Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog

Westminster, Orange County - Los Angeles resident, Lior Bitton, the owner of Pacific Diamonds & Gems Inc. in Los Angeles claims a 4 carat diamond worth $99,000 was stolen. A jewel courier that worked for his office was robbed in Westminster. It is alleged that he claimed $256,000 worth of diamonds was stolen along with the 4 carat diamond. After giving a police report Bitton then filed a claim for the diamond with his insurance company. Soon after the claim was filed, it was discovered by police that the diamond was actually getting appraised in Israel at the time of the robbery. Police state that his courier did in fact get robbed, however it is alleged that the four carat diamond was not among the items stolen.

In California, Crimes like insurance fraud is among a group of crimes called white collar crimes. These crimes also include grand theft, Medicare fraud, credit card fraud, and identity theft. Insurance fraud is defined in the California Penal Code section 550(a). It states that the making of fraudulent claims as knowingly present or cause to be presented any false or fraudulent claim for the payment of a loss or injury, including payment of a loss or injury under a contract of insurance. California White collar crimes like insurance fraud are usually charged as felonies.

Since white collar crimes are felonies, the punishments can be harsh and if convicted, the consequences can effect a person's life and future. The punishments include long prison sentences, fines, and restitution. It is important to hire an experienced Westminster criminal defense attorney or a skilled Irvine white collar crime defense attorney to help you defend these serious charges.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Jeweler Caught in Insurance Fraud and Grand Theft" »

La Habra- Hector Porrata, George Martinez, Cara Cruz, and Rene Montes of Orange County plead guilty to insurance fraud. It is alleged that the group was able to fraudulently obtain $1.4 million for AIG insurance company. The group worked at a claims-adjusting company. The scam involved liens that doctors and hospitals put on workers compensation insurance claim to make sure they are paid. The suspects are facing charges like grand theft, insurance fraud and conspiracy.

Crimes like insurance fraud, grand theft, identity theft, credit card and embezzlement are called "white collar crimes". Grand theft is defined in the California Penal code 487. Grand theft has occurred when the money or property that has been taken amounts to more than $400. Insurance fraud is defined in Penal code section 550(a). It states that the making of fraudulent claims as knowingly present or cause to be presented any false or fraudulent claim for the payment of a loss or injury, including payment of a loss or injury under a contract of insurance . These crimes are considered felonies which mean long prison sentences, restitution, and fines.

Being charged with a white collar crime is serious in Orange County. It is imperative to a person who is facing charges like grand theft to retain an experienced Orange County white collar criminal defense attorney. To help you defend your white collar crime charge.

Continue reading "Four Orange County Residents Plead Guilty to Insurance Fraud" »

Huntington Beach, Orange County - Huntington Beach couple Mary Jones and Miguel Orozco were arrested for suspicion of burglary. Police had been investigating a series of commercial burglary cases in the Huntington Beach area. The couple was stopped for a traffic violation when the officer noticed the stolen property in the back seat of their car. The victim of the burglary was able to identify their property that had been stolen by the couple. They are being held on burglary charges.

Huntington Beach criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti, who spent years defending theft crime charges in Orange County and commented on this case. He states that the charge of burglary can be found in the California Penal code section 459. It defines burglary as entering a residential area with the intent to commit a crime while inside. This is also called first-degree burglary, and is usually charged as a felony. However this cases deals with commercial buragalry. It is also referred to as second-degree burglary. This is the lesser of the two burglaries and can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.

Having a burglary charge on your record can be serious. The Orange County criminal process may seem confusing to a person that is facing a theft crimes charge like burglary. Hiring an experienced Newport Beach criminal defense attorney and Costa Mesa Theft Crime defense attorney to help lead you through the court system is the most important step in defending your theft crimes charge.

If you or someone you know has been investigated or arrested for theft crimes, either a misdemeanor or a felony theft crime, whether it is embezzlement, grand theft, shoplifting, fraud, white collar crime, financial fraud, medical fraud, health care fraud, insurance fraud, petty theft, or any type of theft crimes, you need to have an experienced and qualified Orange County theft crime attorney or an Irvine criminal attorney to protect your rights immediately.

Continue reading "Huntington Beach Couple Arrested for Theft and Burglary " »

Santa Ana, Orange County - Santa Ana police caught Marcus Williams of Los Angeles in an insurance fraud scam. Williams is the vice president of sales for the cell phone company Verizon. He files a police report stating that a 5 carat diamond engagement ring had been stolen from his office. A detective for the Santa Ana Police Department discovered that Williams had taken out several insurance polices and flied four claims. Police soon discovered that the claims that had been filed were for the allegedly stolen ring. When asked about how the ring was stolen, Williams always changed the story.

The claims that were filed for the ring amounted to $400,000. When Williams started to suspect that police had figured out his scam, he told them that the ring had suddenly appeared. When they asked how it appeared, he gave them several different stories. He was then arrested for five felony counts of making fraudulent claims.

