Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog

Lake Forest, Orange County - California criminal attorneys and Orange County sex crime defense attorney recently read a news story regarding indecent exposures in public. In the news, an Orange County man of Lake Forest, Amonullah Sakhi, a karate instructor, was convicted of Indecent exposure for exposing himself in public. He ended up being sentenced to 120 days in jail. In September 2009, a mother and her baby were walking by his house. He was pulling off his pants and touched himself while they passing by. The victim later on reported to the community about this crime.

According to Newport Beach criminal attorney MIchael Guisti, who has handled numerous California sex crimes like indecent exposure, stated that a case like this is very serious crime. A defendent is most likely to face jail time and over three years of formal probation and also defendent is required to register as a sex offender. Since the defendent is a karate coach, he is most likely going to lose his license to operate a karate studio.

Irvine criminal defense lawyer also explained that in California, sex crimes is one of the most prosecuted crimes. Once convicted, it carries very seriously punishments.

In California, Indecent exposure can be found under California Penal Code section 314(1), which is exposing a private body part to others. The offender usually intent to offend others or to gratify a sexual desire. Indecent exposure is a misdemeanor punishable, it carrys serious punishment, including six months in jail, up to a $1,000 fine. In addition, under California Penal Code section 290(c), a person convicted of indecent exposure must register as a sex offender.

Having a sex crime on your record is very serious and it is very embarrasing. It is imperative that if you have been charged with a sex crime, you need to seek the consultation from an experienced Orange County sex crimes defense attorney to represent them.

How a Los Angeles sex crimes defense attorney or a Santa Ana criminal defense lawyer help you in a successful sex defense in Orange County, San Bernardino and Los Angeles?

Since having a California sex crime charge on your record is serious, you will need a competent sex crimes defense attorney who will diligently defend you, especially considering the grave consequences of an adverse result. We handle these matters all over Southern California including Orange County, Los Angeles County, San Diego County, Riverside County and San Bernardino County.

At the Law Office of Michael Guisti, a premier California criminal defense law firm, our skilled Orange County defense attorneys and California felony defense lawyers have been successful in handling misdemeanor and felony charges, including sex crimes, prostitution, sexual battery, indecent exposure, domestic violence, assault, battery, drug charges, theft charges, and crimes like murder among others. In many case we have been able to reduce our client's charges and even have had some hard cases dismissed.

If you or a loved one is facing a crime either a felony or misdemeanor charge, contact our Orange County criminal defense attorney toll free at 1-888-478-8999 or visit our website at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.

Tustin, Orange county - Newport Beach criminal attorneys noticed on the news report today regarding a sex crime happened in Tusin. Tustin man, Shane Carey, was arrested for child pornolgraphy today. He was discovered having images of child pornography in his cell phone as he was checked into jail. The pictures involve minor girls aging from 6 to 12 engaging in sexual activities with adult males. Carey was not found in any of the pictures.

In California, possession of child pornography is a serious felony crime. Under California Penal Code Section 311.11, any person who knowingly possesses images, films, computer software, data storage media, computer generated pictures which contain a person under age of 18 engaging in a sexual conduct, is guilty of a felony. The punishment for possession of child pornography is a fine not exceeding $2500, or imprisonment for one year, or both. A previously conviction for this felony crime can enhance the punishment up to six year in prison.

How can an experienced California defense attorney help you in the California sex crime defense in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Bernardino or Riverside ?

If you or someone you know has been charged or arrested for possession of child pornography, child molestation, child sexual abuse, sexuial assualt, prostitution, rape, or any type of California sex crime or any kind of felony crimes, it is important to consult an experienced California criminal attorney as soon as possible.

Our Orange County criminal attorneys and Santa Ana criminal lawyers in the law offices of Michael L. Guisti will utilize every possible way to minimize and dismiss your charge. Call us today at 714-530-9690 for a free consultation with our skilled Irvine criminal defense attorney or a California criminal attorneys.

Santa Ana- In Santa Ana, located in Orange County, Giovanno Jimenez pled guilty to having unlawful sex with a minor. Jimenez is a volunteer with a local high schools baseball team and their band. It is alleged that Jimenez and the girl would go and have sex at her house when her parents were not home. He pleaded guilty to unlawful sex with a minor and lewd acts on a child. He will serve 60 days in jail and was put on 3 years probation. The judge also issued an order preventing Jimenez from seeing the girl.

