Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog

Laguna Niguel, Orange County - Laguna Niguel resident, William Baker, was arrested Thursday for stealing almost a million dollars from investors in a investment scheme. Instead of using the fund for his clients, he used the fund for his personal use. From 2006 to 2008, Baker embezzled nearly $1 million from at least 10 investors. Baker had promised investors the he would buy run down houses and then remodel them. Baker took the money from the investors and bought property, then put the properties in a trust for his son. He also used some of the investor's funds to pay back earlier investors.

Orange County white collar crime defense attorney and Los Angeles County investment fraud defense attorney Michael Guisti recently discussed about this case, stated that Baker could be facing serious felony crime in grand theft, embezzlement, real estate fraud and investment fraud charges. The Los Angeles criminal attorney also commented that a defendant like Baker with bail amount of 1 million dollars, need to prove the legal source of money before posting bond. California has very harsh penalties for people that commit real estate fraud, investment fraud and embezzlement.

Orange County white collar crime defense attorney Michael Guisti also states that these types of crimes are considered felony crimes which come with not only long prison sentences, but large fines and restitution. Baker is most likely going to also face the charge of grand theft which is defined in California Penal code section 487(a ) and it states a person has committed grand theft when the money, labor, or real or personal property taken is of a value exceeding four hundred dollars ($400). A Laguna Niguel judge might also decide to add an aggravated white collar crime enhancement which adds five years to the prison sentence and is a $500,000 fine.

The first move a person needs to make when facing a white collar crime in Southern California, such as real estate fraud, credit card fraud, insurance fraud, investment fraud, and mortgage fraud, medical fraud, healthcare fraud, grand theft or embezzlement, or need professional license defense is to retain a experienced Los Angeles criminal attorney or an Orange County white collar crime defense attorney immediately. Newport Beach fraud defense attorneys and Newport beach white collar crime defense attorney at law Offices of Michael Guisti have handled hundreds of white collar crimes in Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Costa Mesa, Fullerton, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Westminster, Los Angeles, Beverly hills, santa monica, redondo beach, pasadena and many other cities.

Continue reading "Laguna Niguel Man Arrested for embezzlement and fraud in house flipping scheme" »

Orange County - According to Orange County Register, a man who illegally practiced medicine, distributed unapproved drugs, and ran an unauthorized HMO was sentenced today to five years of probation and 270 days in jail.

Daryn Wayne Peterson plead guilty to several charges including: one felony count each of the unauthorized practice of medicine, operating a health care service plan without a license, offering an unapproved drug for cancer treatment, and one misdemeanor count of selling misbranded food.

Not only did Peterson practiced medicine without a license, but also claimed to have obtained his PhD from "Canterbury University." However, investigators found out anyone can get a "degree" from "Canterbury University" for $180 from an internet website. Peterson illegally ran an HMO under "National Health Care Organization," which claimed "doctors" can cure cancer patient without surgery. These "doctors" were not licensed to practice medicine in California.

The practicing of medicine without a license or nursing without a license is also known as the unauthorized practice of medicine. Practicing medicine without a license can include the examples such as: claiming to be a doctor without a license, using the letters "M.D." or "D.O.", prescribing medication to a person without a license, providing medical treatments without a license, etc.

Medical doctors who practice medicine outside of their scope of license are also considered as an unauthorized practice of medicine. The same goes for doctors who had their medical license revoked but continues to practice medicine.

Orange County criminal attorney and Los Angeles professional license defense lawyer, Michael Guisti, recently discussed about this case in an interview. He commented that unlawful practice medicine in California, whether in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Newport Beach, Irvine, Beverly Hills, can be charged by Business & Professions Code section 2052(a), grand theft by deception (Penal Code section 487(a), or perjury (Penal Code section 118(a), all of them are considered as felonies.

Under California law, practicing medicine without a license is a serious crime and can be punished by jail and prison sentences, fines, community service, and parole. In addition, practicing medicine without a license can result in civil action. The victims can institute a civil lawsuit against the person pretending to be a doctor for assault, battery, emotional distress, etc.

