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White Collar Crimes | Orange County Criminal Defense Blog

Honest Mistakes That Can Lead to Identity Theft Charges

By Michael Guisti on March 31, 2021

Since the massive expansion of the internet and social media over the past two decades, the news media has constantly warned people of the dangers of identity theft. Even though these types of white-collar crimes occurred long before the internet, it has made perpetrating this crime easier. While most people assume that identity theft is orchestrated by hooded hackers in their basements, the reality is that everyday people can commit this crime, and often by mistake.

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Posted in: White Collar Crimes

Falsely Charged With COVID-19 Healthcare Fraud? We Can Help

By Michael Guisti on October 29, 2020

At the start of the pandemic, multiple government agencies, including the FBI, warned of the potential threat of health care fraud. From fake COVID-19 testing kits to miracle treatments, there are several ways that a healthcare provider can exploit a crisis and falsely charge patients for treatment or overcharge insurance companies for coverage. However, the healthcare industry is extremely complicated, especially in a state as large as California; and while fraud may be rampant, many healthcare professionals may inadvertently end up on the wrong side of the law for an honest mistake.

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Posted in: White Collar Crimes

5 Ways That You Can Be a Victim of Wire Fraud

By Michael Guisti on June 21, 2017

creditWith the growth of new technology, criminals have found new ways to take advantage of us. It seems like every month there is another scheme your friend and coworkers are warning you about. From emails to Facebook posts, we have never been more susceptible to wire fraud.

So how can you help prevent wire fraud? Well, the first step is understanding how fraud can occur. Once you understand these criminal techniques, you can identify (and prevent) fraud. Read the rest »

Posted in: White Collar Crimes

Orange County White Collar Crimes – Embezzlement

By Michael Guisti on March 8, 2016

Orange County is no stranger to white-collar crime. Whether we’re taking about mail fraud, bribery, or computer crimes, the O.C. experiences more than its fair share of financial malfeasance. But, if you’ve been accused of committing a white-collar crime, the Law Office of Michael L. Guisti can help. We’re a dedicated criminal defense firm that will use every resource and every angle to defend your interests. In this post, we’re going to explore embezzlement – what it is, where we see it most often, and what it can mean for your future. Read the rest »

Posted in: White Collar Crimes

Buyer Beware – You May be Committing Credit Card Fraud

By Michael Guisti on August 1, 2015

Credit CardBlack Friday 2015 may be a bit more hectic than usual due to a new system of credit checks scheduled to roll out over the next few weeks. The system – known as Europay, MasterCard, and Visa (EMV) – is designed to ward off credit fraud by installing mini-microprocessors into every credit card. Whenever the card is used it releases a unique code to the credit company in question, giving it a truly formidable encryption.

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Posted in: White Collar Crimes

Three Essential Check Fraud Defenses You Should Know

By Michael Guisti on July 27, 2015

When it comes to check fraud there are a number of defensive strategies available to you and your legal team. Remember, it is the court system’s responsibility to prove that you are guilty of check fraud beyond a reasonable doubt, while it is your attorney’s job to help the court system recognize the reasonable doubt present in your case. Plain and simple, doubt can prevent a conviction. So when it comes to your own defense and establishing doubt, consider the following: Read the rest »

Posted in: White Collar Crimes

I’ve Been Accused of Check Fraud. What Should I Do First?

By Michael Guisti on July 18, 2015

If you’ve been accused of check fraud, you’ll want to retain legal representation as soon as possible. This will ensure that every detail of your case is properly examined and that the charges being brought against you are fought every step of the way. Regardless of whether or not you may actually be guilty of the crime, hire an Orange County white collar crime attorney. Remember, innocent people are convicted every day of crimes they didn’t actually commit, and a criminal defense attorney is the only one suited to effectively represent your interests in a court of law. And above all, do not say anything unless your attorney advises you to do so. Everything you say CAN be used against you. Read the rest »

Posted in: White Collar Crimes

Board Members of Southern California Vietnamese student organization let go after embezzlement investigation

By Michael Guisti on May 5, 2015

Garden Grove, CA — Following a lengthy internal investigation, a local Vietnamese student association has let two of its senior officers go and reported $118,000 in embezzlement to the Garden Grove Police Department.

According to the Union of the Vietnamese Student Associations, which sponsored this year’s Tet celebration in Costa Mesa, now former President Nina Tran and Treasurer Helen Nguyen were removed from the non-profit group’s executive board on May 3rd. Their removal followed an investigation into alleged fraud and embezzlement by Tran and Nguyen between November 2012 and November 2014. This investigation began when a financial review revealed irregular purchases made by Tran with a debit card linked to the Tet Festival bank account

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Posted in: White Collar Crimes

Former Coach at Valencia High School Pleads Not Guilty to Embezzlement Charges

By Michael Guisti on January 23, 2015

Valencia, CA — As a society we take a dim view of white collar crime. Not just because of the theft, but because of the breach of trust involved. Embezzlement, fraud, forgery, and identity theft all require the perpetrator to lie or misrepresent themselves somehow. We want to believe that our employees, elected officials, and anyone we do business with is acting in good faith, and high profile stories about white collar crimes cases undermine that belief by reminding us that a number of people engage in duplicitous and deceitful practices for the sake of personal gain.

On Wednesday, Jared Snyder, 44, pleaded not guilty to seven felony charges, four counts of grand theft and one each of embezzlement by a public officer, embezzlement by a private officer, and misappropriation of public funds. Prosecutors allege that Snyder, who previously worked as a baseball coach at Valencia High School, stole thousands of dollars from the Associated Student Body and the team’s booster club in order to pay off private expenses between 2008 and 2013.

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US Navy Commander Pleads Guilty to Bribery in San Diego Federal Court

By Michael Guisti on January 8, 2015

San Diego, CA — Generally speaking, white collar crimes like fraud and bribery are punished with shorter prison terms than violent crimes like murder, rape, or assault with a deadly weapon. However, white collar crimes can draw lengthy sentences when the defendant is convicted on multiple charges or when particularly large sums of money are involved.

Cmdr Jose Luis Sanchez, 42, an active-duty officer in the US Navy, is the fifth person to plead guilty in a bribery case at federal court in San Diego. According to prosecutors, in exchange for cash, travel accommodations, and prostitutes, Sanchez and other officers helped direct business to Glenn Defense Marine Asia, a company that services ships and submarines in Asia and the Pacific. Leonard Glenn Francis, the company’s CEO has pleaded not guilty in the case.

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