Recently in Sexual Molestation Category

February 1, 2012

L.A. Teacher Accused of Feeding Semen to Students

Los Angeles - A Los Angeles school teacher is accused blindfolding and spoon-feeding sperm to his students, and is now facing 23 counts of lewd acts on a minor.

The teacher, Mark Berndt, 61, of Torrance allegedly tied his students up, blindfolded them and told them they were going to play a "taste-testing game," according to authorities, and the students unknowingly were fed the semen.

They've been allegations that Berndt also put semen on cookies and other food item, which the DA is investigating.

Authorities allege that Berndt also put tape around the student's mouths and tortured them by gagging them.

The students are between ages 7-10, according to detectives.

These allegations came to light after a photograph technician at a drug store discovered the photographs of the alleged act after developing them, and the technician alerted police, according to investigators.

Anytime you have allegations of sexual abuse and children it's very best to get a professional defense attorney right away, says Santa Ana criminal attorney Michael L. Guisti.

Now the L.A. District Attorney has said to reporters they plan to file more charges, and it's certainly possible they may try to torture charges, says Guisti.

Authorities have only alleged at this point the substance is semen, but however they're running DNA tests to determine if they can prove what the teacher spoon-fed to the children was what authorities are really alleging, and if there isn't any conclusive proof it is semen then the prosecution is going to have a difficult time proving its case, explains Guisti.

Now what the DA may also end up doing is adding on torture charges, which is the intent to cause cruel or extreme pain for, among other reasons, sadistic purposes, says Guisti.

The problem with adding the charge of torture, Guisti goes on to explain, is one of the elements of the charge of torture is the suspect must have inflicted "great bodily harm," and it's highly debatable whether allegedly unknowingly being fed semen and agreeing to be tied up really qualifies under California's torture laws.

While sex crimes against children are a very unfortunate thing that happens all too often in our society it has resulted in prosecutors overreacting and unfairly overcharging suspects accused of these crimes, says Guisti, which is why it's best to quickly retain a lawyer if you're ever being accused of such crimes.

If you're being accused of a sex crime it's very important you contact our Orange County sex crimes attorney experts right away at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti so we can make sure your side of the story is heard.

We proudly have over a decade of experience winning tough sex crimes cases for our clients in the courts of Orange County, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego.

So please, call us now.

January 30, 2012

Orange County Teacher Accused of Lewd Acts with a Minor

Santa Ana, Orange County - A Dana Point high school teacher was arrested for allegedly committing lewd acts on a child, according to the Orange County District Attorney.

Ricardo Aldana, 37, has been charged with seven felony counts of lewd acts on a child after allegedly picking up a 14-year-old girl from the private high school he worked at in San Juan Capistrano and allegedly taking her back to his house in Dana Point to commit the acts, according to DA investigators.

Investigators allege Aldana took the 14-year-old back to his Dana Point home seven times.

It's very important to understand the lewd acts with a child can result in several charges even if the alleged incident happened in one day, explains Santa Ana criminal attorney Michael L. Guisti.

For the crime of lewd acts with a child it's quite important to understand to invite this charge it doesn't have to be graphic "touching," but rather simply holding a child's hand for the purposes of being sexually aroused is enough to be charged with this sex crime, explains Guisti.

Should anybody ever find themselves accused of this crime it's very urgent to contact a professional attorney right away, because this is a crime that often causes an overreaction with prosecutors where they tend to guide with their emotions rather than logic, says Guisti.

Now lewd acts with a child can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, and many times prosecutors are going to try to charge it as a felony, but an experienced sex crimes defense attorney can reduce charges, or throw them out altogether, says Guisti.

This is easily a charge that can ruin your reputation simply for being accused, which is why you need to call the Orange County sex crimes attorney experts at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti right away.

For over a decade our sex crimes legal experts have successfully won cases and protected our client's reputation in the courts of Orange County, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego.

So please, call us now.