Orange County fraud crimes defense attorney Michael Guisti explains California law on charges of making a fraudulent claim and grand theft. He explains that it can be found in the California Penal code section 550(a). It defines the making of fraudulent claims as knowingly present or cause to be presented any false or fraudulent claim for the payment of a loss or injury, including payment of a loss or injury under a contract of insurance. The punishment for making a fraudulent claim varies depending on the amount of the claim. If it is more than $950, the punishment is up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $50,000. The court could also decide to have you pay a larger fine by doubling the amount of the claim. If it is less than $950, then the punishment is one year in prison and a fine of $10,000. Both are charged as a felony in California.

Being charged with a felony fraud charge, grand theft or insurance fraud is a serious offense in Orange County and Los Angeles and dealt with to the highest extent. If you have been charged with grand theft or making a fraudulent claim or any other white collar crime such as health care fraud, insurance fraud, medical fraud, identity theft, check fraud or embezzlement, it is imperative to hire an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer or Orange County white collar defense attorney.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Man Caught in Insurance Fraud in Orange County" »

Santa Ana- Mitchell Zogob, a former insurance broker, pleaded guilty to 23 counts of insurance fraud. He is sentenced to 10 years in jail for grand theft, forgery, and insurance fraud. Zogob was paid 4.6 million in workers comp insurance premiums. He would then give the companies forged certificates of insurance, however he never obtained insurance. This left the companies open to workers comp claims.

Santa Ana white collar crime defense attorney Michael Guisti explains what a white collar crime is and its punishments. He explains that there are many different types of white collar crimes such as grand theft, insurance fraud, health care fraud, forgery, and credit card fraud and identity theft. He goes on to explain the white collar crime grand theft. Grand theft is one of the most common types of white collar crime and it can be found in the California Penal code section 487(a). Its states that grand theft has occurred when, the money, labor, or real or personal property taken is of a value exceeding four hundred dollars. The court can also decide to add an enhancement to the charge if the amount taken is more than $500,000.

In Orange County, white collar crimes, such as grand theft, insurance fraud, and embezzlement are dealt with to the fullest extent. If convicted of theses serious charges a person can expect to be facing long prison sentences, fines, and restitution. Retaining a Newport Beach white collar crime defense attorney to defend you is the most important step you can take.

Continue reading "Former Santa Ana Insurance Broker Caught for Fraud" »

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 - Dr. Steven Kooshian was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for not giving his patients the correct dosage of their medication. Kooshian is a well know AIDs doctor in Orange County and runs many clinics. He pled guilty to two counts of health care fraud and two counts of making false statements relating to health-care matters. Kooshian would purposely prescribe or administer a lower dosage of the patients AIDs medication.

Kooshian's assistant Virgil Opinion, was the person that had started this investigation. He had been Kooshian'd assistant for more that 10 years. He terminated his employment with the doctor and then went to the press with the information. He told the police that his conscience had been killing him. He pled guilty to being an accessory to the crime and will serve three years probation and is ordered to pay restitution jointly with Kooshain.

According to Orange County criminal attorney and professional license defense attorney, Los Angeles Medical fraud defense attorney, Michael Guisti, that under the California Insurance Code Section 1871.4 and California Penal Code Section 550, a person who is charged with healthcare fraud in a situation when he / she makes a false statement to obtain or deny insurance benefits while claiming for insurance. the person could also be charged with penal code section 118 together as the insurance claim is based on false statement.

Continue reading "Orange County Doctor charged with health care fraud for Skimping on AIDS Medicine" »

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" »

IRVINE, Orange County - An Orange County restaurant owner in Irvine has been charged with insurance fraud for carrying out millions of dollar in workers compensation and tax evasion. Simon Hong and his wife were convicted of 14 felony counts of insurance fraud.

They allegedly owe $5.8 million in lost revenue to state, penalties and interest. They underreported their payroll to the workers compensation insurance, and underreported their tax revenue. The couple was released on a $75,000 bail.

Under California Law, Fraud is also one type of theft crimes, and itis a very serious crime. Fraud is one of the most aggressively prosecuted crimes in California. If convicted, the penalties and consequences are very severe. Fraud crime can be charged either as misdemeanor or felony, but most of the fraud crimes are charged with felony, depending on the circumstances and seriousness of the crime.. If you have been investigated or arrested for fraud in Orange County or any counties in Southern California, it is critical to seek the legal help from an experienced Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney or Orange County fraud defense attorney at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti.

Orange County Fraud crime defense attorneys and Southern California Theft Crimes Attorney at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti has many years of experience both in state and federal court in defending clients who have been accused of healthcare fraud, Medicare fraud, Medical fraud, insurance fraud, Auto fraud, bank fraud, credit card fraud, Real Estate Fraud, Financial Fraud, Mortage Fraud, identity theft, internet fraud.

Continue reading "Irvine Restaurant Owner Convicted of Felony Insurance Fraud " »

SANTA ANA, Orange County - A former corporate Executive, Tracy Salcido, of Yorba Linda, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for stealing $780,000 from the Non-profit organization. She pled guilty to 225 felony counts of embezzlement, Grand Theft, Fraud, forgery and falsifying records. She was ordered by Orange County Superior court judge to pay $1.15 million in restitution for the theft crime charges.

