Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog

Los Angeles-Los Angeles resident Blair Hanloh is suspected of committing real estate fraud. It is alleged that Hanloh would take over houses that were foreclosed and rent them out. Hanloh would file quit-claim deeds turning the property over from his name and transferring to his business. However these deeds were false due to the fact that he did not own the houses to begin with. He was discovered when nearby neighbors thought they saw squatters in the foreclosed houses. He is charged with grand theft, recording false instruments and commercial burglary. If convicted he faces up to 21 years in prison.

White Collar crimes are very serious. There is a wide variety of white collar crimes like real estate fraud, credit fraud, grand theft, identity fraud, embezzlement, and identity theft. In Los Angeles County and in Orange County these crimes are dealt with very harshly. Grand theft can be defined in the California Penal Code, section 487. Grand theft has occurred when the amount of money, property, or merchandise ahs amounted to more than $400. This crime is considered a felony.

Many white collar crimes are charged as felonies. It is imperative to a person that is facing a white collar crime like grand theft to hire an experienced Newport Beach white collar crime defense attorney to help you defend your charge.

Continue reading "Los Angeles County Businessman Suspected of 3.5 million Real Estate Scheme" »

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

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

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

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

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

Westminster, Orange County - A trio from Westminster were caught trying to pull off a real estate fraud scam that is worth $17.5 million. Kathy Chen, her boyfriend Richard Gonzalez, and his brother Daniel Gonzalez, are being charged with 157 felony counts of conspiracy, grand theft, forgery, recording false documents, and identity theft. Chen used to work as a real estate broker and owned several businesses. The three of them bought 35 properties around Orange County with stolen identities. They used the identities of unsuspecting victims that had little income and could not speak English. The group had planned to take out the loans and never pay the loans back. Chen's boyfriend and his brother are fugitives. Authorities allege that the two have a house in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Orange County Fraud defense attorney Michael Guisti explains the charges in this case. Grand theft can be defined in the California Penal code 487(a), which states that grand theft has occurred when the money, property or real property amounts over $400. Chen is also being charged with identity theft. This can be found in the Penal code 530.5(a) and occurs when a person willfully obtains personal identification with the intent to use it for an unlawful purpose. Irvine criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti goes on to state that both of these charges are considered felonies in California. If a person is convicted of these crimes then they will face lengthy prison sentences and large fines.

White collar crimes is a very serious offense. A white collar crime can be medical fraud, grand theft, real estate fraud, identity theft, check fraud, health care fraud, credit card fraud, money laundering and embezzlement. When first being charged with a white collar crime such as grand theft, it can be overwhelming. Hiring a skilled Newport Beach white collar crime defense attorney is the most important thing a person can do when defending a white collar crime charge.

Continue reading "Westminster Trio Caught in Real Estate Fraud" »

Laguna Niguel, Orange County - Laguna Niguel resident, William Baker, was arrested Thursday for stealing almost a million dollars from investors in a investment scheme. Instead of using the fund for his clients, he used the fund for his personal use. From 2006 to 2008, Baker embezzled nearly $1 million from at least 10 investors. Baker had promised investors the he would buy run down houses and then remodel them. Baker took the money from the investors and bought property, then put the properties in a trust for his son. He also used some of the investor's funds to pay back earlier investors.

Orange County white collar crime defense attorney and Los Angeles County investment fraud defense attorney Michael Guisti recently discussed about this case, stated that Baker could be facing serious felony crime in grand theft, embezzlement, real estate fraud and investment fraud charges. The Los Angeles criminal attorney also commented that a defendant like Baker with bail amount of 1 million dollars, need to prove the legal source of money before posting bond. California has very harsh penalties for people that commit real estate fraud, investment fraud and embezzlement.

Orange County white collar crime defense attorney Michael Guisti also states that these types of crimes are considered felony crimes which come with not only long prison sentences, but large fines and restitution. Baker is most likely going to also face the charge of grand theft which is defined in California Penal code section 487(a ) and it states a person has committed grand theft when the money, labor, or real or personal property taken is of a value exceeding four hundred dollars ($400). A Laguna Niguel judge might also decide to add an aggravated white collar crime enhancement which adds five years to the prison sentence and is a $500,000 fine.

