our skilled California crimial lawyer immediately. Once hired, our attorney will be get on your case right way, investigate and negociate a deal before the case gets more complicated over time. We will utilize every possible way to achieve the best result possible. Call us today at 714-530-9690 or toll free at 888-478-8999 for a free consultation with our skilled California criminal attorneys or California drug defense lawyer. You will be relieved when you know your case is handled by a most-trusted attorney.

An Orange County drug crime involved with sex crime today in the news caught the attention of our California criminal attorneys and Orange County drug crime defense attorney. This drug related crime involved with a Santa Ana man, Jerry Ayala, who was arrested today for the felony sodomy and manufacturing drugs with the intent to deliver or grow them at his home.

The victim, a 16-year-old boy, told a probation officer that he had been under child molestation by Ayala for months. According to the victim, Ayala would give drugs to teenagers to induce them into his bedroom and then sex assault them. Police discovered physical evidence in Ayala's home consistent with the victim's testimony.

In California, Sodomy is a sex crime and it defines as the contact of a person's penis with another's anus. Any slight penetration is sufficient to complete sodomy. Under California Penal Code Section 286 (b), engaging in sodomy with a person who is a minor under 16 years old is a felony crime in California and it is severely punished. Sodomy conducted by force, threat of bodily injury, when the victim is unconscious, incapable of resistance due to intoxication or any other means against the victim's will may be punished by imprisonment for a three to eight years. There are defenses available for sodomy, such as victim's consent, false allegation, or proof of defendant's reasonable belief that victim was an adult.

If you or anyone you know is accused for drug crimes, drug pocession, drug poccession to sell, sex crimes such as child molestation, child porn, sodomy, prostitution or any felony crimes, It is important to consult an experienced California criminal attorney or Orange County drug crime attorney or Orange County sex crimes lawyer as soon as possible. Our California drug crime defense attorneys and Orange county defense attorneys in the law offices of Michael L. Guisti will utilize every possible way to achieve the best possible result for you. Call us today at 714-530-9690 for a free consultation with our skilled California criminal defense attorneys and Newport Beach criminal attorneys.

LAGUNA BEACH, Orange County - Orange County Register today reports another Laguna Beach Drug crime which caught the attention of our Southern California criminal attorneys.

A Laguna Beach boy, and a Fountain Valley man, Lam Dinh Nguyen, were arrested on Wed for drug crimes involving drug sale, drug transportation and drug possession of the ecstasy pills by trying to sell thousands of "ecstasy" pills to undercover police officer. They were arrested by the undercover officers in Garden Grove in a meeting for the drug sale, according to Laguna Beach Police.

Laguna Beach Police also found a related drug crime case in Santa Ana for illegally cultivate marijuana. There is a rise on drug crimes involving possession of the drug and drug sale in Laguna Beach recently. A pound of marijuana has been confiscated by the Laguna Beach police.

In California, Drug crimes are very serious crimes. It involves narcotics offenses such as drug procession, drug distribution, drug sales, drug manufacture, and controlled substances, such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, meth, and marijuana.
Also the names of controlled substances including cocaine, heroin, meth, LSD, and MDMA or "ecstasy", and other prescription drugs.

If convicted, the penalties for the charges can be very severe. It can carry jail time or long term in state prison from 15 years to life, depending on the amount and the type of drug used and prior criminal records.

Most of the drug crime offenses are charged with california felony charges. For example, under California Health & Safety Code 11550: if a person is convicted of being under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, the punishment is a at least 90 days of jail, it is also applied to someone whi is intoxicated on narcotic, or if he doens't have a lawfully issued prescriptioneven.

Whatever the type of the drug crimes, whether it is a felony drug pocession or drug sales, it is all serious charges. If you or someone you know has been charged or arrested for drug related crimes, it is imperative to consult an experienced Orange County drug crime defense attorney. Our Laguna Beach drug defense attorney and Santa Ana drug crime attorney will use their experience and knowledge to fight for your drug crime charges. We will take every step the possible way to help you to minimize your charges or dismiss all your charges.

