A marble bust and a bookshelf with leather-bound books

About Attorney Peter M. Liss

Through hard work and dedication to his clients, Peter M. Liss (State Bar #111128) has earned a reputation as one of the top criminal attorneys in San Diego County. As a defense attorney, he has helped many clients avoid murder convictions and successfully defended hundreds of people against criminal charges.

Throughout his 40 years of practicing law, Mr. Liss has consistently gone above and beyond for his clients, earning a near-perfect rating on Google, Yelp, Martindale, and AVVO. He even won the AVVO Clients’ Choice Award in 2022, 2019, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012.

Avvo Rating 10.0 - Peter Michael Liss - Top Attorney

Avvo Clients' Choice Award - Peter Michael Liss - 5 Stars

He was also named an AV-Preeminent attorney by Martindale-Hubbell, an award given exclusively to attorneys who consistently demonstrate the field’s highest ethical and legal standards. Because he is so well respected, he has regularly been contacted by local and national media companies to share his opinion on criminal issues.

Experience You Can Trust

Mr. Liss graduated from the esteemed University of California, Berkeley Law School, in 1983. He started his career with the United Farm Workers Union, followed by the Legal Aid Society of San Diego the following year. While at the Legal Aid Society, he began focusing exclusively on criminal defense, starting in 1987.

Eventually, he became a public defender, trying multiple murder cases, including a death penalty trial. Mr. Liss worked his way up to serve as the second person in charge of the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office in Vista, serving as the Assistant Supervising Public Defender.

In 1998, he opened his private practice, giving him the flexibility, time, and budget to do everything possible to present the best possible defense for his clients.

The Foundations for a Career in the Courtroom

Peter Liss was born on the Johnson Air Force Base in Tokyo, Japan, where his father served as a civilian Air Force court reporter. In Peter’s formative years, his father’s work took the family on a whirlwind tour around the globe, with his family residing in Tripoli, Libya; Zaragoza, Spain; Lautzenhausen, Germany; Fussa, Japan; Tucson, Arizona; Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany; Berlin, Germany; and Aviano, Italy.

Throughout this time, he frequently accompanied his father to work and started falling in love with the U.S. justice system and courtroom processes. The frequent relocation required him to become highly adaptable, friendly, sociable —and an excellent conversationalist. He soon learned to accept other people’s beliefs and lifestyles. All of these traits helped him dramatically in his career.

Dedicated to Public Service

As young Peter’s father sparked his love of the law, his mother showed him the importance of helping others, which is why he started his career by aiding the public in the United Farm Workers Union, the Legal Aid Society of San Diego, and the Public Defender’s Office. Even as a highly regarded solo practitioner, he prides myself on offering affordable rates and accepting all major credit cards.

To aid those interested in learning more about the California legal system, he employs writer Jill Harness to create content for his top-rated blog. He relies on his courtroom experience and knowledge of the Penal Code to edit each article published on this site. To ensure all content is factually accurate at the time of publication, he always stays up to date on the newest legal news with a subscription to West Law and four newspapers.

His commitment to helping others continues to drive him, which is why he serves as president of the San Diego non-profit Affordable Housing Advocates. This group provides free legal services to renters in San Diego. In the video above, he and his peers in the advocacy group celebrate those who have helped contribute to the Mid-City Family & Senior Apartments, a housing project in San Diego designed to provide affordable housing to families and seniors in City Heights.

Mr. Liss also teaches trial practice skills to other attorneys at the National Institute for Trial Advocacy. This national non-profit organization holds simulated trials to help provide young attorneys with hands-on experience advocating for their clients in a courtroom setting.

Other organizations Peter Liss belongs to include:

Recreational Activities

Mr. Liss has an enduring love of travel and enjoys visiting destinations around the globe. His favorite destinations include Sweden, England, Norway, Denmark, and Northern Ireland, where his wife was born and raised.

Locally, he loves taking in the stunning natural scenery of San Diego, hiking in the Cuyamaca Mountains and Anza Borrego Desert, and bicycling from his Del Mar home through Carmel Valley, Fairbanks Ranch, Rancho Santa Fe, Encinitas, Solana Beach, and La Jolla.

His greatest passion remains defending his clients by fighting for their rights and freedoms. If you have been accused of a crime, please call (760) 643-4050 to schedule a free initial consultation.

The Right Choice

For Your Defense

Peter M. Liss has the expertise necessary to represent clients facing charges ranging from misdemeanor trespassing to murder involving sexual assault. He can help you regardless of the complexity of your case.

Convenient Locations

Mr. Liss has two offices, one in Vista and one in Carmel Valley, to make it easier for clients to meet with him. You can always speak to a live person when you call, thanks to his 24/7 answering service. He returns all calls quickly and courteously.

Call Now

Fight for your freedom without draining your wallet thanks to Peter Liss’ affordable rates. Call today to schedule a free consultation.

Learn More

About the Law

Peter Liss maintains his legal blog as a public service so that the public can learn more about the California legal system, rights granted by the U.S. Constitution, and criminal justice issues in the news. Some of the most popular posts include:

If you’re being accused of a crime, you may benefit from these articles:

How to Contact Attorney Peter Liss

For a free consultation and skilled, IMMEDIATE help with a criminal charge in Vista or the rest of San Diego County, please contact Peter M. Liss:

(760) 643-4050or(858) 486-3024

Call 24/7, any time, any day. I can help you.