January 9, 2012

Santa Ana Man Arrested in Craigslist Sex Sting

Huntington Beach, Orange County - A 35-year-old Santa Ana man was arrested this past weekend in a Craigslist sex sting operation after he allegedly went to Huntington Beach to engage in lewd acts with a minor.

Huntington Beach Police detectives posed as a 13-year-old girl on Craigslist and authorities say the suspect, Oscar Pinedo, sent several lewd messages to the undercover officers several times and planned to pay the minor money to have sex with her.

Authorities say they informed the suspect several times of the minor's age.

It's important to understand that even though no actual physical contact took place prosecutors can still charge the suspect with lewd acts on a minor since the suspect willfully drove to the location knowing the age of the "victim" with the intention to commit these acts, explains Huntington Beach criminal attorney Michael L. Guisti.

Since there was no physical actions that took place and, more importantly, there was no actual victim the suspect will likely be charged with attempting to commit a lewd act on a minor, explains Guisti.

This is a charge that could be filed either as a misdemeanor or felony, and a felony conviction could result in having to register as a sex offender for life, says Guisti.

In this case an expert defense attorney will try to get the charges reduced to a misdemeanor and examine the police's actions on whether or not they entrapped the suspect, says Guisti.

There have been a lot of cases like this where perhaps the suspect realizes their mistake and backs out, but the undercover officer entices and lures the suspect back in, but laws generally state the suspect must have agreed upon this action without any "encouragement" from undercover detectives, explains Guisti.

Subsequently such cases have been thrown out of court, says Guisti.

This case should really highlight the dangers of meeting somebody online as many law enforcement agencies use Craigslist for prostitution cases, says Guisti.

If you email an undercover officer posing as a prostitute an agreed price then that is enough to be arrested for soliciting prostitution as there is a record, says Guisti.

If you've been arrested in an online sex sting operation you need to call our Orange County sex crimes attorney experts right now at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti.

Our law firm has over a decade of successfully winning even the toughest cases for our clients in the courts of Orange County, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego.

December 15, 2011

Ex-San Bernardino Sheriff Deputy Ordered to Stand Trial in Sex Crime

San Bernardino - A former San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputy was ordered to stand trial Wednesday on six felony counts that he had sex with an underage female who was in the sheriff's department's Explorer program.

Ex-deputy Nathan Gastineau is accused of having sex with the former female Explorer scout at least six times at his Redlands apartment before her 16th birthday, according to the San Bernardino District Attorney.

The DA's report claims the ex-deputy and female had sex at least one time out in the field in his patrol car.

The reason it's important to note sexual action took place before the female's 16th birthday is, explains Newport Beach criminal attorney Michael L. Guisti, under California law any person over the age of 21, as was the ex-deputy, who participates in an act of oral copulation with a minor under 16 years of age charged with a felony.

Interestingly enough, Guisti goes on to say, penetration between a person 21 years or order and a person under 16-years-old can be charged either as a felony or misdemeanor, unlike oral copulation with a minor, which is a felony.

Statutory rape charges are taken very seriously by the courts of Southern California and most prosecutors will look for a "loophole" and try to get a more serious charge, and in this case it is the act of oral copulation with another person who is under 16 years of age, according to Guisti.

Statutory rape is often a very emotionally driven charge that prosecutors, often pushed by overzealous parents, look to overcharge and it's not uncommon for the DA's office to charge a suspect with a more serious charge like oral copulation or a minor or even the much more serious charge of lewd acts with a minor, explains Guisti.

Furthermore, Guisti goes on to say, prosecutors often will charge the suspect each time the offense allegedly occurred.

A professional attorney can work to have all the charges reduced to one single charge and, perhaps most importantly, can work to have the overcharges dismissed, explains Guisti.

The charge of statutory rape is very serious charge that can not only ruin your reputation, but send you to prison, and this is why if you or somebody you love is being accused of this crime you must contact the Orange County sex crimes attorney experts at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti at 888-478-8999.