A sex crime charge can be one of the most devastating convictions a person can have. Unlawful sex with a minor can be defined in the California Penal Code section 261.5(d). In California this charge is considered a wobbler which means it can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor. The code states that any person 21 years of age or older who engages in an act of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor who is under 16 years of age is guilty of either a misdemeanor or a felony. If charged a misdemeanor a person can be sentenced to serve less than 1 year in jail, however if you are convicted of a felony you could face up to 4 years in prison. A Santa Ana criminal defense attorney can help a person defend a sex crime charge like unlawful sex with a minor.

Since this charge is a wobbler, what you are charged with will be based on the facts of an individual's case. It is important to hire a skilled Santa Ana sex crime defense attorney to help you defend your criminal charge.

Continue reading "Santa Ana High School Coach has Unlawful Sex with a Minor" »

Orange County, Santa Ana- James Norkin a convicted sex offender, is charged with another sex crime in Orange County. He is accused on molesting a teenage girl while riding a city bus. It is alleged that Norkin was riding the city bus and was sitting in the back seat with four young girls. He then began to touch one of the girls inappropriately. The girl was too frightened to do anything, but one of her friends told him to stop. When Norkin ignored the girl, she took a picture of him with her cell phone. Norkin faces four counts of molestation and faces up to nine years in prison.

Being convicted of a sex crime in California can be life changing. Committing lewd acts upon a child can be found in the California Penal Code, section 288(a). It states that this crime has been committed when any person who willfully and lewdly commits any lewd or lascivious act upon or with the body, or any part of a child who is under the age of 14 years, with the intent of arousing, appealing to, or gratifying the lust, passions, or sexual desires of that person or the child. If person is convicted of this crime they could face up to eight years in prison. It is important to hire a skilled Santa Ana sex crime defense attorney if you are facing a sex crime charge.

Being charged with a sex crime charge like committing lewd acts with a child can be a confusing and scary time for those that are being charged and their families. Retaining a successful Orange County sex crime defense attorney can help you defend your charge.

Continue reading "Santa Ana Man Charged with Molesting a Teenage Girl" »

Irvine- James Neal, an Ex- NASCAR driver was recently released from jail only to return again. He was recently convicted of running from police and was sentenced to jail time and probation. It is alleged by police that Neal went to a woman's apartment in Lake Forest. The neighbors called the police to report a disturbance that was coming from her apartment. When police arrived the women stated that Neil had tried to rape her and would not let her leave her home. He was arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment, attempted rape, and burglary.

Rape and burglary are considered felonies in California. Burglary is defined in the California Penal Code, section 459. It states that any person that enters a dwelling that is inhabited to commit any felony is guilty of first degree burglary and can be sentenced six years in state prison. Rape can be found in the California Penal Code, section 261. It states rape is sexual intercourse that is accomplished without consent through force, fear, duress, fraud, or violence. If convicted of rape a person cold face up to eight years in prison.

Being convicted of a felony is very serious. The punishments for felonies usually involve fines and long prison sentences. It is important to hire an Irvine criminal defense attorney if you are facing felony charges like rape or burglary.

Continue reading "Ex- NASCAR Driver Suspected of Rape" »

Fullerton- Kevin Francois is suspected of sexual assaulting several young women in Orange County and Arizona. It is alleged that Francois has had a long history of criminal charges like first degree burglary. Francois's DNA was found in an apartment that he had burglarized and assaulted a young woman in Arizona which led them to believe that he had victims in Fullerton. Police are looking up old sexual assault cases to see if there is a connection to Francois.

Sex crime charges are considered to be very serious in California. Sexual assault or also called sexual battery can be defined in the California Penal Code section California Penal Code section 243.4. It states any person who touches an intimate part of another person while that person is unlawfully restrained by the suspect, and if the touching is against the will of the person touched and is for the purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification, or sexual abuse, is guilty of sexual assault. The punishment for this crime is no more than 1 year in prison and a fine.

Having a sex crime on your record is very serious. Many times when a person is convicted of a sex crime like rape, child molestation, or sexual assault, the court orders them to register as a sex offender. It is imperative that a person facing a sex crimes charge to hire an experienced Orange County sex crimes defense attorney to represent them.

