Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog

Costa Mesa, Orange County - A 19-year-old Westminster man was arrested on shoplifting charges after allegedly walking out of the South Coast Plaza with items he didn't pay for, according to police.

Police say last Saturday the Westminster man walked into Sack's Fifth Avenue, put "several items" into his bag and down his pants, and walked out of the store.

As soon as the shoplifting suspect walked out of the store the suspect was apprehended by Costa Mesa Police.

What is interesting about store security is the law states the security guard or security camera must keep a continuous watch on you from the moment you "take" something to when you walk out the store, explains Costa Mesa criminal attorney Michael L. Guisti.

If the guard or camera loses site of you even for a second perhaps you, the suspect, had a change of heart and you put the item back, and when you walk out the door if security confronts you and you have nothing it becomes a major civil liability for the store, says Guisti.

They've been a lot of people wrongly detained for shoplifting, and if this has been something you've experienced you need to contact an attorney right away and seek damages, says Guisti.

The South Coast Plaza has a lot of grand theft cases and it's important to understand it's not how much stuff you allegedly shoplifted, but the cost of item or items that determines if you'll face petty theft or grand theft charges, explains Guisti.

In California shoplifting cases the threshold between petty and grand theft is $950, and at a place like the South Coast Plaza a single item can easily be worth over $1,000, and as such you would face grand theft charges, says Guisti.

As well, Guisti goes on to say, if you allegedly shoplifted a thousand items, but the value only comes to $400 you'll face petty theft charges.

The point being, says Guisti, it never matters how much or how little you allegedly shoplifted, only how much those items cost to determine the seriousness of the charge.

A lot of the time police like to tag on burglary charges to shoplifting cases, but that can be difficult to prove, because if you acted on impulse to shoplift once inside the store that isn't burglary, explains Guisti.

It's only considered to be a burglary crime if you thought about shoplifting before entering the store, says Guisti.

Shoplifting is a very serious charge than can lead to steep fines and even prison, which is why you need to contact the Orange County theft crimes attorney specialists at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti.

We have over a decade of experience winning shoplifting cases for our clients in the courts of Orange County, because our goal is to win your case.

We settle for nothing less than winning, so please, call us now.

Irvine, Orange County - An Irvine Burger King employee was arrested Wednesday for a theft crime after police observed the suspect stealing money from a mentally disabled woman.

Irvine investigators allege Luis Maximino Lucero Ballinas, 42, of Tustin repeatedly stole from the woman over the past several months when she ate at a Burger King as he was allegedly pocketing the woman's money.

The woman's parents became suspicious when she would return home without the change and contacted police.

The suspect was charged with theft against a dependent adult.

This type of theft crime is actually covered under California's elder abuse laws, explains Irvine criminal attorney Michael L. Guisti.

Under Penal Code 368 financial theft crimes against "dependent adults" and the elderly are treated just like theft crimes, and how much money the suspect allegedly embezzled from the victim will determine if he'll face a misdemeanor or felony charge, explains Guisti.

As well, the suspect could face petty theft or grand theft charges, says Guisti.

Even though it may be easy to dismiss the suspect as a fast-food worker, in this situation he was in a position of trust with the disabled customer, because he was briefly in charge of her money, explains Guisti.

If the suspect invokes his right to remain silence it's certainly possible police may obtain a warrant to check his bank account records, according to Guisti, which is why he needs a professional defense attorney.

If charged and convicted as a felony the suspect could face up to three years in a state prison.

If you're facing a theft charge it's very important to contact the Orange County theft crimes attorney experts at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti right away.

Even a small theft crime can greatly upset your life, but our expert lawyers have over a decade of successfully winning cases for our clients minimizing the impact and getting their lives back on track like nothing happened, so call us now!

Laguna Beach, Orange County - A Laguna Beach woman has been indicted on federal wire fraud charges after allegedly defrauding an investor of $2 million.

The suspect, Hui Wang, agreed to be a financial broker for an investor in Oregon, and per terms of the agreement Wang ask the investor to send her $2 million to show potential venture capital lenders the victim's company was solvent, according to federal court documents.

Wang, according to court documents, reportedly took the money for herself and bought homes in Huntington Beach and around Orange County.