The first move a person needs to make when facing a white collar crime in Southern California, such as real estate fraud, credit card fraud, insurance fraud, investment fraud, and mortgage fraud, medical fraud, healthcare fraud, grand theft or embezzlement, or need professional license defense is to retain a experienced Los Angeles criminal attorney or an Orange County white collar crime defense attorney immediately. Newport Beach fraud defense attorneys and Newport beach white collar crime defense attorney at law Offices of Michael Guisti have handled hundreds of white collar crimes in Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Costa Mesa, Fullerton, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Westminster, Los Angeles, Beverly hills, santa monica, redondo beach, pasadena and many other cities.

Continue reading "Laguna Niguel Man Arrested for embezzlement and fraud in house flipping scheme" »

NEWPORT BEACH, Orange County - A Newport Beach woman, Bethany Jane Brady, who was working as an account for a Newport Beach salon for13 years, was charged with grand theft and embezzlement for stealing more than $250,000 from the employer. Brady had been using funds from the salon's account for her personal use for the past three years. Brady was convicted of grand theft, embezzlement and identity theft.
Brady was sentenced to two years in state prison for felony theft crime of embezzling more than $250,000 from the Newport Beach salon. Besides, she also has to pay $250,000 in restitution. She was also facing enhanced sentencing for stealing more than $200,000.

There are various charges involved with theft crimes and white collar crimes, such as grand theft, fraud, embezzlement, insurance fraud, bank fraud, real estate fraud, credit card fraud, forgery, medical fraud, shoplifting and petty theft.

Under California law, embezzlement is defined as illegal transfer of money for personal use. In California, embezzlement is also called employee theft crime. It is a theft crime that committed by employees.

In a case involved someone such as Bethany Brady, who steals money from the employer for the amount over $400, can be charged with a serious Grand Theft and embezzlement. It can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. If the person is charged with felony Grand Theft, the punishment usually includes: state or federal prison, restitution, Fines and more. If you have been charged with white collar crime or embezzlement or grand theft in California, it is important to hire an experienced Los Angeles Theft crime attorney or Orange County white collar crime attorney to protect your rights.

Continue reading "Newport Beach Woman convicted of Felony Grand Theft and Embezzlement" »

SANTA ANA, Orange County - A disbarred Orange County attorney and his two business partners in the loan modification business were charged with a felony count of conspiracy for committing fraud, grand theft and felony counts of grand theft by false pretense. Christopher Lee Diener, Stefano Joseph Marrero, and Terrence Green Sr., of Ladera Ranch, were arrested today for the grand theft and white collar crimes in defrauding over 400 homeowners. The business was under the name of Home Relief Services LLC and US Loan Mod Processing and Diener Law Firm. The business provided service to people who need loan modification and facing home foreclosures.

Under California criminal law, white collar crime, grand theft are very serious crimes. Under California Penal Code Section PC 487, Grand theft is defined as the unlawful taking someone else's money or property valued above $400. Theft crimes are serious offenses and it carries severe penalties. It can be charged as misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity of the case, circumstances of the case and prior criminal records.
And the punishment for the felony white collar crimes are severe. If convicted, they could be sentenced to 70 years in prison. They could also face sentencing enhancements for white-collar crime and excessive taking.

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

Continue reading "Orange County Attorney and partners charged with White Collar Crime, Fraud and Grand Theft" »

Laguna Beach, Orange County - Laguna Beach residents James Eaton and his son Brian Eaton have been arrested and charged with over 20 felony grand in order to attract more business from lenders.

Both men have been arrested last week. If convicted, they could be sentenced to 18 years in prison. Both the father and the son worked at an Irvine company in the appraisals for residential properties during 2005 and 2007 properties. During the years they were working with the company, they falsified appraisals and overstated the value of properties so that lenders could take higher profit for the loans with higher appraisal prices.

Between April 17, 2006 and Dec. 30, 2006, they have allegedly changed the appraisal values up to $40,000. Orange County District Attorney's office are still investigating the case.

Newport Beach, Orange County - A Newport Beach woman has been arrested for mortgage fraud, real estate fraud and bank fraud. Mailan Tran, of Newport Coast, was charged with felony grand theft and conspiracy to commit grand theft with sentencing enhancements of causing banks lose more than $2.5 million. If convicted of all charges, she will be facing 14 years and eight months in prison.

From 2005 and 2007, Tran teamed up with other people took several loans from different banks for their homes through Tran's mortgage company Money Lending One in Westminster. They had mortgage on the house already, but they took out seperate loans from another bank.