Our experienced sex crime lawyers have over a decade of successfully winning even the most difficult sex crime cases for our clients in the courts of Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego.

No matter the crime our goal is to always win the case for our client, because we never settle for anything less, so please, give us a call now.

December 13, 2011

Laguna Hills Seeking to Ban Sex Offenders from Parks

Laguna Hills, Orange County - Laguna Hills is the latest Orange County city on the verge of passing a law banning convicted sex offenders from all city parks.

City officials are still working out the details, but if the measure passes, as is expected, most serious sex offenders would be banned from Laguna Hills' park.

If caught breaking this law the registered sex offender could face a misdemeanor charge of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $500 or both.

Irvine, Yorba Linda, Westminster and Huntington Beach have passed similar bans within the last year.

Even though the city has loosely defined those to be banned from their city parks as "serious sex offenders" Santa Ana criminal attorney Michael L. Guisti explains Laguna Hills should define the level of sex offenders who are to be banned from city parks, because if the city approves a law banning all sex offenders that could easily include somebody who was caught urinating or a couple who were caught in public doing more than making out.

Guisti says he clearly understands the reasons cities have enacted this law, but some proposals in Orange County would prevent low-level sex offenders who are parents from taking their children to the park, or from somebody being barred from seeking employment say at a job fair at a park or even from voting if the polling place is at a park, all of which poses the larger constitutional problem with these laws.

To avoid problems like this right now it may be best for a registered sex offender to seek an expungement and to get off the registered sex offender list, say Guisti.

With cities here in Orange County and across the country looking to ban sex offenders from parks and other public places the feeling among the legal community is at some point the question of the rights of sex offenders will probably make it to the U.S. Supreme Court, says Guisti.

Should these laws affect you, Guisti says, you're just going to have to wait until the issue is fully answered and clarified in the higher courts, and as much as it may not seem fair it's best that you fully obey these laws to avoid any further problems.

Sex crimes are taken very seriously in the courts and just an accusation can quickly ruin your reputation, which is why if you're being accused of this crime you need to contact the Orange County sex crimes attorney experts at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti right away at, 888-478-8999.

We have a very successful track record of winning even the toughest sex crime cases for our clients, which is why you must give us a call now so we can prepare to win your case and you can go on with your life.

November 16, 2011

Santa Ana Man Accused of Sexually Molesting Children

Santa Ana, Orange County - A Santa Ana man was arrested on sex crime charges this week after prosecutors alleged he sexually assaulted two girls, 9 and 12, whom prosecutors say he met through church after befriending their families.

The suspect, David Elifar Verduzco, 32, of Santa Ana, is being charged with the felony counts of Penal Code (PC) 289 sexual penetration with a child 10 years or younger and PC 288 lewd acts with a child.

Santa Ana criminal attorney Michael L. Guisti says when faced with charges like this it's very important to hire a professional sex crimes attorney, because your attorney can prepare a stellar defense for you, or work out a plea deal and reduce charges.

When it comes to children and alleged sex crimes a lot of emotions get involved that tend to guide the district attorney and prosecutor's decisions more than facts, which is why it's very important to retain an attorney right away, says Guisti.

It sounds very horrible to say given the charges, says Guisti, but to ensure justice for all a defense lawyer will investigate the children making the claims, because there have been a lot of cases where children have falsely made such serious allegations.

Such serious allegations can quickly ruin a person's reputation before there is any trial, which is all the more reason to contact a defense lawyer, says Guisti.

When you're facing a very serious charge like this, says Guisti, it's important to think of your lawyer as your public relations person who will make sure your side of the story is fairly heard.

If convicted of this crime the Santa Ana man faces up to 60 years in prison.

If you're facing such serious charges it's very important to contact our Orange County sex crimes attorney experts right away at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti at 888-478-8999.

