Recently in Fraud Category

December 29, 2011

Orange County Woman Charged With Federal Wire Fraud

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.

December 1, 2011

Garden Grove Man Goes to Prison for Welfare Fraud

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.

November 30, 2011

Orange County Woman Sentenced on Embezzlement Charges

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.

July 5, 2011

Casey Anthony Guilty of Giving False Information to a Peace Officer

Irvine, Orange County - A jury in Orange County, Florida found Casey Anthony not guilty Tuesday of killing her 2-year-old daughter in a high-profile case that captivated the country, but before it was over the jury did find Anthony guilty on four counts on giving false information to peace officers, which is a misdemeanor.

Under Florida law Anthony could face up to a year in jail for each count, however in California, according to Irvine criminal defense attorney Michael L. Guisti, punishment for giving false information to a peace officer is only punishable by a maximum of six months in county jail.

Attorney Guisti explains that in California giving false statements to a peace officer is a misdemeanor under California Vehicle Code (CVC) 31 that states in part, "No person shall give, either orally or in writing, information to a peace officer while in the performance of his duties [...] when such person knows that the information is false."

Irvine criminal defense lawyer Guisti explains they're several ways you could break this law, which range from simply giving the police officer a false name to answering a question you know to be false.

To be guilty of this crime, Orange County criminal defense attorney Guisti explains, you had to "knowingly" give false information to the officer, which basically means you meant to deceive the officer. Now if you unknowingly gave the officer documents you believed were legitimate or during questioning you weren't thinking straight and unknowingly gave incorrect answers you cannot be guilty of this crime, according to Guisti.

Irvine fraud attorney Guisti says if convicted of this crime in addition to being sentenced up to six months in jail you could face up to a $1,000 fine.

Attorney Guisti stresses that even though the punishment isn't very harsh you have to remember this is a misdemeanor and if you're convicted of this you're going to have a misdemeanor on your record that potential employers and other agencies will see when they run a background check on you, which is why you need an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney.

Irvine criminal attorney Guisti says should you be found guilty of this crime at some point you may want to consider an expungement.

If you're being charged with making false statements to a peace officer call the Orange County Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti at 888-478-8999 and let our criminal defense experts handle this matter for you.

June 26, 2011

Irvine Woman Arrested for Embezzlement

Irvine, Orange County - An Irvine area woman has been arrested on embezzlement, grand theft and forgery charges after allegedly stealing more than $100,000 from her employer.

The woman, 45-year-old Deborah Lynn Kessler, was a dental office manager for an Irvine dentist and investigators believe over the course of three years she signed insurance payments to pay for RVs, boats and vacations. The Orange County Sheriff's Department tells reporters a number of checks made from insurance companies like Aetna and Delta Dental were discovered missing during an audit and sheriff investigators believe Kessler changed the checks, endorsed them, and handed them over to her own accounts.

Irvine embezzlement attorney Michael L. Guisti explains that embezzlement is when you unlawfully take something that was entrusted to you, and in this case insurance checks for thousands of dollars were entrusted to the suspect to put into the proper bank account, which Kessler allegedly didn't do and instead allegedly signing the checks over to herself.

Now, Irvine Attorney Guisti explains, embezzlement is no longer a crime in and of itself, but now it falls under theft crimes, which is why the suspect is being charged with grand theft and forgery.

Irvine white collar criminal lawyer Guisti explains the grand theft is taking one's property that is value over $950 and can be charged either as a felony or misdemeanor, but given the amount allegedly taken this will likely be tried as a felony.

Depending how often the suspect allegedly signed over the checks, according to Guisti, the Orange County District Attorney could try to charge each of those deposits as separate grand theft cases rather than consolidate them into one case. This is why, Guisti stresses, it's always important to have an attorney who can work something out with the DA, otherwise this could result in several years in jail.

Since the alleged stolen checks amount over $65,000 the suspect could face an additional and consecutive state prison sentence of one year, according to Guisti.

As to the charge of forgery, Irvine criminal defense attorney Guisti explains that when you knowingly alter a written document intending to commit a fraud, which could be charged either as a felony or misdemeanor.

Irvine embezzlement Guisti stresses the importance of hiring a professional criminal defense lawyer in a situation like this, because without a lawyer by your side you could end up in prison for many years.

If you or somebody you know are facing similar charges call the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti right now at 714-530-9690 and let us take care of it.

April 11, 2011

Yorba Linda family charged with federal crime in immigration and visa fraud

Santa Ana, Orange County - Ajt Kumar Bhargava, 61; his wife, Nisha Bhargava, 56; and their daughter, Runjhun Bhargava, 30, were arrested earlier today on immigration fraud charges for allegedly filing bogus marriage and work visa petitions on behalf of aliens which are all serious federal crimes.

