Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog

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" »

Santa Ana, Orange County - Six Los Angeles residents were charged with check fraud today. The defendants have stolen more than$ 650,000 from various retail stores around the area. The defendants Tyrone Grey, Tyrica Goff, Jazmine Williams, Brittnay Myvett, Niesha Johnson and Nedra Beard allegedly have been writing the checks in several stores.

The scheme consisted of the defendants writing counterfeit American Express travelers checks at stores like T.J Maxx, T.J Maxx Home Goods and Marshall's. The defendants would then buy merchandise that amounted over $100. Then the six defendants would return the merchandise to get the money. They used the counterfeit checks in different stores within those chains.

In California theft crime are a very serious offense and the punishments can be very harsh. There are various forms of theft crimes such as: grand theft, white collar crime, shoplifting, petty theft, fraud, medical fraud, issurance fraud, larceny, grand larceny, embezzlement, auto theft, and credit card fraud. Los Angeles criminal attorney Michael Guisti, of a Leading criminal defense law firm in Orange County and Los Angeles, spoke about the case, indicated that if these 6 people are convicted with theft crime or check fraud using or making counterfeit checks, the punishments could be severe, such as prison time in a federal prison and large fines as outlined in California Penal Code section 470-483.5.

A person that is being charged with a theft crime they need to hire an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney or an Orange County criminal attorney

Orange County theft crimes defense attorney Michael L. Guisti has handled hundreds of theft crimes cases and has the experience you need to represent you. If you or someone of know is getting charged with a theft crime. Contact the Law Offices of Michael Guisti and consult with our skilled Southern California criminal defense attorney. Call him at (714) 530-9690 or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.

NEWPORT BEACH, Orange County - An Ex-CFO of an Irvine based architectural company, was arrested Thursday for grand theft and white collar crime. Salvatory Josef Fulwider, of Yorba Linda, was charged on Thursday with embezzlement for stealing over $1.9 million from the firm's business accounts and the firm owner's personal account from 2003 to 2009. Fulwider is held on $1.3 million bail and will be arraigned on Monday at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach.

According to Orange County Theft Crime attorneys at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, if Fulwider wants to post the bail of $1.3 million, he needs to prove that the fund he will use for bail is from a legal source instead of the illegal source.

After reviewing the case, the Orange County criminal defense attorney and Irvine Theft Crime defense lawyer, Michael Guisti, analyzed that it looks like that the CFO, Fulwider, could be convicted of white collar crime, grand theft, forgery, falsifying records, and also he could get sentencing enhancements for grand theft of over $1.3 million. If this corporate financial executive is convicted, he is most likely to be sentenced to over 40 years in prison.

There are various types of theft crime charges, such as grand theft, petty theft, embezzlement, forgery, shoplifting, medical fraud, insurance fraud, band fraud, credit card fraud, identity theft, auto theft, and money laundering.

Under California criminal law, theft charges are serious crimes and the punishment is very harsh, it includes: prison time, large fines, restitution, probation and parole. Theft crime penalties depend upon the seriousness of the crime and prior criminal records. If you or someone you know has been arrested or investigated for theft crime, embezzlement or white collar crimes, it is critical to retain the services of a criminal defense attorney who has the knowledge and experiences to ensure a successfully defense for your theft crime charges.

Continue reading "Newport Beach CFO charged with White Collar crime, Grand Theft and Embezzlement " »

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" »

Long Beach, Los Angeles - A Long Beach California resident Insurance Agent has been convicted of felony count of grand theft in Orange County superior court. Matthew Shawn Bissell has pleaded guilty. His sentencing includes five years probation, restitution and community service. Bissell's insurance license was revoked.

Bissell Los Angeles Insurance Company provided various insurances services and products to his business clients. Bissell was allegedly took the client checks from the business account to his personal bank account. It caused the extreme financial risk to his clients. From 2005 to 2007, Bissell also allegedly committed insurance fraud by issuing bogus certificates of insurance.

There are different types of theft crime charges, such as grand theft, fraud (Bank Fraud, Credit Card Fraud, Healthcare Fraud, Insurance Fraud, Real Estate Fraud Investment), embezzlement, white collar crime, bribery, petty theft, shoplifting, burglary, receiving stolen property. If convicted, the consequences for the theft crimes are very serious and the punishments can be very harsh. It usually includes the jail time or prison time, substantial fine, probation and restitution.

Whether it is a misdemeanor or felony theft crime charge, you need to consult with an Orange County theft crime defense lawyer or Los Angeles criminal defense attorney immediately to protect your legal rights.

Continue reading "Long Beach Insurance Agent Convicted of Felony Grand Theft" »

Los Angeles, California - Orange County register reports that the CEO of Homestore Inc, has pleaded guilty for committing stock fraud and white collar crimes on Tuesday. Stuart Wolff, the CEO and chairman of the real estate listing firm is sentenced in April for investment and securities fraud. He is facing up to five years in prison. There are also 11 other defendants involved in this case.