Our track record proves when our clients are facing extremely serious sex crime charges in the courts of Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego we get our client's cases dismissed, found not guilty, or given a very good plea deal all so they can go back on with their lives.

A sex crime charge is not a charge to fool around with, so please, give us a call.

November 9, 2011

Penn State Sexual Abuse Scandal

Irvine, Orange County - Within the past week there has been a growing child sexual abuse scandal at Penn State where authorities allege Jerry Sandusky, the former coach and defensive coordinator of the school's famed football team, sexually abused eight boys over a 15-year period.

This alleged crime has forced many officials at Penn State to resign, including legendary head coach Joe Paterno and Penn State President Graham Spanier is reportedly set to resign, according to media reports.

Irvine criminal attorney Michael L. Guisti explains child sexual abuse charges are always taken very seriously, but the big problem for defendants is emotions more than facts tend to guide prosecutors and the general public, which is why it's very important to have a professional Orange County sex crimes defense attorney on your side if you're ever accused of this crime.

One thing a defense lawyer does for you, says Guisti, is making sure the court of law and court of public opinion fairly hears your side of the story amid emotionally charged allegations such as sexual molestation of children.

Now this is occurring in Pennsylvania, but had this occurred here in California they're several charges, depending on the details of the case, Sandusky could face, including, Penal Code (PC) 288 felony lewd acts with a minor, PC 269 aggravated sexual assault of a child, PC 286(c) sodomy with a child, PC 288.5 continuous sexual abuse of a child, PC 289(j) sexual penetration with a person under 14, PC 261.5(d) statutory rape with a minor under 16, according to Guisti.

In many cases like this the district attorney tends to overcharge cases, and having retained a professional sexual abuse defense lawyer your attorney will work to reduce and dismiss these charges, and most importantly, says Guisti, a professional sex crimes defense lawyer will make sure evidence and other information proving your innocence is entered into trial and not conveniently left out.

Guisti does say that even though this may seem hopeless it's so important to understand you do have defense options, which, Guisti says, has lead to many of his clients being found not guilty of these serious charges.

Here in California if you're convicted of sex crimes with a minor it's usually a felony with many years in a state prison and you must register as a sex offender for life, says Guisti.

If you're facing child sexual abuse charges it's very important to contact our Orange County sex crimes attorney experts right away at 888-478-8999 at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti.

This is an extraordinarily serious charge that you can't waste time on hiring a lawyer for, so call us now and our expert attorneys will see to it your side of the story is heard and that you can go back on with your life.

November 3, 2011

Huntington Beach Considers Banning Sex Offenders from Parks

Huntington Beach, Orange County - Huntington Beach is the latest Orange County city to consider an ordinance banning registered sex offenders from their city parks, which, if approved, violators could be charged with a misdemeanor and a $1,000 fine or jail time, if convicted.

Huntington Beach has 184 registered sex offenders, 94 of those are registered with the California Megan's Law Website and another 90 are not required to publicly disclose their status but have registered with the police department, according to a city report.

Orange, Tustin and Fullerton have already have some type of ordinance banning sex offenders from their park while other cities, like Costa Mesa, Westminster, and Mission Viejo, are considering such a rule

Huntington Beach criminal attorney Michael L. Guisti explains that city is going to need to define the level of sex offenders who are to be banned from city parks, because if the city approves a law banning all sex offenders that could easily include somebody who was caught urinating or a couple who were caught in public doing a little more than making out.

They're even some proposals in Orange County that would prevent sex offenders who are parents from taking their children to the park, according to Guisti.

To avoid problems like this it may be best for a registered sex offender to seek and expungement and to get off the registered sex offender list, say Guisti.

With cities here in Orange County and across the country looking to ban sex offenders from parks and other public places the feeling among the legal community is at some point the question of the rights of sex offenders will probably make it to the U.S. Supreme Court, says Guisti.

If you're facing a sex crime charge or need an expungement call the Orange County sex crime attorney experts at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti at 888-478-8999.