Continue reading "Orange County Man Suspected of Sexual Assault" »

Orange County-William Rudd of Fullerton was recently sentenced to six years in prison. It is alleged that Rudd worked for U.S. Agency for international development in Bangladesh. While he was in the county Rudd sexually abused a thirteen year old boy. The government believes that there were more victims. He sentenced to six years in prison and ordered to pay fifteen thousand dollars in restitution. He was charged with illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place.

Crimes like the one mentioned above are considered federal crimes. These crimes are usually more serious and are heard in the Federal Court System. Illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place can be found in the United States Code 18 U.S.C. 2423(c). It states any United States citizen or alien admitted for permanent residence that travels in foreign commerce, and engages in any illicit sexual conduct with another person shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 30 years, or both.

Federal crimes are amongst the more serious crimes. It is imperative to someone that is facing a federal crime to hire a skilled Orange County criminal defense attorney that has had experience representing clients in federal court.

Continue reading "Fullerton Resident Convicted of a Federal Crime" »

Orange County- Daniel Roy Smith from Orange County was recently sot by and Anaheim police officer. Smith was outside of a elementary school in Laguna Niguel. The Officers tried to take him into custody when he ran. Smith is accused of sexual molesting two girls under the age of fourteen years old that he allegedly knew. Smith faces lewd or lascivious act with minor.

Crimes like child molestation, rape, unlawful sex with a minor, and sexual assault are considered sex crimes in Southern California. Lewd or lascivious acts with a minor can be found in the California Penal Code, section 288(a). It states Any person who willfully and lewdly commits any lewd or lascivious act, upon or with the body, or any part or member thereof, of a child who is under the age of 14 years, with the intent of arousing, appealing to, or gratifying the lust, passions, or sexual desires of that person or the child.

This charge is considered a felony and is punishable for up to eight years in prison. A person that is facing a sex crime charges should hire an Orange County criminal defense attorney to help them defend their charge.

Continue reading "Orange County Faces Child Molestation Charges" »

Santa Ana, Orange County - Santa Ana man, Roberto Reyes was arrested by the Santa Ana police department for sexual assault. Santa Ana police called him in for questioning after his DNA linked him to an incident where an eleven year old girl was fondled in her room. It is alleged by police that Reyes cut the screen on a bedroom window that had been left open. He went in the girl's room and fondled her while she had been sleeping. At the time the girl could not identify him because her room had been dark. Police where able to gather DNA that put Reyes in the room. He confessed that he had fondled the girl and four other girls ranging in age from eleven to twenty-two. He faces felony assault to commit rape and burglary.

Crimes like sexual assault or sexual battery, child molestation, rapes, and unlawful sex with a minor is considered a sex crime in California. Sexual assault or battery can be found in the California Penal Code section 243.4. It states any person who touches an intimate part of another person while that person is unlawfully restrained by the suspect, and if the touching is against the will of the person touched and is for the purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification, or sexual abuse, is guilty of sexual assault. The punishment for this crime is no more than 1 year in prison and a fine of 2,000.

In Orange County sex crimes are dealt with very seriously. Not only will you have to serve a prison sentence and pay a fine but the court might also order you to register as a sex offender. This will affect your whole life like where you live and where you can work. It is important to hire an experienced Santa Ana sexual assault defense attorney or an Irvine criminal defense attorney if you are facing a sex crime charge.

Continue reading "Santa Ana Resident Arrested for Sexual Assault" »

Santa Ana, Orange County - Santa Ana man, Jose Antonio Hernandez, is facing the charges of child annoyance or molestation and battery. It is alleged that two girls ages eleven and thirteen, that attended a middle school in Santa Ana were groped by the suspect on the bus. In one of the incidences, the suspect had put his arms around one of the girls' waist until she elbowed him and got off the bus. Both girls told their principal what happen and what bus they were on. Police found the suspect on the bus on the same route the girls had described. It is alleged that there are more victims.

In California crimes like rape, child molestation, sexual battery, and lewd acts with a minor are considered sex crimes. Child molestation is defined in the California Penal Code section 647.6 (a)(1). It states that every person who annoys or molests any child under 18 years of age shall be punished by a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000), by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by both the fine and imprisonment. Battery is also defined in the California Penal Code section 242. Battery occurs when there is any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another.

