Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog

Costa Mesa, Orange County - Federal authorities raided three medical marijuana dispensaries this week, and federal officials also filed lawsuits against property owners where the dispensaries were housed, alleging the owners of the property knew they were allowing marijuana stores to conduct business.

No arrests were made, but those running the marijuana dispensaries were detained for a time as authorities conducted their search.

Though medical marijuana is against federal law, the medicinal use of marijuana is legal in California, but DEA investigators state the dispensaries that were searched have been operating as marijuana stores for profit, a violation of California and federal law.

It's interesting that after a couple years of taking a "hands off" approach the Obama administration has decided to crack down on California's medical marijuana stores, says Costa Mesa criminal attorney Michael L. Guisti.

Guisti explains that the federal government regulates drugs like marijuana through the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) under 21 U.S.C. § 811, which does not recognize the difference between medical and recreational use of marijuana.

It's very important to understand that if you own a medical marijuana dispensary and are operating well within California's medical marijuana laws and the local city's and county's law the feds can still come into your place of business anytime and raid the place and arrest you, stresses Guisti.

Just as important, it's one thing if you face marijuana criminal charges in California, which can result in a PC 1000 or Proposition 36 sentence with no jail time, but a federal marijuana criminal charge can result in dozens of years in federal prison and a fine up to a million dollars, says Guisti.

If you're a medical marijuana dispensary owner with the feds raiding legal operations it's very important you retain a professional federal attorney by calling the Orange County federal crimes attorney experts right away at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti.

We have over a decade of experience successfully winning even the toughest federal crimes for our clients in the federal courts of Santa Ana, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego.

So please, call us now.

Newport Beach, Orange County - Following a month long undercover investigation Newport Beach Police busted a marijuana sales operation last Friday that resulted in 300 marijuana plants, 37 pounds of "high grade" pot and about $24,000 in cash being seized.

The marijuana has a street value of about $200,000, according to police.

The investigation resulted in five people being arrested for marijuana sales.

Despite California's fairly relaxed views on marijuana it's very important to understand that California's marijuana sales law is very strict and is a felony that can result in prison time, says Newport Beach criminal attorney Michael L. Guisti.

While there is quite a bit of evidence in this Newport Beach drug case what is interesting with marijuana drug sales is there doesn't need to be any physical evidence of marijuana to be prosecuted for this crime, only that you offered to sell pot, explains Guisti.

As well it's very important to understand that simply giving away marijuana constitutes marijuana sales, says Guisti.

Now if these five suspects happened to mention to investigators they have sold their marijuana to customers in another state or Mexico they could face the much more serious federal drug trafficking charge, according to Guisti.

Guisti explains that basically you're charged with federal drug trafficking when the federal government alleges you trafficked drugs, or money to pay for drugs, across state or international lines.

Now if you never transported drugs or money to pay for drugs across state or international lines you shouldn't face federal drug trafficking charges, Guisti explains.

Just how serious is the federal charge, well, Guisti says, if convicted on a marijuana federal drug trafficking case you could face millions in fines and up to 30 years in a federal prison.

One reason to stress these federal marijuana charges is the Obama Administration has announced a crackdown on legal California medical marijuana clinics, which could result in doctors, store owners and customers being charged with federal drug crimes, explains Guisti.

If you've been charged with a marijuana crime it's very important to contact our Orange County marijuana attorney experts right now at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti.

Our legal team can work to reduce these marijuana charges, or have them dismissed altogether by having you enter a program under Penal Code 1000 or Proposition 36.

Our Orange County drug crime attorneys have over a decade of successfully reducing or dismissing our client's marijuana charges in the courts of Orange County, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego.

Irvine, Orange County - The Federal government announced this week they're cracking down on both medical marijuana and commercial marijuana operations in California, which includes one Los Angeles commercial operation that was shipping marijuana to New York.

On Thursday federal prosecutors threatened to shut down medical marijuana dispensaries throughout California, warning landlords to stop sales within 45 days or face their property being seized and be charged with a federal crime. Federal prosecutors allege some medical marijuana operations in the state are operating as a commercial store-front model, which prosecutors say is illegal.

The news of this ramped up enforcement is bit of a surprise for advocates and store owners as the Obama Administration announced in 2009 that federal prosecutors would not target people or businesses using and dealing medical marijuana in states that allow it.