With over of a decade of experience our law firm has successfully won cases for our clients accused of sex crimes.

September 19, 2011

Orange County Mother Accused of Sex with a Minor and Lewd Acts

Laguna Nigel, Orange County - A 44-year-old hockey mother was arrested on suspicion of having unlawful sex and committing lewd acts with two members of her son's youth hockey team, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

The mother was arrested last week at her home on suspicion of having unlawful sex with a minor under 16 and committing lewd acts with a minor under 14, according to the sheriff's department.

Irvine criminal attorney Michael L. Guisti explains these are two very serious charges and given the age difference between the suspect and alleged victims if convicted the mother could face a harsher sentence.

Sex with a minor is cover under California's statutory rape laws, which makes engaging in sexual intercourse with a person under 18 illegal.

Guisti says in this case since the suspect is over 21 and the victim is under 16 the mother in question could be charged with either a misdemeanor or felony in this case.

In statutory rape cases where a suspect and victim are less than three years about it must be charged as a misdemeanor, according to Guisti

A felony conviction for statutory rape can carry up to four years in a state prison, but the mother would not have to register as a lifetime sex offender, says Guisti.

As for lewd acts with a minor Guisti says that is when a person touches a child anywhere on the body, including outside of the clothing, if it's done with the intent of arousing or gratifying the lust, passions or sexual desires of you or the child.

For somebody to be charged with this crime it's very important to note that you don't have to touch the child in a lewd or sexual manner, only that the touch appeals to your lustful desires, according to Guisti.

Guisti explains depending on the age differences between the victim and suspect lewd acts with a child can be charged also either as a misdemeanor or felony.

If convicted of felony lewd acts with a child the suspect face between one to eight years in prison and, unlike a statutory rape conviction, would have to register as a sex offender for life, says Guisti.

Most times the courts are very quick to side with minors when they're allegedly the victim, especially when it concerns sex crimes, and that is why if you're facing similar charges you must call our Orange County sex crimes attorney specialists at the Law Office of Michael L. Guisti at 888-478-8999. Why? So our legal experts fully ensure the court fairly hears your side of the story without any bias from the prosecution.

We'll work to get you the best possible outcome.

September 13, 2011

Laguna Hills Priest Arrested for Child Molestation

Laguna Hills, Orange County - A Laguna Hills priest was arrested last weekend for allegedly committing lewd acts with a minor, which the victim is reportedly the son of a member of the Priest's church, according to court documents.

The reports says the alleged victim was younger than 14 years old and told investigators that he was abused during a sleepover at the house of Priest Oscar Perez, a bishop of the Old Catholic Church in Laguna Hills.

Irvine criminal attorney Michael L. Guisti says lewd acts with a minor is a very serious charge that can land you many years behind state prison bars and have to register as a sex offender for life if convicted.

It is important to understand lewd acts with a minor is a very broadly defined crime as to be accused of this crime simply touching a child on the shoulder above clothing and allegedly becoming aroused is enough to be charged with this crime, according to Guisti.

Guisti says to be charged with this crime prosecutors must show that you willfully touched any part of a child's body, made them touch your body or another' person's body or made the child touch themselves with the intent of arousing the sexual desires of you or the child.

If the "touch" was accidental and/or you didn't have and never had criminal intent, that is to say you never had the intention to sexually arouse or gratify yourself or the minor, then you're not guilty of this crime, according to Guisti.

Child molestation is a very serious charge that can not only send you to prison, but can ruin your reputation, and if you're being accused of this crime you must contact the child molestation defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti right away at 888-478-8999 so we can defend you and restore your reputation.

September 12, 2011

Irvine Man Arrested for Possessing Child Pornography

Irvine, Orange County - An Irvine man was arrested last week after authorities allegedly found child pornography on his hard drive, according to a press release.

Authorities say the suspect had "a handful" of pornographic images depicting children "in sexual positions."