Charges like battery and child molestation can change a person's whole life. Not only will you have to serve a jail sentence and pay fines but you might also be ordered to register a sex offender with the state. It is imperative to your case that you hire an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney or a skilled Santa Ana criminal lawyer to defend you.

Continue reading "Orange County Man Faces Child Molestation and Battery Charges " »

Sana Ana- Jonathan Jimenez-Gonzalez of Tustin pleaded guilty to sexual assault. It is alleged that Gonzalez sexually assaulted a 18 year old high school girl. The victim was walking home from Tustin High School when the Jimenez -Gonzalez offered to walk her home. The girl declined his offer. Jimenez-Gonzalez continued to follow the girl. He eventually was able to get the victim in a laundry room where he sexually assaulted her. Prosecutors want him to be registered as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

The charge of sexual assault is considered a sex crime in California. Sexually assault or sexual battery is defined in the California Penal Code section 243.4. It states any person who touches an intimate part of another person while that person is unlawfully restrained by the accused or an accomplice, and if the touching is against the will of the person touched and is for the purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification, or sexual abuse, is guilty of sexual battery. The punishment for this crime is no more than 1 year in prison and a fine of 2,000.

When facing a sex crime it is important to retain an experienced Santa Ana sex crimes defense attorney to help you defend your sex crimes charge.

Continue reading "Tustin Resident Pleads Guilty to Sexual Assault " »

Irvine- Juan Candela was a security guard for a high school located in Irvine. He and a 16 year old female student were having a sexual relationship. It is alleged that they would regularly have sex in his car and at the minor's house. Newport Beach police caught the two of them in his car while they were engaging in a sexual activity. He is facing the charges of unlawful intercourse with a minor and oral copulation of a minor. He could be sentenced to three years and eight months in a state prison.

Unlawful sex with a minor can be defined in the California Penal code section 261.5. It breaks down the punishments of the charge unlawful sex with a minor into three sections:

1. Any person who has unlawful sex with a minor who is not 3 years older or younger than the minor is guilty of a misdemeanor.
2. any person who has unlawful sex with a minor and the minor is 3 years younger, it is either a misdemeanor or a felony
3. Any person who is 21 years of age or older and has unlawful sex with a minor who is under the age of 16, is guilt of a misdemeanor or a felony.

Many time s, the charge of unlawful sex with a minor is considered a "wobbler" which means it can either be a felony or a misdemeanor. The defenses, prior history, and the facts in your case will determine what it will be charged as. Oral copulation is another charged described in this case. It is defined in the California Penal code 288 and it states that anyone who conducts any lewd or lascivious act on a child who is under the age of 14. This is usually charged as a felony and a person charged with crime can face up to 8 years in prison.

Sex crimes like unlawful sex with a minor and oral copulation on a minor are very serious charges to have on a person's record. Many sex crimes require a person found guilty of a sex crime to register with the state as a sex offender. Since theses charges are so serious anyone facing a sex crimes charge should retain a Newport Beach criminal defense attorney right away.

Continue reading "An Irvine High School Security Guard Charged with Unlawful Sex with a Minor" »

Los Angeles - Los Angeles man Samuel Francisco was arrested for kidnapping and sexual assault. He is alleged to have sexually assaulted and kidnap the Los Angeles 13 year old girl that he met on MySpace. Francisco is to have allegedly lured the girl to come over to his apartment in Long Beach. The girl's parents reported her missing on Thursday. The mother was expecting her daughter to be coming out of school, but the girl never showed up.

Police found the victim at Francisco's apartment. She was distraught when they found her. Authorities think that Francisco might have done this before, because of the ease at which he accomplished the crime. He is being held on $50,000 bail. He is to be arraigned in Long Beach.

Orange county sex crime attorney and Los Angeles criminal attorney, Michael Guisti, recently commented on this case. He states that Francisco could be facing two charges. He is most likely to face the charges for the sexual assault and the kidnapping. The laws defining California sexual assault also called sexual battery can be found in the California Penal Code 243.4 (e) (1) defines misdemeanor Sexual Battery as the non-consensual touching of the intimate part of another for (1) sexual arousal, (2) sexual gratification, or (3) sexual abuse. In California, Sexual battery can either be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.

