Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog

Cypress- Alonzo Gamez of Cypress in Orange County and his 17 year old friend are suspected of robbery and attempted murder. It is alleged that Gamez and the other teen robbed a man that was working in his garage. They took the victim's wallet and then ran. The victim then started to chase after them. This is when one of the suspects shot at him. The victim was not hurt. The 17 year old suspect was arrested at the scene, Gamez as found later.

In Orange County and all over Southern California, juvenile crimes are treated differently then adult charges. Robbery can be defined in the California Penal 211 and it states that robbery is the taking of another's property through force or fear. Murder can also be found in the California Penal Code section 187 and it states that murder is the unlawful killing of another. Usually in juvenile charges, the judge will charge the juvenile as a minor. However if the crime is a violent charge like murder or robbery they can get charged as an adult if the crime was committed by a juvenile that was at least 16 years old.

Having a criminal charge on your record as a teenager can be life altering. It is imperative to retain an experienced Orange County juvenile defense attorney to help you and your loved one defend this criminal charge.

Continue reading "Two Orange County Teens Suspected of Robbery and Attempted Murder" »

Santa Ana - A 16 year old Santa Ana juvenile was recently arrested for allegedly killing a 14 year old man. Police had found the man's body in an alley located in Santa Ana. It is alleged that the boy killed the victim with an object while he was robbing him. He will face robbery and murder charges.

Juveniles crimes are dealt with differently than adult charges in California. The punishment s for juveniles are considered not to be as harsh and often include community service instead of a jail sentences. However a juvenile can not be charged as a minor is the crime committed is considered dangerous. For example in this case, the suspect committed murder. The judge can decide to charge him as an adult instead of as a minor. Murder is defined in the California Penal code section 187 and is defined as the unlawful killing of another. Robbery can be found in Penal code section 211 and it states that robbery is the taking of another's property through force or fear. If the suspect is convicted he could face a long prison sentences as well as fines.

Juveniles have the opportunity to have their records sealed. A Santa Ana juvenile defense attorney can take you through the steps of getting the juveniles records sealed. This means that their criminal records can not be accessed by the public. However, if you miss the time from to have them sealed they will be visible to the public and will stay on their record for years.

Continue reading "Santa Ana Teen Accused or Robbery and Murder" »

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" »

Irvine, Orange County - A Irvine teenager has been arrested for arson in Irvine. Irvine Police allege that five fires have been intentionally started in the last couple of days at an Irvine park. Police got called to an Irvine elementary school for a fire that had been set in a garbage bin. The police detained the teen, and he later admitted he had set the six fires. He is being held at the Orange County Juvenile Hall.
Irvine juvenile defense attorney Michael Guisti, who has many years of successful experience in defending juvenile clients at courts in Irvine, Newport Beach, Santa Ana, Fullerton and throughout Orange County, Los Angeles, states that juvenile charges are dealt differently by the courts than adult charges.

He further explains that for most crimes in California, the juvenile that has been arrested can be released into the custody of a parent or guardian. The California courts are also more likely to have the young adult serve a community service sentence rather than a jail sentence. However if the charge is considered a violent crime like murder for example, and the juvenile being charged is over the age of 14 years old, the court can decide to try the juvenile as an adult. This means that they will have to serve a prison sentence if they are proven guilty of the charge.

If your loved one is being accused of a juvenile charge, many guardians do not know where to start the task of defending this charge. The most important step a person can take is hiring an experienced Santa Ana juvenile defense attorney to help guide them through the criminal defense process. At the Law Office of Michael Guisti, our qualified and skilled Irvine criminal attorneys have spent years representing clients in juvenile court and have the winning strategies in defending our clients.

Continue reading "Irvine Teen Arrested for Arson " »

Irvine, Orange County - Three Irvine teens were arrested for drug crimes and allegedly accused of trying to purchase an uncontrolled substance and making a false police report. The three juveniles were trying to buy methamphetamines from a drug dealer. Instead of selling the teens the drugs, he punched one of them in the face, stole their money and ran. The boys then came up with a story to explain the mark that was on one of the juveniles face.