In 2001, the News broke that the Homestore was under the federal investigation for its fraudulent accounting practices. It caused company's stock price plummeted and the investors lost over $100 million dollars. Wolff was convicted in 2006 of over 12 charges for white collar crimes and fraud scheme. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

In Caifornia, White Collar crime is usually committed by professionals, such as CEO, corporate executive, professionals, doctors and public officials. White collar crimes usually involve fraud and theft for the purpose of obtaining money.

Under California law, white collar crimes are one of the most aggressively prosecuted crimes by the federal government. It is extremely important that you have an experienced California Criminal Defense attorney to work by your side in both state and federal court.

If you or someone you know have been charged with fraud or white collar crime, the punishment can be very serious. If convicted, the consequences for a white collar can be severe, include lengthy prison time, large amount of restitution, professional license issue, Professional Reputation. A white collar crime charge can damage one's profession and career for life. There are different type of white collar crimes, such as : Bank Fraud, Credit Card Fraud, Health Care Fraud, Medicare fraud, Medical fraud, Extortion, Embezzlement, Identity Theft, Insurance Fraud, Securities Fraud. If you are a professional or an executive who have been charged with white collar crimes or fraud crimes, you need to consult with an experienced Southern California criminal defense attorney immediately to ensure your rights are protected.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Ex-Executive Convicted in fraud case " »

Orange County, California - There were 15 theft and burglary cases reported in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside. Three Los Angeles men were arrested for the theft case on Dec. 29. A sting has been set up in Mission Viejo, and three men followed an undercover police and broke into his car and stole his computer.

The three men, Garzon David, Louis Lopez, and John Rodriguez have been charged with felony counts of burglary and grand theft. They have been charged with 28 counts of second-degree burglary, unlawful tampering of a vehicle and grand theft.

Authorities of Orange County will further investigate the case and work with Los Angeles for this large theft ring. Police in Orange County has been noted of more theft and burglary cases at the holiday season. Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Irvine and Orange County have reported the similar crimes during the holiday.

SANTA ANA, Orange County - A San Juan Capistrano man, Jeffrey Butler, was convicted of 700 felony counts of white collar crime, grand theft and investment fraud for stealing from elderly investors. He bilked 124 investors of over $11 million through a Ponzi scheme. He was sentenced to 90 years and eight months in prison. The trial was the longest trial in Orange County.

Butler worked with elderly clients on their wills and trusts and offered them unrealistic investment returns. He stole $11.4 million through Ponzi scheme in which money paid to earlier investors by later investors.

Mission Viejo, Orange County - A bank robbery occurred in Mission Viejo which authorities are attributing to the lone operative known to investigators as the "blue note bandit."

According to The Orange County Register, tellers at La Jolla Bank identified the man from photo stills taken of the "blue note bandit" from other bank robberies. The "blue note bandit" is believed to have also held up banks in Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Tustin, Irvine, Laguna Hills and San Juan Capistrano and Lake Forest.

California Penal Code Section 211 identifies Robbery as "the felonious 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."

If you or your loved one have been charged or arrested for robbery, theft, fraud, embezzlement or white collar crimes or related felonies and/or misdemeanors in the State of California, it is imperative to hire an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney or Southern California theft crime defense lawyer to protect your rights and freedom.

Orange County Criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti have handled hundreds of criminal cases in both state and federal court, including white collar crime, theft, fraud, medical insurance fraud, embezzlement, grand theft, robbery, among many other crimes. Our theft crime defense attorneys represent clients in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego.

To further discuss your case about theft crimes, please call our skilled Southern California Criminal Defense Attorney and Orange County theft crime Defense attorney at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti at 714-530-9690 or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com

Orange County - According to The Orange County Register, Matthew Barnard, of Corona, was formally arrested on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine paraphernalia and possession of stolen property. Barnard was said to have attempted to pay for his meal at a local Arby's with counterfeit bills.

Orange County sheriff's deputies were called to an Arby's restaurant on Monday night after an employee at the Arby's called authorities to report that two customers had tried to pay for their Arby's meals with two counterfeit $20 bills. Upon further search, deputes also found more counterfeit bills.

California Penal Code Section 470(d)covers the crime of counterfeiting, and the statute makes clear that the counterfeiting of legal tender is a criminally sanctionable act with substantial penalties, which may include, but is not limited to, fines and/or jail/prison time. Moreover, possession of illegal narcotics is also a criminal act which carries penalties, including but not limited to, penalties and/or jail/prison time.

If you or your loved one have been charged or arrested for counterfeiting and/or possession of illegal narcotics, or related felonies and/or misdemeanors in the State of California, you need to consult with an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney or Southern California criminal lawyer to protect your rights and freedom. Criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti have handled hundreds of criminal cases in both state and federal court, including fraud, theft crimes, counterfeiting of money and drug possession, among many other crimes. Please contact our Orange County criminal defense attorney at 714-530-9690 or visit our website at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.

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

Orange County sheriff's deputies were called to an Arby's restaurant on Monday night after an employee at the Arby's called authorities to report that two customers had tried to pay for their meals with two counterfeit $20 bills.

