Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog

Santa Ana, Orange County - Orange County felony defense attorney and California felony criminal lawyer at Law Offices of Michael Guisti got an emergency client's call for legal representation on his felony kidnapping, false imprisonment and robbery charge and possible assault with deadly weapon. The case is so serious that it is reported in the news on the Orange County register the next morning.

A young Vietnamese male of Stantan in his 20's was taken into custody on charges of kidnapping, false imprisonment and robbery. Le met with Orange County defense attorney Michael Guisti of law offices of Michael Guisti in Garden Grove for legal representation last week in Guisti's office. Le was joined, at Guisti's office by several supportive members of his family who brought him food. Mr. Guisti explained the law and legal options to the client and his family and arranged for Le's peaceful surrender in Guisti's office. The investigator's allowed Le to finish his meal and say goodbye to his family.

The alleged Orange County kidnapping and false imprisonment took place in several cities including Westminster, Garden Grove, Stanton and Fountain Valley. Le sought legal representation from the top Orange County criminal defense attorney, Michael Guisti, who arranged for the local deputies at the Orange County Sherriff's to come to his office for his client to surrender peacefully.

Le was booked into Orange County Central Men's Jail for suspicion of kidnapping, false imprisonment and robbery.

Under California criminal law, kidnapping is one of the most serious crimes. Under California Penal Code Section 207, kidnapping is defined as the use of force or fear to take a person and move them a substantial distance.

Under the California Three Strikes Law, if a person was convicted of kidnapping, it can be also a "strike," and if there are any other criminal charges in future, it can lead to significant enhancements to more serious sentencing.

In California, Kidnapping is a felony crime, if convicted, a person can be facing imprisonment from 10 year to life, depends on the seriousness of the crime. The punishment also includes restitution and substantial fines. If it causes the death of the victim, the defendant could be facing life in prison.

If one has been charged with kidnapping in California, the consequences of a conviction of the crime could be a life changing impact on one's life. It is imperative for you to seek the legal help from the experienced Orange County kidnapping attorney or California criminal attorney immediately. Kidnapping charges and related crimes can be very complex and difficult in legal systems, you should contact Law Offices of Michale Guisti immediately for legal help and advice to protect your rights.

How can an experienced California felony defense attorney help you in a kidnapping defense in Orange County, Santa Ana, Los Angeles ?

At Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, our California criminal attorneys have many years of successful experience defending clients in felony crimes in both state and federal court, such as kidnapping, murder, attempted murder, appeals, assault with deadly weapon, drug crimes, domestic violence, fraud, grand theft, three strikes, sex crimes, robbery, burglary, etc.

If you have been arrested for kidnapping in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside or Southern California area, contact the California criminal lawyers and Los Angeles felony crime attorney at Law Offices of Michael Guisti. Our California criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti has exceptional experience and knowledgeable in criminal law in felony and misdemeanor cases, the court systems and the legal system. He has also built intimate relationships with law enforcement, prosecutors, judges and law officials in Los Angeles and Southern California.

Our California felony crime defense attorneys understand the serious of there crimes and have successfully handled the cases in kidnapping crime and related charges such as kidnapping for rubbery, assault with deadly weapon, attempted murder, terrorist threat. Our Los Angeles criminal attorney knows how best to defend our clients and how to negotiate with the police and prosecutors and how to get your charges to the minimum or even to get some of the cases dismissed.

If you, or someone you love, has been arrested or charged with a kidnapping in Los Angeles, Riverside County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, or anywhere else in Southern California, you should retain the service of a skilled Santa Ana felony crime attorney immediately.

If you have been charged with a kidnapping, domestic violence, murder, felony assault and battery, assault with deadly weapon, drug crimes, sex crimes, white collar crimes, theft crimes, fraud, embezzlement in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, or any where in Southern California, it is important that you seek the services of a criminal defense attorney with extensive experience to protect your rights and freedom.

For more information about kidnapping case, felony crimes, fraud, grand theft, terrorist threat, domestic violence, murder, appeal, drug crimes, and to schedule your free consultation, contact skilled Orange County felony crime defense lawyer at the Law Offices of Michael Guisti.at 888-478-8999 or 714-530-9690

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

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

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

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

Santa Ana- Graham Islas of Orange County was recently shot by police. Isalas was suspected to have breaking and entering into three apartments in a local complex with a metal bar. Police caught Islas running away from the crime scene. Police chased Isalas and shot him during the confrontation. Isalas was treated for his injuries, and then taken to the Orange County Jail.

