Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog

Los Angeles, California - Our Orange County criminal defense attorney and Los Angeles criminal lawyer recently read a news regarding vandalism. In the news, a Whitter man, German Lara, was arrested at his home by officers from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Transit Bureau. Lara and two other men are accused of causing up to $338,000 of damage to freeway bridges and other L.A county property. The men belong to a group of 'taggers', Lara, who uses the tagging moniker Move, is responsible for $109,000, including $12,000 in damage to a railroad bridge owned by the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA). Officers later discovered several spray paint cans and images on Lara's computer of his own vandalism and graffiti.

The Santa Ana criminal attorney explains that tagging is a form of graffiti, taggers paint their nicknames and aliases on public property and have caused extensive damage in the LA area. Tagging is taken very seriously by the police and there has been a concerted effort over the last few years to reduce the amount of graffiti in LA. Officers can identify tags and use various methods to track down the vandals, even searching on Youtube and Myspace, where pictures of graffiti can be easily found and traced.

According to Orange County criminal defense attorney and Los Angeles criminal lawyer, California penal code 594 states that anyone who maliciously defaces with graffiti, damages or destroys property that is not their own is guilty of vandalism.

The California criminal defense attorney and Orange County felony crime lawyer further explained that the punishments differ and are linked to how much damage is done. If the damage done is totaled at $400 dollars or less, a tagger with a clean record will get a $1,000 fine and less than a year in state prison or county jail, with a previous conviction the fine rises to $5,000. Damage of $400 or more is punished with a $10,000 fine and a longer prison sentence, if the damage exceeds $10,000 the fine rises to $50,000. As well as the fine and prison sentence, the accused may also have clean up their own damage.

If you or anyone you know is has been arrested for vandalism, or any felony crimes in California, it is important to consult an experienced Orange County criminal attorney to as soon as possible. Our California criminal attorneys in the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti are experts in vandalism cases. We will utilize every possible way to achieve the best result possible. Call us today at 714-530-9690 for a free consultation with our skilled California criminal lawyers.

La Habra, California - An Orange County attempted murder case in the Orange County register brought the attention of Santa Ana criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti.

Orange County La Habra man Richard Robert Rodriguez of , pled guilty to one felony count attempted murder, for criminal street gang activity and causing great bodily injury. Rodriguez was 17 years at the time of the stabbing but was charged as an adult. He was later sentenced to 12 years in state prison for stabbing and trying to kill a rival gang member on the campus of Sonora High in La Habra.

According to Orange County criminal attorney Michael Guisti, who has successfully handled many high profile felony crime cases, murder crime defense and attempted murder cases, states that "attempted murder" can be found under the California Penal code 187 which defines murder as the unlawful killing of a human being.

The punishments for murder are the most severe among all other crimes, and it is the most aggressively prosecuted crime. The punishments for murder crimes, such as attempted murder, first degree murder, second degree murder, homicide and manslaughter, are very harsh, it could carry very long term prison sentences, the death penalty and heavy fines. The consequences could impact a person's entire life.

The California felony defense attorney also explains that a person committed a murder or any other crime as part of a gang could also face gang enhancements. An enhancement is defined under California Penal code 186.22. This law states that any person committed of a felony in California can have their sentenced enlarged if it was to benefit the gang. If you have committed a felony for a gang, you could face an additional 4 years of prison time.

Attorney Michael Guisti has extensive knowledge in California criminal law, federal law and experience with Orange County court systems, Los Angeles court, San Bernardino courts, Riverside courts, San Diego courts.

Our Los Angeles felony crime defense attorneys are experienced in felony criminal defens, such as: murder, attempted murder, three strikes, fraud, threat, kidnapping, grand theft, which collar crime, appeals, sex crimes, domestic violence, assault and battery, federal cases, felony drug cases, white collar crimes, felony fraud cases, grand theft cases, etc. Los Angeles criminal attorney and Orange County felony defense lawyers at Law Offices of Michael Guisti has also had experience defending clients that have been charged with gang related offenses.

How can an experienced Los Angeles criminal attorney help you in murder defense or attempted murder defense in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego?