Wire fraud is a very serious charge and anytime you're facing any federal criminal charge you need to understand the federal government already has a "leg-up" on you, explains Santa Ana federal crimes attorney Michael L. Guisti.

Wire fraud is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1343, which is, "a scheme to deprive of property through use of an interstate telephone calls or electronic communication including the internet, wire transfers, and even the use of television and radio."

The $2 million in question was wired from Oregon to Orange County, according to the court report.

It's very important to understand, stresses Guisti, that wire fraud charges could be brought on even if you used simple communication devices like text messaging to allegedly commit wire fraud.

If you should be facing wire fraud charges it's very important to understand, says Guisti, that it doesn't matter if the alleged scheme actually succeeded in defrauding anyone, or that the use of interstate wire communications facilities was intended as the specific or exclusive means of accomplishing the alleged fraud, which is why you need a Southern California federal crimes attorney.

Another reason you need to retain a lawyer right away, explains Guisti, the federal government won't bother with small cases, but you've been arrested for wire fraud that means the federal government, and agencies like the FBI, has spent time and money investigating you, and they believe they'll convict you, otherwise they wouldn't waste their time, explains Guisti.

Being charged with wire fraud or any federal crime is an extraordinarily serious charge with the odds already stacked against you, and federal courts are very different from county courts, which is why you need to contact the Orange County federal crimes attorney experts at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti.

For over a decade our federal attorneys have successfully defended our clients in the federal courts of Santa Ana, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego.

For your own piece of mind call us now at 888-478-8999.

Newport Beach, Orange County - A Huntington Beach woman is under arrest after allegedly forging checks from her Newport Beach employer.

Police say the woman, who was a manager at a law firm, forged checks and changed the face-value of the checks.

Investigators say the suspect allegedly embezzled over $15,000 in forged checks.

Embezzlement used to be a crime in and of itself, but, as Newport Beach criminal attorney Michael L. Guisti explains, embezzlement is now covered under California's theft laws.

Theft crimes and forgery may not be this suspects only problem, because, says Guisti, depending on what investigators find she could face possible federal bank fraud charges.

People don't think of forgery as being a serious crime, and in fact a lot people think of it as nothing to worry about, but if convicted of forgery you could go to prison, according to Guisti.

The suspect will face grand theft charges for embezzlement, according to Guisti.

The big thing here, explains Guisti, is if the district attorney will charge the suspect on each separate count the suspect allegedly forged the checks, or make it into one charge for grand theft and one charge for embezzlement.

As for the federal charge, Guisti explains, under bank fraud it's a federal crime to cash stolen checks, and if convicted could result in federal prison time.

Now for a case to go to federal court it typically has to be in the best interest of the feds to prosecute the case, which is to say the feds want a to try a case they think they'll likely get a conviction out of, according to Guisti.

Embezzlement and forgery are taken quite seriously, and if you're being accused of such crimes you must contact our Orange County white-collar crimes attorney experts right now at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti at 888-478-8999.

We have over a decade of successfully winning cases for our corporate clients in Irvine, Newport Beach, Fullerton and Los Angeles in the courts of Southern California, which is why you must give us a call.

Understand, from the moment you first meet us our goal is to win your case, and we never settle for nothing less.

Westminster, Orange County - A Garden Grove man was sentenced to two years in prison for defrauding Orange County agencies out of more than $140,000 in public assistance benefits by lying and failing to report assets on aid applications for eight years, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office.

Hai Dien Luu, 49, of Garden Grove, pleaded guilty to the court Wednesday to one felony count of perjury, 11 felony counts of grand theft, and a sentencing enhancement for excessive taking over $100,000, according to the DA.

Westminster criminal attorney Michael L. Guisti explains in cases of welfare fraud perjury and theft charges are quite common, but in a lot of welfare fraud cases they're situations where somebody accidentally entered wrong information or simply forgot to update their information with the agency, and what is a legitimate mistake turns into a big, legal nightmare.

The crime of perjury under Penal Code 118 is, in this case, when you knowingly and willfully entered information on a public assistance form to obtain benefits like welfare, food stamps or Medi-Cal, says Guisti.

Despite what may seem like the simply nature of perjury it's a very serious charge that is always charged as a felony, according to Guisti.