If you have been charged with unauthorized practice of medicine, whether you are a doctor, physician, a surgeon, a doctor, a nurse or a medical health care professional, it is imperative to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney and professional license defense attorney immediately.

Continue reading "Orange County 'Doctor' practicing medicine without license is sentenced " »

Santa Ana, Orange County - Six Los Angeles residents were charged with check fraud today. The defendants have stolen more than$ 650,000 from various retail stores around the area. The defendants Tyrone Grey, Tyrica Goff, Jazmine Williams, Brittnay Myvett, Niesha Johnson and Nedra Beard allegedly have been writing the checks in several stores.

The scheme consisted of the defendants writing counterfeit American Express travelers checks at stores like T.J Maxx, T.J Maxx Home Goods and Marshall's. The defendants would then buy merchandise that amounted over $100. Then the six defendants would return the merchandise to get the money. They used the counterfeit checks in different stores within those chains.

In California theft crime are a very serious offense and the punishments can be very harsh. There are various forms of theft crimes such as: grand theft, white collar crime, shoplifting, petty theft, fraud, medical fraud, issurance fraud, larceny, grand larceny, embezzlement, auto theft, and credit card fraud. Los Angeles criminal attorney Michael Guisti, of a Leading criminal defense law firm in Orange County and Los Angeles, spoke about the case, indicated that if these 6 people are convicted with theft crime or check fraud using or making counterfeit checks, the punishments could be severe, such as prison time in a federal prison and large fines as outlined in California Penal Code section 470-483.5.

A person that is being charged with a theft crime they need to hire an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney or an Orange County criminal attorney

Orange County theft crimes defense attorney Michael L. Guisti has handled hundreds of theft crimes cases and has the experience you need to represent you. If you or someone of know is getting charged with a theft crime. Contact the Law Offices of Michael Guisti and consult with our skilled Southern California criminal defense attorney. Call him at (714) 530-9690 or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.

Los Angeles - Recently, a Los Angeles golf course operated by the Veterans Affairs Medical Center was shut down due to financial improprieties. Two employees Christopher Spelio and Brian Clark were charged with embezzlement. The two had been undercounting green fees and concessionaire profits and pocketing thousands of dollars.

The pair was caught after local police had place surveillance equipment in the course's club house. The police had been tipped of by some employees that had been suspecting Spelio and Clark of stealing. Police found that the stealing had been going on for six years. They have estimated that the amount that has been embezzled amounts to $180,000.Other employees think it could be as much as $200,000

The two men entered in misdemeanor guilty pleas in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Orange County Theft Crimes attorney and Los Angeles white collar crime attorney, Michael Guisti predicts that these men might also charged with other theft crimes such as grand theft and money laundering

Embezzlement is considered a "White Collar" crime. This type of crime is also referred to as employee crime. Under the California Penal Code 186.11(a) embezzlement consist of a pattern of related felony conduct and the pattern of related felony conduct involves the taking, or result in the loss by another or entity of, more than $100,000 a person that is facing such a charge would need a good Orange County Criminal attorney. If you are facing these charges you could face upon conviction you could be facing imprisonment in federal prison.

There are a wide variety of theft crimes such as grand theft, petty theft, grand theft, petty theft, embezzlement, forgery, shoplifting, medical fraud, insurance fraud, band fraud, credit card fraud, identity theft, auto theft. Under California law if you are charged with a theft crime it can be very serious. Penalties for being charged with a theft crime are prison time, large fines, restitution, probation and parole. Theft crime penalties depend upon the seriousness of the crime and prior criminal records. It could also mean the loss of your professional license.

It is critical that if you are charged with theft crime that you retain a criminal defense attorney that has experience in this area of the law. If you or someone you know has been arrested or charged with a theft crime or a white collar crime like embezzlement. Call our skilled Los Angeles Criminal Attorney or Orange County criminal lawyer at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti at 714-530-9690.

