Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog

Santa Ana, Orange County - When people are facing a Murder charge in Southern California, Orange County, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, their first question should be how their rights can be protected. Southern California criminal attorneys at our firm have successfully handled many felony violent crimes, California murder crimes, attempted murder, first degree murder, second degree murder, appeals. The key is that you have a skilled Orange County defense attorney who has the know-how to provide a strong defense for you and your family.

Our Orange County felony defense attorneys recently discussed about a case on the news regarding Orange County murder crime. In the news, an Orange County Santa Ana man, was charged with murdering his wife and fleeing to Mexico. Agustin Amaraz Espinoza is accused of killing his wife, 53-year old Marisela Espinoza on July 29, 2010, after she asked him to move out. According to authorities, Marisela found out that Agustin had gambled away $100,000 of his retirement fund and was having an extra-marital affair.

Police say that Agustin left his wife's body in the living room before fleeing to Mexico. Agustin was arrested while re-entering the United States from Mexico.

Newport Beach criminal defense lawyer reviewed the news explained that if convicted, Agustin faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in state prison. Under California Law, Murder is the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought. In California, there are two degrees of murder. First degree murder is a second degree murder plus an aggravating factor, therefore it is punished more severely.

California criminal attorney explains that under California Penal Code Section 190 (a), a conviction of first degree murder carries a sentence of imprisonment for a minimum of 25 years to life. If certain conditions are met, one can be sentenced to the death penalty. One of these conditions is murder committed after lying in wait. In addition, using a firearm to commit murder or any other California felony crime can increase the sentence by 3 to 10 years.

Santa Ana felony crime defense attorney further explain, whether it is first degree murder, second degree murder, attempted murder, homicide or manslaughter, murder is the most serious of all crimes committed, and severely punishes those who violate or break the law. A conviction can and will destroy a person's life. It is imperative for an individual facing a murder charge to retain a highly qualified California murder defense attorney or Orange County felony crime defense lawyer as quickly as possible.

At the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, we have highly experienced attorneys to help reach the best result possible. Our experienced Orange County criminal defense lawyers will inform you of your rights throughout the pre-trial process, explain you the elements that the prosecutor needs to prove for a conviction, familiarize you with all possible defenses you can assert, and defend you in court.

Our law firm also represent clients in all types of criminal charges such as appeals, habeas corpus, domestic violence, assault and battery, murder, attempted murder, hit and run, DUI, drug crimes, white collar crimes, embezzlement, fraud, professional licensing defense, abuse, sex crime, appeals and habeas corpus. Our Orange County defense attorney and Santa Ana felony defense attorneys have successfully defended clients in Orange County, Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Santa Ana, Westminster, Huntington Beach, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Costa Mesa, Tustin, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino.

Whether you have been wrongfully accused of a crime or want to avoid a difficult or unjust sentence, we are available day or night to come to your defense. From misdemeanors to serious felony crimes, the law offices of Michael L. Guisti has the experience and firepower to fight any criminal charges you may face.

Committing murder is a serious charge that has grave consequences. If you or someone you love has been arrested or charged with a felony like murder in the above story, call us today at 714-530-9690 or our toll-free number at (888) 478-8999 for a free no-obligation consultation with our skilled Orange County criminal defense attorneys. You'll be glad you did.

Los Angeles, California - Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys and California criminal lawyers at our law firm noted a very tragic story in the news regarding involuntary manslaughter case happened on On July 9th. The accident occurred when a 9-year-old boy accidentally shot his 2-year-old brother. According to the police, the 9-year-old climbed into a closet and found a loaded gun. He took it out to play with it, and accidentally shot his younger brother. The 2-year-old was taken to the hospital immediately after being found, but died shortly after.