For prosecutors to prove you committed this crime they need to show the judge and jury that you knowingly and willfully entered the false information, and if they cannot show that then you must be found not guilty or have your charges dismissed, says Guisti.

The reason for the multiple grand theft charges is likely in relation to how many forms and claims were filled out and approved for public assistance, according to Guisti.

Prison time is always very serious, but where the judge and prosecutors really like to hit you at if convicted is with restitution, says Guisti.

Just because you're being accused of welfare fraud doesn't automatically make you guilty of that crime, because you may have accidentally given wrong information, or just not fully understood the question, and this is why you must call our Orange County fraud attorney experts at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti at 888-478-8999.

We have over a decade of successfully defending our clients against all different type of fraud charges. because our goal is to win your case so you can go on with your life.

Santa Ana, Orange County - A La Habra woman was sentenced in Santa Ana on Wednesday to three years, four months in prison for embezzling $284,000 from the La Habra Fence Co. over more than five years, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office.

Veronica Martinez, 55, who worked as an office manager for the fence company, was also ordered to pay more than $290,000 in restitution and a $568,000 fine.

Martinez had access to company cash and all financial bookkeeping records.

Santa Ana criminal attorney Michael L. Guisti explains that the crime of embezzlement used to be a crime in and of itself, but it's now covered under California's theft laws.

Given the amount embezzled from the office this was obviously charged as grand theft, says Guisti.

The suspect also plead guilty to 51 felony counts of forgery, and, according to Guisti, forgery is when you defraud a person or business out of, money, interest in property and/or other legal rights.

In some situations multiple forgery counts can be charged either as a single charge or multiple charges, says Guisti, and if you're facing such charges this is why it's important to contact a professional attorney who can work to reduce these charges.

For the prosecution to prove you committed forgery they must show that you knowingly altered and/or created a written document and you did it with the intent to defraud the person or business, according to Guisti.

It is very important to note that all that matters for the Orange County District Attorney is that you had the INTENT to commit forgery, regardless if you didn't carry out the act or even paid the person/business back, says Guisti.

Forgery can be charged either as a misdemeanor or felony, and that mostly depends on the values of goods and the extent of the crime, along with your criminal history, says Guisti.

Embezzlement and forgery are charges that can send you to prison and ruin your reputation, which is why it is very important to contact the Orange County white collar crime attorney experts at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti at 888-478-8999.

We have over a decade of successfully winning cases for our clients accused of white collar crimes, because our goal is to win your case and protect your reputation.

Anaheim, Orange County - Anaheim Police are looking for two men wanted for burglary in connection with an ATM heist at a Wienerschnitzel last week.

The two suspects broke into the fast food restaurant past 2 a.m. breaking open and going through the drive-thru window and once inside that is when the suspects allegedly used a pallet jack to take the ATM, which contained thousands of dollars, according to Anaheim Police.

During the burglary the suspects apparently tried to cover the surveillance cameras with napkins, but one of the napkins fell off and the security camera was able to fully capture one of the suspect's faces as he attempted to put the napkin back on, and the suspects left behind the pallet jack, according to detectives.

Fullerton criminal attorney Michael L. Guisti explains that the crime of burglary is when you plan to commit a theft crime before entering a home or business. In a lot of shoplifting cases it's not always clear if the intent to commit a burglary was there as many shoplifters commit the act on impulse once inside the store, but in this case it's appears the suspects allegedly broke into a business, which would invite the burglary charge, says Guisti.

The next charge the suspects will face for likely be grand theft charges, says Guisti, since police claim there was thousands of dollars in the ATM.

The line between petty theft and grand theft is $950 and grand theft invites more serious charges, says Guisti.

In burglary cases what your intent was makes all the difference in whether or not you'll face burglary charges, and the way the district attorney typical views these cases is your intent is generally made clear if you're caught with a crow bar, screwdriver and other items associated as being burglary tools, in which case you can also be charged with misdemeanor "burglary tools," says Guisti

Residential burglary is typically first-degree-burglary and is always charged as a felony while most commercial burglary is considered second-degree-burglary and can be charged either as a felony or misdemeanor, according to Guisti.