Irvine criminal attorney Michael L. Guisti says first off commercial selling of marijuana is illegal in California, and the federal prosecutors will have the burden of proof to show that various medical marijuana operations were just a cover for a commercial operation.

Guisti says federal law basically trumps state law, which is why the feds are allowed to crackdown on legal medical marijuana operations.

Also, Guisti goes on to say, since this is a federal crackdown those arrested and charged will face their charges in federal court, which have very different rules and procedures from county courts.

For one thing, how you're charged with a federal crime is based on a point system, Guisti says, and once the "points" are "added up" a federal district judge imposes a mandatory minimum and/or maximum sentence based on the final "point value" given to your case.

The point base value is based on the seriousness of the alleged crime, and then points are added or subtracted depending on the circumstances such as the age of the victim, the amount of money involved, if any weapons were used, your criminal history, along with your social and economic stability, Guisti explains.

It's going to be an interesting couple months and it will be interesting how local Orange County police react to this crackdown on medical marijuana, Guisti says. Even with all this going on if you legally possess marijuana you shouldn't have any problems with Orange County law enforcement since local law enforcement represents the state, and the state recognizes, until amended, that medical marijuana is legal, according to Guisti.

If you or your marijuana collective are facing criminal charges call our expert Orange County marijuana attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti at 714-530-9690. Our legal experts have over a decade of experience successfully defending our clients not just in Orange County court, but federal court.

San Clemente, Orange County - A 50-year old woman in a caravan driving through the border stop at the I-5 checkpoint in San Clemente was signaled over by U.S. Border Patrol agents on Sunday. As the van pulled through the checkpoint, the agents referred the vehicle for inspection.

At that time, according to statements released by the Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Border Patrol agents discovered drugs by using a drug sniffing dog. A woman only identified as a U.S. citizen was found to have two bundles of methamphetamine drugs wrapped in cellophane and duct tape in her jacket. The total weight of the drugs were nearly four pounds and believed to have a street value of $70,000.

The 50-year old woman was subsequently taken into custody and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Santa Ana drug criminal defense lawyer, Michael Guisti, who has experience handling cases in California drug charges in both federal and state court commented on this case.

He explains that drug trafficking or possession of drugs for sale can be defined in the California Health and Safety code sections which states that every person who transports, imports into this state, sells, furnishes, administers, or gives away, or offers to transport, import into this state, sell, or give away, or import into this state or transport any drugs is serious felony drug crime, it can have serious punishment, including state prison time and exhorbitant fines.

The Huntington Beach drug crime attorney and federal criminal defense attorney explained the California drug laws on this case. He explains that drug possession can be charged as a misdemeanor in California, but drugs possession to sell is a felony and it carries jail time or prison time.

If you are being targeted or investigated by the local authorities, you need a vigilant and aggressive drug defense lawyer to advise you of your rights and defend your legal matter appropriately.

If you're criminally charged with a felony, you need to consult with a strong and powerful Orange County Criminal drug defense lawyer or Southern California felony defense lawyer immediately. A highly qualified drug defense attorney who knows the drug laws can help you avoid jail, minimize the penalties and achieve favorable outcome of your case.

How can an experienced Orange County Criminal lawyer help you in a successful Orange County drug crime defense or Los Angeles drug crime defense?

Our Fullerton criminal defense attorney is a renowned Orange County drug crime defense attorney who provides highly skilled defense representation to defendants who have been charged with drugs crime or those who need California professional license defense and/or criminal appeals.

Our Irvine criminal defense attorneys have the knowledge and resources in both state and federal courts. Our Westminster criminal attorney and Anaheim criminal lawyers have solid results in successfully defending defendants who have been arrested under the state or federal laws.

If you or someone you love have been arrested or charged with drugs crimes, fraud, DUI, white collar crime, violent crimes or felony grand theft, contact our strong and powerful Orange County criminal 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!

Laguna Niguel, Orange County - Orange County criminal Defense attorney Michael Guisti recently spoke about California drug crimes in an interview. The Orange County drug crime defense attorney said that many of the California drug crime charges came with more serious punishments than people expect. It is imperative that if a person is facing a drug crime charge that they retain a skilled Santa Ana drug crime defense attorney to help them defend their charge.

Earlier this month, Allan James Waters, 37 of Laguna Niguel, a former deputy sheriff, already facing drug charges including driving under the influence has been additionally charged with felony counts for allegedly obtaining prescription pills by providing false information and repeatedly switching doctors; driving under the influence causing bodily injury, two felony counts of selling a substance in lieu of cocaine, nine felony counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, plus a sentencing enhancement for causing great bodily injury to an elder.