Under California law, possession of narcotics, recreational drugs or unauthorized prescription drugs is a serious crime in California. At Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, our Newport Beach Drug Crime Defense attorneys have the experience, the skills and the knowledge in drug crime defense and have successfully represented hundreds of clients who have been charged with drug crimes in Orange County, Laguna Beach, Irvine, Newport Beach, Fullerton, Westminster, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Los Angeles, and other cities in Southern California.

If you or someone you love has been charged with a drug crime in Southern California, you need to contact an experienced Orange County drug crime defense attorney or Los Angeles criminal defense attorney at Law Offices of Michael Guisti immediately for a free consultation at 714-530-9690 or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com

Anaheim- Two parents Jose Santana and Cynthia Franco of Orange County, have been charged with child abuse and endangerment and being under the influence of a controlled substance. Police where called to investigated someone possible breaking into a car. What they found was a five year old sleeping child. Police found his parents at a nearby house. Both of them were under the influence of meth. Both parent s have previous criminal convictions like domestic violence and other drug charges.

In California there are many different types of drug crime charges like possession of an uncontrolled substance, being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and selling marijuana. Being under the influence of a controlled substance can be found in the California Health & Safety Code, section 11550(a). It states that it is illegal to be under the influence of a controlled substance. This includes drugs like methamphetamines, cocaine and PCP. If convicted of this charge a person can face up to one year in jail, they may be ordered to go through a drug rehab program and may have to pay fines. An Orange County drug crime defense attorney that is familiar with drug crime charges can help a person facing these charges.

Many of the drug crime charges came with more serious punishments than people expect. It is imperative that if a person is facing a drug crime charge that they retain a skilled Santa Ana drug crime defense attorney to help them defend their charge.

Continue reading "Orange County Parents Charged with Being under the Influence of a Controlled Substance" »

Newport Beach, Orange County - A Newport Beach business owner of the Health Collective and his three employees plead guilty to felony drug charges. The first defendant Steve Wick, the owner pleads guilty to the unlawful sale of marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale. Wick also has another drug cases pending with the courts that he will plead guilty to. In this case he is being charged with possession of marijuana for sale and possessing more than $25,000 obtained through drug sales. He is being sentenced to three years in state prison. The second defendant Marilyn Manuel, manager, pled guilty to the charge of possession for sale of marijuana, and was sentenced to one year in jail. The last defendant Tara Sorenson is being charged with three felony counts of the sale of marijuana and one felony count of possession of marijuana for sale. She has yet to be sentenced.

Newport Beach drug crimes defense attorney Michael Guisti who has experience handling cases in California drugs crime cases in both federal and state court commented on this article. He states that possession of marijuana for sale can be defined in the California Health and Safety code 11360 which states that every person who transports, imports into this state, sells, furnishes, administers, or gives away, or offers to transport, import into this state, sell, furnish, administer, or give away, or attempts to import into this state or transport any marijuana shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for up to four years. He goes on to explain that possessing marijuana and possessing marijuana to sell it are dealt with differently. Possessing marijuana is considered a misdemeanor in California, but possessing marijuana to sell it is a felony and usually means a jail sentence.

Having a drug charge on your record is very serious. It can have negative aspects on every part of your life. Since possession with the intent to sale is dealt with so much more harshly than just possession, it is imperative to your freedoms that you hire a skilled Orange County criminal defense attorney and an experienced Irvine criminal attorney immediately to protect your rights.

Continue reading "Newport Beach Businessman Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Sales of Marijuana" »

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" »

Santa Ana- An Orange County Sheriff's Deputy will soon be facing the charges of driving under the influence and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. The deputy was off duty at the time he crashed his car into the yard of Orange county Supervisor Bill Campbell's home. Mark Hewlett BAC (blood alcohol content) was over the legal limit of .08 percent and he was also possessing Xanax with out a prescription.

The DA alleges that Hewlett was coming home from a friend's house early that morning. While driving under the influence Hewlett lost control of his car and crashed. Hewlett is still on the police force, but there is a pending internal investigation.