These are serious charges that can result in many years in a state prison, and this is why it's very important to contact the Orange County theft crimes attorney experts at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti at 888-478-8999.

Even though law enforcement may say what you're doing is clear-cut understand it's not clear-cut and you have many burglary defense options, and some of which can include having charges reduced or dismissed.

Our track record shows we have successfully defended our clients against charges of burglary in the courts of Orange County, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego.

We're here to win your case for you.

Santa Ana, Orange County - Orange County's biggest political donor, Louis J. Cella Jr., died this month.

Before being convicted of embezzlement charges Cella was a major political donor in Orange County politics and in 1974 he made $550,000 in political donations, the largest donation of any individual in California.

In 1976 Cella was convicted of 22 federal counts related to embezzling at least $600,000 in Medi-Cal funds through two Orange County hospitals that he had an ownership stake in.

Santa Ana criminal attorney Michael L. Guisti explains Medi-Cal fraud, as it was then in the 1970s, is taken very seriously today and with added urgency as in 1999 then Governor Gray Davis created The Governor's Medi-Cal Fraud Task Force, which is comprised of ten law enforcement agencies that include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Most Medi-Cal fraud cases deal with doctors, business owners and companies making alleged unauthorized payments, covered under California Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) 14017, such as double billing, billing for unnecessary medical procedures and other costs deemed unnecessary, says Guisti.

However, says Guisti, it's very important to understand Medi-Cal fraud isn't limited to doctors and hospital owners as they're several cases where patients are charged with this crime for allegedly providing false information to obtain benefits, which is covered under WIC 14014.

This is a complicated charge, Guisti says, because in addition to violating the codes above they're several other possible charges you can face in connection with this crime including, insurance fraud under Penal Code (PC) 550, theft charges under PC 484, and depending on the alleged amount embezzled you could face possible petty theft or grand theft charges.

Guisti points out that embezzlement is no longer a crime in and of itself in California, but is now covered under theft laws.

Depending on the circumstances of your Medi-Cal fraud case it's certainly possible this could be charged as a federal crime, meaning it will be tried at a federal courthouse, which means it's a slightly different set of rules and punishment, says Guisti.

What can bring on federal charges could be the way the alleged Medi-Cal fraud was conducted, like if wire fraud was involved, and if it involved any funds crossing state lines, says Guisti.

On the state level Medi-Cal fraud is a "wobbler," which means it can be charged either as a felony or misdemeanor, and it can possibly result in you losing your license, says Guisti.

If you're being accused of Medi-Cal fraud it's very important to contact the Orange County Medi-Cal fraud attorney experts at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti at 888-478-8999.

Our record proudly shows we have over a decade of successfully winning cases for our clients accused of Medi-Cal fraud and other white collar crimes in the courts of Orange County, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego.

From the moment we first meet our clients we begin to work on a defense that gets our client the best outcome possible, because our expert attorneys won't ever settle for anything less.

Newport Beach, Orange County - Newport Beach Police responded to a call of a fight early Tuesday morning on the Balboa Peninsula and after arriving police learned the fight victim, who had facial injuries, had been the victim of robbery after telling police the suspect allegedly forcefully took his wallet and cash.

Witnesses gave Newport Beach Police a description of the suspect and police later found the suspect in Fullerton.

Newport Beach criminal defense attorney Michael L. Guisti says robbery is a very serious crime, because it's charged as a felony, which means if convicted the suspect could face several years in a California State Prison.

Attorney Guisti explains that the crime of robbery is taking another's property from the person's body or immediate possession accomplished by force or fear. Also, Newport Beach attorney Guisti goes on to say, unlike other theft cases, such a shoplifting and embezzlement, if you allegedly robbed somebody it doesn't matter how much or how little you took as you'll still face a felony robbery charge.

Newport Beach theft lawyer Guisti explains in this case since the victim has allegedly suffered injuries it's possible the suspect could face enhanced charges under California's great bodily injury enhancement. Attorney Guisti explains that if during the robbery a suspect causes the victim substantial physical injury the suspect could face a three to six-year prison sentence in addition and consecutive to the penalty received for the robbery conviction.