California Penal Code Section 470(d)covers the crime of counterfeiting, and the statute makes clear that the counterfeiting of legal tender is a criminally sanctionable act with substantial penalties, which may include, but is not limited to, fines and/or jail/prison time. Moreover, possession of illegal narcotics is also a criminal act which carries penalties, including but not limited to, penalties and/or jail/prison time.

If you or your loved one have been charged or arrested for counterfeiting and/or possession of illegal narcotics, or related felonies and/or misdemeanors in the State of California, you need to consult with an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney or Southern California Theft Crime Defense Attorney to protect your rights and freedom.

Orange county Criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti have handled hundreds of criminal cases in both state and federal court, including fraud, theft crimes, counterfeiting of money and drug possession, among many other crimes. Please contact our Orange County criminal defense attorney at 714-530-9690 or visit our website at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.

According to the Orange County Register, Fountain Valley police responded to a burglary alarm at R. L. Ebbert Co., a construction/mining equipment wholesaler, thereafter arresting a man who they suspect broke into a wholesale equipment business and stole several computers and a TV.

In relevant part, Charles Daniel Perez Jr., 32, of Santa Ana, was arrested and charged with burglary and possession of stolen property. Moreover, Perez is currently on parole from the State Department of Corrections, and is now being held without bail.

Under California criminal law, Burglary is a serious criminal offense which carries heavy fines, penalties and and/or possible jail/prison time. If you or your loved one have been charged or arrested for burglary, grand theft, embezzlement, fraud or rany related felonies or misdemeanors in the State of California, you need to hire an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney or Southern California theft crime defense lawyer to protect your rights and ensure your liberties and freedom.

Orange County Criminal defense attorneys at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti have handled hundreds of criminal cases in both state and federal court, including burglary, grand theft, fraud, insurance fraud, medical fraud, embezzlement, white collar crimes among many other causes of action. Our Orange County criminal defense attorneys represent clients in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino. If you have been arrested or charged with any type of crimes, please contact us for a free consultation at 714-530-9690 or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.

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.

According to Orange County Register that surprisingly some of the safest Orange County's cities have been added to the list of the cities with more violent crimes this year, even though the number of crimes nationwide has been dropped dramatically this year.

According to the report, some of the cities in Orange County which used to be considered as violent crime cities have reportedly seen improvement this year, cities such as Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Westminster, Anaheim, Garden Grove and Orange.

Irvine, the safest city in the county with lowest crime rate, has seen violent crime increased significantly. The reported violent crimes have increased 42 percent
Irvine city has reported more felony crimes on the rise in some serious criminal charges, such as grand theft, assault and battery, assault with deadly weapon, domestic violence, fraud, white collar crime, embezzlement, aggravated assaults and violent crimes. However, Irvine is still considered as the safest city to live as the rate of the violent crimes is only 3.9 per 10,000 residents.

The reported violent crimes in the city of Costa Mesa and Fullerton are also on the rise. Costa Mesa has a 15 percent rise on the violent crimes and Fullerton has a reported 40 percent of the increase for violent crimes.

In Orange County, murder crimes dropped by 10 percent in 2009. In Orange County rape charges have been decreased by 3.3 percent and robbery dropped by 6.5 percent.

If you or your loved one has been charged or arrested for violent crimes or any type of crimes, either a felony or misdemeanor, you need to hire an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney or Southern California criminal lawyer to protect your right and freedom. Criminal defense attorneys at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti have handled hundreds of criminal cases in both state and federal court, including assault and battery, domestic violence, appeals, unlawful firearms, white collar crimes,
embezzlement, grand theft, murder, sex crimes, robbery, aggravated assault, fraud, prostitution, vehicular manslaughter, DUI, Driving under the influence and drug crimes. Our criminal defense attorneys have the exceptional knowledge in law, the connections and resources and the expertise to prevail in your defense.

Santa Ana has been considered the city with the highest crimes in the county, but the number of the crime has been dropped 5 percent. Santa Ana common violent crimes such as Murder, three strikes, assault and batter, robbery, aggravated assault, and grand theft have been all decreased.

However, Santa Ana has reported much higher number of homicides this year than other cities.

Whether you have been charged with a felony crime or misdemeanor in Santa Ana, Irvine, Newport Beach, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Westminster, Anaheim, Orange, Costa Mesa, or any cities in Orange County, you should contact a skilled Orange County criminal defense attorney at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti immediately. Please contact us at 714-530-9690 for a free consultation to discuss more about your criminal charges or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.

SANTA ANA, Orange County - A former assistant working at children's shelter was convicted of felony charges of embezzlement and white collar crimes for stealing almost half million dollars from the company. Lydia Fitzgerald, was convicted of 49 felony grand theft and embezzlement charges, and was ordered to pay $390,000 in restitution.

During 2004 to 2007, she worked as an assistant at the organization. She was charged with credit card fraud and forgery for using the company credit cards and forging checks. She transferred the fund from the company account to her personal account for personal use. She is facing 4 years in prison.