Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog

La Habra, Orange County - A Westminster resident was murdered at a Halloween party in 2006. His killer was finally charged on Wednesday for the murder of Leland Washington. It is alleged that the suspect David Parga has ties with a gang that is in La Habra and killed Washington because of his race.

The victim was standing outside when Parga came up to him and shot him several time. Witnesses say that the attack was unprovoked. Prosecutors allege that this was no ordinary murder but that it is a hate crime. Washington was treated at UCI Medical Center in Orange where he was pronounced dead.

Orange County criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti commented on this incident. He stated that gang related crimes and hate crimes are very serious charges in California. He states the Parga will probably be facing serious murder charges. The punishments for murder can be found in the California Penal code section code 187 which states that a person will be sentence to federal prison if found convicted of murder. Southern California defense attorney Michael Guisti goes on to say that Parga will also face gang enhancements. The law covering gang enhancements are found in Penal code 186.22. It states that any person can have their prison sentence enlarge if it if discovered they did it for the benefit for the gang that they are associated with.

Being convicted of first degree murder is a serious charge. If convicted you could face a long prison sentence, fines restitution and you could possible lose your life. If you or someone you know has been charged with violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, first degree murder, second degree murder, three strikes, felony assault, homicide, manslaughter, domestic violence, assault, battery, sex crimes etc. and other crimes, it is critical to retain a skilled Orange County criminal defense attorney or Los Angeles criminal defense attorney immediately to protect your right and freedom.

Orange County criminal attorneys at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti has successfully handled hundreds of violent crime cases in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego and San Bernardino and are committed to providing the highest quality of legal representation for your case. If you or someone you love has been arrested or charged with felony crimes, violent crimes, murder, second degree murder, first degree murder, felony assault and battery, assault with deadly weapon, attempted murder, you need to call the experienced and skilled Southern California criminal defense attorney at the Law Offices of Michael Gusiti immediately at (714)530-9690 for a free consultation or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.

Garden Grove, Orange County - Garden Grove gang member, Ivan Garcia, was found guilty of shooting a Garden Grove resident outside of his home. Garcia was convicted of attempted murder and street terrorism, with penalty enhancements for gang activity. He is also convicted of unlawful firearm. He faces up to 40 years in prison.

The victim, David Pulga, was close to his Orange County Garden Grove home when he was shot several times by two gang members in Garden Grove. His wife reported to the Garden Grove police. From this injury he suffers memory loss, physical control and no longer has basic motor skills. The DNA evidence retrieved helped police find the Orange County attempted murder suspect, Ivan Garcia. Garden Grove police also found second gang member linked to this attempted murder case by the tagging. Cesar Mina also known as "Sleepy" has been tied to the shooting.

According to Orange County criminal attorney Michael Guisti, who has successfully handled many high profile felony crime cases, murder crime defense and attempted murder cases, states that "attempted murder" can be found under the California Penal code 187 which defines murder as the unlawful killing of a human being. The punishments for murder are the most severe among all other crimes, and it is the most aggressively prosecuted crime. The punishments for murder crimes, such as attempted murder, first degree murder, second degree murder, homicide and manslaughter, are very harsh, it could carry very long term prison sentences, the death penalty and heavy fines. The consequences could impact a person's entire life.

Orange County criminal defense attorney also explains that a person committed a murder or any other crime as part of a gang could also face gang enhancements. An enhancement is defined under California Penal code 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.

Making the right decision for hiring the most qualified criminal defense attorney for your case is the most important decision in the whole legal process. Southern California murder crime defense attorney at Law Offices of Michael Guisti have handled hundreds of felony cases in Orange County and Los Angeles. Attorney Michael Guisti has not only has the exceptional knowledge in California criminal law, federal law and extensive experience with Orange County court systems, Los Angeles court, San Bernardino courts, Riverside courts, San Diego courts. Our Los Angeles felony crime defense attorneys are experienced in felony criminal defense in areas such as: murder, attempted murder, three strikes, sex crimes, domestic violence, assault and battery, federal cases, felony drug cases, white collar crimes, felony fraud cases, grand theft cases, etc. Los Angeles and Orange County murder defense lawyers at Law Offices of Michael Guisti has also had experience defending clients that have been charged with gang related offenses.