NEWPORT BEACH, Orange County - An Ex-CFO of an Irvine based architectural company, was arrested Thursday for grand theft and white collar crime. Salvatory Josef Fulwider, of Yorba Linda, was charged on Thursday with embezzlement for stealing over $1.9 million from the firm's business accounts and the firm owner's personal account from 2003 to 2009. Fulwider is held on $1.3 million bail and will be arraigned on Monday at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach.

According to Orange County Theft Crime attorneys at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, if Fulwider wants to post the bail of $1.3 million, he needs to prove that the fund he will use for bail is from a legal source instead of the illegal source.

After reviewing the case, the Orange County criminal defense attorney and Irvine Theft Crime defense lawyer, Michael Guisti, analyzed that it looks like that the CFO, Fulwider, could be convicted of white collar crime, grand theft, forgery, falsifying records, and also he could get sentencing enhancements for grand theft of over $1.3 million. If this corporate financial executive is convicted, he is most likely to be sentenced to over 40 years in prison.

There are various types of theft crime charges, such as grand theft, petty theft, embezzlement, forgery, shoplifting, medical fraud, insurance fraud, band fraud, credit card fraud, identity theft, auto theft, and money laundering.

Under California criminal law, theft charges are serious crimes and the punishment is very harsh, it includes: prison time, large fines, restitution, probation and parole. Theft crime penalties depend upon the seriousness of the crime and prior criminal records. If you or someone you know has been arrested or investigated for theft crime, embezzlement or white collar crimes, it is critical to retain the services of a criminal defense attorney who has the knowledge and experiences to ensure a successfully defense for your theft crime charges.

Continue reading "Newport Beach CFO charged with White Collar crime, Grand Theft and Embezzlement " »

NEWPORT BEACH, Orange County - A Newport Beach woman, Bethany Jane Brady, who was working as an account for a Newport Beach salon for13 years, was charged with grand theft and embezzlement for stealing more than $250,000 from the employer. Brady had been using funds from the salon's account for her personal use for the past three years. Brady was convicted of grand theft, embezzlement and identity theft.
Brady was sentenced to two years in state prison for felony theft crime of embezzling more than $250,000 from the Newport Beach salon. Besides, she also has to pay $250,000 in restitution. She was also facing enhanced sentencing for stealing more than $200,000.

There are various charges involved with theft crimes and white collar crimes, such as grand theft, fraud, embezzlement, insurance fraud, bank fraud, real estate fraud, credit card fraud, forgery, medical fraud, shoplifting and petty theft.

Under California law, embezzlement is defined as illegal transfer of money for personal use. In California, embezzlement is also called employee theft crime. It is a theft crime that committed by employees.

In a case involved someone such as Bethany Brady, who steals money from the employer for the amount over $400, can be charged with a serious Grand Theft and embezzlement. It can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. If the person is charged with felony Grand Theft, the punishment usually includes: state or federal prison, restitution, Fines and more. If you have been charged with white collar crime or embezzlement or grand theft in California, it is important to hire an experienced Los Angeles Theft crime attorney or Orange County white collar crime attorney to protect your rights.

Continue reading "Newport Beach Woman convicted of Felony Grand Theft and Embezzlement" »

Long Beach, Los Angeles - A Long Beach California resident Insurance Agent has been convicted of felony count of grand theft in Orange County superior court. Matthew Shawn Bissell has pleaded guilty. His sentencing includes five years probation, restitution and community service. Bissell's insurance license was revoked.

Bissell Los Angeles Insurance Company provided various insurances services and products to his business clients. Bissell was allegedly took the client checks from the business account to his personal bank account. It caused the extreme financial risk to his clients. From 2005 to 2007, Bissell also allegedly committed insurance fraud by issuing bogus certificates of insurance.

There are different types of theft crime charges, such as grand theft, fraud (Bank Fraud, Credit Card Fraud, Healthcare Fraud, Insurance Fraud, Real Estate Fraud Investment), embezzlement, white collar crime, bribery, petty theft, shoplifting, burglary, receiving stolen property. If convicted, the consequences for the theft crimes are very serious and the punishments can be very harsh. It usually includes the jail time or prison time, substantial fine, probation and restitution.

