An old expression says that if a crime is punishable by a fine, it’s only illegal for the poor. That idea can be very problematic in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where there is such a massive disparity between the incredibly rich and the incredibly poor. Under traditional penalty structures, the […]
Will Your Car be Impounded After a DUI in Vista, California?
When you’re arrested for drunk driving, the police aren’t about to let you get back in the vehicle and drive it back to the station. So what happens to your car after a DUI arrest? Well, that depends on a few things, but when you are arrested for driving under the influence, your vehicle could […]
DUI Car Accident Charges in Vista: 191.5(a), 191.5(b), and 23153 (PC)
California legislators, police, and prosecutors do whatever they can to discourage drivers from operating vehicles while intoxicated. When drivers ignore these efforts and cause an accident while driving under the influence, they face much heavier consequences. In fact, when the driver causes an accident that results in even minor injuries, the charges are often filed […]
How to Help Protect Undocumented People You Care About from ICE
If you’ve been spurred to action to help protect their neighbors, friends, and family members who may be targeted by the ramped up ICE raids, do your research before taking action. While social media users have a lot of “advice” for how to protect people from ICE and Border Patrol raids, much of their suggestions […]
Meeting a Minor for Lewd Purposes Attorney
In California, it is illegal to engage in a sex act with a minor and to attempt to meet with one for lewd purposes. Under California Penal Code section 288.4 (PC), you can be charged with the solicitation of a minor, even if the other person involved was actually an adult. The laws concerning sexual […]
California’s Tiered Sex Offender Registry Laws
Being convicted of a sex crime in nature can be devastating. These offenses can destroy your reputation. Beyond that, even after you have served your time, you will still be subject to the California sex offender registry. Not all sex offenses involve mandatory registration under California Penal Code section 290 (PC). However, many people on […]
How Can Sex Offenders Get a Passport?
Sex offenders face some of the longest sentences of any convicted criminals because their mandated inclusion on the Megan’s Law registry means they continue to be punished long after their incarceration, parole, and probation are over. While California’s tiered registration system means not all offenders remain on the list for life, many still must register […]
Is Return Fraud a Crime in California?
Around 15% of all merchandise purchased from retailers ends up being returned, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). While businesses may be willing to accommodate unhappy consumers returning low-quality items or ill-fitting clothing, few are prepared for the rising amount of return fraud. In fact, in 2008, the NRF estimated 8% of returns were […]
Need a San Diego Marijuana Attorney?
With different rules for those using pot for medicinal or recreational purposes, California marijuana laws can be very confusing. Meanwhile, possession, cultivation, sale, or transportation of marijuana for any reason is still illegal under federal law. To clarify things, San Diego criminal attorney Peter Liss has put together this guide on recreational and medical marijuana […]
Street Racing Charges in San Diego: 23109 (VC)
Teens and young adults have always participated in street racing to some extent. However, in recent decades, drag racing and unauthorized car shows, known as “street takeovers” and “sideshows,” have become increasingly common. San Diego police have stepped up enforcement by creating a dedicated street racing task force to combat these activities. At the same […]