He told his parents that someone had robbed him and had stolen his money and his iPod. The parent then filed a police report on the robbery. The parents quickly learned that their son had given them false information. The three teenagers were arrested and released to their parents.

Southern California juvenile crime defense attorney, Michael Guisti, recently commented on this case. He states the juvenile cases are handled differently then adult cases. Juvenile cases records can be sealed and the sentencing is typically not as harsh as adult cases. However, a juvenile can be tried as an adult if they are over the age of 14 and have committed a violent crime. If the teenagers are convicted of trying to buy an uncontrolled substance they could be sentenced to do time in Juvenile Hall, and they might have to pay fines. There could also be additional fines for making a false police report.

If your child or someone you love has been charged or arrested for juvenile crimes, you need to consult an experienced Oragne County juvenile crime attorney or Los Angeles criminal lawyer immediately to protect your child's rights.

Continue reading "Irvine Teens Try to Cover Up Drug Deal" »

Fullerton, Orange County - According to Orange County Register, a 14-year-old boy was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and robbery on Saturday.
The incident occurred on Saturday three teegagers approached a man on the street in Anaheim and attacked him and stabbed him with a knife after they were trying to rob him. The man was injured and the three boys fled the scene with the man's bicycle.

The Placentia police investigators later on helped the victim find one of the boys who attacked him. The boy was arrested and booked in juvenile hall.

If your child as been charged with a juvenile offense, it is vital to seek the legal help of a criminal defense attorney who has experience specifically in juvenile court. Because juvenile court is an entirely different world compared to an adult court. In juvenile court, the terminology is different, procedures are different, and many of the laws are different as compared to an adult court.

In California, the most common Felonies or misdemeanors juvenile crimes include : Assault - Penal Code Section 245; Battery - Penal Code Section 242, 243 ; Theft crimes - Penal Code Section 459, 484, 484(e); Shoplifting - Penal Code Section 484; DUI (Driving under the influence) - Vehicle Code Section 21352(a), 21352(b); Speeding and reckless driving, driving without license; Unlawful Firearms and weapons possession - Penal Code Section 12022; Sex crimes - Penal Code Section 261; Sexual assault - Penal Code Section 243.4; Drug crimes, including: drug possession - Health and Safety Code Section 11350(a); Drug transportation - Health and Safety Code Section 11352(a); Drug sales - Health and Safety Code Section 11352(a); Marijuana crimes - Health and Safety Code Section 11357(a), 11357(b)

There are several objectives our Southern California criminal defense attorney will strive for in a juvenile case. First, the attorney will try to keep the minor out of custody. The attorney will work to keep the minor out of CYA (California Youth Authority) or Juvenile Hall and place the minor at your home, in school, and in the community where the minor belongs. Second, the attorney will work to keep the offense off the record so that it will not hinder the minor in obtaining employment, getting a driver's license, and etc. Third, the attorney will work to identify the problem that resulted in your child being charged with the offense, whether it may be drugs, alcohol, or hanging out with bad friends; so that the minor can stay out of the juvenile court system.

Orange County crimina defense attorney Michael Guisti is an experienced Orange County juvenile attorney who has successfully represented numerous juvenile clients accused of juvenile crimes, including gang crimes, Drunk driving, manslaughter, murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, car jacking, rape, assault and battery, theft, drug possession and sales, sex crimes, DUI, and molestation.

Our Orange County Juvenile attorney at Law Offices of Michael L Guisti, possess deep knowledge, experience and skills in juvenile law and familiar with juvenile courts and procedures. Our orange county juvenile lawyer is dedicated to juvenile law.

If your young child is charged with juvenile crimes, it is crucial to hire an experienced Southern California juvenile attorney to protect your child and fight for his / her freedom. Call our skilled orange county criminal attorney at 714-530-9690 for a free consultation or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com

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" »

SANTA ANA, Orange County - An under-aged Tustin DUI driver without a driver license has pleaded guilty of second-degree murder today for murdering a 16-year-old girl who was in the same car with him when the car crashed.