It began in March 2010 when Waters crashed his 2008 Mercedes-Benz into a Toyota crossing over the center median and into oncoming vehicles. The driver sustained minor injuries but his 78-year old passenger was transported to the hospital and sustained injuries to her back according to reports.

CHP arrived at the scene and charged Waters with DUI of prescription drugs Zolpidem and Hydrocodone.

Prosecutors allege that between March 2009 and March 2010, Waters went to eight different doctors to obtain prescription drugs by giving false stories in order to receive the drugs. When one doctor would stop or refuse to provide a prescription, Waters would go to another doctor according to the DA's office.

According to Criminal defense lawyer Michael Guisti, if convicted of all charges, Waters may face a possible sentence of 13 years and four months in state prison.

The Orange County drug crime attorney states that in California there are many different types of drug crime charges like possession of an uncontrolled substance, being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of cocaine, and selling cocaine. Being under the influence of a controlled substance can be found in the California Health & Safety Code, section 11550(a).

The Newport Beach criminal attorney and Newport Beach drug crime lawyer explains that it is illegal to be under the influence of a controlled substance. This includes drugs like Opana, Oxycodone, Zolpidem, Hydrocodone, methamphetamines, cocaine and PCP, among others. If convicted of this charge a person can face up to one year in jail, may be ordered to go through a drug rehab program and may have to pay fines. An Orange County drug crime defense attorney that is familiar with drug crime charges can help a person whose facing these charges.

Moreover, Waters was charged for DUI. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be a serious offense. The offense becomes more serious when someone is injured. In California, a DUI with an injury or death is considered a "wobbler". Whether it is charged as a felony or a misdemeanor depends on two things:

1. What the circumstances are of the individual case
2. And whether you have had a DUI before and how long ago was it.

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol with injury can be defined in the California Vehicle Code 23153(a). It states it is unlawful for any person, while under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle and concurrently do any act forbidden by law, or neglect any duty imposed by law in driving the vehicle, which act or neglect proximately causes bodily injury to any person other than the driver. If convicted of a felony a person could face fines, restitution, and prison sentences.

Many of the drug crime charges came with more serious punishments than people expect. It is imperative that if a person is facing a drug crime charge that they retain a skilled Santa Ana drug crime defense attorney to help them defend their charge.

How can a successful Orange County criminal defense attorney or a skilled Westminster drug crimes defense attorney help you when faced with a felony or misdemeanor?

At the Law Office of Michael Guisti, we have spent years representing our client that are being charged with a drug charge or possession of a controlled substance. In many of our clients cases that are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, our experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney has been able to get the charges reduced and even dismissed. We have helped clients in Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Bernardino Counties.

If you or a loved one is facing a felony or misdemeanor charge like assault, battery, domestic violence, robbery, grand theft auto, petty theft, sex crime, or if you need a Newport Beach white collar crime defense attorney to help you with you white collar crime charge call our office today. Our experienced Orange County Appellate lawyer has also been successful in representing clients with their appeal and Habeas Corpus cases. Call our office toll free today at 1-888-478-8999 or visit our website at www.topcaliofornialawyer.com to learn more about our Orange County criminal defense attorney. You'll be glad you did.

Laguna Beach , Orange County - California criminal lawyer and Orange County drug crime defense attorney at Law Offices of Michael Guisti have seen increases in drug trafficking cases as the economy has been slow to recover. Ecstasy possession and trafficking have become more common with the increase in the drugs popularity. The Newport Beach drug crime attorney and Irvine criminal attorney recently commented on a drug cases reported on the news.

Gee Kim, 21, of La Palma and Dennis Oh, 21, of Anaheim were arrested late last month in a drug bust for possession and intent to sell 5,000 Ecstasy pills to undercover investigators in a Cal State Fullerton parking lot. The estimated street value for the pills are $50,000.

According to the Orange County drug crime attorney and Santa Ana drug crime attorney that in California, Drug crimes are very serious crimes. It involves narcotics offenses such as drug possession, drug distribution, drug sales, drug manufacture, and controlled substances, such as MDMA, 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.

The Huntington Beach drug crime attorney and Orange County drug defense attorney explains that if one is convicted of drug crimes in California, he could have very severe penalties. 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.