The Newport Beach attorney says what is considered "great bodily injury" can vary and that is why if you or somebody you know have been arrested for robbery you need to call and set up an appointment with an experienced Orange County criminal defense lawyer right away.

Newport Beach criminal defense lawyer Guisti says in defending robbery cases if no force or fear was used during the alleged crime it doesn't qualify as robbery under California law. Again, attorney Guisti says, what is considered "force or fear" is debatable, and that is another good reason why you need an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney on your side.

If you or somebody you know are facing any kind embezzlement, grand theft, robbery, shoplifting, fraud, petty theft, burglary, or any kind of theft charge call the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti right away at 714-530-9690.

Santa Ana, Orange County - On Monday a law office manager pleaded guilty to embezzling $502,000 and was sentenced to four years in state prison.

Donna Joy Henderson, 68, of Orange wrote more than 122 company checks and deposited them into her personal accounts, according to Orange County prosecutors. The Orange County District attorney says Henderson spent the money on timeshare properties, cruises, an indoor sauna, gambling and pet day spa visits.

The Orange County DA reports Henderson pleaded guilty at the Orange County Superior Court in Santa Ana to one felony count of grand theft by embezzlement with sentencing enhancements and allegations for property damage. In addition to spending four years in prison, Henderson was also ordered to pay back the $502,000.

Santa Ana criminal attorney Michael L. Guisti says while it appears all the elements to prove embezzlement were in place Henderson could possibility of had her sentenced reduced or not have serve any prison time had she hired a professional Orange County embezzlement defense lawyer.

To prove embezzlement, according to Guisti, the Orange County District Attorney must prove three things, that she had a relationship of trust with the victim, in this case Henderson with her employer, that, pursuant to that relationship, she was entrusted with certain property, and she specifically intended to deprive the victim of that property by fraudulently taking it as her own.

That said, says Guisti, they're several defense options that were available to Henderson had she hired a professional Orange County defense attorney.

As Santa Ana Felony crime attorney Guisti goes on to say, in California embezzlement used to be a charge in of itself under Penal Code (PC) 503, however it has since fallen under the umbrella of PC 484 theft and the severity of the charge is going to depend whether the money they allegedly embezzled less than $950, or more than $950.

As one Santa Ana Theft defense attorney explains, in this Santa Ana case the amount embezzled was well over $950.

Orange County defense attorney Michael L. Guisti says regardless of this case grand theft is a "wobbler," which means it can be filed either as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the facts of the case while petty theft is a misdemeanor.

One expert Newport Beach embezzlement defense attorney explains if somebody is convicted of misdemeanor grand theft they face up to one year in Orange County jail and a maximum $1,000 fine, or if somebody is convicted of embezzlement as a felony they face a sentence of 16 months, or two to three years in a California State Prison, and a $10,000 maximum fine.

As Irvine white collar criminal defense attorney Michael L. Guisti says, the reason this woman in Santa Ana was sentenced to four years in prison is due to a sentencing enhancement that states if you embezzled more than $65,000 you face an additional and consecutive one-year California State Prison sentence, as was applied to Henderson.

If you or somebody you know are facing similar serious charges it's very important to contact an Orange County criminal defense lawyer right away to ensure your rights, protect your reputation and keep you out of jail

If you're facing embezzlement charges call the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti right away at 714-530-9690.

The Orange County Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti can help you to deal with these charges because our legal experts know the Orange County court system.

We'll handle your case in the best possible ways to reduce your criminal charges or even sometimes to dismiss your case. We will guide you through the legal process, represent you in and out of court, give you all best possible solutions for your case and will do everything possible to make this complicated time much easier for you.

Please, don't go at this alone. Give us a call so we can give you expert legal advice you deserve.

Buena Park, Orange County - Four Buena Park city employees were put on paid suspended leave this past week as authorities investigate if they were involved in the theft of city money, according to Deputy City Manager Jim Vanderpool.

Vanderpool wouldn't comment to local media on how much money was stolen, how the employees had access to the money or how this came to the city's attention, but did say another person who used to work for the city earlier this year is also under investigation.

Buena Park Police say no arrests have been made and they're being assisted by the Orange County District Attorney's office in gathering evidence and questioning suspects.

