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

Garden Grove- Samuel Zoller of Garden Grove is being charged with residential burglary. It is alleged by police that Zoller is responsible for residential burglaries over the Garden Grove area. Police states that Zoller would watch a house and make sure the owners were not inside. He would then go into the houses stealing items like DVDs, video games, guns and even a car. He was finally discovered when an item that he had sold to a pawn shop was reported stolen by the owner. He is being charged with 14 counts of burglary.

In California, burglary is broken into two different charges. The two charges 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.

Many people that are charged with burglary do not understand the severity of the charge. It is important to hire an experienced Garden Grove theft crime defense attorney to help you defend your criminal charge.

Continue reading "Garden Grove Resident Charged with Burglary " »

Anaheim- Two parents Jose Santana and Cynthia Franco of Orange County, have been charged with child abuse and endangerment and being under the influence of a controlled substance. Police where called to investigated someone possible breaking into a car. What they found was a five year old sleeping child. Police found his parents at a nearby house. Both of them were under the influence of meth. Both parent s have previous criminal convictions like domestic violence and other drug charges.

In California there are many different types of drug crime charges like possession of an uncontrolled substance, being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and selling marijuana. Being under the influence of a controlled substance can be found in the California Health & Safety Code, section 11550(a). It states that it is illegal to be under the influence of a controlled substance. This includes drugs like methamphetamines, cocaine and PCP. If convicted of this charge a person can face up to one year in jail, they may be ordered to go through a drug rehab program and may have to pay fines. An Orange County drug crime defense attorney that is familiar with drug crime charges can help a person facing these charges.

Many of the drug crime charges came with more serious punishments than people expect. It is imperative that if a person is facing a drug crime charge that they retain a skilled Santa Ana drug crime defense attorney to help them defend their charge.

Continue reading "Orange County Parents Charged with Being under the Influence of a Controlled Substance" »

Westminster- Suzanne Carlson, an Orange County resident, was convicted of second degree murder by a jury. Carlson had been drinking for two hours at a restaurant with her friend Scott Turner. She drove from the restaurant and onto the freeway where she then veers across the lanes of traffic. Carlson then rear ends a FedEx truck. Carlson was able to get out of the car, but Turner had internal bleeding and died shortly after. Carlson had three other DUI convictions. She was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.

In California, murder is one of the most serious crimes a person can be convicted of. 187 (a). It states that murder is the unlawful killing or another. The first type of murder and the more serious murder charge is first degree murder. The punishments for first degree murder are death, life in prison without parole or a prison sentence of 25 years to life. The second type of murder charge is call second degree murder. The punishment for murder in the second degree is 15 years to life in prison. The individual facts of a person case will determine whether you are charged with first or second degree murder. If a person that is facing a murder charge hires a skilled Orange County murder defense attorney, their attorney will be able to go through the facts of the case and help defend the charge in court.

Facing a murder charge can be hard not only for the person facing the charge but for their families as well. It is important to protect your rights and your freedoms. It is imperative to hire a Santa Ana murder defense attorney to help you defend your charge.

Continue reading "Orange County Woman Convicted of Second Degree Murder" »

Costa Mesa- In the city of Costa Mesa located in Orange County, local police arrested three residents that passed through a DUI checkpoint. Police conducted this checkpoint Tuesday night to screen for drivers that had been driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Police were able to arrest the three for DUI's and issue other residents citations.

In Orange County driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offense. A DUI is broken up in to two separate charges. The first charge is defined in the California Penal code section 23152(a). It states that it is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle. The second charge is defined in the California Penal code section 23152 (b) it is unlawful for any person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.

According to California law, a DUI is a wobbler. This means the charge can either be a felony or a misdemeanor. It is important to retain an experienced Newport Beach DUI defense attorney to help you defend your DUI charge.

Continue reading "Orange County Residents Arrested in Costa Mesa DUI Checkpoint" »

Huntington Beach- Huntington Beach resident Jennifer Smalls pleaded guilty to felony domestic violence. Smalls was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence after an incident with her husband. It is alleged that Smalls had stabbed her husband in a chest in a hotel room. His injury was not life threatening. She was sentenced to three years probation an 34 days in jail. She will also have to pay restitution.

The charge of domestic violence can be confusing. Domestic violence or corporal injury on a spouse is defined in the California Penal Code section 273.5. It states that domestic violence has occurred when a person inflicts injury on their spouse or cohabitant. In California this is considered a felony which means that if a person is convicted of this charge they could face a jail sentence, probation and restitution.

Many people do not understand how serious a domestic violence charge can be. A lot of the times a spouse will make a domestic violence accusation during an argument and then want to drop the charges. However, the DA may still press charges. It is imperative to hire an experienced Huntington Beach domestic violence defense attorney to handle your case.

