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Michael L Guisti

also known as Michael Guisti
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About Michael

 photography, music, motorcycling, travel,

Practice areas

DUI and DWICriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 75%

    Orange County Criminal Defense Attorneys specializing in Criminal Defense, DUI Defense, serving all of Southern California, Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino. http://www.topcalifornialawyer.com/

    23 years, 3,500 cases

  2. DUI and DWI: 25%

    23 years, 2,000 cases

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

177814 1418082006

177814 1418147438

177814 1418147601

177814 1418147623

177814 1418155909

Contact

2030 Main Street
address map

Law Office of Michael L. Guisti

2030 Main Street
Suite 1300
Irvine, CA, 92614

Law Office of Michael L. Guisti

10971 Garden Grove Blvd
Suite E
Garden Grove, CA, 92843

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
CAActive199902/07/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers21
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Top 100 Trial LawyersNational Trial Lawyers2016
Top 100 Trial LawyersNational Trial Lawyers2015
The Nation's Ton One percentNational Association of Distinguished Counsel2015
Top 100 Trial LawyersNational Trial Lawyers2014
Top Ten LitigatorsBrutaco2011
Marjorie Day AwardRobert A. Banyard Inn of Court2004
American Jurisprudence AwardBancroft Whitney1999
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Attorney at LawLaw Offices of Michael L. Guisti1999 - Present
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Robert A. Banyard American Inn of CourtBarrister2000 - Present
Orange County Bar AssociationMember1999 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember1999 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember1999 - Present
Italian-American Bar AssociationMember1999 - Present
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Orange County RegisterDA Adopts Shaming Tactics2013
California Civil ProcedureForeign Judgements2012
Western State University Law ReviewCalifornia Antitrust Law After Weil2004
California Appellate ReporterIn Re Marriage of Rassier2002
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Western State University College of LawJD - Juris Doctor1998
American CollegeCLU1991
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Regular meetingOffice of Board of Equalization2014
Hearing on VotingPrecinct Re-districtingRe-Districting of Voting Precincts2011
Townhall MeetingPolice Brutality2008
Regular MeetingThe Accidental Accomplice2004
Commencement CeremonyCommencement Address1999
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
People v. RobertsCharge reduced from felony to infraction
People v. BuiDA reduced charges from Gang Murder to to accessory after the fact

Reviews

(24)
5 Star
88%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
8%
1 Star
4%
Review Michael Guisti

A complicated traffic ticket has been solved with minimal issues

Posted by

Mr. Guisti has been nothing but a good fortune during the coarse period of taking care of my case (which took about a year). He listened to my case over a simple coffee meeting and he nodded throughout the entire session. What I loved about him is that not only was he helping me understand what kind of legal procedure that I'm about to go through, but also didn't forget to share some heartfelt life advice. It felt as if my older uncle was telling me that everything was going to be alright. The case itself was an arduous waiting task. As busy a man Mr. Guisti was, he was understanding enough to answer all my questions and frustration throughout the entire year. Sometimes he was unreachable but I tried my best to not bother him as I understood that he had other matters to attend to. A visual representation of how the case was going would have helped to ease my mind during the process but a couple phone calls was sufficient enough. The very first legal battle that I had I was glad to have Mr. Guisti with me along the way throughout. Even though he was my first attorney that I've hired, I'm more than satisfied to have hired him.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Best Lawyer Ever

Posted by

I made a mistake and had a run in with the law. Being my first time in trouble with the law, I would say fear and panic would be an understatement. I spent so much time researching lawyers that can help me get out of my situation. Out of the MANY lawyers I researched, Mr. Guisti made an impression. Even before speaking with him, his credentails and reviews spoke for itself so I had to give him a call. When I first called Mr. Guisti, he was on his way to court but was kind enough to make time and listen to my situation as he was driving. Mr. Guisti made me feel comfortable and reassured me that he will listen without any judgement or bias. After I explained my case, Mr. Guisti helped take away my anxiety and fears and told me with confidence he could help me with my case. I respected his honesty, his knowledge of the law, and most importantly his innate aggressiveness to help and defend his clients. Im so thankful there are people like Mr. Guisti that want to help people (even those that make mistakes). I would defenitely recommend Mr. Guisti to all my friends and family. Thank you Mr. Guisti!
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Perfect attorney

Posted by

Michael is very high educated and prof attorney. I had good experience working with him, he is opened and friendly to his clients and tries to do his best to make case dismissed. I'm glad that Michael helped me!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Exceeded my expectations

Posted by

I was facing serious fraud charges and Michael handled the case very professionally. It was my first offense, and having very little knowledge about the law, he helped me fight me case and exceeded my expectations. In the beginning, I was very concerned that I would charged with all the felonies, and it would affect my future. In the end, the charges were dropped. What was great about Michael was that he made me feel very comfortable and confident that I would get the results I wanted. He made sure to contact me often to keep me updated with every detail of my case. This had to be the most stressful time of my life and Michael stood beside me and help me undergo the whole process. I cannot thank Michael enough for the work that he has done for me.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great attorney, great professional service outcome