A criminal complaint was filed on March 29, 2011 in the United States District Court naming the aforementioned three defendants, all residing in Yorba Linda. The Bhargava defendants operated and owned MPEagle Consultants in Cerritos and were further charged with conspiracy to commit visa fraud.

According to documents, the Bhargava defendants recruited unemployed and low-income U.S. citizens with promises of payments in exchange for "marrying" MPEagle's alien clients. To make the bogus marriages appear legitimate, the defendants had the "couples" pose together for photos and open joint back accounts. Based on the sham marriages, MPEagle sought permanent residency for the aliens by filing fraudulent immigrant visa petitions with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The Bhargava defendants face stiff penalties if convicted. Each count of visa fraud could result in 10 years in prison, as well as a hefty fine of up to $250,000. Each count of immigration fraud also could result in 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. For the conspiracy to commit visa charge, they each could face five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The court will likely consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines when determining the official sentence.

An Orange County Federal criminal defense attorney should always handle allegations of fraud or other white-collar criminal allegations.

According to Federal criminal defense lawyer Michael Guisti explains that Federal law criminalizes fraud and misuses of visas and other travel documents. Visa fraud may include selling, providing, or transferring visas, making misrepresentation or false statement in the process of obtaining a visa, or forging or altering of a visa.

There are several federal criminal statutes that may be used in prosecution of visa fraud cases, but the most common statutes are 18 USC 1546 (Fraud and Misuse of Visas, Permits, and Other Documents), 18 USC 1001 (False Statements or Entries Generally), and 18 USC 371(Conspiracy to Commit Offense or to Defraud the United States). Many of the recent immigration fraud and visa fraud criminal prosecutions in California have been based on these statutes.

Making a false statement on an Immigration document or application is one example of how one may be charged with visa fraud. The maximum penalty for a first passport and visa offense is 10 years unless the crime is connected to drug trafficking and terrorism.

Visa fraud cases are investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS).

How can an experienced Santa Ana criminal defense attorney help you in defending your fraud charges?

Its simple. We've been in the business for more than 12 years and have successfully kept many clients OUT of jail or prison. We'll show you our track record. We're great at what we do and provide oustanding results. In some cases, we may be able to reduce the charges from a felony to a misdemeanor. Some restrictions and limitations apply.

If you or someone you know is facing a felony or a misdemeanor, hire an experienced, strong and powerful Orange County defense attorney today. We have helped several clients in Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties and we can defend you too. Call our office today to schedule an appointment toll free at (888) 478-8999 or visit our website at www.topcalifornialawyer.com. You'll be glad you did!

April 1, 2011

Tustin bookkeeper charged with felony embezzlement and grand theft

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!

March 28, 2011

Local Orange County Father-Son team is Wanted on fraud, grand theft and embezzlement charges

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.

March 18, 2011

Newport Coast couple is indicted and charged with $130 Million in bank fraud

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.

March 1, 2011

Irvine lawyer charged with Investment Fraud and Grand Theft

Irvine, Orange County - Orange County Professional Licensing defense attorney at Law Offices of Michael guisti, an Orange county criminal defense law firm and Professional Licensing defene law office, recently read about an Orange County white collar crime case and grand theft case. He made some

In this case, Attorney Jan Morton Heger, of Irvine has been charged with 61 felony counts including using untrue statement or omission in connection with purchase or sale of securities, grand theft with sentencing enhancement allegations of aggravated white-collar crime of more than $500,000, theft exceeding $150,000 and property loss of more than $200,000.

Heger is accused of stealing $898,000 from investors using his credentials to legitimize fraudulent schemes. Heger's accomplice Ramon Andres Najera, 66 years, of Laguna Woods faces similar charges for his role as a facilitator who scheduled meetings with the victims.

Heger and Najera allegedly worked with Beckham to defraud many victims. The scam effected was a false claim that Beckman had gold mines in Ghana and that he could pay huge returns on their investments. The mines were to be used for collateral to secure funding for the victims. According to reports, it is unknown if there were any pay outs. Many of the victims took out loans against home equity lines, credit lines and additional mortgages on their homes in order to invest.

According to Orange County criminal attorney that if convicted, Heger and Najera could face a maximum sentence of 29 years and eight months, respectively, in state prison.

The Newport Beach white collar criminal defense attorney explains that crimes including embezzlement and grand theft, 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.

Tustin criminal defense lawyer and Santa Ana fraud defense lawyer further explains that Grand theft can also be found in the 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 states 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 professional licensing defense attorney or a Newport Beach white collar crime defense lawyer to help you defend your charge.

How can a Irvine Grand Theft criminal defense attorney or a Newport Beach criminal lawyer help you defend your charge?