Continue reading "Police Chief's Daughter Pleads Guilty to Domestic Violence" »

Orange County - Costa Mesa resident Daniel Wozniak is facing two murder charges. He is accused of killing Costa Mesa resident Samuel Herr and Irvine resident Juri "Julie" Kibuishi. Wozniack first killed Herr and then dismembered his body. Next he lured Kibuishi to Herr's apartment by sent text messages to her. After he murdered the second victim it is alleged that he then withdrew two thousand dollars from Herr's bank account. Prosecutors will try to seek the death penalty against Wozniak. He faces life in prison without parole.

In Orange County violent crime charges like murder, are dealt with very harshly. The law that covers murder is found in the California Penal Code section 187(a). It states that murder is the unlawful killing or another. There are two kinds of murder: first degree murder and second-degree murder. The individual fact of a person's case decides whether they are charged with either first or second degree murder. The punishments for first degree murder 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. A skilled Newport Beach criminal defense attorney will be able to go through the facts of each case and help you defend your murder charge.

Murder is considered on of the most serious charges in Southern California. The punishment for murder can change a person's whole life if they are convicted. It is imperative to retain an experienced Orange County murder defense attorney to help you defend your murder charge.

Continue reading "Costa Mesa Actor Charged with Murder" »

Santa Ana- Javier Velazquez of Orange County was arrested for pistol whipping his wife's boyfriend. It is alleged that the victim worked with the wife at Disneyland. The two sent text messages back and forth. This eventual led to the couple having a relationship. One day the victim got a text message from the girlfriend stating she was leaving her husband and that they should meet. The victim met her but discovered that the husband was in the car. Velazquez then started the hit the victim with a firearm and threatened to kill him. He was finally able to escape. Velazquez was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping, possession of a uncontrolled substance and assault with a firearm

In Orange County assault with a firearm is considered a very serious crime. In California this crime is considered a "wobbler" this means that it can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor. The charge can be defined in the California Penal Code section any person who commits an assault upon the person of another with a firearm shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for up to four years in a county jail for up to one year, or by a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars . An experienced Westminster criminal defense attorney can defend a person facing this crime.

Since this crime is a wobbler, it is important that a person who is facing a crime like assault with a firearm retain an experienced Santa Ana criminal defense attorney. Being convicted of a felony is serious and a person facing a felony charge should contact an attorney right away.

Continue reading "Orange County Husband Assaults Wife's Boyfriend " »

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" »

Santa Ana, Orange County - Santa Ana police was called to a neighborhood in Santa Ana where a fight between two people was taking place. The victim was a juvenile and the suspect is alleged to be around 18 years old. Witnesses told police that the victim was running from the suspect. Eventual the suspect caught up to him and started to assault him. The victim sustained stab wounds. The fight is said to be gang related.

In California if it is suspected that the crime that was committed was for the benefit for a gang, the district attorney can decide to add one what is called a gang enhancement. The law that covers gang enhancements is defined in the California Penal code section 186.22. This law states that any person committed of a felony in California can have their sentenced enlarged if it was to benefit the gang. If you have committed a felony for the gang, you could face an additional 4 years of prison time. The main crime that was committed was assault with a deadly weapon. This charge is defined in the California Penal Code section 245 (a) (1). It states that assault with a deadly weapon has occurred when Any person who commits an assault upon the person of another with a deadly weapon or instrument other than a firearm or by any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury.

Assault with a deadly weapon is considered a felony in California. This means that a person convicted of assault with a deadly weapon can get up to four years in prison and have to pay a fine of up to $10,000. It is imperative to hire an experienced Santa Ana violent crimes defense attorney if facing a criminal charge like assault with a deadly weapon.

Continue reading "Santa Ana Juvenile Stabbed During Gang Fight " »

Santa Ana, Orange County - Orange County man, Ethan Rosenfeld, is being held on suspicion of murder. It is alleged by police that Rosenfeld killed his 82-year old mother by strangling her. It is also alleged that after the murder was committed he stole her credit cards. He tried to buy a cup of coffee, but the clerk would not accept the credit card. He then went home and called the police to report that his mother Helen had died in her sleep. He pleaded not guilty due to insanity.

Murder is considered one of the most serious crimes in California. It is defined in the California Penal coded section 187. It states that murder is the unlawful killing of a human with malice aforethought. The punishments for murder are amongst some of the harshest punishments in the State of California. A person that is convicted of murder can face life in prison, prison sentences without parole, and the death penalty. Whether a person can be paroled depends and the facts of the case and whether or not the crime committed is second degree murder.

A person facing a murder charge can become overwhelmed with the criminal process. It is important to hire an experienced Santa Ana murder defense attorney if you are facing murder or second degree murder. A skilled criminal attorney can help raise defenses like self-defense that will help you defend your charge.