Orange County criminal defense attorneys at Law Offices of Michael Guisti had handled successfully hundreds of clients in Southern California, Orange County, Santa Ana, Irvine, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Garden Grove, Stanton, Orange, and Fullerton. Our Los Angeles criminal attorneys have defended hundreds of criminal defense felony cases in both state and federal courts in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills.

If you or someone you know need a criminal defense attorney in orange county, contact our skilled Santa Ana criminal attorney and Los Angeles felony defense lawyer at Law Offices office of Michael Guisti at (714) 530-9690 for a free consultation or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Santa Ana- Anthony Trujillo of Santa Ana led police in a pursuit. Police spotted the vehicle that Trujillo was divining and suspected it to be stolen. After running the plates they found that the car had been reported stolen in Los Angeles. Police tied to pull the car over, but Trujillo sent police on a pursuit instead. When police finally pulled him over, they discovered a loaded gun and a child in the back seat. He was arrested on possession of a firearm, evading police, unlawful taking of a vehicle and child endangerment.

In California crimes like grand theft auto, robbery, burglary, unlawful taking of a vehicle, larceny, and petty theft are considered theft crimes. The unlawful taking can be defined in the California Vehicle Code section 10851 (a). It states that Any person who drives or takes a vehicle not his or her own, without the consent of the owner thereof, and with intent either to permanently or temporarily deprive the owner thereof of his or her title to or possession of the vehicle, whether with or without intent to steal the vehicle, or any person who is a party or an accessory to or an accomplice in the driving or unauthorized taking or stealing shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year or in the state prison or by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars , or by both the fine and imprisonment.

In California the unlawful taking of a vehicle is considered a "wobbler". This means it could be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor. The facts of your individual case will determine which one you are charged with. It is imperative that a person facing this crime retain an experienced Santa Ana theft crimes defense attorney to defend you.

Continue reading "Santa Ana Gang Member Caught for Carrying a Concealed Weapon and Unlawful Taking of a Vehicle" »

Santa Ana, Orange County - Santa Ana police was called to a neighborhood in Santa Ana where a fight between two people was taking place. The victim was a juvenile and the suspect is alleged to be around 18 years old. Witnesses told police that the victim was running from the suspect. Eventual the suspect caught up to him and started to assault him. The victim sustained stab wounds. The fight is said to be gang related.

In California if it is suspected that the crime that was committed was for the benefit for a gang, the district attorney can decide to add one what is called a gang enhancement. The law that covers gang enhancements is defined in the California Penal code section 186.22. This law states that any person committed of a felony in California can have their sentenced enlarged if it was to benefit the gang. If you have committed a felony for the gang, you could face an additional 4 years of prison time. The main crime that was committed was assault with a deadly weapon. This charge is defined in the California Penal Code section 245 (a) (1). It states that assault with a deadly weapon has occurred when Any person who commits an assault upon the person of another with a deadly weapon or instrument other than a firearm or by any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury.

Assault with a deadly weapon is considered a felony in California. This means that a person convicted of assault with a deadly weapon can get up to four years in prison and have to pay a fine of up to $10,000. It is imperative to hire an experienced Santa Ana violent crimes defense attorney if facing a criminal charge like assault with a deadly weapon.

Continue reading "Santa Ana Juvenile Stabbed During Gang Fight " »

Santa Ana- Santa Ana police arrested a 15 year old boy for vandalism and possession of marijuana for sale. On Friday a store owner called the police complaining that someone was tagging on his wall. He told police were the boy was walking. He was spotted police officers that were in the area. When they searched him they found multiple bags of marijuana on him and a spray can, which matched the vandalism on the wall. He is being held at Juvenile Hall on the suspicion of vandalism, possession of marijuana for sale, and being affiliated with a gang.

In California, Juvenile crimes are dealt with much differently than adult crimes. In many cases the judge wants to keep the minor out of jail so punishments like community service are available. Possession of marijuana for sale is a fairly serious crime. It is considered much more serious than just possession of marijuana for personal use. It can be found in the California Health and safety code section 11360. It states that any person who either transports or sales marijuana is guilty of a felony. In this case there is also the charge of a vandalism .This charge can be found in the California Penal Code section 594. It says anyone who has graffiti another's property is guilty of vandalism. Depending on how much the damage amounts to will determine if it gets charged and a misdemeanor or felony. The minor may also face additional charges because he is in a gang. In California if it is found by the court the crime was committed for a gang there could be a gang enhancement that will be added to the sentence.