California drug crime are usually charged as 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 at least 90 days of jail, it is also applied to someone who is intoxicated on narcotic, or if he doesn't have a lawfully issued prescription.

The Westminster criminal attorney further states that whatever the type of the drug crimes, whether it is a felony drug poccession 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 critical to seek the legal help from 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 California drug crime charges. We will take every step the possible way to help you to minimize your charges or dismiss all your charges.

The Fullerton drug crime attorney also explains that 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. You'll be glad you did.

Yorba Linda , Orange County - California criminal attorneys and Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers at Law offices of Michael Guisti have been interviewed to discuss about California criminal defense procedures regarding drug crime in Orange County and Los Angeles. The Newport Beach drug crime defense attorney also discussed about a drug crime recently reported on the news in the Orange County Register.

In the news, earlier this month, a multi-jurisdictional task-force including DEA, Sheriff's department, Bureau of Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and IRS conducted an intensive investigation targeting gang members called Red Door in San Gabriel Valley. The Red Door gang including Tony Tuan Dam of Huntington Beach and Jane Kim of Yorba Linda were arrested and charged on suspicion of being part of a criminal ring responsible for drug trafficking and arranging fake marriages.

Newport Beach drug crimes defense attorney Michael Guisti who has experience handling cases in California drugs crime cases in both federal and state court commented on this case. He explains that drug trafficking or possession of drugs for sale can be defined in the California Health and Safety code sections which states that every person who transports, imports into this state, sells, furnishes, administers, or gives away, or offers to transport, import into this state, sell, or give away, or import into this state or transport any drugs is serious felony drug crime, it can have serious punishment, including state prison time and heavy fines.

The Orange County drug defense attorney and Los angeles drug crime attorney explained the California drug crime law on this case. He explains that drug poccession can be charged as a misdemeanor in California, but possession drug to sell is a felony and it carries jail time or prison time.

According to the Irvine drug crime attorney, in a grand jury indictment that charges defendants distributed Ecstacy, growing marijuana arranging fake marriages to American women so foreign nationals could obtain citizenship.

If you are being targeted or investigated by the local authorities, you need a vigilant and aggressive California defense attorney to tell you your rights and defend you appropriately.

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

How can an experienced Orange County Criminal attorney can help you in a successful Orange County drug crime defense or Los Angeles drug crime defense ?

Our Fullerton criminal defense attorney is renowned drug crime defense attorney who provides highly skilled defense representation to individuals who are charged with a crime or those who need California professional license defense or criminal appeals.

Our California criminal attorneys have the knowledge and resources in both state and federal cases. Our Westminster criminal attorney and Huntington beach criminal attorneys have solid experiences in successfully defending clients who have been arrested or under the state and federal criminal investigations.

If you or someone you love have been arrested or charged with drug crimes, fraud, dui, white collar crime, violent crimes or felony grand theft, contact our vigilant and aggressive Orange County criminal 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.

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" »

Newport Beach, Orange County - A Newport Beach business owner of the Health Collective and his three employees plead guilty to felony drug charges. The first defendant Steve Wick, the owner pleads guilty to the unlawful sale of marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale. Wick also has another drug cases pending with the courts that he will plead guilty to. In this case he is being charged with possession of marijuana for sale and possessing more than $25,000 obtained through drug sales. He is being sentenced to three years in state prison. The second defendant Marilyn Manuel, manager, pled guilty to the charge of possession for sale of marijuana, and was sentenced to one year in jail. The last defendant Tara Sorenson is being charged with three felony counts of the sale of marijuana and one felony count of possession of marijuana for sale. She has yet to be sentenced.

Newport Beach drug crimes defense attorney Michael Guisti who has experience handling cases in California drugs crime cases in both federal and state court commented on this article. He states that possession of marijuana for sale can be defined in the California Health and Safety code 11360 which states that every person who transports, imports into this state, sells, furnishes, administers, or gives away, or offers to transport, import into this state, sell, furnish, administer, or give away, or attempts to import into this state or transport any marijuana shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for up to four years. He goes on to explain that possessing marijuana and possessing marijuana to sell it are dealt with differently. Possessing marijuana is considered a misdemeanor in California, but possessing marijuana to sell it is a felony and usually means a jail sentence.