Whether it is a misdemeanor or felony theft crime charge, you need to consult with an Orange County theft crime defense lawyer or Los Angeles criminal defense attorney immediately to protect your legal rights.

Continue reading "Long Beach Insurance Agent Convicted of Felony Grand Theft" »

SANTA ANA, Orange County - A disbarred Orange County attorney and his two business partners in the loan modification business were charged with a felony count of conspiracy for committing fraud, grand theft and felony counts of grand theft by false pretense. Christopher Lee Diener, Stefano Joseph Marrero, and Terrence Green Sr., of Ladera Ranch, were arrested today for the grand theft and white collar crimes in defrauding over 400 homeowners. The business was under the name of Home Relief Services LLC and US Loan Mod Processing and Diener Law Firm. The business provided service to people who need loan modification and facing home foreclosures.

Under California criminal law, white collar crime, grand theft are very serious crimes. Under California Penal Code Section PC 487, Grand theft is defined as the unlawful taking someone else's money or property valued above $400. Theft crimes are serious offenses and it carries severe penalties. It can be charged as misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity of the case, circumstances of the case and prior criminal records.
And the punishment for the felony white collar crimes are severe. If convicted, they could be sentenced to 70 years in prison. They could also face sentencing enhancements for white-collar crime and excessive taking.

If you're charged with a California felony theft crime, you need to consult wit an experienced Orange County Criminal defense attorney or Southern California Theft crime defense lawyer immediately. A highly qualified attorney can help you avoid jail, minimize the penalties and achieve favorable outcome of your case.

Continue reading "Orange County Attorney and partners charged with White Collar Crime, Fraud and Grand Theft" »

Fullerton, Orange County - A Fullerton man, Gideon Omondi, who was convicted of first-degree murder and attempted murder in 2006, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison yesterday. Omondi killed his 4-year-old son in the bathtub at his Fullerton Appartment in September, 2006 in order to avoid paying child support. Orange County social workers had been contacted about possible child abuse before his son was killed.

Omondi was a Kenyan student studying at Cal State Fullerton in 2004. Omondi and his wife was divorced and shared custody of their son. On Sunday night in September 2006, he drowned his son Richie. He drove to the Fullerton police station and confessed to the Fullerton police. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, but he was found to be sane in court.

Under California law, under California Penal Code section 187, murder is an act that results in the death of another human being. There are several factors involve homicide. Homicide include: 1st degree Murder: under California Penal Code section 189, defined as murder committed after deliberation and premeditation. Those murders not qualify for first-degree murder are usually considered as second-degree murder. Voluntary Manslaughter: The intentional killing of a human being, when the defendant had no prior intent to kill. Vehicular Manslaughter: Under California Penal Code Section 191 and Penal Code Section 192, Gross Vehicular manslaughter defines as causing the death of another person due to illegal driving, including negligence, DUI, drunk driving or reckless driving.

In California, Murder crime is one of the most serious crimes of all the violent crimes. The punishment is very harsh. If convicted of first degree murder, the defendant is usually sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. When the murder crime involves firearm or any other felony, the sentence could be enhanced by 3 to 10 years.

Whether it is a first degree murder, second degree murder, attempted murder, or a vehicular manslaughter, you should consult a strong Orange County criminal defense attorney or a skilled Los Angeles Criminal Attorney to help you immediately. The experienced Southern California criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti will review your case and discuss the options with you to ensure your rights are protected. We will do everything we can to protect you and keep you out of jail.

Continue reading "Orange County Man Sentenced to 25 years to life for drowning son " »

Los Angeles, California - Orange County register reports that the CEO of Homestore Inc, has pleaded guilty for committing stock fraud and white collar crimes on Tuesday. Stuart Wolff, the CEO and chairman of the real estate listing firm is sentenced in April for investment and securities fraud. He is facing up to five years in prison. There are also 11 other defendants involved in this case.

