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.

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 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.

ewport Coast , Orange County - Last week, Dr. Nazar Al Bussam, 71, of Newport Coast was charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Dr. Bussam along with his employees. Rosemary Mendoza, 75, and James Park, 72, were all charged for the same offense.

Drug Enforcement Administration agents conducted a 2-year investigation into Dr. Bussam's practice and were contacted by several pharmacies informing them of his prescribing activity. Authorities indicate that Bussam wrote nearly 60,000 prescriptions that were used to obtain narcotics including OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan, Dilaudid, Vicodin, Norco , Lortab, Xanax, Suboxone, Subutex and Soma.

Doctors are prohibited from writing prescriptions without a legitimate medical purpose.
The idea is that physicians should not act like drug dealers and "divert" controlled substances to illegitimate uses. Law enforcement can come down hard in these cases. The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office recently convicted a doctor who was among the largest prescriber of certain medications in the country.

California Health & Safety Code Section 11153 hs talks about this issue. According to the statute, a doctor cannot issue a prescription 1) outside the usual course of the doctor's practice; 2) for a medical purpose that is not legitimate; and, 3) including to an addict outside of professional treatment.

Bassam and his employees can face up to 20 years in federal prison for committing these crimes. Additionally, Bassam may be 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 Bassam may have to surrender or forfeit his medical license as well as his DEA registration number, which allows him to issue prescriptions for controlled substances.

Bassam may have to close his office and no longer operate his business in Downey and Los Angeles county.

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 immediately. A highly qualified attorney can help you avoid jail, minimize the penalties and achieve a favorable outcome in your case.

How can 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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Santa Ana- 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" »

Santa Ana, Orange County - Santa Ana man, Gaylord Daney, plead not guilty in an Orange County court house to assaulting his public defender .He was appointed a female attorney for his recent marijuana possession charges. He asked the court to fire his current attorney and give him a new one. The court denied his motion. While in the hallway of the court Daney punches his female attorney in the face. The punch caused her glasses to break on she hit her head against the wall. She suffered bruises and cuts on her face. This attorney is no longer representing Daney.

Orange County assault and battery defense attorney Michael Guisti recently reviewed this case. He states that Daney will not only be facing charges for his marijuana possession, but he will also be facing the charges of felony assault charges. Assault and its punishments can be found in the California Penal code section 240. The code section states that an assault occurs when a person attempts to injure another and has the means to do so. Since the woman is an officer of the court it is a felony. He could be facing a fine of $2,000 and jail time. He will face additional misdemeanor charges if convicted of possession of marijuana.

Continue reading "Sanat Ana Man Assaults Public Defender" »

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 " »

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" »

Costa Mesa, Orange County - The Orange County Register reports that Costa Mesa Police have served search warrants at the West Coast Wellness Center medical marijuana dispensary. The dispensary is located on the 1200 block of Logan Avenue . Three employees, ranging in age from 23 to 49 were booked on charges of illegally selling marijuana. A female customer was also cited for drug possession.

California voters approved Proposition 215 in 1996, allowing qualified patients to use marijuana for its medicinal properties. The law, however, did not establish a uniform, statewide framework for the distribution of the drug. Since then, cities have enacted conflicting approaches for regulating and sanctioning medical marijuana dispensaries. Costa Mesa prohibits such facilities from operating within its city limits.

Prop. 215 has also generated confusion regarding the legality of any marijuana sales. The face of the law prohibits sale of marijuana for profit, but allows qualified distributors to collect "reasonable compensation" for their services.

The three employees arrested in yesterday's raid will likely be charged under section 11360(a) of the California Health and Safety Code. That provision makes any unauthorized sale of marijuana a felony punishable by up to 4 years in state prison, depending on the quantity of marijuana sold and the defendant's prior record. The fourth suspect will most likely be charged under section 11357(b) of the Health and Safety Code. That provision makes possession of less than one ounce of cannabis by an adult a misdemeanor punishable by a $100 fine, unless she can provide proof that she uses marijuana pursuant to a doctor's recommendation or approval.

California Drug charges can be very serious, possibly resulting in lengthy prison sentences. Only an aggressive, experienced Southern California criminal defense attorney or Orange County Drug crime defense attorneys can help navigate the complicated judicial process and protect your legal rights. At Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, our Orange county criminal attorneys and Los Angeles drug crime defense lawyers have extensive experience in defending against all types of drug charges in both state and federal courts in Orang County, Los Angeles, San Diego and throughout Southern California. We represent clients who are accused of drug crimes, such as drug possession, drug transportation, drug cultivation and drug distribution. If you or someone you know has been accused of any drug-related offense, contact us immediately at 714-530-9690 to speak to our Orange County drug crime defense attorneys to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect your freedom or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com

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.

Orange County - Orange County Register reports that a Corona man, Matthew Barnard, was formally arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine paraphernalia and possession of stolen property. He was also charged with counterfeit of money.

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 meals with two counterfeit $20 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 Theft Crime Defense Attorney to protect your rights and freedom.

Orange county 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.