Orange County criminal attorney Michael Guisti also goes on to talk about the kidnapping. He explains that kidnapping can be found in the California Penal code 207. It states every person who forcibly, or by any other means of instilling fear, steals or takes, or holds, detains, or arrests any person in this state, and carries the person into another country, state, or county, or into another part of the same county, is guilty of kidnapping. Francisco will face a long prison sentence and fines if he is found guilty of these charges. If you or someone you care has been arrested for sex crimes, such as sexual assault, assault and battery, prostitution, pandering, pimping, child molestation or any type of violent crimes, you need to seek the legal help of an experienced Southern California criminal attorney immediately.

Continue reading "Los Angeles man arrested for Kidnapping and Sexual Assault" »

Santa Ana, Orange County - Our Santa Ana criminal lawyers noticed a news today regarding Tustin sex crime case. A Tustin local gymnastics coach was convicted for unlawful sexual relationship with a teenage girl today. He has pled guilty to felony unlawful sexual intercourse, felony oral copulation of a minor, felony sodomy of a person under 18, felony digital penetration of a minor and felony sexual penetration by foreign object.

Fullerton resident, the Gymnastics teacher, Jason Wayne Scofield, worked at Wildfire Gymnastics located in Tustin. According to the Orange County District Attorney's office, the girl was one of his students. He and the 16 year old girl had sex multiple times in Scofield's car and at his residents in Fullerton. The relationship lasted from February 17 to June 30th of last year.

Scofield joined the army and was relocated to Arizona. While he was in Arizona a friend emailed the parents of the girl and informed them of the relationship Scofield and the girl had. He was transported back to Orange County to face the charges. His expected to be sentenced to one year in jail and three years of formal probation.

According to Orange County sex crime defense attorney, Michael Guisti, Scofield is in violation of California Penal Code 261. 5 which states that unlawful sexual intercourse is an act of sexual intercourse accomplished with a person who is not the spouse of the perpetrator, if the person is a minor. A person like him who is convicted of sex crimes should be also required to register as a sex offender.

In California sex crimes are considered very serious and can come with very harsh punishments. Sex crimes can be having unlawful sex with a minor, but there are other sex crimes. There is child molest, rape, other sex crime defense including: child pornography, prostitution, pimping, pandering, etc. Tustin criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti is very experienced in this area of law. He has been able to bring felony sex crimes to misdemeanors. If you or some one you know has been charged with sex crimes, you need to hire an experienced Orange County sex crimes defense lawyer immediately. Call the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti and make an appointment. Contact us at (714) 530-9690 or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.

Anaheim, Orange County - An Orange County woman, Christina Esquival, alleges that a man groped her breast while at California's Disney Adventure Park. The alleged incident occurred on the Tower of Terror ride with her daughter when the lights went out, as they always do just before the ride makes an adrenaline-pumping, 13-story drop. After the ride, Ms. Esquival took her own photograph of the suspect on the souvenir photo screen and is asking for help in identifying him.

Under California Law, sex crimes are extremely serious and can require registry as a sexual offender. The Tower of Terror suspect could be charged with Sexual Battery, under California Penal Code Section 243.4. Two types of Sexual Battery exist: misdemeanor and felony. California Penal Code Section 243.4 (e) (1) defines misdemeanor Sexual Battery as the non-consensual touching of the intimate part of another for (1) sexual arousal, (2) sexual gratification, or (3) sexual abuse. Misdemeanor Sexual Battery can be punished by six months in jail, up to a $2000 fine, and requires registration as a sexual offender. Here, the suspect should be charged with misdemeanor Sexual Battery if the prosecution can show that the groper touched Ms. Esquival's breast for sexual arousal or gratification.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a sex crime you need to consult an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney or Southern California sex crime defense lawyer immediately to protect your legal rights. At Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, our Los Angeles criminal attorney and Orange County sex crime defense lawyers have deep knowledge in law and extensive experience handling sex crime defense for both misdemeanor and felony sex crime charges, such as sexual assault, sexual battery, prostitution, rape, pandering, pimping, child molestation, child pornography and other crimes in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego. At Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, our goal is to aggressively fight to win you case. To discuss your case with our skilled Orange County criminal defense attorney, please contact our attorney at 714-530-9690 or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com