Irvine criminal defense attorney Michael L. Guisti says if it turns out there is enough evidence linking the stolen money to the four city employees and former city employee they'll likely face embezzlement charges.

To prove embezzlement, according to Guisti, the Orange County District Attorney must prove three things, that they had a relationship of trust with the victim (in this case the city), that, pursuant to that relationship, they were entrusted with certain property, and that they specifically intended to deprive the victim of that property by fraudulently taking it as their own.

As Irvine Theft crime attorney Guisti goes on to say, in California embezzlement used to be a charge in of itself under Penal Code (PC) 503, however it has since fallen under the umbrella of PC 484 theft and the severity of the charge is going to depend whether the money they allegedly embezzled less than $950, or more than $950.

As one Fullerton criminal defense attorney explains, if these employees embezzled less than $950 they'll face PC 488 petty theft charges, and anything over $950 is a PC 487 grand theft charge.

Orange County defense attorney Michael L. Guisti says grand theft is a "wobbler," which means it can be filed either as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the facts of the case while petty theft is a misdemeanor.

One expert Newport Beach embezzlement defense attorney explains if one or more of the employees are convicted of misdemeanor grand theft they face up to one year in Orange County jail and a maximum $1,000 fine, and if any one of them is convicted of embezzlement as a felony they face an Orange County sentence of 16 months, or two to three years in a California State Prison, and a $10,000 maximum fine.

Should the city employees be convicted of petty theft embezzlement they face up to six months in Orange County jail and a maximum $1,000 fine.

If the city employees embezzled more than $65,000 they face an additional and consecutive one-year California State Prison sentence, according to attorney Guisti.

With these serious charges in mind it's important the employees under investigation contact an Orange County criminal defense lawyer right away to ensure their rights and protect their reputation.

If you're facing embezzlement charges call the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti right away at 714-530-9690.

The Orange County Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti can help you to deal with these charges because our legal experts know the Orange County court system.

We'll handle your case in the best possible ways to reduce your criminal charges or even sometimes to dismiss your case. We will guide you through the legal process, represent you in and out of court, give you all best possible solutions for your case and will do everything possible to make this complicated time much easier for you.

Please, don't go at this alone. Give us a call so we can give you expert legal advice you deserve.

Santa Ana, Orange County - Elyse Marie Kennedy, 37, a former bookkeeper to the St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Tustin, California has been sentenced to nearly three years for stealing $129,000. Kennedy was charged with 154 felony counts of forgery with sentencing enhancements for embezzling money.

If convicted at trial, she faces up to 107 years in prison.

Orange County fraud defense attorney and Newport Beach criminal defense lawyer Michael Guisti explains that Crimes such as embezzlement and grand theft are considered White Collar Crimes. Embezzlement can be found under California Penal Code section 503.

Our Irvine Grand Theft crime attorney and Irvine Embezzlement defense lawyer also explains that according to California Penal code section 503, it states that embezzlement is the fraudulent appropriation of property by a person to whom it has been entrusted.

Our Irvine criminal attorney and Orange County Forgery defense lawyer also states that many times a charge of grand theft can be combined with an California embezzlement charge. Grand theft can also be found under Penal Code under section 487. Grand theft occurs when the amount of money or property stolen exceeds more than $400. These charges are considered felonies in California.

California white collar defense attorney further explains that California White Collar crime charges are serious. The punishments include lengthy prison sentences, fines, and restitutions. There can also be sentencing enhancements added to the initial charges. It is critically important to hire a Tustin white collar crime defense attorney to help you defend your charge.

How can a Newport Beach Grand Theft criminal defense attorney or an Irvine criminal defense lawyer help you defend your white collar crime charge in Newport Beach, Irvine, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Fullerton, Santa Ana, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Pasadena and other cities in California?

Simple. With our knowledge base and expertise, we can ensure that your legal matter will be properly defended at the highest level. At the Law Office of Michael Guisti our experienced Santa Ana criminal defense attorney has spent many years defending client's complex and complicated white collar crimes.

Our California criminal lawyers have represented defendants all over Southern California; Newport Beach, Los Angeles County, Orange County, Irvine, Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, Garden Grove, and other cities obtaining the best results with the utmost care. Due to our high call volume, we cannot accept all cases. Every legal matter will require legal representation. If you need a lawyer, I encourage you to call our office today and schedule a free consultation.