In California, burglary is broken into two different categories. California law breaks this into two parts, and can be defined in the California Penal code section 459. It defines the crime as entering a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime. It is also called first degree burglary and is the most serious of the type of burglary. This type is usually charged as a felony. The second type of burglary is called commercial burglary. This is type is usually things like shoplifting and is charged most often as a misdemeanor.

Burglary is a serious offense in California. Burglary is considered a "wobbler" which means it can be a felony or misdemeanor depending on the facts of you case. It is important to hire an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney to help you defend your criminal charge.

Continue reading "Santa Ana Burglar Shot by Police" »

Newport Beach- Weston Kruger was convicted of killing a liquor store owner in Newport Beach. The Newport Beach liquor store owner Hao Huynh accused Kruger of stealing a pornographic magazine. Kruger went into the store to buy a pack of cigarettes when the store owner saw Kruger put an adult magazine inside his jacket. Huynh chased Kruger out the door to recover the magazine. Te two got into a fight and Kruger push Huynh to the ground causing him to hit his head on the ground. Huynh sustained a 4 inch crack on the back of the head, causing him to die the next day from brain injuries. Kruger was convicted of first degree murder.

First degree murder is a serious conviction in the State of California. Murder is defined in the California Penal code section 187. Murder is described as the unlawful killing of another. The punishments for murder are amongst the harshest in California. If a person is convicted of murder in the first degree punishments are death, life in prison without parole or a prison sentence of 25 years to life. The punishment for murder in the second degree is 15 years to life in prison. Whether you are charged with first degree murder or second degree murder depend on the facts of your individual case.

Being convicted of murder is very serious,. A conviction of murder means the loss of freedoms and sometimes your life. Having an experienced Newport Beach murder defense attorney is imperative to defending your case.

Continue reading "Newport Beach Man Convicted of Murder" »

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

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

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

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

Santa Ana, Orange County - Christian Cabrera and Cesar Valle of Santa Ana are suspects in a home robbery. It is alleged that the men entered the house of the victim, punched the owner in the face, and stole various items in the house. The victim was able to tell police officers the whereabouts of one of the suspects. Police arrested one of the suspects Cabrera by a vending truck. The other suspect was seen driving around the victim's home.

In this case two major crimes have happened. The first one is robbery. This can be found in the California Penal code section 211. The second one is burglary. California law breaks this into two parts, and can be defined in the California Penal code section 459. It defines the crime as entering a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime. It is also called first degree burglary and is the most serious of the type of burglary. This type is usually charged as a felony. The second type of burglary is called commercial burglary. This is type is usually things like shoplifting and is charged most often as a misdemeanor.

Burglary is a very serious offense in California. Since there are two types of burglary in California, it can be confusing on which crime you are being charged with. It is imperative to retain a Santa Ana theft crimes defense attorney if you are facing a theft charge like burglary or robbery.

Continue reading "Two Santa Ana Men Suspects in Home Robbery" »

Fullerton- Sean De Lacerda, a Los Angeles Sheriff's Deputy was arrested in Fullerton for the alleged assault on his girlfriend. The ex-girlfriend, who had called the police, states that she was concerned for his safety and her own. She told police that he had showed up to her apartment and immediately they started fighting. At the time he was armed with a hand gun and was making threats of suicide. Fullerton police arrested him on the suspicion of felony assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, and false imprisonment.

Assault with a deadly weapon is considered a serious offense in California. It can be defined in the California Penal code section 245(a). It states that any person that commits assault to another with a fire arm can either be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. In California it is called a "wobbler". This means that he unique factors for your case will determine whether it gets charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Burglary is also considered a "wobbler in California. It is defined in the Penal code section 459. It defines one type of burglary as breaking into a residence with the intent to commit a crime. There is also commercial burglary or second degree burglary which is more common. This is usually a shoplifting charge and is considered a "wobbler".

It is important to hire a Fullerton criminal defense attorney if you are facing charges like assault with a deadly weapon or burglary. An attorney with experience will be able to successfully defend you in court.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Sheriff's Deputy Arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon" »

Santa Ana- A women who resides in Santa Ana was recently the victim of grand theft auto. The victim alleges that she had just parked her car in front of her house. She states that she was getting her three children out of the car when two men approached her. The two men then ordered her to get out of the car. The victim immediately complied with the suspect and grabbed her children. Police state that no one was injured.