At the Law Office of Michael Guisti our experienced Santa Ana criminal defense attorney has spent 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 need professional licensing defense 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.

February 28, 2011

Caregiver's husband charged with grand theft crime for stealing money from elder clients

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.

February 23, 2011

Buena Park Controller charged with embezzlement, fraud and white collar crimes

Santa Ana, Orange County - Orange County theft crime attorney and Irvine Embezzlement defense lawyer, Michael Guisti, who has successfully handled hundreds of theft crime , fraud cases, white collar crimes and high profile embezzlement cases, recently reviewed an Orange County white collar crime case regarding two corporate executives involved in a lengthy white collar crime, theft, fraud and embezzlement for stealing more than $1.4 million.

The chief financial officer, Eric Wayne Helgemo, 50, of Vista and the controller, Maria Lorena Vega Yarrish, 40, of Buena Park involved in the white collar crime including processing more than 800 fraudulent paychecks to themselves. They were charged with a combined 78 counts of computer access, fraud, sentencing enhancements and aggravated white collar crime. They have plead guilty and sentenced to 10 years and 8 years, respectively.

According to Orange County fraud defense attorney and Newport Beach embezzlement defense lawyer Michael Guisti explains that crimes like embezzlement and grand theft 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 or persons to whom it has been entrusted.

The Irvine criminal attorney and Irvine professional licensing defense lawyer states that many times a charge of grand theft will come along with an California embezzlement charge. Grand theft can also be found in the Penal Code under section 487. Grand theft has occurred when the amount of money or property stolen amounts to 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 long prison sentences, fines, and restitutions. In this story, a restitution hearing has been set for March 24, 2011. There can also be sentencing enhancements added to the initial charges. It is important to hire an Irvine white collar crime defense attorney to help you defend your charge.

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

Simple. With our wisdom, 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 defendant's complex and complicated white collar crime charges.

Our California criminal lawyers have represented defendants all over Southern California; from Newport Beach, Los Angeles County, Orange County, Beverly Hills, Irvine, Newport Beach, 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, we 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 including 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.

February 9, 2011

Laguna Niguel Woman Arrested For Giving False Report to Police Department.

Laguna Niguel, Orange County - Recently our Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyer Micheal Guisti comments on a Misdemeanor Case regarding the arrest of a woman for giving false police report to the Orange County Sheriff Department.

The firm successfully handles thousands of Misdemeanor Cases such as Domestic Violence, Filing False Report, DUI etc. throughout Southern California including the Courts of Westminster, Santa Ana, Fullerton, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Irvine and throughout California.

A 20-year old woman, Danielle Deichman, is arrested by the local authorities for filling a false police report and resisting arrest. Last month, Deichman reported to the Orange County sherriff's that she was sexually assaulted while walking along La Paz Road. Deichman described that she was grabbed from behind and knocked to the ground near Kings Road.

After reporting the incident and providing several inconsistent statements to the local authorities, Deichman was re-interviewed wherein she allegedly admitted to lying and providing details similar to a separate reporting of a sexual assault attack on January 25, 1011.

Deichman was arrested on suspicion of filing a false police report and resisting arrest.

In speaking with Westminister Criminal Defense lawyer, Michael Guisti, according to California Penal Code Section 148.5, a person is guilty of a misdemeanor if he reports a crime, knowing the information on the report is false, If you have been charged with providing or filing false police report, you need to seek legal advice from an experienced Criminal defense attorney immediately.

It is vital to have an experienced Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyer by your side to fight for your false police report charges. A highly qualified Criminal Defense attorney can help you reduce your charge and your penalities or even sometimes dismiss the case for you.

A skilled Santa Ana criminal defense lawyer or an Anaheim criminal defense attorney help you defend your charges

At the Law Office of Michael Guisti we have many years of successful experience helping defendants to defend their falsifying police report charges. Whether you live in Orange, Newport Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, Fullerton, Westminster, Garden Grove, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, or San Diego counties, contact our experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney today.

If you or a loved one is facing filing false police report charges, identify theft or any other criminal charge including assault & battery, murder, grand theft, robbery, petty theft, grand theft auto, DUI, or a drug charge call our successful Irvine Criminal Defense Lawyer today. Call our office toll free at 1-888-478-8999 or visit our website at www.topcalifornialawyer.com. You'll be glad you did.

January 4, 2011

Orange County Great Park CEO Mike Ellzey faces charges of fraud, embezzlement

Irvine, Orange County - An article in the Salem-News.com caught the interest of Irvine criminal defense attorney and Irvine fraud lawyer Michael Guisti. Tim King and Roger Butow have covered the news on the happenings of the Orange County Great Park in Irvine for quite some time and should be acknowledged for their reportings.