If you or a loved one is facing a white collar crime charge or any other misdemeanor or felony charges as in assault and battery, domestic violence, DUI, drug charges or a murder crimes call our office today. Contact our skilled Orange County criminal attorney toll free today for a free consultation at 1-888-478-8999 or visit our website at www.topcalifornialawyer.com. You'll be glad you did!

Mission Viejo, Orange County - A father-son team from Orange County is wanted on California fraud charges by the U.S Postal Inspectors. Robert Louis Carver, 56, of Irvine and his son, Robert Louis Carver II, 36, of Mission Viejo was indicted last week by a federal grand jury in Santa Ana. The 14-count indictment alleges the father-son engaged in a scheme that bilked over 300 investors out of more than 20 million dollars.

Agents for Carver's companies including Brookstone Capital, Brookstone Biotech Ventures II and Lincoln Funds International solicited investors with various claims and promises. According to the indictment, the Carvers failed to tell potential investors that the senior Carver had a criminal history and had been sued by California regulators.

The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

According to top California Criminal White Collar Crime Defense Lawyers, Michael Guisti states that he explains that crimes including embezzlement and grand theft, are considered White Collar Crimes. Embezzlement can be found in the California Penal Code 503.

The Newport Beach Grand Theft crime attorney and Irvine Embezzlement defense lawyer also explains that according to the California Penal code section 503, it states that embezzlement is the fraudulent appropriation of property by a person to whom it has been entrusted.

Our Irvine criminal attorney states that many times a charge of grand theft will coincide with an embezzlement charge. Grand theft can be found in Penal Code under section 487(a). Grand theft occurs when the amount of money or property stolen amounts to more than $400. These charges are considered felonies in California.

The California white collar defense attorney further explains that White Collar crime charges are very serious. The punishments include long prison sentences, fines, and restitutions. There can also be white collar crime sentencing enhancements added to the initial charges. It is important to hire a strong and powerful Irvine white collar crime defense attorney to help you defend your charge.

How can a Santa Ana Grand Theft criminal attorney or a Newport Beach criminal defense lawyer help you defend your charges?

At the Law Office of Michael Guisti our experienced Santa Ana criminal defense attorney has spent many years defending defendant's complex white collar crime charges. We have represented defendants all over Southern California; including Los Angeles County, Orange County, Beverly Hills, Irvine, Newport Beach, Irvine, Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Westminster, Fullerton, and Garden Grove.

If you or a loved one is facing a California white collar crime charge or any other misdemeanor or felony charge including assault, battery, domestic violence, DUI, drug charges or a theft crime charge call our office today. Contact our skilled Orange County criminal attorney toll free today for a free consultation at 1-888-478-8999 or visit our website at www.topcalifornialawyer.com. You'll be glad you did.

Newport Coast, Orange County - In the past few years, a number of financial crimes involving respected members of the community have been well-publicized by the media. The government has continued to crack down on these types of offenses, relentlessly investigating and building these complex cases in hopes of obtaining severe penalties for the accused individuals.

Last week it was reported that a couple, Thomas Chia Fu, 61, and his wife Cheri L. Shyu, 48, of Newport Coast was arrested at their home after being indicted on federal charges of defrauding a group of 8 banks out of $130 million. Bank of America was included as one of the banks.

On March 9, the federal grand jury had returned the 9 count bank fraud indictment.

The Fus owned a company in Anaheim called Galleria USA, Inc. which imported home décor items manufactured in China. Defendants obtained a 130 million dollar revolving line of credit for Galleria from a total of 8 banks. The Fus were able to obtain this extraordinary line of credit by exaggerating and falsifying more than 100 times about the companies in-transit inventory and accounts receivables.

If convicted, the Fus could face and carries a statutory maximum sentence of 30-years in federal prison for each charge of bank fraud. This case has drawn the attention and is further being investigated by the Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), the FBI, and the United States Secret Service.

According to Federal Bank Fraud Defense Lawyers, Michael Guisti states that bank fraud offense includes False Entries in Financial Institution or Holding Company Records, regulated by 18 U.S.C. Sections 1005, 1006. Under this statute, it is a crime for bank or holding company employees to make any false entry in bank documents with the intent to defraud the bank.

