Some people may rush in to help in an emergency, while others attempt to flee. However, some people take advantage of dangerous situations by stealing other people’s property while they’re distracted. During the 2025 fires in Los Angeles, some looters even went so far as to dress like California firefighters to gain access to the […]
Understanding the Gang Enhancement Law of California
California is home to some of the nation’s longest-running and most deadly street gangs. In 1988, to curb the violence associated with these criminal organizations, the state enacted Penal Code section 186.22 (PC), known as the California Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention (STEP) Act. Unfortunately, these measures ended up being disproportionately used against minority communities […]
Is an IP Address Enough to Convict Someone of a Crime?
As the internet has become a standard part of our lives, judges have tried to figure out how our existing laws and precedents apply in the digital age. The courts must balance law enforcement’s need to investigate crimes with the Constitution’s protections against unreasonable search and seizure. Similarly, they must balance the government’s interest in […]
Can You Get a DUI for Driving While High in California?
While recreational marijuana may be legal in California, driving under the influence of cannabis is still a crime. While most people associate DUIs with alcohol use, California Vehicle Code 23152(f) (VC) allows people to be charged with this crime after driving under the influence of any controlled substance, including marijuana. Even if you have a […]
Child Abuse and Endangerment Lawyer in San Diego: 273 (PC)
There are many types of child abuse charges in California. While most people would assume child abuse would be the most common charge, in fact, child endangerment charges, filed under 273(a) (PC), are more commonly filed because they are the easiest to prove. These serious criminal offenses can result in incarceration and loss of custody […]
Peter Liss Earns AVVO Client Choice Award
Attorney Peter Liss has dedicated his career to helping people fight the criminal charges they are facing in the San Diego courts. His efforts have not gone unnoticed and in his more than 40 years of service, he has been given multiple awards and honors recognizing his skill, knowledge, ethical standards, and dedication to clients. […]
Wiretapping and Unauthorized Call and Conversation Recording Laws in California
California is a two party consent state, meaning it is illegal to listen to other people’s conversations or record a conversation without the consent of all parties involved. California Penal Code section 631 (PC) prohibits wiretapping another person’s phone, while 632 (PC) prohibits eavesdropping and unauthorized recording —but there are exceptions to both of these laws. […]
What is the Sentence for Vehicular Manslaughter in California?
Vehicular homicide, detailed under California Penal Code section 192(c) (PC), is one of the most serious driving offenses a person can be charged with. It occurs when someone dies because another person was driving in negligently or unlawfully. You can even face vehicular manslaughter charges if you caused a fatal car accident while speeding. If […]
California Halloween Sex Offender Laws and Operation Boo
Halloween is the one day a year when children go to strangers’ houses expecting treats, which is why the holiday provokes more parental anxiety than any other day. While parental concerns seem reasonable, studies show that fears of poisoned candy, drug distribution, and rampant sexual abuse are unfounded. Although child molestation does not happen with increased frequency on Halloween (90% […]
What to do if You’re Accused of Evading the Police in California
When you see a police car’s flashing lights, you are expected to pull over, even if only to get out of the way. But failing to do so does not constitute evading arrest in California, nor is the definition limited to the high-speed chases commonly seen on TV news programs —in fact, most cases of […]
