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Michael L Guisti

Criminal defense Attorney at Irvine, CA

4.6   24 reviews

also known as Michael Guisti

  • Licensed for 24 years
    State CA
    Acquired 1999
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Michael

Learn Michael’s areas of practice.

2
Practice areas
  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/

    25 years, 3,500 cases

  2. DUI and DWI
    25%

    25 years, 2,000 cases

 photography, music, motorcycling, travel,

Photos and videos

Michael Guisti's appearance on Fox 11, discussing a case in which his client is accused of luring underage boys by posing as a woman on Craigslist. To learn more about this case, visit http://goo.gl/hgQBM1.
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Contact Michael

Similar lawyers nearby

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
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Reviews

4.6 / 5.0
  24 customer reviews
Posted by anonymous | December 9, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A complicated traffic ticket has been solved with minimal issues
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.
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Posted by Brian | October 3, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Best Lawyer Ever
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!
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Posted by Asel | September 21, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Perfect attorney
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!
Posted by anonymous | March 13, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceeded my expectations
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.
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Posted by Obi | March 1, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great attorney, great professional service outcome
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
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Posted by anonymous | October 29, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Had everything to lose but Michael saved me
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
Posted by Robert | September 3, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
awesome, easy to talk to lawyer
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.
Posted by Thieu | August 27, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent work
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
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Posted by Jason Duong | August 27, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent work
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
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Posted by Steve | October 25, 2014
Helped my son
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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Posted by Reese | September 20, 2014
Four felonies: 3 sales and 1 manufacturing and I'm a free man. This guy is amazing!
I was facing four (very serious) drug-related felonies: 3 for sales and one for manufacturing. Michael was able to keep me out of jail for the entire length of the proceedings and, in the end, I only served 2 weeks in OC Jail after having 2 of the sales charges and the manufacturing thrown out. Honestly, if I had had a public defender, I am absolutely positive I would be serving time upstate for no less than 5 years. I couldn't be happier with the results, and while the whole thing was probably the most stressful process I've ever endured, I wouldn't trust anyone else with my freedom. Michael is a solid attorney who knows how to get results. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a criminal defense attorney.
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Posted by anonymous | September 16, 2014
A Qualified Professional Lawyer
Michael is friendly, private and very reliable. He is very experienced with the criminal cases, as it was my case. He knows how to deal with those harsh prosecutors and got my case dismissed in 2 months. As a professional lawyer, he always kept me updated with my case happened at the court. He always listening to clients and giving the positives.
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Posted by MO | September 16, 2014
The best of the best
Michael not only made me feel comfortable but he took personal time to make sure my questions were answered and made sure I was clear about my case. He made me feel secure about the time spent with him and his office and did everything in his power to make sure everything was prepared in time. I thoroughly felt taken care of and felt like I was in good hands. I refer Michael Guisti to all my closest friends and family because I truly feel he is the best.
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Posted by T.S | April 19, 2014
Best Lawyer we hired!
He was probably the best attorney we could of hired. I would recommend him to family of friends of there were any criminal case matters that were needed to taken care. He is very knowledgeable and personable. Unlike many attorneys out there that say they will do this or that for a case and in the end not go by their words, Mr. Guisti spoke realistically of the direction, motive, and outcomes that could be expected and could be coming out of the case instead of other attorneys that say many things just to have your case/money. DEFINATELY RECOMMEND! WAY TO GO FOR ALL YOUR HARDWORK YOU DID FOR MY MOTHERS CASE!
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Posted by db | March 25, 2014
Provided Negotiating Strategies and Tactics when Creditors
The company I am associated with incurred a significant financial setback which was compounded by seriously delayed payments by a key client. This caused the company to be in default on several loans including bank lines. I was referred to Michael by a colleague who had retained him to represent his son on a drug charge. My colleague was impressed by Michael’s ability to negotiate with the DA and obtain an extremely positive outcome considering the circumstances. When I met Michael for an initial consultation, I was concerned that my situation might be outside his area of expertise; however, I learned that prior to being an attorney Michael had spent many years working in accounting, financial institutions and insurance. I was impressed with his grasp of the practical aspects of contracts, lending and workout situations. I engaged Michael to conduct a thorough review of the company’s loan agreements and covenants and meet with the company’s accountant to gain a complete understanding of the overall financial situation. Michael then provided me a detail plan to approach the company’s creditors. As a result of Michael’s recommendations the company was able to obtain modifications to most of the loans, buy the time needed to collect the delayed payments and avoid litigation. A pleasant surprise to me was that although Michael’s hourly fees are comparable to the fees of other attorney’s I have engaged, I sensed that he was careful to work efficiently to keep the hours down. I would without hesitation recommend Michael based both on my experience in the loan workout area and my colleague’s experience in the criminal defense of his son.
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Posted by RA | March 21, 2014
Excellent Work!
My wife was facing a serious theft charge and Michael Guisti handled the case superbly! We were impressed with his professionalism and his knowledge was valuable in the favorable outcome. Excellent work! Very good lawyer.
Posted by Lynn | March 21, 2014
Mr. Guisti is the best lawyer
I have been charge with Federal count, I then hired Mr. Guisti to represent with me at the court. I'm very happy with Mr. Guisti, he always there when I have questions and explain details what I need to do. Thank you so much for all the things you have done for me.
Posted by david | September 19, 2013
job well done
Mr Guisti was exceedingly helpful in dealing with my 34 year old son's drug /legal issues... he was wonderful...he communicated with us in a timely fashion...he listened to our concerns and was able to arrange time for rehab and probation as desired to help our son....very affordable and reasonable.....I could not recommend anyone more highly....and we live in Oklahoma and have never met in person....we were lucky to have hired him
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Posted by Jason | December 20, 2011
A Wonderful Lawyer who Handled My Case With Compassion
I was facing a VERY serious criminal charge that involved me going to a state prison for years. I was really at the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people. The police wouldn't really listen to my side of the story and I thought my life was over. The people at Michael L. Guisti's Law Office understood my concern and took the time to understand what really happened. They knew my side of the story and even hired an investigator to prove my side of the story. Michael L. Guisti's attorney's and their investigators spent dozens of hours on my case and they showed a judge I really wasn't guilty of this crime. Michael L. Guisti and his people got my charges knocked down from a VERY serious felony that could've sent me to jail to an infraction...basically the same as a traffic ticket. I can't thank the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti enough. They really saved my life. If you're in very serious trouble I urge you to call Michael L. Guisti and their attorneys, because they will save you from going to prison
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Posted by Jerry | September 18, 2011
A Good Criminal Attorney Who Saved Our Life
We need to share with other people here that hiring Attorney Michael Guisti is the best thing happened to us and it's the best decision we have ever made. My wife was arrested for possession of meth and other felony drugs possession. She could be facing many years in jail. She had been having a meth problem for many years and despite me and our family trying to have an intervention we couldn’t get her off of it and it was tearing our family apart. We need a criminal attorney, and it's not easy to find one. We were referred by a close friend to the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, a criminal attorney in Orange County. My friend was a previous client of Mr Guisti. He told us that Mr. Guisti is very reputable and has done a great job on his case. We interviewed Mr. Guisti and retained him. Mr Guisti started to work on our case immediately as soon as we hired him. He is very solid and experienced attorney, not only thoughtful and detailed to the case, but also very sincere and caring to us as well. He has shown us what a good attorney should be. Just in a few weeks, he was able to get my wife charges all dismissed. My wife and I are thrilled. Thank you so much to Mr. Guisti. Now, My wife is off drug and we’re back on with our life. Mr. Guisti, You are miracle to our life.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney at Law
  • Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti
  • 1999 - Present