Since there is a chance the minor facing the charges is able to serve a community service sentence rather than a jail sentence, it is important to hire a Santa Ana juvenile crimes defense attorney to help you in defending the charges.

Continue reading "Santa Ana Teen Arrested for Selling Marijuana and Vandalism" »

Santa Ana- On Thursday March 18, 2010, a local had her car stolen from a church parking lot. The woman alleges that she went in to church to get her husband who was inside. She left the car running as she went inside of the church. Right before a man had helped the women jump her car because the battery had died. The man that had been helping her, notice two men jump in the running car and drive away. The both of them then chased after the two men and dialed 911. The police found the suspects and tried to pull them over. The suspects refused to stop and lead police in a chase that took them from Santa Ana to Fountain Valley.

The grand theft auto suspects suddenly ran the car into a wall and jumped out to run. Fountain Valley police let go of the police K-9 to catch the suspects. The suspects were finally apprehended by police. The suspects Fernando Balderas and Isai were arrested on the suspicion of grand theft auto, possession of a stolen vehicle, and Balderas was arrested for driving with a suspend license. They are also believed to be members of a gang.

Southern California grand theft auto defense attorney, Michael Guisti, recently read this article and comments on it. He stated that grand theft auto is a very serious offense in California. He goes on to say that is usually means long prison sentences. Grand theft auto is defined in the California Vehicle code 10851(a). It is defined as the taking of another person's vehicle without the consent of the owner to either presently or temporarily deprives them of the vehicle. Grand theft auto is considered a "wobbler" in California. It depends if you were taking it permanently or temporarily. This means that it can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor. Orange and Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti goes on to say that they could also have a gang enchantment added on if the police discover that they were staling the car for the benefit for the gang.

Continue reading "Santa Ana Gang Members Commit Grand Theft Auto" »

Garden Grove, Orange County - Garden Grove gang member, Ivan Garcia, was found guilty of shooting a Garden Grove resident outside of his home. Garcia was convicted of attempted murder and street terrorism, with penalty enhancements for gang activity. He is also convicted of unlawful firearm. He faces up to 40 years in prison.

The victim, David Pulga, was close to his Orange County Garden Grove home when he was shot several times by two gang members in Garden Grove. His wife reported to the Garden Grove police. From this injury he suffers memory loss, physical control and no longer has basic motor skills. The DNA evidence retrieved helped police find the Orange County attempted murder suspect, Ivan Garcia. Garden Grove police also found second gang member linked to this attempted murder case by the tagging. Cesar Mina also known as "Sleepy" has been tied to the shooting.

According to Orange County criminal attorney Michael Guisti, who has successfully handled many high profile felony crime cases, murder crime defense and attempted murder cases, states that "attempted murder" can be found under the California Penal code 187 which defines murder as the unlawful killing of a human being. The punishments for murder are the most severe among all other crimes, and it is the most aggressively prosecuted crime. The punishments for murder crimes, such as attempted murder, first degree murder, second degree murder, homicide and manslaughter, are very harsh, it could carry very long term prison sentences, the death penalty and heavy fines. The consequences could impact a person's entire life.

Orange County criminal defense attorney also explains that a person committed a murder or any other crime as part of a gang could also face gang enhancements. An enhancement is defined under California Penal code 186.22. This law states that any person committed of a felony in California can have their sentenced enlarged if it was to benefit the gang. If you have committed a felony for the gang, you could face an additional 4 years of prison time.

Making the right decision for hiring the most qualified criminal defense attorney for your case is the most important decision in the whole legal process. Southern California murder crime defense attorney at Law Offices of Michael Guisti have handled hundreds of felony cases in Orange County and Los Angeles. Attorney Michael Guisti has not only has the exceptional knowledge in California criminal law, federal law and extensive experience with Orange County court systems, Los Angeles court, San Bernardino courts, Riverside courts, San Diego courts. Our Los Angeles felony crime defense attorneys are experienced in felony criminal defense in areas such as: murder, attempted murder, three strikes, sex crimes, domestic violence, assault and battery, federal cases, felony drug cases, white collar crimes, felony fraud cases, grand theft cases, etc. Los Angeles and Orange County murder defense lawyers at Law Offices of Michael Guisti has also had experience defending clients that have been charged with gang related offenses.