Involuntary Manslaughter is a form of homicide. A convicted defendant may face up to 4 years imprisonment and a maximum $ 10,000 fine. Under California Penal Code 192 (b), Involuntary Manslaughter is when someone is killed unlawfully but not amounting to a felony, or a death resulted by a lawful act but conducted in a dangerous and unlawful manner without due caution. For example, if a defendant purchased a gun legally, and they accidentally shot somebody because of negligent usage, they are criminally liable for involuntary manslaughter so long as their behavior results in death. When someone is charged with involuntary manslaughter, it is crutial to consult with an experienced mansalughter defense lawyer or murder crime defense attorney.

If they have malice, such as the intent to kill or reckless disregard for the potential high risks that caused the death, their conduct will amount to voluntary manslaughter or murder. On the other hand, infancy is a valid defense to criminal liability. In California, children under 7 years old will not be criminally liable because they are too young to understand that their behavior is wrongful. For children between 7 and 14, a prosecutor can argue against the infancy defense thus impose partial liability.

If you or anyone you know has been accused of involuntary manslaughter, murder, homicide, felony violent crimes, attempted murder, first degree murder, second degree murder or any type of felony charges, it is important to consult an experienced Los Angeles criminal attorney or Orange County defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Our attorneys in the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti have handled hundreds of felony crime defense such as attempted murder, murder, homicide, criminal appeals, habeas corpus and involuntary manslaughter. Our Calfornia criminal attorneys defended clients throughout California, such as Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, and San Bernardino, Santa Ana, Newport Beach, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Tustin, Irvine, Beverly HIlls and any other cities in California. We will utilize every possible way to achieve the best result possible. Call us today at 714-530-9690 for a free consultation with our skilled Santa Ana criminal attorney or a California criminal defense attorneys.

Santa Ana criminal attorneys at our law firm were shocked toay at the news regarding a Santa Ana man killed his wife. Santa Ana man, Michael Eugene Upton, a 57 year old husbandhas been accused of murder for shooting his wife dead. Police said that it was a murder-suicide plot attributed to the couple's desperate financial difficulties. After shooting his wife, Mr. Upton took a large amount of Valium pills with the intent to commit suicide. His suicide attempt failed and he called 911 afterwards. If Mr. Upton is convicted, he will be facing a minimum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Under California Law, Murder is the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought. In California, there are two degrees of murder. First degree murder is a second degree murder plus an aggravating factor, therefore it is punished more severely. Under California Penal Code Section 190 (a), a conviction of first degree murder carries a sentence of imprisonment for a minimum of 25 years to life. If certain conditions are met, one can be sentenced to the death penalty. One of these conditions is murder committed after lying in wait. In addition, using a firearm to commit murder or any other California felony crime can increase the sentence by 3 to 10 years.

Whether it is first degree murder, second degree murder, attempted murder, homicide or manslaughter, murder is the most serious crime, and it is severely punished by law. A conviction may destroy a person's whole life. It is significantly vital for a person facing a murder charge to retain a criminal attorney as soon as possible. In the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, we have a highly experienced attorney team to help you reach the best result possible. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys will inform you of your rights throughout the pre-trial process, explain you the elements that the prosecutor needs to prove for a conviction, familiarize you with all possible defenses you can assert, and defend you in court.

Our law firm also represent clients in all types of criminal charges such as appeals, habeas corpus, domestic violence, assault and battery, murder, attempted murder, hit and run, DUI, drug crimes, white collar crimes, embezzlement, fraud, professional licensing defense, abuse, sex crime, appeals and habeas corpus. Our California defense attorney and Santa ana felony defense attorneys have successfully defended clients in Orange County, Santa Ana, Westminster, Huntington Beach, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Costa Mesa, Tustin, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino. If you or someone you love has been arrested or charged with any felony cases, call us today at 714-530-9690 for a free consultation with our skilled California criminal attorneys.

Anaheim- Corina Castillo of Anaheim is being charged with felony murder. It is alleged that Castillo stabbed and killed her boyfriend. Police were called out to the victim's apartment for a domestic dispute. Jesse Foster the victim was found in the apartment complex hallway bleeding. He later died at the hospital. If Castillo is convicted, she faces 26 years to life in prison.