Ellzey has been charged with transforming a dangerous and toxic military base in El Toro into a park for children and families. Now, this is the park in Irvine where there is a large Orange balloon which can be seen for miles and plans were made to build single family homes, condominiums, townhomes, parks etc.

The fund for the project at one point in time had $240 million. There is $19 million left, much of the money which cannot be accounted for. Where did all of the money go? There is speculation that Greg Colley, CFO at Music Community Concourse Partnership, a nonprofit, may have been involved with the disappearing of funds. Nonetheless, a case is brewing for fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation of funds among others.

According to the California white collar crime attorney, in California, crimes like embezzlement are referred to as "white collar crimes". Examples of a California white collar crime are: grand theft, bank fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, securities fraud, unemployment fraud, tax fraud, and honest services fraud among others.

The Newport Beach grand theft defense attorney states that the charge of embezzlement is defined in the California Penal code section 503. The Irvine criminal attorney explains that embezzlement has occurred when embezzlement is the fraudulent appropriation of property by a person to whom it has been entrusted. This crime is very common amongst the employee and the employer.

The Santa Ana grand theft attorney and Orange County criminal defense lawyer also explains that In California, Grand theft is a common charge that comes along with many embezzlement charges. California Grand theft is defined in the California Penal code section 487. Grand theft occurs when the amount of property taken is over $400. Many white collar crimes are charged as felonies. Punishments include a prison sentence, fines and restitution.

The Costa mesa theft crime attorney and California white collar crime attorney also explains that in California, white collar crimes including embezzlement are considered very serious. It is important to hire a California white collar criminal defense attorney to help you defend your criminal charges. Many times, you will not be charged with one felony. Most of the time it is many depending on the number of acts committed.

Why is it important to hire a Irvine white collar criminal defense attorney or a Newport Beach grand theft defense attorney?

At the Law Offices of Michael Guisti, we understand the seriousness of a charge like embezzlement and grand theft. We have been successful defending our clients' white collar criminal charges. We have handled cases in Orange County, Irvine, Santa Ana, Newport Beach, Fullerton, Costa Mesa, Tustin, Huntington Beach, Westminster, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego County. Our Orange County criminal defense attorney has spent years helping clients with their misdemeanor and felony charges and has the experience to help you defend your case.

If this is a first time offense, you have no idea what to expect. Your mind, your body and your brain are trembling with fear. You don't have any idea what to do or who to trust. Talk to an expert. Call the Orange County white collar crime expert, Michael Guisti, ..he'll help answer most of your questions. As an expert in embezzlement and grand theft, this life altering act may cause you to paralyze and feel numb about your decision making process. Let us help you through this trying time in your life. Schedule an appointment with our Irvine white collar defense attorney today. Call for an appointment at (714)530-9690 or visit our website at www.topcalifornialawyer.com. You'll be glad you did.

December 17, 2010

Newport Beach Attorney arrested for grand theft and embezzlement for taking client's insurance proceeds

Newport Beach, Orange County - Orange County Grand theft defense attorney and Newport Beach White collar crime defense attorney, Michael Guisti, was recently commenting on a white collar crime case in a news regarding an Orange County embezzlement crime and grand theft case involving a Newport Beach attorney.

In the news, Attorney Redmond Peter McAneny, 55 of Huntington Beach and licensed to practice law since 1977, was arrested earlier this week and charged with grand theft and embezzlement for stealing $177,000 from a widow regarding the widow's late husband's life insurance policy.

McAneny represented the widow in 2008 to secure her late husband's life insurance proceeds according to authorities. The widow and her husband went through a divorce and the terms of the trust were modified prior to her husband's death, leaving it unclear as to who would receive the life insurance benefits, either her or her son. A settlement was reached shortly thereafter to divide the insurance policy in half.

A settlement check was issued in the amount of $117,000 to the trust account for the widow in July 2008. Shortly thereafter, McAneny wrote numerous checks to himself with no reference to any case thereby depleting her account.

McAneny is charged with one felony count of grand theft by embezzlement plus a sentencing enhancement for property damage over $65,000. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of four years in state prison.

Orange County fraud defense attorney and Newport Beach criminal defense lawyer 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 embezzlemen is the fraudulent appropriation of property by a person to whom it has been entrusted.

The Irvine criminal attorney states that many times a charge of grand theft will come along with an embezzlement charge. Grand theft can also be found in the Penal Code under section 487. Grand theft has occurred 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 serious. The punishments include long prison sentences, fines, and restitutions. There can also be white collar crime enhancement added to the initial charges. It is important to hire a 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 in Newport Beach, Irvine, Fullerton, Santa Ana, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Pasadena and other cities in California?

At the Law Office of Michael Guisti our experienced Santa Ana criminal defense attorney has spent years handling client's difficult white collar crime charges. We have represented clients all over Southern California; 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.