“If there is one characteristic that defines me, it is my belief in human dignity, my belief that my client's life is just as important now as it was on the day they were born.” - Michael Guisti
Downey, CA — Laws that place restrictions on children and teenagers are meant to protect them. For example, we make them wait until the age of 16 before they can obtain a driver’s license not just so that they can physically operate a motor vehicle, but also so that they can gain some small measure of personal experience and judgment before they do something so dangerous. The same logic is at work in consent laws. The age of consent varies by state, but its purpose is to protect teenagers from being victimized by predatory adults.
On Friday a teacher and girls soccer coach at Downey High School was arrested on suspicion of having sex with a minor. Brandon James Lee Hitchcock, 30, has pleaded not guilty to 15 criminal counts, 10 counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor and 5 counts of oral copulation with a minor. Hitchcock allegedly carried out a sexual relationship with one of his students between March and October of this year while she was a junior and a senior.
On October 18, 2014, Attorney Michael L. Guisti was interviewed by Fox 11 news regarding one of his clients, Sherwin Ngo. The 34-year-old Irvine man was arrested at his workplace after he was charged with lewd acts against a child. Mr. Ngo is accused of posing as a woman on Craig's List in order to lure underage boys into sexual encounters.
Attorney Guisti approached Fox 11 News after they knocked on the door of his client's apartment.
Orange County, CA — One issue that persistently arises within the criminal justice system is rehabilitation. More specifically, when is a convicted criminal fit to rejoin society? For some crimes the answer would seem to be that once the individual completes their sentence they are allowed to return to society, in some cases with temporary restrictions. In other cases, a convicted criminal is deemed to be such a threat to others or to themselves they receive a sentence or death or of life imprisonment, or are ordered to receive psychiatric care until such time as they are deemed safe.
The trial of Kevin Reilly, 57, was scheduled to begin in Orange County Superior Court on Wednesday. Reilly, who has been convicted twice on child molestation charges, is not facing new criminal charges, but is petitioning for release from the Coalinga State Hospital where is currently being treated after completing his prison term.
Laguna Niguel, CA — Certain professions are often thought of as being inherently dangerous. Police officers and military personnel are generally thought to be putting their lives on the line as part of their normal work duties. However, sometimes people who work a job that is normally considered to be fairly safe find themselves the targets of violence.
Orange County sheriff’s deputies in Laguna Niguel have arrested the man they believe may have attacked a real estate agent on Saturday afternoon as she was leaving one of the houses she had listed. The victim, a 55-year-old woman whose name has not been released, was reportedly punched in the face before being put in a chokehold that rendered her unconscious. She was treated for her injuries and released. Her attacker is also said to have fought with a neighbor who may have witnessed part of the attack. There was an unsuccessful search made for the assailant on Saturday night.
Orange County criminal defense attorney Michael L. Guisti has practiced law for more than 15 years. During that time, he has built a strong reputation and a track record of success. He has also been featured in local media, including reputable news sources such as the Orange County Register.
In one particular article by the O.C. Register, Attorney Guisti voiced his skepticism about a “shaming” tactic that D.A. Tony Rackauckas implemented in an attempt to deter sex purchasers.
Newport Beach, CA — Fraud can take many forms (i.e., internet fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, securities fraud, identity theft, etc.), but ultimately they all involve making false claims for personal gain. Several months ago, news of a cheating scandal at Corona Del Mar High School in Newport Beach made local headlines. On Monday, the tutor at the center of that scandal was taken into custody on suspicion of fraud and other charges and was due to appear in court on Wednesday.
The case first came to light in June of 2013, after teachers reported that someone had accessed the grading system and changed students’ grades. An investigation found 12 students and tutor Timothy Lance Lai may have been involved in the incident, but when officers went to Lai’s home, they found that he had fled. However, several pieces of electronics and other computer equipment was seized when they searched Lai’s home.
Los Angeles, CA — In most cases, a defendant will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty, but there are other options. The one most familiar to the general public is no contest or nolo contendere which means that although the defendant will not fight the charges against them, they do not make any admission of guilt. Although this often results in the same punishment that would be handed down for a guilty plea, it can be advantageous if civil litigation is also pending.
Dustin James Kinnear, 27, the man accused of stabbing a woman in an altercation in Hollywood in 2013 pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter on Tuesday, according to a statement by prosecutors. The victim, Christine Calderon, 23, died in the hospital after she and her friend, Robert Harden, were involved in fight with Kinnear, Brian Joseph Widdows, 35, and Jason Joel Winstone, 34.
Whittier, CA — If you live in Southern California long enough, you’ll eventually tune into one of the local television stations to find that your regularly scheduled programming has been pre-empted by a high-speed police chase. These chases usually begin with tips about stolen vehicles or drivers fleeing attempted police stops and can lead to massive property damage before the suspect surrenders.
On Thursday, October 2, a man in a flat-bed truck led state and local police on a 90 minute chase through Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties before he was taken into custody in Rialto around 1 pm. The chase began in Santa Fe Springs where it was reported that $12,000 in steel had been stolen. During the chase the suspect is said to have thrown a fake gun out the window and news helicopters recorded him driving the wrong way on the freeway and stopping to climb a fence before giving up and getting back in the vehicle. He was arrested when his truck drove off an overpass on the 210 freeway and he surrendered to law enforcement.
Authorities in Riverside County filed murder charges against Simon Last Cortez, 40, on Wednesday. Cortez is accused of lying in wait for and murdering his stepfather, George Gregory Alongi.
Alongi, a former Lake Elsinore city councilman, was found dead from multiple stab wounds and slashes on February 12, 2013. Though investigators did suspect Cortez's involvement, but he denied having been at the home for over a year. However, authorities say that he admitted to the murder in February while serving a prison term for drug charges. Cortez, who was being recorded, confessed to preparing for the murder by waiting until his stepfather returned home before beating him and attacking him with a utility knife. Cortez said that he killed Alongi because Alongi had beaten his wife, Cortez's mother. Because the murder charge includes enhancements for use of a weapon and lying in wait, Cortez is eligible for the death penalty.
Whether you're facing a felony or a misdemeanor, don't risk a conviction. Act quickly to redeem your reputation and protect your record by consulting with our Orange County criminal defense lawyer. Call today to schedule your free consultation.
Dear valued clients, due to the COVID-19 virus and out of respect for the community, our office is offering our services remotely via phone and video. Please call or email us through our web contact form and we would be happy to discuss your case. Watch Michael L. Guisti's COVID-19 Public Service Announcement.