Continue reading "Garden Grove Gang Member convicted of attempted murder " »

Cypress, Orange County - Monday night police found a man shot in Cypress. He is believed to have lived over seas and might have been on a business trip. The victim was a house guest of the suspect Brent Wilcox. Wilcox was arrested for assault with deadly weapon. He was booked at the Orange County jail hand is held on bail.

The gunshot victim is said to be in critical condition. Police have alleged that this might have been an accident. They have ruled out suicide because the gunshot was in the hands of another person, but that have not yet ruled out that it was accidental. The police think that the suspect Wilcox did not have any intention on shooting his house guest.

Orange County criminal defense attorney, Michael Guisti, who has many years of experience defending clients charged with felony violent crimes, states that assault with a deadly weapon is a serious offense in California. Under the California Penal code 245 (2), it illustrates that assault with a deadly weapon can be charged when a person commits assault with a firearm. The punishment can be very severe. if convicted, a person can expect to be imprisoned in jail and to pay a fine for up to $10,000. The Orange County criminal attorney further explains that there needs to be certain steps proven for him to be convicted of assault with a deadly weapon. It must be proven that he acted and when he acted he did the act the reasonable person would forsee the act being dangerous.

If you or someone you know has been charged or arrested for assault with deadly weapon, assault and battery, or any violent crimes in Orange County, Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Fullerton, Westminster, Santa Ana, it is vital to retain the legal service of an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney. Hiring a strong and highly qualified defense with Southern Calfornia criminal attorneys at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti would help the defendent minimize the charges brought against him. Our Orange County assault and battery defense attorneys are experienced with Orange County courts, Los Angeles courts, Riverside courts, San Diego courts, in both state and federal court.

Continue reading "Cypress Man arrested for Assault with deadly weapon" »

SANTA ANA, Orange County - An Irvine new resident, Janelle Peralta, was murdered by her long time boyfriend in Irvine on July 4, 2007. The man, Javier Colon, was found guilty by jury and was convicted of first degree murder of murdering his girlfriend using deadly weapon in Irvine. He will be sentenced Feb. 19.

The couple moved from New York to Irvine one week before the murder happened. It all started from a fight that night followed by an escalated assault and battery with deadly weapon. Javier slit his throat and wrists and had slashed Peralta 15 times. He was trying to kill both Peralta and himself. Peralta's mother took the 1-year old baby and ran out of the apartment and called police.

CYPRESS, Orange County - Cypress Police Department has been contacted by a 17-year-old Orange County boy who reported a sexual assault case happened in Monday early morning. According to the report, the boy was driving in Cypress, and he pulled over on the side street to make a phone call, and he was approached by a man who claimed that he was an off-duty police officer. He sexually assaulted the boy several times during the search. He fled the scene after the assault.

The Orange County sex crime defense attorney and Los Angeles crimina defense attorney Michael L. Guisti has reviewed this case and comments that the alleged man could be charged with sex crime charges of child molestation with the under aged, false impersonation of a police officer, kidnapping, and sexual assault and battery.

Under California law, sex crimes are very serious criminal offenses. If one is convicted of sex crime, the conviction can carry long term prison sentence or a lengthy probationary sentence. Additionally, defendant who is convicted of sex crimes in California is required to register as a sexual offender. The registration has all the information available on the internet for the public

Whether you have been charged in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, or anywhere in Southern California, and either a felony charge or misdemeanor sex crime charges, such as solicitation of prostitution, pandering, pimping, rape, Sexual assault and battery, child pornography, child molestation, Lewd act with a child (molestation); Indecent exposure, and other sex crimes, it is imperative that you seek the legal representation of an experienced Orange County criminal defense lawyer.

Continue reading "Orange County Boy sexually assaulted by man claim to be police " »

Santa Ana, Orange County - A Santa Ana man who was convicted of first degree murder in 2008 was granted a new trial today. Ruben Oliveros, of Santa Ana, was facing life in prison without the possibility of parole. An Orange county criminal defense attorney brought up a motion for a new trial and stated that the defendant may not have been at the crime scene. The Judge granted a new trial because it seems that there is strong evidence that a jury could give a different verdict.

Co-defendant, Charcas-Fernandez, has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in this case. Aurelio Saldivar, another defendant, was also convicted of murder in the case.