She worked as the CFO for Orangewood Children's Foundation during 1999 to 2005, a nonprofit organization that provides supports to young children. During this time, Salcido stole over $780,000 by forging 206 checks from the business accounts to her personal account.

After she was arrested, she was ordered to pay $500,000 for the settlement of the fraud lawsuit by Orangewood.

California Fraud and white collar cases are usually very complex and time consuming cases and may take months or years of investigation. Most of the White Collar Crimes and Fraud Charges are felony charges. There are some most common types of white collar crime and financial fraud, medical fraud, including: At Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, our experienced Southern California White Collar Crime Attorney and Professional License Defense Attorney provide aggressive defense in array of white-collar crimes throughout Southern California, Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino in both State and Federal court, including:

Mortgage fraud / Real Estate Fraud; GrandTheft Penal Code Section 487(a); Medical Fraud / Medicare Fraud; Embezzlement (Penal Code Section 487(a) or Penal Code Section 504); Mail and wire fraud: Corporate Accounting Fraud; forgery and falsifying records; Conspiracy; Stock Fraud; Securities Fraud' Computer Fraud / Internet Fraud; Corporate Fraud; Money Laundering; Insurance Fraud

White-collar and fraud crime are one of the most aggressively prosecuted crimes for both state and federal prosecutors. If convicted, the punishment is severe and the consequences are very serious. It's very critical to have an experienced and aggressive defense lawyer to represent you. A successful defense can make a big difference to your case.

In fraud and white collar crime cases, it is essential that you consult an experienced and skilled Southern California Criminal defense lawyer who has extensive knowledge in White Collar Crime defense and Professional License Defense. To schedule a confidential consultation, contact white collar crimes attorney at Law Offices of Michael Guisti today.

Continue reading "Orange County Corporate Executive Convicted of Felony Embezzlement, Fraud and White Collar Crime" »

Orange County, California - Several people of Orange County have been arrested for Medicare fraud through fake billings for medical supplies. They fraudulently claimed $26 million from the federal insurance program.

Michael Martinez, of Long Beach and 6 others were arrested Oct. 21, is charged with health care fraud and for making false statements to the government. If convicted, he is facing 75 years in federal prison.

Health Care Fraud or medicare fraud is a serious charge, and it can be charged with Felony.depending on the seriousness of the case. Under the California law, Insurance Code Section 1871.4, Penal Code Section 118 and Penal Code Section 550, health care fraud is defined as claiming insurance with false statement to obtain insurance benefits. Health care fraud is one of the most aggressively prosecuted crimes.

The Medical Fraud or health care fraud is a very serious crime, and the punishment is harsh. If convicted, it could have a very strong impact on your life and future.

Whether you are a doctor, physician or health care provider, if you or someone you know have been arrested or investigated for medical fraud or health care fraud, it is crutial to hire an experience Southern California Healthcare Fraud Defense Attorney to defend you.

Continue reading "Orange County Men Arrested for Medicare Fraud " »

SANTA ANA, Orange County -Orange County Superior Court Judge Today sentenced a woman of Costa Mesa to 10 years in prison for her conviction of $154 million medical insurance fraud. It is believed to be the largest medical insurance fraud prosecution in the nation.

Sue Nanda, 40, of Costa Mesa, was convicted of 22 counts of felonies in Feb, 2009 for working as a "capper,'' or "marketer" under Unity Outpatient Surgery Center in Buena Park by recruiting 310 patients to have unnecessary surgeries.

Nanda had made $2.35 million profit from 2001 to 2004 for providing her service to doctors by selling the surgeries to patients and persuading them to undergo unnecessary surgical procedures in exchange for money.

It's the largest medical fraud in Orange County and the nation. Deputy District Attorney in this case asked the Judge to give her a sentencing of 20 years in prison.

Nanda's criminal defense lawyer, E. Thomas Dunn, argued that she was not aware of her activities were illegal and she was used by other people, thus she should be given a probation.

This Insurance Fraud case also involves the charges against three doctors, a lawyer and eight other "cappers". The alleged doctor, William Hampton Jr., was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

The sentencing for the other defendants, Dr. Michael C. Chan and Dr. Mario Z. Rosenberg is still pending.

Under California criminal Law, Medical fraud defines as paying / receiving kickbacks for Medi-Cal billing referrals.

Medical fraud is serious crime. Health insurance data shows that about 3% - 10% of Medicaid budget every year was wasted due to medical fraud. California's Medi-Cal losses can reach billions of dollars annually.

According to criminal Penal code section: Individuals receiving or encouraging another to receive health care could be convicted of either a Felony or misdemeanor, depending on amount of fraud.

The charges for soliciting or receiving medical kickback or bribe can be either a Misdemeanor or felony depends on the individual case.

Continue reading "Costa Mesa Woman Convicted of Largest Medical Insurance Fraud " »