Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Westminster, Orange County - California Federal crime fraud defense attorney Michael Guisti recently reviewed and commented on a criminal fraud case on the news regarding a Westminster man was arrested and under investigation for insurance fraud.

A Los Angeles Jewelry store owner, Lior Bitton, 36, was arrested last week for falsely filing an insurance claim and insurance fraud according to authorities.

Bitton, owner of Pacific Diamonds and Gems jewelry store in Westminster was robbed of 20 diamonds earlier in January of 2010. Bitton then filed a claim with the insurance company for the stolen diamonds including a 4.21 carat diamond that had been certified by GIA. Upon filing the claim, Bitton received a settlement check from the insurance company for $99,000. Shortly thereafter, Bitton traveled to Israel wherein he met with a diamond wholesaler and provided him with the 4.21 carat diamond that Bitton had reported stolen in January. Shortly later, Bitton was arrested.

According to Michael Guisti, an experienced California Fraud lawyer, the crime of fraud is defined as deceiving another individual or individuals for financial profit.

The Fullerton Insurance Fraud defense lawyer explains that 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).

The Newport Beach criminal fraud defense attorney and Irvine white collar crime defense lawyer 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.

Newport Beach insurance fraud defense attorney explains that 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.

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

At the Law Offices of Michael Guisti we have spent years representing our clients accused of or investigated for criminal fraud charge, grand theft, embezzlement, petty theft, insurance fraud, real estate fraud, medical fraud, health care fraud, credit card fraud in Orange County, Los Angeles, Costa Mesa, Beverly Hills, Santa Ana, Fullerton, Irvine, Newport Beach and many other Southern California cities.

At the law offices of Michael Guisti, our Orange County fraud defense attorney understand the stress, confusion, and intimidation you are likely going through. If you have to face fraud charges, you need an extremely knowledgeable and capable Huntington criminal defense lawyer. The fines, criminal charges and imprisonment for fraud can be an uphill battle and can seriously impact your future.

At the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, our Newport Beach white collar crime attorney has over decade of successful experience in defending clients charged with white collar crime, security fraud, financial fraud, business fraud, insurance fraud, medical fraud, bank fraud, embezzlement, grand theft. Our Santa Ana criminal fraud defense attorneys are very credible, sharp and have a substantial background of dealing with prosecutors and federal investigators.

Do not face your fraud crimes alone ! Get help and call experienced California federal crime fraud defense attorney at Law Offices of Michael Guisti today for a free consultation. Having an experienced lawyer on your side can make a world of difference in your outcome. Call our Orange County Insurance Fraud defense attorney or Irvine criminal defense attorney at (714) 530-9690 or visit our website at www.topcalifornialawyer.com. You'll be glad you did.

Orange County, California - Orange County Fraud defense attorney Michael Guisti has recently reviewed a case regarding Orange County insurance fraud. In an interview, the Irvine insurance fraud defense attorney and Newport beach criminal attorney discussed about the California law in fraud, medical fraud, medicare fraud and insurance fraud.

In the case,12 individuals including chiropractors, doctors and staff members were arrested in Orange County and will be charged for insurance fraud over-billing scheme. The arrests were made as a result of a sting operation which targeted illegal patient referral by the local Orange county doctors, chiropractors and attorneys.

The Santa Ana white collar defense attorney explains that committing insurance or business fraud is a white collar crime which can have grave consequences and the charges are serious. It could mean they would serve time in prison, be placed on probation, serve and perform hundreds upon hundreds of hours of community service, pay restitution, and/or surrender or forfeit their medical license. Lastly, this act may cause the professional practitioners to close and no longer operate their business.

The Irvine professional license defense attorney further explains that 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.

The Newport Beach Theft crime defense lawyer also states that insurance fraud is defined in the California Penal Code section 550(a).

Irvine criminal attorney 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.

Santa Ana insurance fraud defense attorney states that 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, among others as noted above. 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.

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

At the Law Offices of Michael Guisti we have spent years representing our clients accused of or investigated for fraud charges, grand theft charges, embezzlement, petty theft, shoplifting, insurance fraud, real estate fraud or medical fraud, health care fraud, credit card fraud from Orange County, Los Angeles, Costa Mesa, Beverly Hills, Santa Ana, Fullerton, Irvine, Newport Beach and many other Southern California cities in their white collar crime charges.