Under California criminal law, fraud is a white collar crime. Fraud defines as a person or an organization deliberately misrepresents themselves in order to obtain some financial gain. California fraud charge is a serious crime, and the punishment is severe, it includes jail or prison time, substantial fines. If you have been investigated or arrested for fraud, you need to hire an experienced California fraud defense attorney to defend you.

The skilled fraud defense attorneys at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti have decade of experience in both state and federal court defending clients for their felony fraud charges throughout Southern California, Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Bernardino and Riverside. Our criminal defense attorneys will work tirelessly to defend you and make sure that your rights are protected.

At Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, our Southern California criminal defense lawyers and Orange County fraud defense attorneys have represented clients charged with bank fraud, healthcare fraud, medical fraud, insurance fraud, credit card fraud, identity fraud, internet fraud, and many other types of fraud.

Continue reading "Newport Beach Woman Charged with Grand Theft and Real Estate fraud" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SANTA ANA - An Orange County unauthorized trader, Paul Abad, was arrested Tuesday for fraud and theft crimes by stealing over $1.14 million through his investment scheme.

Abad started his investment scheme in 2001. The victims are Orange County investors. Even though Abad is not licensed to sell securities for anyone, he lied to clients that he was licensed trader. He took out investors' money for paying his own expenses. He is facing felony charges for grand theft and fraud from investors.

White collar crime is one of the most aggressively prosecuted crimes in both state and federal level. Being arrested for white collar crime is a very devastating experience. The punishment and the consequences are serious. The punishment for white collar crimes including, prison time, substantial fines and criminal records. It usually is charged with felony charges, depending on the seriousness of the charge.

If you or someone you care have been charged with or been investigated white collar crimes, it is imperative to hire an experienced Southern California White Collar Crime defense attorney or Criminal Defense lawyer immediately to fight for your rights and freedom.

Our white collar crime lawyers aggressively defend our clients charged with or being investigated for a white collar crime. The most common white collar crimes charges we handle including: Bank Fraud; Healthcare Fraud, Medical Fraud, Insurance Fraud, Real Estate Fraud, Embezzlement, Investment Advisory Fraud, Stock Market Irregularities, Credit Card Fraud.

As a professional, being accused of crimes is the most stressful and humiliating experience in life. Whether you are a doctor, an Attorney, a CPA, an investment banker or a corporate executive, when a professional has been charged with white collar crimes, he / she is most worried about is that they could loss everything, their success, money, reputation, professional business license and future.

The truth is that white collar crimes are very serious charge and can have a huge impact on your life. However, it is going to be a big difference if you have an experienced and skilled Professional License defense lawyer from Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti stand by your side. Our Orange County business crime defense lawyers will do all we can to protect your rights and keep you out of jail.

Our Southern California Professional License defense attorney Michael Guisti has extensive knowledge of California law and the legal system. Over the years, our Southern California criminal defense attorneys have built great relationships with judges and prosecutors in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego and throughout Southern California.

Continue reading "Orange County Man Charged with Fraud and Grand Theft " »

Huntington Beach, Orange County - A warrant has been issued for a Huntington Beach man, Justin Sabo, who was investigated for a mortgage fraud. He was allegedly involved in a mortgage scam for taking out $65,000 with other people's Identity. Sabo and other two suspects used other person's identification to take out a $65,000 mortgage.

Real estate fraud is defined as false representation with intent to deceive with a real estate transaction. Mortgage fraud is defined as schemes intended to defraud a lending institution.

California Real Estate law is a very complex and specialized area of the law. The real estate fraud or mortgage fraud can be charged as as felonies. It is one of the most aggressively prosecuted crimes. It can carry very heavy punishment, it includes: prison time, substantial fines and restitution.

Real estate fraud or mortgage fraud crimes can be also charged as: Grand Theft: Penal Code § 487(a), Identity Theft: Penal Code § 530.5, Forgery: Penal Code § 470(d), Foreclosure Consultant Fraud: Civil Code § 2945.4, Equity Sales Fraud: Civil Code § 1695.6 ; Escrow Theft: Financial Code § 17414

If you or someone you know has been charged with real estate fraud or mortgage fraud, it is very important that you seek legal help from an experienced and knowledgeable Southern California criminal defense attorney who has deep understanding of real estate law and who can fight aggressively for your rights and freedom. At Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, our Real Estate Fraud Defense Attorney represent clients in Orange County, Santa Ana, Newport Beach, Irvine, Los Angeles and any city in Southern California.

Continue reading "Huntington Beach Man Faces mortgage fraud charge" »