Irvine criminal attorney Michael L. Guisti explains they're several potential charges one can face in connection to child pornography and anytime somebody is under arrest for possession of child porn and it is always best to never speak to investigators without an attorney as simply talking to police can get you into a lot more trouble.

Guisti says in child pornography investigators always want to know, aside from simply possessing the suspect images, what you were planning on doing with the images and how you came into possession of them.

The suspect may simply have had the images on his computer, according to Guisti, and it's certainly possible when the suspect was doing his daily business online some type of virus hit his computer putting those images on there.

Now even assuming the suspect inadvertently came into possession of such images if he sent them to friends he could face felony charges of distributing child pornography and if he went so far as to charge to look at the suspect images he could face charges of child porn sales, and in addition he could face charges of sexual exploitation of child, according to Guisti.

Basically, Guisti says, if you tell investigators something seemingly in passing like, "Oh, I did send it to a few friends just so they could see," you can now find yourself facing not only possession of child pornography charges, but child porn distribution.

Irvine criminal lawyer Guisti says if you're accused of this possessing child pornography, but you didn't knowingly and intentionally view or otherwise engaging in an activity dealing with child porn and if such illegal content was sent to your computer without your permission or knowledge you cannot be found guilty of possessing child pornography.

Child pornography is an extraordinarily serious charge where you could be facing one or several serious charges that can send you to jail, state prison or even a federal prison for many years along with having to register as a sex offender for life if convicted, and that is why it's very important to contact the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti at 888-478-8999 if you or somebody you know are facing these charges.

With over a decade of experience in the Orange County courts the legal experts at the Law Office of Michael L. Guisti can work to get your charges reduced, get the jury to find you "not guilty," or have your charges outright dismissed.

July 28, 2011

Rancho Santa Margarita Moves to Ban Sex Offenders from Parks

Rancho Santa Margarita, Orange County - The Rancho Santa Margarita city council approved the latest version of a proposed ordinance to ban sex offenders from city parks on Wednesday.

If passed the ordinance would make it a crime for anyone on California's sex offender registry to enter a city park without written permission from the Orange County Sheriff's Department, and the permission must be time and date specific.

Rancho Santa Margarita is the latest Orange County city to propose banning registered sex offenders from city parks as in recent months Huntington Beach and Westminster have also proposed similar bans.

Irvine sex crimes defense attorney Michael L. Guisti explains when you've been convicted of a sex crime depending on the punishment you may have to register as a sex offender under Penal Code (PC) 290, which means you basically have inform local law enforcement on your where you live.

Irvine criminal defense attorney Guisti explains not all sex crimes require registration if convicted, often just the most serious crimes, such as rape, lewd acts, child pornography and even certain cases of indecent exposure.

Guisti says if you're being accused of a sex crime it's very important to consult with an Orange County sex crimes lawyer immediately.

Once you're required to registered as a sex offender you're registered for life, however Irvine sex crime lawyer Guisti says there are ways to have your sex offender registration requirement and conviction expunged, and it's best to see an Orange County expungement attorney.

Guisti says it's possible at some point the U.S. Supreme Court might have to take up the issue and give a final ruling on whether or not cities can ban registered sex offenders from their parks and schools.

If you or somebody you know are facing sex crime charges or similar charges it's very important to contact an Orange County defense lawyer right away to ensure your rights, protect your reputation and keep you out of jail.

If you're facing any kind of sex crime charge call the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti right away at 714-530-9690.

June 11, 2011

Irvine Considering Banning Sex Offenders from Parks and Schools

Irvine, Orange County - Irvine is considering a proposal to ban sex offenders from city parks, and if the proposal is passed it would be the latest Orange County city to ban registered sex offenders from city parks.

Already Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach and Westminster have passed local laws banning sex offenders from their parks and living near schools, which if a registered sex offender breaks that city law it could result in a misdemeanor.

In Irvine it's unclear how the proposed ban would work. Some cities have banned all registered sex offenders from parks while other cities have only banned sex offenders convicted of sex crimes against children from their parks.