Having a drug charge on your record is very serious. It can have negative aspects on every part of your life. Since possession with the intent to sale is dealt with so much more harshly than just possession, it is imperative to your freedoms that you hire a skilled Orange County criminal defense attorney and an experienced Irvine criminal attorney immediately to protect your rights.

Continue reading "Newport Beach Businessman Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Sales of Marijuana" »

San Clemente- San Clemente Police pulled over a truck filled with furniture and noticed a strange smell coming from the furniture. Police suspect that the smell was marijuana. They the have it confirmed by a K-9 team. Police then inspected the furniture and discover that it has been hidden in the empty space. It is alleged that the weight of the marijuana was about 772.9 pounds and worth about $386,000. The suspect was arrested and turned over to the Drug enforcement Administration.

Newport Beach drug crimes defense attorney Michael Guisti goes over the charges of smuggling. The charges of the sale or transportation of marijuana can be found in the California Health and Safety code section 11360 which states that every person who transports, imports into this state, sells, furnishes, administers, or gives away, or offers to transport, import into this state, sell, furnish, administer, or give away, or attempts to import into this state or transport any marijuana shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for up to four years.

Having a drug charge on your record is very serious. The charge of selling is dealt with by the courts more harshly than just possession. If a person gets charged with the sale and transportation of drugs it will have an affect on every aspect of their lives. It is imperative to retain an experienced Newport Beach drug crimes defense attorney if you are facing a drug charge.

Continue reading "San Clemente Man Arrested for Smuggling Marijuana " »

San Clemente, Orange County - San Diego police were conducting a checkpoint station near the San Clememte Border. Two unidentified men were caught in Orange County trying to smuggle 18 pounds of cocaine into the United States. The value of the cocaine is said to be about $300,000.

The deputies saw two men in a white Dodge truck on a Saturday morning. The deputies then questioned the men and ask where they were going. The men were questioned separately and each of their locations was different. The deputies then used police dogs to sniff around the truck. The dogs found the cocaine hidden in the truck.

Under California criminal law, drug crime charges are serious cases. There are several type of drug crime charges, such as drug manufacturing, drug trafficking, drug possession, drug possession with intent to sell, drug cultivation, money laundering or drug sale of an unlawful narcotic, including: heroin, LSD, meth, cocaine, crack, marijuana, methamphetamines, or illegal use controlled substances or unauthorized prescription medications.

In California, Drug offense is one of the most aggressively prosecuted crimes. Most of the drug crimes can be charged as felony charges. An Orange County Criminal Attorney, known as an Orange County and Los Angeles drug crime defense authority, Attorney Michael L. Guisti, has evaluated this case and he thinks this is a very serious offense. He comments that if these two drug traffickers are convicted, these two drug traffickers could face serious felony drug crime charges involving a federal crime.

In the State of California, transporting a controlled substance is a serious offense. If you or someone you love has been arrested or charged with any kind of felony drug crimes, whether in Orange County, Los Angeles or San Diego, you need to consult an experienced Southern California Drug Defense attorney for legal advice immediately. Our Orange County criminal attorney and Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys have handled hundreds of drug cases on both state and federal level.

Under the California Heath and Safety Code 11352 any person who transports for sale any controlled substances shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for three, six, or nine years.

Continue reading "Men Arrested for Drug Smuggling of 18 Pounds of Cocaine at Orange County Checkpoint" »

Fountain Valley, Orange County - Fountain Valley police go undercover at a local restaurant to investigate what is called "Bikini Night". Undercover police went to the restaurant Aysya after learning that on Sunday and Monday nights. The police were able to buy at the restaurant five ecstasy pills for fifty dollars from the waitress.

Three weeks later the undercover police went back to the restaurant looking to see if they were able to buy more. Police wrote in a search warrant. Three people have been charged with the selling of ecstasy pills to the undercover police. Among those charged are Vinh Pham Buu, the restaurant's owner, the waitress who sold the pills Cindy Thi Thuy Huynh, and John Phi Ma for supplying the pills that the detective bought.

In California, drug crimes involves illegal drugs or controlled substances can be charged with drug possession for Personal Use; possession of Drugs for Sale; drug trafficking (drug transporting, drug buying, drug selling); drug distributing; drug Cultivating or Manufacturing or drug conspiracy.

Under Calfornia Law, the possession of drugs with the intent to sell is a serious offense. The California Health and Safety Code 11352 states that any person that posses or tries to sell a controlled substances can be imprisoned. Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti who reviewed this case noted that drug crime cases are usually serious charges and mostly can be charged with felony charges and that people that face these charges can be imprisoned in the state prison for three, six or nine years.