If you or someone you know is facing a white collar crime charge like insurance fraud or grand theft or is facing a felony or misdemeanor charge like assault, battery, domestic violence, theft crimes, murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, or a drug charge contact our skilled Orange County criminal defense attorney today. Call our Orange County Theft crime defense attorney or Irvine criminal defense attorney at (714) 530-9690 or visit our website at www.topcalifornialawyer.com. You'll be glad you did!

Irvine, Orange County - Greed gets the better part of this family of 6 which brings interest to Newport Beach criminal attorney and Irvine criminal attorney Michael L. Guisti, a premier California Criminal Fraud Defense Attorney representing criminal defendants for the financial fraud and grand theft crime committed.

In a multi-jurisdictional task-force by The Department of Insurance, the California Department of Motor Vehicles, the California Highway Patrol and the California Franchise Tax Board, these agencies collaborated and launched an investigation that revealed the six family members and their alleged crimes by allegedly defrauding the Los Angeles County and its taxpayers of more than $1.5 million.

Christian Uriel Ramirez Ochoa (aka Jose Raul Lujano Arteaga), 24, of Irvine; Hugo Emanuel Ramirez Ochoa (aka Victor Hugo Ramirez), 27, of Mission Viejo; Sandra Orozco (aka Sandra Daniela Orozco Aguilar), 25, of Irvine; Dominique Yvette Boudreaux, 25, of Mission Viejo; Maria Nelida Ochoa Moreno, 48, of Santa Ana; and Javier Ramirez Contreras (aka Hector Camacho), 51, of Santa Ana were all booked and charged for insurance fraud, Bail was set at $1.5 million for each individual. According to the Newport Beach fraud defense attorney, if they are convicted, each could serve between 8-9 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 embezzlement 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 charg 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, Garden Grove, and other cities.

If you or a loved one is facing a 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.

Rowland Heights, Los Angeles - Earlier this month, authorities raided a doctor's office in Rowland Heights for improperly prescribing prescription drugs without properly assessing the patients needs. Unfortunately, Dr. Lisa Tseng's practice has been linked to several patient overdoses and suicide deaths in recent years.

Tseng whose fullname is Hsiu-Ying Tseng, 40, Doctor of Osteopathy, has not been charged with a crime and continues to practice medicine and prescribe medication. However, she and her practice are under investigation for allegedly prescribing narcotics including oxycodone without properly evaluating her patients needs.

The raid was part of a countywide task-force in an effort to pursue doctors who allegedly prescribe legal prescriptions in an illegal manner.

Now, if the local authorities and the Drug Enforcement Agency were to file charges against Dr. Tseng, having a felony on her record would have grave consequences and the charges would be serious.

Dr. Tseng may be charged and sentenced prison, placed on probation, serve and perform hundreds upon hundreds of hours of community service, pay restitution in the thousands to several health care insurance programs, and/or Dr. Tseng may have to surrender or forfeit her medical license as well as her DEA registration number, which allows her to issue prescriptions for controlled substances.

Ultimately, Dr. Tseng may have to close her office and no longer operate her business. In this story, these charges were not made against Dr. Tseng; however, in light of the investigation, there is potential.

If you are a licensed doctor and being investigated by the medical board or by the DEA, you need a vigilant and aggressive attorney to tell you your rights and defend them appropriately.

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

How an experienced Orange County Criminal attorney can help you in White collar crime, fraud and professional license defense in Southern California ?

At Law Offices of Michael Guisti, Mr. Guisti is a renowned white collar criminal defense attorney who provide highly skilled defense representation to people who are charged with white collar crime or fraud or need professional license defense.

Our criminal defense attorneys have the knowledge and resources in both state and federal cases. Our Orange County criminal attorney and Los Angeles White Collar Crimes attorney have solid experiences defend successfully in the white collar crimes and professionals licensing defense for corporate executives, entrepreneurs,CPAs, CEOs, CFOs, doctors, lawyers and many people who have been arrested or under the state and federal criminal investigations.

If you or someone you love have been charged with white collar crime, fraud or felony grand theft, contact our vigilant and aggressive Orange County criminal defense attorney at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti immediately to protect your rights at 714-530-9690 or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com. You'll be glad you did.

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" »