Irvine sex crimes defense attorney Michael L. Guisti explains when you've been convicted of a sex crime depending on the punishment you may have to register as a sex offender under Penal Code (PC) 290, which means you basically have inform local law enforcement on your where you live.

Irvine criminal defense attorney Guisti explains not all sex crimes require registration if convicted, often just the most serious crimes, such as rape, lewd acts, child pornography and even certain cases of indecent exposure.

Guisti says if you're being accused of a sex crime it's very important to consult with an Orange County sex crimes lawyer right away to ensure your rights as they've been many cases where the alleged victim exaggerates or lies to police about what happened.

Once you're required to registered as a sex offender you're registered for life, however Irvine sex crime lawyer Guisti says there are ways to have your sex offender registration requirement and conviction expunged, and it's best to see an Orange County expungement attorney.

Attorney Guisti explains that for the proposal Irvine ban and the bans already in affect in Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach and Westminster the California courts have ruled in those cities favor banning registered sex offenders from parks and schools. Guisti says it's possible at some point the U.S. Supreme Court might have to take up this issue and give a final ruling on whether or not cities can ban registered sex offenders from their parks and schools.

If you or somebody you know are facing sex crime charges or similar charges it's very important to contact an Orange County defense lawyer right away to ensure your rights, protect your reputation and keep you out of jail.

If you're facing any kind of sex crime charge call the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti right away at 714-530-9690.

June 2, 2011

Teenager Arrested for Sexual Battery at Disneyland in Anaheim

Anaheim, Orange County - A 17-year-old boy was arrested and charged with sexual battery after allegedly inappropriately touching a 17-year-old girl while dancing at Disneyland.

The alleged incident reportedly occurred in May during ElecTRONica, a dance party featuring electronica music set to the theme of the Sci-Fi film Tron.

The girl and her friends told Disney officials what happened, which Disney officials then escorted the suspect to a security room until Anaheim Police could arrive to investigate.

Anaheim Police Sergeant Rick Martinez tells reporters, "As the dancing progressed, the male began dancing closer to the female, and he eventually touched her inappropriately in a manner which constituted sexual assault."

Irvine sex crimes defense attorney Michael L. Guisti explains for there to be a sexual battery charge under Penal Code 243.4 the Orange County District Attorney must prove three things, first that the suspect in question touched the intimate part of her body, two that the touching was against the will of the girl or fraudulently obtained, and three, that the suspect touched the girl to specifically cause sexual arousal, sexual gratification, or sexual abuse.

Attorney Guisti says at dance clubs and very crowded places like Disneyland with so many people crowding around each other and loud noises all around it is possible the suspect never intended to specifically cause the abuse and it could have been a legitimate accident, which subsequently wouldn't constitute a sexual battery charge.

It's unclear if the suspect will be charged as a juvenile or adult.

If charged as an adult Irvine sex crimes defense attorney Michael L. Guisti says the suspect will likely face misdemeanor sexual battery charges, which if convicted he could face up to 6 months in Orange County jail and a $2,000 maximum fine.

If you or somebody you know are facing similar charges it's very important to contact an Orange County criminal defense lawyer right away to ensure your rights, protect your reputation and keep you out of jail

If you're facing sexual battery charges call the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti right away at 714-530-9690.

April 20, 2011

New law effective May 5, 2011 - Sex offenders in OC must have permission to go to county beaches and parks

Orange County - If you have committed and been convicted of a sex crime, you must register as a sex offender. Effective May 5, 2011, all registered sex offenders will no longer be allowed to enjoy the Orange County beachs, parks and harbors without prior approval from the county According to the Orange County criminal attorney at Law Offices of Michael Guisti

This ordinance has been approved by the Board of Supervisors and violaters of this ordinance could face up to six months in jail or a $500 fine.

This restriction applies to all Orange County recreational parks, beach and harbors.