In 2001, the News broke that the Homestore was under the federal investigation for its fraudulent accounting practices. It caused company's stock price plummeted and the investors lost over $100 million dollars. Wolff was convicted in 2006 of over 12 charges for white collar crimes and fraud scheme. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

In Caifornia, White Collar crime is usually committed by professionals, such as CEO, corporate executive, professionals, doctors and public officials. White collar crimes usually involve fraud and theft for the purpose of obtaining money.

Under California law, white collar crimes are one of the most aggressively prosecuted crimes by the federal government. It is extremely important that you have an experienced California Criminal Defense attorney to work by your side in both state and federal court.

If you or someone you know have been charged with fraud or white collar crime, the punishment can be very serious. If convicted, the consequences for a white collar can be severe, include lengthy prison time, large amount of restitution, professional license issue, Professional Reputation. A white collar crime charge can damage one's profession and career for life. There are different type of white collar crimes, such as : Bank Fraud, Credit Card Fraud, Health Care Fraud, Medicare fraud, Medical fraud, Extortion, Embezzlement, Identity Theft, Insurance Fraud, Securities Fraud. If you are a professional or an executive who have been charged with white collar crimes or fraud crimes, you need to consult with an experienced Southern California criminal defense attorney immediately to ensure your rights are protected.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Ex-Executive Convicted in fraud case " »

SANTA ANA, Orange County - A San Juan Capistrano man, Jeffrey Butler, was convicted of 700 felony counts of white collar crime, grand theft and investment fraud for stealing from elderly investors. He bilked 124 investors of over $11 million through a Ponzi scheme. He was sentenced to 90 years and eight months in prison. The trial was the longest trial in Orange County.

Butler worked with elderly clients on their wills and trusts and offered them unrealistic investment returns. He stole $11.4 million through Ponzi scheme in which money paid to earlier investors by later investors.

Mission Viejo, Orange County - A bank robbery occurred in Mission Viejo which authorities are attributing to the lone operative known to investigators as the "blue note bandit."

According to The Orange County Register, tellers at La Jolla Bank identified the man from photo stills taken of the "blue note bandit" from other bank robberies. The "blue note bandit" is believed to have also held up banks in Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Tustin, Irvine, Laguna Hills and San Juan Capistrano and Lake Forest.

California Penal Code Section 211 identifies Robbery as "the felonious of personal property in the possession of another, from his person or immediate presence, and against his will, accomplished by means of force or fear."

If you or your loved one have been charged or arrested for robbery, theft, fraud, embezzlement or white collar crimes or related felonies and/or misdemeanors in the State of California, it is imperative to hire an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney or Southern California theft crime defense lawyer 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 white collar crime, theft, fraud, medical insurance fraud, embezzlement, grand theft, robbery, among many other crimes. Our theft crime defense attorneys represent clients in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego.

To further discuss your case about theft crimes, please call our skilled Southern California Criminal Defense Attorney and Orange County theft crime Defense attorney at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti at 714-530-9690 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.

According to the Orange County Register, Fountain Valley police responded to a burglary alarm at R. L. Ebbert Co., a construction/mining equipment wholesaler, thereafter arresting a man who they suspect broke into a wholesale equipment business and stole several computers and a TV.

In relevant part, Charles Daniel Perez Jr., 32, of Santa Ana, was arrested and charged with burglary and possession of stolen property. Moreover, Perez is currently on parole from the State Department of Corrections, and is now being held without bail.

Under California criminal law, Burglary is a serious criminal offense which carries heavy fines, penalties and and/or possible jail/prison time. If you or your loved one have been charged or arrested for burglary, grand theft, embezzlement, fraud or rany related felonies or misdemeanors in the State of California, you need to hire an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney or Southern California theft crime defense lawyer to protect your rights and ensure your liberties and freedom.

Orange County Criminal defense attorneys at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti have handled hundreds of criminal cases in both state and federal court, including burglary, grand theft, fraud, insurance fraud, medical fraud, embezzlement, white collar crimes among many other causes of action. Our Orange County criminal defense attorneys represent clients in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino. If you have been arrested or charged with any type of crimes, please contact us for a free consultation at 714-530-9690 or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.