Education

  • Western State University College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1998
  • American College
  • CLU
  • 1991

Legal Cases

  • People v. Roberts
  • Charge reduced from felony to infraction
  • People v. Bui
  • DA reduced charges from Gang Murder to to accessory after the fact

Associations

  • Robert A. Banyard American Inn of Court
  • Barrister
  • 2000 - Present
  • Orange County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1999 - Present
  • State Bar of California
  • Member
  • 1999 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1999 - Present
  • Italian-American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1999 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers
  • 2016
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers
  • 2015
  • The Nation's Ton One percent
  • National Association of Distinguished Counsel
  • 2015
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers
  • 2014
  • Top Ten Litigators
  • Brutaco
  • 2011
  • Marjorie Day Award
  • Robert A. Banyard Inn of Court
  • 2004
  • American Jurisprudence Award
  • Bancroft Whitney
  • 1999
View all awards

Publications

  • Orange County Register
  • DA Adopts Shaming Tactics
  • 2013
  • California Civil Procedure
  • Foreign Judgements
  • 2012
  • Western State University Law Review
  • California Antitrust Law After Weil
  • 2004
  • California Appellate Reporter
  • In Re Marriage of Rassier
  • 2002
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Regular meeting
  • Office of Board of Equalization
  • 2014
  • Hearing on VotingPrecinct Re-districting
  • Re-Districting of Voting Precincts
  • 2011
  • Townhall Meeting
  • Police Brutality
  • 2008
  • Regular Meeting
  • The Accidental Accomplice
  • 2004
  • Commencement Ceremony
  • Commencement Address
  • 1999
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (16)
Given (13)
Endorse Michael
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 23
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."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 24
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."
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 26
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."
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 10
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 09
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 13
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."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Unknown Attorney | Oct 03
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer. He knows his stuff."
Unknown Attorney | Oct 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Unknown Attorney | Oct 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is well known in the legal community as an effective advocate for his clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 20
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."
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 20
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."
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