Does this sound like a situation that you are in? Have you been charged with either selling or possessing controlled substance? Protect your freedom. At the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, a leading Southern California Criminal Defense law firm, we can help you through this difficult time. Michael L. Guisti has the exceptional knowledge and experience in drug crime defense at both state and federal level. Our attorneys will provide you with the highest quality representation you need. Orange County criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti is very familiar with the court systems, prosecutors, judges in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside. He is often able to reduce a serious felony drug crime, to a lesser misdemeanor charge. We will put many years of our experience to work for you.

Continue reading "Fountain Valley Restaurant Owner Charged with Drug Sales to Undercovered Orange County Police" »

Orange County - According to The Orange County Register, Matthew Barnard, of Corona, was formally arrested on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine paraphernalia and possession of stolen property. Barnard was said to have attempted to pay for his meal at a local Arby's with counterfeit bills.

Orange County sheriff's deputies were called to an Arby's restaurant on Monday night after an employee at the Arby's called authorities to report that two customers had tried to pay for their Arby's meals with two counterfeit $20 bills. Upon further search, deputes also found more counterfeit bills.

California Penal Code Section 470(d)covers the crime of counterfeiting, and the statute makes clear that the counterfeiting of legal tender is a criminally sanctionable act with substantial penalties, which may include, but is not limited to, fines and/or jail/prison time. Moreover, possession of illegal narcotics is also a criminal act which carries penalties, including but not limited to, penalties and/or jail/prison time.

If you or your loved one have been charged or arrested for counterfeiting and/or possession of illegal narcotics, or related felonies and/or misdemeanors in the State of California, you need to consult with an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney or Southern California criminal lawyer to protect your rights and freedom. Criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti have handled hundreds of criminal cases in both state and federal court, including fraud, theft crimes, counterfeiting of money and drug possession, among many other crimes. Please contact our Orange County criminal defense attorney at 714-530-9690 or visit our website at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.

WESTMINSTER, Orange County - A Fountain Valley store owner was arrested for marijuana sale at his store. Bigira KiroKiro will be in Westminster West Justice Center for his charge on selling marijuana. He has been charged with a felony count of sale or transport of marijuana, felony possession for sale charge. He is facing felony charge of opening a location for selling drugs. A Fountain Valley police detective went to the store and asked to buy some drugs. Later, they found marijuana and some drugs in the office and car.

Possession of drugs with the intent to sell, or the actual sale of drugs is a serious crime and a felony under California law. Under California Health and Safety Code Section 11352, "Every person who transports, imports into this state, sells, furnishes, administers, or gives away, or offers to transport, import into this state, sell, furnish, administer, or give away, or attempts to import into this state or transport [...a controlled substance...] shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for three, four, or five years." Also, even misdemeanor drug charges can lead to prison time, heavy fines, and community service. Therefore, if you have been charged with any drug crime in Southern California, you need to hire an expert criminal defense attorney that has experience in defending drug charges.

Why hire an experienced Orange County drug crimes defense attorney?

Experienced criminal defense attorneys know that district attorneys have a lot of prosecutorial discretion when it comes to the prosecution of drug crimes. Here at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, our Orange County criminal defense lawyers have defended their clients from drug charges for over a decade. We have built professional relationships with many district attorneys and prosecutors, and we have been able to put these relationships to work for our clients' benefit. Often times, we are able to have a serious feloney drug crimes charge reduced to a lesser misdemeanor charge, or negotiate plea deals so that our clients do not have to spend any time in prison.

If you have been charged with a drug crime in Southern California, please call us today at (714) 530-9690 for a free consultation with one of our experienced Orange County criminal defense attorneys. Let us put our expertise and experience to work for you in your drug crimes defense case.

TUSTIN, Orange County - A Huntington Beach man and a Tustin woman has been arrested for growing marijuana in their baby's room. Stephen Casino, of Huntington Beach, and Tina Turrieta, of Tustin, have been both arrested. They are facing charges of felony child endangerment, according to the Tustin Police.

According to California law, if a person permits a child to be in a situation that child's health or safety is endangered, he could be convicted of felony child endangerment. Police found two dozen plants in the apartment. California law only allows marijuana patients to grow 12 plants per person.