Grand theft auto is considered a theft crime in California. It can be found in the California Penal code section 487(d). The code section states that Grand theft occurs when a car is stolen. This situation is unique compared to how most grand theft crimes are defined. Usually grand theft occurs when what is stolen amounts to more than $400, however is a car is stolen it automatically becomes grand theft. It can also be defined in the California 1085 and it states any person who drives or takes a vehicle that does not belong to them and with the intent either to permanently or temporarily deprive the owner of the vehicle. In California this is considered a wobbler, which means it can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. However if the car is over a certain amount of money it could be charged as a felony.

Having a grand theft auto charge on your record is serious. If a person is found guilty of the charge they could face fines, and a jail sentence. It is important to hire a Orange County criminal defense attorney if you are facing grand theft auto charges.

Continue reading "Two Santa Ana Men Commit Grand Theft Auto" »

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 " »

Newport Beach, Orange County - Laguna Niguel woman, Yvonne Pampellone, was sentenced to do 180 day in jail for identity theft to get breast implants. Pampallone went to Pacific Center for Plastic surgery in Huntington Beach. She opened up a line of credit with the medical center under another identity to get breast implants. Pampallone was not only planning to get breast implants, but liposuction as well. The worth of the plastic surgery was around $12,000.

The medical center began to become suspicious of Pampellone when she failed to show up for her follow-up appointments. A detective was able to trace her true identity by the tracking numbers of her first implants. Pampellone turned herself in and pled guilty to second-degree burglary, grand theft and the unauthorized use of personal identity. She will serve 180 days in jail, three years probation, and will have to pay restitution.

Newport Beach white collar crime defense attorney Michael Guisti defines the law from this article. He explains that second degree burglary can be found in the California Penal code section 460. It is also called commercial burglary. This means that the suspect entered a place of business with the intent to commit a felony. Second degree burglary is considered a "wobbler" in the state of California. This means that it can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor. The Newport Beach criminal defense attorney goes on to explain grand theft. Grand theft can also be found in the 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). This is a felony and if a person is convicted of this, they will have to serve a prison sentence and pay restitution.

If you or someone you know has been arrested or charged with fraud, grand theft, felony fraud, medical fraud, health care fraud, or a white collar crime in Orange County, Newport Beach, Santa Ana, Fullerton, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Westminster, Los Angeles, it is imperative to consult an experienced Newport Beach criminal attorney or an Irvine criminal defense attorney immediately to protect your rights.

Continue reading "Laguna Niguel Women Arrested for Identify Fraud and Grand Theft" »

Irvine, Orange County - An Irvine man, Victor Gillespie, was charged for sexually assaulting a woman in Irvine. Gillespie entered the woman's house through the unlocked sliding door. He entered her house in the middle of the night, climbed on top of her, and assaulted her. The victim fought her attacker back and screamed. Gillespie than ran away, however he was caught by police shortly after the incident. Gillespie is being charged with residential burglary, assault with the intent to commit a sex crime, and resisting a police officer.

Irvine sex crime defense attorney Michael Guisti recently discussed this case. He explains that in California, a sex crime is considered a very serious offense and comes with serious consequences. Sexual assault can be found in the California Penal code 243.4 (e) (1) defines misdemeanor sexual battery or sexual assault in to three parts: 1) as the non-consensual touching of the intimate part of another for sexual arousal, 2) sexual gratification, or 3) sexual abuse. In the state of California this can either be a misdemeanor or a felony. Gillespie is also getting charged with residential robbery. That is found in the California Penal code 211 and is defined as the taking of personal property from another by means of force or fear. Residential robbery is a felony and a person charged with this crime could face up to 9 years in prison. If you or someone you care has been charged with sexual assault, assault and battery, felony assault, sex crimes, assault with deadly weapon, or any type of crimes, you need to consult an experienced Orange County criminal attorney or a skilled Los Angeles assault and battery attorney immediately.

Continue reading "Irvine Man Charged with Sexual Assault" »

Los Angeles, California - LAPD patrol officers and detectives found a 72-year-old man who owned a 98-Cent Store. According to the released facts, police discovered the victim who was suffering from a gunshot wound to the back of the head caused by an attempted robbery.