Continue reading "Garden Grove Gang Member convicted of attempted murder " »

TUSTIN, Orange County - Four Orange County men were arrested Tuesday for the murder of a Tustin teen who was shot to death on Sun at a house party in Tustin. On Tuesday, Nhem, Pablo Kachirisky Steven Kao, and David Escobar have been arrested and were charged with felony counts of terrorism and murder, with sentencing enhancements.

The enhancements are murder involves a criminal street gang activity, or a firearm which caused the death of another person. Santa Ana man John Saway and Sarith Yin have been arrested for the murder charges. Anaheim resident Belinda Vu, 19, was also arrested Tuesday, but has since been released and no charges are being filed.

Santa Ana, Orange County - A gang member, of Santa Ana, was convicted of felony Assault with Deadly weapon for attacking a grandmother with a firearm during home invasion robbery. He'll be sentenced at West Justice Center in Westminster court.

He was also convicted of felony aggravated assault and battery with firearm causing great bodily injury, assault with a firearm, felony first degree robbery, felony false imprisonment by violence, and felony first degree residential burglary, elder abuse, street terrorism, and sentencing enhancements for criminal street gang activity.

Carlos Martinez, entered a Santa Ana home and assault the grandmother and mother with firearm. He was charged with prior strike for robbery. He is facing two life terms in prison.

LA HABRA, Orange County - An Orange County teen relating to a gang was arrested with search warrant and arrest warrant Thursday for attempted murder. He was trying to stab a student at Sonora High school last week. Besides the charge of attempted murder, he could also face gang enhancement. The victim was taken to UC Irvine Medical Center and his injury is not life-threatening.

The teen was taken to Orange County Juvenile Hall for Juvenile crimes. The gang enhancements involve crimes committed for the benefit of a gang. And the penalties can be very serious.

Murder crime with gang enhancement charges are one of the most prosecuted crimes by the district attorneys. Under California penal code section 186.22, gang enhancement requires prosecutor to prove the crime is charged as a felony which is committed for the benefit of the gang. Gang crime enhancement can carry severe punishment if it is convicted.

According to California Penal Code Section 664 and PC 187, Attempted Murder defines as intentionally and deliberately acting to commit murder of another person. Attempted murder under the PC 664 that a person proactively takes steps towards committing the murder.

If you have been charged with violent crimes, such as attempted murder, murder, gang enhancement crime, you need to seek legal help from an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney immediately.

Our criminal lawyers are experienced and knowledable in California criminal defense. We represent clients in : Orange County (including Santa Ana, Fullerton, Newport Beach, Westminster, Irvine, Tusin, Laguna Niguel and Huntington Beach, etc) , Los Angeles and San Diego, San Bernardino and Riverside.

Continue reading "Orange County Juvenile Gang Faces Attempted Murder Charge" »

GARDEN GROVE, Orange County - Orange County register reports a juvenile crime at Tuesday night involves with gun shots happened in Garden Grove, Orange County. No suspects have been found or identified yet.

Garden Grove, Orange County Police officers arrived the scene where the gun shots happened. When they responded to the gun fire, the police officers found two juveniles were shot and six bullet casings were also found after they got to the reported scene.

The gun shot was reported not related to the previous shooting in which two juveniles were shot in the leg.

Officers responded to Garden Grove gun fire on Tue and found two juveniles were shot when they arrived. Both young victims were taken to the hospital and it reported the injuries were not life threatening.

The details of the victims were not released and police suspected that the incident could relate to gang crimes.

Juveniles are the young people under the age of eighteen years old. They could be prosecuted the same ways just as adults.

And to parents surprise most of the time, that prosecutors can be as tough and aggressive to the juveniles as they are to adults.

Under the new California juvenile law, minors with charges of violent crimes can be treated as adults without a hearing before a juvenile judge.

Continue reading "Orange County Juvenile Crimes" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading "Westminster Gang Member Convicted of Manslaughter" »