Milad Moulayi, 18, will be sentenced to 15 years to life in prison on Oct. 2 by Superior Court Judge.

Moulayi had been warned by many friends not to drunk driving before the crash happened on Aug. 28, 2008.

The victim, MacKenzie Frazee, 16, wanted to get back home soon that night, got in his car and got killed minutes later.

Orange County District Attorney testified that Moulayi was very drunk and his blood alcohol level was over .11 percent. He lost control of the car while drunk-driving in a high speed over 100 mph on Newport Avenue. The car crashed shortly, Frazee died from massive blunt-force trauma even she had a seat belt on.

Deputy District Attorney explained that the case was prosecuted as an adult case, not as a juvenile crime. Instead of vehicular manslaughter, he will be convicted of second-degree murder due to the fact that he was aware of the danger ahead from drinking alcohol while driving, but still intentionally do so.

The Orange County District Attorney says that the verdict of the murder conviction to a juvenile has sent a message to young people that they would not get away with a serious crime like this because they are under age. They should take responsibility for what they do.

Under California law, Murder Crime can be classified as first-degree murder, second-degree murder or manslaughter. A killing which may not be intentional can still be treated as a first-degree murder if it is considered as a violent crime, such as: rape, carjacking, robbery, kidnapping, burglary.

According to California Penal Code Section 187, murder is defined as causing the death of another person. The punishment for murder is life in prison. Parole is not available if it is first or second degree murder conviction.

If you or a loved one has been charged with murder in Southern California, it is critical for you to seek a qualified criminal defense attorneys immediately.

Continue reading "Teen Convicted of Murder in DUI High Speed Crash in Orange County" »

Orange County Register reports that two Riverside teenage girls who murdered a woman for using her car to go to an amusement park were convicted of first degree murder, kidnapping and carjacking on Monday.

Anna Salinas, 15, and Dayana Cordova, 16, murdered a young woman Arias in Oct, 2007 and both prosecuted as adults and had separate juries. The sentencing is set for Sept. 11.

Salinas, now 17, convicted of murder on Monday. The jury of eight-woman, four-man also convicted her of child abuse and gun use.

Salinas was 15 when murder happened, as a shooter, she could be sentenced to 53 years in prison.

The co-defendant, Cordova, could go to prison for life, without the possibility of parole, because a special circumstance allegation of murder during a carjacking was brought against her. Due to the fact that they are minor then, they didn't get death penalty.

The two teens killed the woman because they want to take her car to go to Knott's Berry Farm in Orange County.

The jury got so shocked and disturbed when they viewed the video of the girls who were left alone in an interview room at the sheriff's office. They laughed about the events of the killing and the shooting while they were eating burgers and drinking sodas .

The two teenagers will face life in prison when they get back to court for sentencing on September 11.

According to California Penal Code Section 190.2, "the penalty for a defendant who is guilty of the first degree murder is death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole if one or more of the following special circumstances has been found under Section 190.4 to be true":

(1) The murder was intentional and carried out for financial gain.
(2) The defendant was convicted of a first or second degree murder before.
(3) The murder was committed by a destructive device, and the defendant knew that his/her act would create a risk of death to another person.

Some violent crimes or felonies committed by a juvenile can be treated as an adult and the case will be filed in adult court. These kind of cases are usually considered as the most violent crimes or a case that a juvenile had a serious criminal history.

It's going to be the prosecutor and the judge's decision whether to file the juvenile case in adult court.or not. A quality work from a Juvenile criminal defense attorney can make the result vary significantly. Having an experienced juvenile defense attorney to work by your side can make the difference in the criminal defense process.

If you or your loved one has been arrested for murder, homicide or manslaughter, you should consult with an aggressive Southern California Criminal Defense attorney immediately.

Continue reading "Riverside Teens Convicted of Murder Face Life in Prison" »

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" »