Violation of this law is punishable by a fine of up to $1 million, or imprisonment of up to 30 years, or both. To make their case under this law, the government must establish that (1) the entry is false; (2) the accused either personally made or caused the entry to be made; (3) the accused knew the entry was false when it was made; and (4) the accused intended that the entry injure or defraud the financial institution or holding company or deceive any officer of such institution, company or certain public officials. Section 1006 applies to insiders acting with the intent to defraud while Section 1005 applies to any unlawful participant acting with an intent to defraud.

Why is it so important to retain a Newport Beach white collar criminal defense attorney or a Irvine criminal defense lawyer?

Since California fraud and white collar crimes are most often charged as felonies, the punishments can be long prison sentences, restitution and hefty fines. At the Law Office of Michael Guisti our skilled Orange County fraud criminal defense lawyers have been defending criminals that are facing fraud and white collar crime charges for years. We have been successful in helping clients in Orange County, Newport Beach, Irvine, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and San Diego County.

If you have been accused of bank fraud, embezzlement, fraud or a crime, talk to Michael Guisti, an experienced California criminal lawyer first. The organization and understanding that comes with early preparation by a knowledgeable defense attorney can increase your chances of a favorable outcome, including the possibility of charges being dropped. Call Guisti at (714) 530-9690, 24/7. You'll be glad you did.

Laguna Niguel, Orange County - Orange County criminal attorney at Law offices of Michael Guisti recently commented on a case review regarding an Orange County theft crime and Orange County white collar crime involves caregivers.

Leno Casini, husband to a caretaker, Norma Casini, is accused of stealing from Norma's elder clients for receiving stolen property and being a accessory to a crime. According to Orange County theft crime attorney, Michael Guisti, that if convicted, Leno could face a maximum12 years in state prison.

Norma had 61 felony charges including 34 felony counts of fraudulently using an access card, 24 felony counts of forgery, two felony counts of caretaker theft from an elder and one felony count of residential burglary of an occupied home. According to Santa Ana grand theft defense attorney that if Norma is convicted on all counts, she could face a maximum sentence of 49 years and eight months in state prison.

Both Leon and Norma are held in jail in lieu of $610,000 bail. According to Irvine white collar crime defense attorney Michael Guisti that they must prove that the money to pay for the bail is from legal and legitimate sources prior to posting bond.

Newport Beach white collar criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti explains that crimes like embezzlement, grand theft, identity theft, credit card theft, medical fraud, real estate fraud, financial fraud, and Insurance fraud are considered White Collar Crimes. Embezzlement can be found in the California Penal Code 503.

The Irvine Grand Theft crime attorney and Irvine Embezzlement defense lawyer also explains that according to the California penal code section 503, it states that embezzlement is the fraudulent appropriation of property by a person to whom it has been entrusted.

Our Irvine criminal attorney states that many times a charge of grand theft will coincide with an embezzlement charge. Grand theft can also be found in the Penal Code under section 487. Grand theft will occur when the amount of money or property stolen amounts to more than $400. These charges are considered felonies in California.

The California white collar defense attorney further explains that White Collar crime charges are very serious. The punishments include long prison sentences, fines, and restitutions. There can also be white collar crime sentencing enhancements added to the initial charges. It is important to hire a strong and powerful Irvine white collar crime defense attorney to help you defend your charge.

How can a Costa Mesa Theft crime defense attorney or an Irvine criminal defense lawyer help you defend your white collar crime charge?

At the Law Office of Michael Guisti our experienced Santa Ana criminal defense attorney has spent years defending defendant's difficult white collar crime charges. We have represented defendants all over Southern California; including Los Angeles County, Orange County, Beverly Hills, Irvine, Newport Beach, Irvine, Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Westminster, Fullerton, Garden Grove, and other cities.

If you or a loved one is facing a California white collar crime charge or any other misdemeanor or felony charge like assault, battery, domestic violence, DUI, drug charges or a theft crime charge call our office today. Contact our skilled Orange County criminal attorney toll free today for a free consultation at 1-888-478-8999 or visit our website at www.topcalifornialawyer.com. You'll be glad you did.