Posted by

Michael Guisty is a brilliant attorney. He is approachable and takes your case personal. When I approached him with my case, he assured me that he would do his best to get my case dismissed, and that was the outcome. He put a smile on my face with the resolution of my case. He is tough, resolute, articulate and professional In my opinion he is the best criminal lawyer in southern California Obi
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Had everything to lose but Michael saved me

Posted by

I had everything to lose, my future, my education, basically i did something that got me a misdemeanor, and the judge wanted to give a guilty plea but Michael would not back down instead he fought for me, and now my record is clean
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

awesome, easy to talk to lawyer

Posted by

Michael did a great job for me, his calm knowledgeable confidence and experience in court was obvious and we got a very favorable judgment. Thanks Michael. I highly recommend.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent work

Posted by

Back in 2003 I'm facing attempted murder and my family hired Michael Juisti to represent for my case. He very good attorney and always pick up my phone answer my concern question. He always updated about my case. Thank you Michael Juisti to won my case. I'm highly to remcomend who facing criminal charge go to see Michael Justi. Thank you again
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent work

Posted by

Back in 2003 I'm facing attempted murder and my family hired Michael Juisti to represent for my case. He very good attorney and always pick up my phone answer my concern question. He always updated about my case. Thank you Michael Juisti to won my case. I'm highly to remcomend who facing criminal charge go to see Michael Justi. Thank you again
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Helped my son

Posted by

Last year, my son was a passenger in an accident in which his car was totaled. The driver and the other passenger claimed my son was driving, so he was charged with hit and run (all parties fled the scene). Mr. Guisti repeatedly went to court to try to get the case dropped (I forget the exact number, but I think he appeared 8 or 9 times), but the DA's office kept reopening it. During this process he arranged that my son didn't have to appear in person (which would have been a hardship as he was living 400 miles away). When the case was finally set to go to trial (a year after the accident and 8 months after charges were originally filed), he arranged a plea involving a small fine and community service. My son, his mother and I are very happy with Mr. Guisti.
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Attorney endorsements

(16)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Jeffrey Tatch, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 23, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer. Mike and i worked together a few years ago on a gang attempt homicide. we were representing a client together in a stabbing. He is very well versed on pc 186.22 and all the sub sections of the gang law.

Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 13, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Mark Girdner, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 24, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse Michael Guisti. Hard working and aggressive attorney who is dedicated to the success of his clients. Respected by his colleagues within the legal community.

Hieu Vu, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 26, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. Guisti is a consummate professional who attends to the needs of his clients with attention to detail and does so while simultaneously employing unmatched integrity. He is also very aggressive when he needs to be and cool when the situation calls for it. Put differently, he knows how to litigate and litigate well I endorse this lawyer.

Jesus Zuniga, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 10, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Shiloh Hoggard, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 10, 2014
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer.

Ryan Fishman, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 9, 2014
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

I endorse this lawyer.

Song Bonanomi, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 13, 2014
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer. I have known Michael Guisti for over 10 years. I know he is a dependable attorney who has tremendous experience in the field of criminal law. He has been a great mentor, resource, and friend to me over the years and I have been very fortunate to know him.

Christopher Martens, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 7, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.

Colin McCallin

I endorse this lawyer. He knows his stuff.

Matthew Ward

Mr. Guisti, is a true expert in his field, his outstanding contributions and legal opinions are relied upon by many of the practicing attorneys on Avvo.

Russell Hebets

I endorse this lawyer.

Timothy O'Laughlin, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 25, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Michael is well known in the legal community as an effective advocate for his clients.

Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 5, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.

Kirk An, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 20, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I strongly endorse Michael. I have known Michael since 2002 when we started to work together in a law firm. Since then, I have referred criminal cases to him, worked together in cases, consulted with him on many matters, and vice versa. If there in one aspect that makes him so unique is his intelligence. He is a member of Mensa. His keen intellect helps him to see and spot issues that many lawyers may simply ignore or don't understand. His skill as an seasoned attorney is best illuminated in his trenchant arguments in the courtroom. On top of his legal skills, he also possesses the compassion and ability to mollify the legal demands and intricacies. I have personally experienced him going out of his way to help his clients. As you may surmise, I strongly recommend Michael Guisti if you have a legal problem.

Van Tran, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 20, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I highly endorse Attorney Mike Guisti, a legal colleague who had worked for and with me for many years. I have known Mike professionally since the early 2000's when he was hired on as an associate in my law office. I was highly impressed with Mike's legal work, whether it was drafting a motion/brief or appearing in court on my behalf for a client. He was always professional and efficient. But equally important, I was most impressed with his dedication for the clients, working hard to represent their best interests and explaining to them the intricacies of our judicial system, which could be intimidating to anyone. Over the years, Mike has excelled in his craft and profession as he continues to build his own practice and his reputation as a criminal defense attorney. I know that he works hard on every case, at times consulting with me on legal matters from his law office late at night. I'd recommend Mike for any client who needs an experienced attorney in a crim matter.

Cost

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