Under California law, murder is one of the most serious crimes. Under California penal code section PC 187, murder is defined as causing the death of another person with the presence of malice aforethought. The punishment is severe, if convicted the accused can get 25 to life in prison. It has life-altering consequences. If you or someone you care has been arrested for murder, you need to speak to an experienced Southern California criminal defense attorney immediately.

Whether it is in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Pasadena, Orange County, Santa Ana, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Tustin, Newport Beach or anywhere in Southern California, if one is convicted of a first-degree or second-degree murder charge, he could face prison time for the rest of his life.

The first- degree murder and second-degree murder are considered as the willful killing of another person. A first-degree murder can carry a minimum 25 years in prison, and second-degree murder is minimum of 15 years. It could be a sentense for life in prison depends on the circumstances.

Continue reading "Santa Ana Man Convicted of Murder get a new trial" »

According to Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles man Rodney Alcala is facing murder charges for the murders of four Los Angeles women who were sexually assaulted, beaten and strangled 2 years before the death of another woman Samsoe.of Huntington Beach,

12 year old Huntington Beach girl Robin Samsoe disappeared from the beach after she and her friend were asked by a man if he could take their picture. The friend accompanying Samsoe to the beach that day, later identified Rodney James Alcala as the man who took their picture. Alcala was twice convicted for the murder of Samsoe, but those convictions were reversed on appeal due to evidence improperly allowed into evidence. During Alcala's second appeal from his second conviction in 2001, DNA evidence was discovered by LA County Investigators. Alcala pleaded not guilty to the charges.

As stated in California Penal Code Section 187: murder is an act that results in the death of another human being, while California Penal Code Section 189: states 1st Degree Homicide is murder due to some form of deliberation and premeditation. While no DNA evidence was found in the Samsoe case, it appears the DNA evidence found from the victims prior to the death of Samsoe will be enough to hold Alcala accountable for murder. Because Alcala is facing multiple murder charges, the possibility of spending the rest of his life behind bars is certainly a possibility.

Under California criminal law, Homicide cases tend to be extremely complex. If you or someone you know has been arrested or under investigated for murder, homicide or manslaughter, it is imperative that you need to seek a strong legal representation from an experienced Southern California criminal defense attorney to protect your rights.

At Law offices of Michael L Guisti, our Los Angelels Criminal defense attonrey Michael L. Guisti has accumulated a wealth of knowledge about how to craft effective murder / homicide defenses over the past decade. Mr. Guisti has successful represented many criminal defendants charged with murder, felony sex crimes, assault and battery, felony violent crimes, as well as those facing capital crimes to avoid the death penalty.

To further discuss your felony criminal charges, murder crimes, please contact our Southern California criminal attorneys at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti at 714-530-9690 or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.

Los Angeles - The body of an 84 year old woman was found in her home, a victim of sexual assault, robbery and murder, the Anaheim police reported Sunday. The woman's car had been found in a San Bernardino County grocery store. The suspect, 25 year old Anthony Wade of Los Angeles, allegedly tried to use the victim's stolen credit card when he was apprehended after he became agitated when the clerk would not accept the credit card.

The police went to the home of the victim, Bessie Whyman, to see if she knew the whereabouts of her car and to check on her welfare when her naked body was discovered in the living room of her home. Wade, was transferred to an Anaheim detention center and is expected to be arraigned on charges of first degree felony murder, robbery and sexual assault.

Under California Penal Code Section 187, murder defined as unlawful killing of another human being with the intent of malice. Murder is one of the most aggressively prosecuted crimes among all crimes and the punishment for murder is harsh. If a person is convicted of murder, it can carry a sentence of 25 years to life in prison depending upon the severity and degree of murder. If you or someone you care has been arrested for murder in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside or San Bernardino, it is imperative to retain an experienced Southern California Criminal Defense Attorney to represent you. Our attorneys handled hundreds of criminal cases in both state and federal courts.

HUNTINGTON BEACH - David Brent, of Huntington Beach, was arrested on Christmas for domestic violence. He is an Orange County high-profile homicide prosecutor. His wife, Roshawn, also was also arrested for domestic violent in the fight over a gift. They are facing felony domestic violence charges.

Brent, a head of homicide unit at the Orange County District Attorney's office, fought with his wife and punched his wife in the face. She called 911 for the domestic violence. David Brent fled the scene. Both David Brent and his wife were arrested for corporal injury on a spouse and were taken to the Huntington Beach Jail.

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.

