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 […]
California Laws Against Organized Theft: 490.4 (PC)
In 2017, California enacted new theft laws to ensure those who shoplifted could only be charged with a misdemeanor or infraction, whereas prosecutors previously filed felony burglary charges against shoplifters. After the law was changed, most offenders qualified for a diversion program, allowing them to avoid having a conviction appear on their criminal record. While […]
What is 484 (PC): Petty Theft In California
In California, the severity of a theft offense is based on the value of the stolen money, goods, or services. If the property is valued at less than $950, the offense is considered petty theft, defined under California Penal Code 484 (PC). Anyone charged with this crime in San Diego should call a criminal defense […]
Is Mail Theft a Felony in California?
Mail theft is best known as a federal crime, and under USC Section 1702 of Title 18, if you open someone else’s mail, it is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. This section of the law applies whether a letter or package is sent via UPS, USPS, FedEx, Amazon, or any […]
Deferred Prosecution Options Through California Diversion Programs in Vista
Prison and jail overcrowding has resulted in California being open to many alternatives to traditional forms of criminal punishment. One increasingly common alternative is “diversion,” a program that allows those accused of crimes to avoid criminal conviction if they meet the terms outlined in their agreement with the court. What is a Pre-Trial Diversion Program? […]
236 & 237 (PC): False Imprisonment Charges in California
False imprisonment is one of the more easily understood sections of the California penal code as it involves illegally detaining someone against their will. Though the offense, as defined under California Penal Code section 236 (PC), is relatively straightforward, things can get confusing when distinguishing between this charge and the similar crimes of domestic violence, kidnapping, human […]
Is it a Crime to Doorbell/Ding Dong Ditch?
Ding dong ditching, or as many people in San Diego call it, “doorbell ditching,” involves ringing people’s doorbells and running away before they answer. The game is nothing new, dating back at least to the 1800s, when it was called “ring and run,” “knock, knock, ginger,” “knock door run,” “Knicky nine doors,” and “knocky door […]