Continue reading "Orange County Man Accused of Murder" »

Lake Forest- Feliza Novack of Lake Forest was arrested on the suspicion of attempted murder. Her victim was a next door neighbor trying to break up a fight that was between two men. As the neighbor attempted to break up the fight, Novack pulled the victim in a choke hold a stabbed him in the back repeatedly. Novack and the other man then fled the scene. The victim was able to drive himself to the hospital and is in stable condition. Novack was later arrested and booked at the Orange County Women's jail in Santa Ana.

Irvine violent crimes defense attorney Michael Guisti, recently commented on the charge of attempted murder. He states that murder can be found in the California Penal code section 187 and defines murder as the unlawful killing of another. He goes on to state that Penal code section 664 states that is a person attempts to commit a crime; they shall serve half of the prison sentence of the fully committed crime. The punishments for murder are among of the most sever punishments given by the state of California. A person that is convicted of murder can face long prison sentences, fines, and even the death penalty.

Being convicted of murder is very serious. Since the punishments for murder is so serious it is important to retain an Orange County criminal defense attorney that has had experience representing clients in their murder and attempted murder cases.

Continue reading "Lake Forest Women Arrested for Attempted Murder" »

Irvine, Orange County - A Irvine teenager has been arrested for arson in Irvine. Irvine Police allege that five fires have been intentionally started in the last couple of days at an Irvine park. Police got called to an Irvine elementary school for a fire that had been set in a garbage bin. The police detained the teen, and he later admitted he had set the six fires. He is being held at the Orange County Juvenile Hall.
Irvine juvenile defense attorney Michael Guisti, who has many years of successful experience in defending juvenile clients at courts in Irvine, Newport Beach, Santa Ana, Fullerton and throughout Orange County, Los Angeles, states that juvenile charges are dealt differently by the courts than adult charges.

He further explains that for most crimes in California, the juvenile that has been arrested can be released into the custody of a parent or guardian. The California courts are also more likely to have the young adult serve a community service sentence rather than a jail sentence. However if the charge is considered a violent crime like murder for example, and the juvenile being charged is over the age of 14 years old, the court can decide to try the juvenile as an adult. This means that they will have to serve a prison sentence if they are proven guilty of the charge.

If your loved one is being accused of a juvenile charge, many guardians do not know where to start the task of defending this charge. The most important step a person can take is hiring an experienced Santa Ana juvenile defense attorney to help guide them through the criminal defense process. At the Law Office of Michael Guisti, our qualified and skilled Irvine criminal attorneys have spent years representing clients in juvenile court and have the winning strategies in defending our clients.

Continue reading "Irvine Teen Arrested for Arson " »

Santa Ana, Orange County - Santa Ana man, Gaylord Daney, plead not guilty in an Orange County court house to assaulting his public defender .He was appointed a female attorney for his recent marijuana possession charges. He asked the court to fire his current attorney and give him a new one. The court denied his motion. While in the hallway of the court Daney punches his female attorney in the face. The punch caused her glasses to break on she hit her head against the wall. She suffered bruises and cuts on her face. This attorney is no longer representing Daney.

Orange County assault and battery defense attorney Michael Guisti recently reviewed this case. He states that Daney will not only be facing charges for his marijuana possession, but he will also be facing the charges of felony assault charges. Assault and its punishments can be found in the California Penal code section 240. The code section states that an assault occurs when a person attempts to injure another and has the means to do so. Since the woman is an officer of the court it is a felony. He could be facing a fine of $2,000 and jail time. He will face additional misdemeanor charges if convicted of possession of marijuana.

Continue reading "Sanat Ana Man Assaults Public Defender" »

Laguna Beach- In Laguna Beach a homeless man was arrested on suspension of conducting a lewd act in front of a 4 year old girl. The girl was sitting outside in her yard playing when a ext door neighbor saw the suspect Richard Lyons looking at the girl. The neighbor says that the suspect was watching the girl play while his pants were down. The neighbor called the mother of the girl to tell her about Lyons. The mother immediately took the girl inside and called the police.

Laguna Beach police arrived at the home to find that Lyons was still there. The police detained the suspect were they discovered some items in his possession that lead police believe that he was doing some type of sexual activity. It is alleged that he has a criminal record in several others states; none of them suggest that he was a convicted sex offender.

Michael Guisti, Orange County sex crimes defense attorney recently commented on this article. He states that Lyons could be facing the charge of indecent exposure. Indecent exposure is outlined in the California Penal Code 314. It states that every person who willfully and lewdly, either exposes his person, or the private parts thereof, in any public place, or in any place where there are present other persons to be offended or annoyed thereby. Orange county criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti predicts that Lyons will be facing jail time, and fines. He jail sentence will be longer do to the fact that the indecent exposure was in front of a minor.

Continue reading "Laguna Beach Homeless Man Arrested on Suspicion of a Lewd Sexual Act" »