SAN CLEMENTE, California. - A former Irvine attorney, her two girls and mother were found dead in a murder suicide Tue. Elizabeth Fontaine was in a custody dispute with her ex-husband. She appeared in court Monday morning and was supposed to be back to court in the afternoon.

The homicide happened at an upscale Orange County home in San Clemente. Fontaine moved to Houston a month ago with her daughters. They came back to Orange County for the custody hearing. The family was at a friend's house when the killings happened. A handgun was found at the scene. The case is still under investigation.

If you or someone you care has been charged with felony crimes, such as murder, homicide, manslaughter, we will start strong defense immediately. At Law Offices of Michael Guisti, our skilled Orange County criminal attorneys can negotiate with prosecutors and police on your behalf. We will start investigation immediately and work our best to get your case dismissed or get your charge reduced to a minimum.

Our Southern California criminal defense lawyers are extremely experienced with the following felony violent crimes in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Bernardino and Riverside: Murder, attempted murder, first degree murder, second degree murder, homicide, manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, Domestic violence, Assault and battery, three strikes, assault with a deadly weapon and Unlawful firearms.

Continue reading "4 Family Member dead in San Clemente Orange County Homicide " »

A former Marine was indicted by an Orange County grand jury Monday. He confessed to killing 5 women in Southern California. Andrew Urdiales was arrested in 1997 for slayings 3 women. He confessed in detail for murdering 8 women in a nine-year spree.

For Southern California and Orange County murder cases, Urdiales was charged with 5 murders in Orange, San Diego and Riverside counties during 1986 and 1995. 24 years ago, Urdiales killed Robbin Brandley at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo. In most of his cases, he sexually assaulted his victims before killing them.

Santa Ana, Orange County - A gang member, of Santa Ana, was convicted of felony Assault with Deadly weapon for attacking a grandmother with a firearm during home invasion robbery. He'll be sentenced at West Justice Center in Westminster court.

He was also convicted of felony aggravated assault and battery with firearm causing great bodily injury, assault with a firearm, felony first degree robbery, felony false imprisonment by violence, and felony first degree residential burglary, elder abuse, street terrorism, and sentencing enhancements for criminal street gang activity.

Carlos Martinez, entered a Santa Ana home and assault the grandmother and mother with firearm. He was charged with prior strike for robbery. He is facing two life terms in prison.

RIVERSIDE - A Riverside man, Joshua Threlkeld, has been charged with several new charges Monday for kidnapping, raping and sexual assaulting young girls through internet. He has been charged with 136 counts of felony charges involving 80 victims. He is also charged with kidnap for rape and aggravated sexual assault to a minor.

He used social networking Web site MySpace to target young girls from 11 to 17 years old. The crimes involved 80 underage victims from 6 California counties, Orange County, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego. He was also charged with kidnapping to rape, sexual assault in May 2009.

Under California Law, Sexual assault defines as any unwanted sexual contact being forced upon another person. Rape or Sexual assault is one of the most aggressively prosecuted violent crimes in California. If you have been accused or charged with rape or sexual assault in Southern California, you need to consult a qualified Southern California criminal defense attorney immediately to defend your California sex crime charges

Continue reading "Riverside Man Charged with Rape and Sexual Assault using 'MySpace' " »

SANTA ANA, Orange County - A Santa Ana man was stabbed by a prostitute in the car when he tried to pick her up for sex. The man picked up the prostitute in Anaheim to have sex, but the two got in an argument. Prostitute took out a knife and stabbed the man and fled. The man has minor injuries and was not arrested for soliciting a prostitute.

According to California Penal Code Section 647(b), prostitutions charges have two type of offenses: solicitation of prostitution and engaging in prostitution. Prostitution defines as a crime to offer or engage in sexual activity in exchange for money.

Under California law, Prostitution, Solicitation, Pandering are serious sex crimes. First time offenses can be charged as misdemeanors and repeated offenses could be charged as felonies. The penalties include jail time, fines, probation and community service.

Sex crimes can be charged as misdemeanor or violent felony charges, depending on the circumstances. Whether it is a misdemeanor charge or a felony charge, it is imperative to hire a skilled Southern California criminal defense attorney who is very experienced in Criminal defense and sex crime defense law and who can guide you through each step of the legal process of your case.

Continue reading "Santa Ana Prostitute Assault and Battery man with Knife" »