Orange County DUI defense attorney Michael Guisti watched this story of the news and commented on it. He states that the charges that Hewlett are facing are very harsh. Driving under the influence and possession of a controlled substance are serious offenses in California. The charge of driving under the influence can be found in the California Vehicle code 23152 (b) It is unlawful for any person who has 0.08 percent or more, by
weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle. In California a DUI is a misdemeanor and could mean that if convicted, you could have to serve a jail sentence, have your license suspended and you might have to pay a fine.

Continue reading "Santa Ana Sheriff's Deputy Charged with DUI" »

Irvine, Orange County - Three Irvine teens were arrested for drug crimes and allegedly accused of trying to purchase an uncontrolled substance and making a false police report. The three juveniles were trying to buy methamphetamines from a drug dealer. Instead of selling the teens the drugs, he punched one of them in the face, stole their money and ran. The boys then came up with a story to explain the mark that was on one of the juveniles face.

He told his parents that someone had robbed him and had stolen his money and his iPod. The parent then filed a police report on the robbery. The parents quickly learned that their son had given them false information. The three teenagers were arrested and released to their parents.

Southern California juvenile crime defense attorney, Michael Guisti, recently commented on this case. He states the juvenile cases are handled differently then adult cases. Juvenile cases records can be sealed and the sentencing is typically not as harsh as adult cases. However, a juvenile can be tried as an adult if they are over the age of 14 and have committed a violent crime. If the teenagers are convicted of trying to buy an uncontrolled substance they could be sentenced to do time in Juvenile Hall, and they might have to pay fines. There could also be additional fines for making a false police report.

If your child or someone you love has been charged or arrested for juvenile crimes, you need to consult an experienced Oragne County juvenile crime attorney or Los Angeles criminal lawyer immediately to protect your child's rights.

Continue reading "Irvine Teens Try to Cover Up Drug Deal" »

San Clemente- San Clemente Police pulled over a truck filled with furniture and noticed a strange smell coming from the furniture. Police suspect that the smell was marijuana. They the have it confirmed by a K-9 team. Police then inspected the furniture and discover that it has been hidden in the empty space. It is alleged that the weight of the marijuana was about 772.9 pounds and worth about $386,000. The suspect was arrested and turned over to the Drug enforcement Administration.

Newport Beach drug crimes defense attorney Michael Guisti goes over the charges of smuggling. The charges of the sale or transportation of marijuana can be found in the California Health and Safety code section 11360 which states that every person who transports, imports into this state, sells, furnishes, administers, or gives away, or offers to transport, import into this state, sell, furnish, administer, or give away, or attempts to import into this state or transport any marijuana shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for up to four years.

Having a drug charge on your record is very serious. The charge of selling is dealt with by the courts more harshly than just possession. If a person gets charged with the sale and transportation of drugs it will have an affect on every aspect of their lives. It is imperative to retain an experienced Newport Beach drug crimes defense attorney if you are facing a drug charge.

Continue reading "San Clemente Man Arrested for Smuggling Marijuana " »

San Clemente, Orange County - San Diego police were conducting a checkpoint station near the San Clememte Border. Two unidentified men were caught in Orange County trying to smuggle 18 pounds of cocaine into the United States. The value of the cocaine is said to be about $300,000.

The deputies saw two men in a white Dodge truck on a Saturday morning. The deputies then questioned the men and ask where they were going. The men were questioned separately and each of their locations was different. The deputies then used police dogs to sniff around the truck. The dogs found the cocaine hidden in the truck.

Under California criminal law, drug crime charges are serious cases. There are several type of drug crime charges, such as drug manufacturing, drug trafficking, drug possession, drug possession with intent to sell, drug cultivation, money laundering or drug sale of an unlawful narcotic, including: heroin, LSD, meth, cocaine, crack, marijuana, methamphetamines, or illegal use controlled substances or unauthorized prescription medications.

In California, Drug offense is one of the most aggressively prosecuted crimes. Most of the drug crimes can be charged as felony charges. An Orange County Criminal Attorney, known as an Orange County and Los Angeles drug crime defense authority, Attorney Michael L. Guisti, has evaluated this case and he thinks this is a very serious offense. He comments that if these two drug traffickers are convicted, these two drug traffickers could face serious felony drug crime charges involving a federal crime.