Murder is one of the most serious crimes that can be committed. The punishments for murder can charge a person whole life. Murder is defined in the California Penal code section 187(a). Murder is defined as the unlawful killing of another. There are two degrees of 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 Santa Ana criminal defense attorney that has had experience with murder charges can help a person facing a murder charge.

Since the punishments for murder are so severe, it is important that a person facing a murder charge retain a Santa Ana murder defense attorney immediately.

Continue reading "Anaheim Woman Charged with Murder " »

Orange County- Alex Trujillo or Garden Grove located in Orange County is facing murder charges. It is alleged that Trujillo killed women, Catherine Busse, while driving under the influence of alcohol. Trujillo was driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol when he hit the victim and her 15 year old son while the two were riding their bikes on the sidewalk. Witness detained Trujillo at the scene until police arrived. Trujillo has a prior conviction of driving under the influence. If he is found guilty he faces a maximum of life in prison.

In California, if a person is convicted of murder, they face some of the harshest punishments given to people charged with a criminal charge. In California, murder can be broken down into two charges and is defined in the California Penal Code section 187(a). It states that murder is the unlawful killing or another. The first kind 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 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. An experienced Orange County murder defense attorney will have the experience needed to look through all of the facts of the case and help you defend the charge.

Murder is the one of the most serious charges a person can face. It is imperative to your case and to your freedoms to hire a skilled Santa Ana murder defense attorney to help you defend this serious charge.

Continue reading "Orange County Man Faces Second Degree Murder Charges" »

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 " »

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- John Fischer of Yorba Linda is facing charges for allegedly getting into a fight with a man over a woman. It is alleged by police that Fischer and the women had recently broken up. He had discovered that she was spending the night at another man's house. Fischer allegedly showed up at the house armed with a baseball bat. The other man then also armed himself with a baseball bat. Fischer is expected to face assault with a deadly weapon charges.

In Orange County, assault with a deadly weapon is dealt with very seriously. It 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.

Since assault with a deadly weapon is considered a felony, the charges are serious and can change a person's whole life. It is important to hire an experienced Orange County defense attorney to help defend you.

Continue reading "Orange County Man Faces Assault with a Deadly Weapon Charge" »

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 " »

Orange County- Melissa Huckaby a former La Habra resident awaits trial for murder. It is alleged that Huckaby kidnapped, raped, and murdered an eight year old. The eight year old girl Sandra Cantu was a friend of her daughters. Her body was found in a suitcase in a pound a few miles from her house. Huckaby pleaded guilty to first degree murder and faces 25 years to life in prison without parole.

Murder is considered on of the most serious crimes in California. The punishments for murder are considered the harshest. Murder can be defined in the California Penal code section 187. It is the unlawful killing of another. There are to kinds of murder: first degree murder and second-degree murder. The individual fact of a person's case decides whether they are charged with 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.

Since the punishments for murder are the harshest in our judicial system, it is imperative to a persons can to hire a highly qualified Orange County murder defense attorney to help them defend their murder charge.

Continue reading "Orange County Women Pleads Guilty to Murder" »

Anaheim- A Anaheim resident was arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault. Police was called out to the suspect's mother's house for a possible assault. When police arrived it is alleged that the suspect ran past the police with blood on him. Police pursued then man and later caught him. The mother was badly beaten and in critical condition.

In California aggravated assault is considered a violent crime. It can also be called assault with a deadly weapon. It can be 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. This crime is considered a felony. A person that is charged with assault with a deadly weapon could face up to four years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

A charge like assault with a deadly weapon can change a person whole life. It is imperative to hire an experienced Santa Ana criminal defense attorney when facing a crime like assault or battery.

Continue reading "Anaheim Resident Arrested for Assault" »

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

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

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

Continue reading "Newport Beach Man Convicted of Murder" »

Santa Ana, 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" »

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

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

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

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