How Criminal Accusations in OC Can Cost You a Job, and More

We all know what kinds of consequences there are when you are suspected of a crime: arrest, trial, possibly conviction. You probably also know that being convicted of a serious crime can cost you your job. Most companies can't keep your position warm for you if you're serving a lengthy prison term, and likely don't want to have the association with a convicted felon.

Termination Before Trial

Sometimes termination can even come before the trial. For example, this week, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck fired a non-tenured officer who is a suspect in a murder in Pomona. According to Beck, because the officer has not cooperated with the Pomona Police Department and because he has not reported for duty since the incident, there is sufficient cause to terminate his employment.

Similarly, there was a news story about Stephen Lester Siringoringo, a disbarred attorney from Westminster, who was arrested in San Bernardino County for his role in an alleged loan modification scam. In 2013, the State Bar forbade Siringoringo from practicing law because of the complaints against his firm.

Earlier in the month, two teachers resigned from the Covina-Valley Unified School District, rather than be terminated following allegations of inappropriate conduct with underage students. One of the teachers wrote in her resignation letter, that she was leaving because she believed the district was determined to dismiss her whether or not she was found guilty in criminal court.

Don't Let a Criminal Accusation in Orange County Ruin Your Life

Being accused of a crime can ruin your life. You could lose your job, it could drive a wedge between you and your spouse or family members, and make you into a pariah in your neighborhood.

If you are arrested, you could easily see your face splashed across the front page of a newspaper or website and even be a lead story on a local news broadcast. Your friends and family, even your coworkers and your boss could end up with a front row seat to the worst day of your life. But what happens afterwards? Unless a case is high profile, it rarely makes the news when a defendant is acquitted or if the charges against a suspect are dropped. It isn't necessarily that the media have a bias against defendants, just a bias towards sensationalism. You may have heard the expression “if it bleeds, it leads.”

Well, let me assure you that at Law Office of Michael L. Guisti, we understand how hard it is to fix your reputation after you've been accused of a crime. That's why we work so hard to give all of our clients the best possible defense in courtrooms in Orange County and across Southern California. We treat everyone who comes through our door with the respect and dignity that they deserve.

I became a criminal defense attorney because I'm passionate about helping people. Every day I see people struggle to keep their personal and professional lives together while fighting criminal charges. And although I know that there's no way to magically make all of their problems disappear, I do know how to help them deal with their legal issues.

In the sixteen years that I've practiced law, it has been my pleasure to serve the people of Southern California. There's nothing more gratifying to me than my clients' satisfaction with the service I've provided.

I know that nobody wants to need the services of a criminal defense attorney, but I hope that when you do you'll keep my firm in mind. You can reach Law Office of Michael L. Guisti at (714) 530-9690 for a free consultation.