In the State of California, transporting a controlled substance is a serious offense. If you or someone you love has been arrested or charged with any kind of felony drug crimes, whether in Orange County, Los Angeles or San Diego, you need to consult an experienced Southern California Drug Defense attorney for legal advice immediately. Our Orange County criminal attorney and Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys have handled hundreds of drug cases on both state and federal level.

Under the California Heath and Safety Code 11352 any person who transports for sale any controlled substances shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for three, six, or nine years.

Continue reading "Men Arrested for Drug Smuggling of 18 Pounds of Cocaine at Orange County Checkpoint" »

Fountain Valley, Orange County - Fountain Valley police go undercover at a local restaurant to investigate what is called "Bikini Night". Undercover police went to the restaurant Aysya after learning that on Sunday and Monday nights. The police were able to buy at the restaurant five ecstasy pills for fifty dollars from the waitress.

Three weeks later the undercover police went back to the restaurant looking to see if they were able to buy more. Police wrote in a search warrant. Three people have been charged with the selling of ecstasy pills to the undercover police. Among those charged are Vinh Pham Buu, the restaurant's owner, the waitress who sold the pills Cindy Thi Thuy Huynh, and John Phi Ma for supplying the pills that the detective bought.

In California, drug crimes involves illegal drugs or controlled substances can be charged with drug possession for Personal Use; possession of Drugs for Sale; drug trafficking (drug transporting, drug buying, drug selling); drug distributing; drug Cultivating or Manufacturing or drug conspiracy.

Under Calfornia Law, the possession of drugs with the intent to sell is a serious offense. The California Health and Safety Code 11352 states that any person that posses or tries to sell a controlled substances can be imprisoned. Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti who reviewed this case noted that drug crime cases are usually serious charges and mostly can be charged with felony charges and that people that face these charges can be imprisoned in the state prison for three, six or nine years.

Does this sound like a situation that you are in? Have you been charged with either selling or possessing controlled substance? Protect your freedom. At the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, a leading Southern California Criminal Defense law firm, we can help you through this difficult time. Michael L. Guisti has the exceptional knowledge and experience in drug crime defense at both state and federal level. Our attorneys will provide you with the highest quality representation you need. Orange County criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti is very familiar with the court systems, prosecutors, judges in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside. He is often able to reduce a serious felony drug crime, to a lesser misdemeanor charge. We will put many years of our experience to work for you.

Continue reading "Fountain Valley Restaurant Owner Charged with Drug Sales to Undercovered Orange County Police" »

Costa Mesa, Orange County - The Orange County Register reports that Costa Mesa Police have served search warrants at the West Coast Wellness Center medical marijuana dispensary. The dispensary is located on the 1200 block of Logan Avenue . Three employees, ranging in age from 23 to 49 were booked on charges of illegally selling marijuana. A female customer was also cited for drug possession.

California voters approved Proposition 215 in 1996, allowing qualified patients to use marijuana for its medicinal properties. The law, however, did not establish a uniform, statewide framework for the distribution of the drug. Since then, cities have enacted conflicting approaches for regulating and sanctioning medical marijuana dispensaries. Costa Mesa prohibits such facilities from operating within its city limits.

Prop. 215 has also generated confusion regarding the legality of any marijuana sales. The face of the law prohibits sale of marijuana for profit, but allows qualified distributors to collect "reasonable compensation" for their services.

The three employees arrested in yesterday's raid will likely be charged under section 11360(a) of the California Health and Safety Code. That provision makes any unauthorized sale of marijuana a felony punishable by up to 4 years in state prison, depending on the quantity of marijuana sold and the defendant's prior record. The fourth suspect will most likely be charged under section 11357(b) of the Health and Safety Code. That provision makes possession of less than one ounce of cannabis by an adult a misdemeanor punishable by a $100 fine, unless she can provide proof that she uses marijuana pursuant to a doctor's recommendation or approval.