The crime allegedly involved three suspects, described as two male Hispanics, and a third man who allegedly wore a grey long-sleeve pullover shirt with a black beanie knit cap. All three of the victims also appeared to be wearing black knit gloves. During this series of events, the 72 year-old was mortally wounded with a gunshot to his head.

According to California Penal Code Section 187, Murder is defined as "the unlawful killing of a human being, or a fetus, with malice aforethought." Moreover, according to Section 211 of the California Penal Code, Robbery is defined as "felonious taking of personal property in the possession of another, from his person or immediate presence, and against his will, accomplished by means of force or fear." Both of the aforesaid crimes (Murder and Robbery) are substantial crimes which carry heavy fines and/or jail/prison time.

Under California law, Murder is an extremely serious crime, if convicted, the punishment fof a murder charge can be very harsh. It could carry a sentence of 25 years to life in prison depending upon the seriousness of the case and degree of murder.

If you or your loved one have been charged or arrested for murder or robbery, or related felony crimes and/or misdemeanors in the State of California, you need to hire 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 murder, three strikes, felony assault and battery and robbery, among many other claims.

If you want to get legal guidance from a highly skilled Southern California criminal defense lawyer, you need to contact the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti immediately.
We have many years of experience defending people with serious felonies, including aggravated murder, attempted murder, first-degree murder, second-degree murder and manslaughter, Vehicular Manslaughter, felony assault charges, or a three strikes.

Attorney Michael Guisti also has extensive experience in appeals, appellete and habeas corpus in both state and federal court throughout Southern California, Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Bersardino and Riverside. If you would like to further discuss about your case, please contact our skilled Orange County criminal lawyer immediately at 714-530-9690 or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com

Newport Beach, Orange County - One Orange County man and four Los Angeles men were charged with armed robbery and assault with firearm for robbing the house of founder of Quick Loan Funding in Newport Beach. The robbers assaulted 9 people in the house during the home invasion and caused the serious injuries to the victims. The robbers have been arrested Tue night. Peter Paturzo, of Mission Viejo, and the 4 men from Los Angeles have been charged with the felony arm robbery and felony assault in the crime. A $1 million warrant has been issued for the arrest of two other robbers.

The suspects have been charged with felony conspiracy to commit robbery, felony kidnapping to commit robbery, felony first degree robbery in concert, and felony assault with a firearm. If they are convicted on all counts, they could be facing the sentencing of life in state prison.

Santa Ana, Orange County - A gang member, of Santa Ana, was convicted of felony Assault with Deadly weapon for attacking a grandmother with a firearm during home invasion robbery. He'll be sentenced at West Justice Center in Westminster court.

He was also convicted of felony aggravated assault and battery with firearm causing great bodily injury, assault with a firearm, felony first degree robbery, felony false imprisonment by violence, and felony first degree residential burglary, elder abuse, street terrorism, and sentencing enhancements for criminal street gang activity.

Carlos Martinez, entered a Santa Ana home and assault the grandmother and mother with firearm. He was charged with prior strike for robbery. He is facing two life terms in prison.

Orange County -- Orange County Monaco Jewelers was robbed at the july 4th holiday. The burglary happened when the store was closed for the holiday. The robbers managed to get into the safes and steal over 5 million dollars worth of jewelry.

Police are now reaching out to the public to help them gather possible information on this extremely complex burglary that occurred this past July.

Grand theft is an extremely serious charge and if convicted it can carry very severe penalties. Under California criminal law, the grand theft under the California Penal Code §487 is the theft of moneys, property, etc. that exceeds the amount of four hundred dollars ($400). It may carry more serious consequences than a charge of petty theft (the theft of moneys, property, etc. that does not exceed $400) and can become either a misdemeanor or a felony.

Whether you or someone you know is facing charges of burglary or grand theft in Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Fullerton, Irvine, Westminster, Santa Ana, Anaheim or other cities in Orange County, it is very important to contact an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney who has both experience and knowledge in dealings with theft cases in both felony and misdemeanor charges.

Being charged with theft crimes, including grand theft, petty theft, shoplifting, fraud, burglary or robbery are very serious charges, so please don't wait until it is too late, you need to consult with a seasoned Orange County theft crime attorney immediately.