California Drug charges can be very serious, possibly resulting in lengthy prison sentences. Only an aggressive, experienced Southern California criminal defense attorney or Orange County Drug crime defense attorneys can help navigate the complicated judicial process and protect your legal rights. At Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, our Orange county criminal attorneys and Los Angeles drug crime defense lawyers have extensive experience in defending against all types of drug charges in both state and federal courts in Orang County, Los Angeles, San Diego and throughout Southern California. We represent clients who are accused of drug crimes, such as drug possession, drug transportation, drug cultivation and drug distribution. If you or someone you know has been accused of any drug-related offense, contact us immediately at 714-530-9690 to speak to our Orange County drug crime defense attorneys to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect your freedom or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com

Orange County - According to The Orange County Register, Matthew Barnard, of Corona, was formally arrested on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine paraphernalia and possession of stolen property. Barnard was said to have attempted to pay for his meal at a local Arby's with counterfeit bills.

Orange County sheriff's deputies were called to an Arby's restaurant on Monday night after an employee at the Arby's called authorities to report that two customers had tried to pay for their Arby's meals with two counterfeit $20 bills. Upon further search, deputes also found more counterfeit bills.

California Penal Code Section 470(d)covers the crime of counterfeiting, and the statute makes clear that the counterfeiting of legal tender is a criminally sanctionable act with substantial penalties, which may include, but is not limited to, fines and/or jail/prison time. Moreover, possession of illegal narcotics is also a criminal act which carries penalties, including but not limited to, penalties and/or jail/prison time.

If you or your loved one have been charged or arrested for counterfeiting and/or possession of illegal narcotics, or related felonies and/or misdemeanors in the State of California, you need to consult with an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney or Southern California criminal lawyer to protect your rights and freedom. Criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti have handled hundreds of criminal cases in both state and federal court, including fraud, theft crimes, counterfeiting of money and drug possession, among many other crimes. Please contact our Orange County criminal defense attorney at 714-530-9690 or visit our website at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.

Orange County - Orange County Register reports that a Corona man, Matthew Barnard, was formally arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine paraphernalia and possession of stolen property. He was also charged with counterfeit of money.

Orange County sheriff's deputies were called to an Arby's restaurant on Monday night after an employee at the Arby's called authorities to report that two customers had tried to pay for their meals with two counterfeit $20 bills.

California Penal Code Section 470(d)covers the crime of counterfeiting, and the statute makes clear that the counterfeiting of legal tender is a criminally sanctionable act with substantial penalties, which may include, but is not limited to, fines and/or jail/prison time. Moreover, possession of illegal narcotics is also a criminal act which carries penalties, including but not limited to, penalties and/or jail/prison time.

If you or your loved one have been charged or arrested for counterfeiting and/or possession of illegal narcotics, or related felonies and/or misdemeanors in the State of California, you need to consult with an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney or Southern California Theft Crime Defense Attorney to protect your rights and freedom.

Orange county Criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti have handled hundreds of criminal cases in both state and federal court, including fraud, theft crimes, counterfeiting of money and drug possession, among many other crimes. Please contact our Orange County criminal defense attorney at 714-530-9690 or visit our website at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.

The Orange County Register reported that U.S. Border Patrol agents recently seized $356,000 worth of crystal methamphetamine in San Clemente after agents conducted a stop of a Dodge Durango truck which was headed north on the Interstate 5 at around 11:15 a.m. last Thursday. Evidently, the driver of the Dodge Durango granted the agents permission to search his car, after which the narcotics in question were discovered.

Narcotics trafficking and drug possession is a serious criminal offense which carries substantial penalties, fines and/or jail/prison time, contingent on factors such as the amount trafficked and the amount of drugs discovered on the suspect. If you or your loved one have been charged or arrested for narcotics trafficking and/or drug possession, drug for sale, or related felony drug crime charges in the State of California, it is imperative to consult with an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney or Southern California drug crime defense attorney to protect your rights and ensure your liberties and freedom.

Orange County Criminal defense lawyers at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti have many years of experience handling serious criminal cases in both state and federal court, and are adept at handling cases in order to ensure that their clients receive a fair and speedy trial. Our Southern California criminal defense attorneys have represented clients charged with felony drug crimes throughout California, including Orange County, San Diego, Los angeles,Riverside and San Bernardino.

If you have any questions regarding the California drug crime defense, please contact us for a free consultation at 714-530-9690 or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.