Protecting your rights starts from the first time you speak with a police officer, which is why it’s important to remain silent when you’re being placed under arrest.
What Rights do Felons Lose in California?
Felons in California are subject to many penalties, even after they serve their time and pay off their criminal fines. The good news is that California does not restrict the rights of felons nearly as much as other states. Unfortunately, you will still lose some rights if after a felony conviction, including your right to […]
When to Call a Criminal Defense Lawyer
You’ve probably heard countless criminal defense attorneys say that people should “call immediately.” But it’s one thing to say people should call immediately and another for them to be able to start dialing a phone while a police officer slaps handcuffs around their wrist. So when should you (or can you) call a defense lawyer […]
If You Return Someone’s Property, Can You Avoid Criminal Charges?
As a child, everyone learns that borrowing without asking and borrowing without returning an item are both considered stealing the item from the owner. But from a legal perspective, things aren’t so clear cut. That’s because California’s theft laws require someone to intend to either permanently take an item or at least take it long […]
What’s the Difference Between Jail and Prison in California?
Those who have never been in legal trouble and do not work in the legal industry often use the terms “jail” and “prison” interchangeably, but those familiar with the legal system understand that the two institutions actually operate quite differently. If you have been accused of a crime, criminal lawyer Peter M. Liss believes it’s […]
The Difference Between Summary and Formal Probation
Probation is one of the most common alternatives to incarceration and in fact, one of the most common sentences for both felonies and misdemeanors in California. But while people are usually familiar with the term, many don’t actually know what probation entails and what the difference between summary and formal probation is. This overview offers […]
Red Flags to Look Out for When Hiring a Criminal Lawyer in Oceanside
There are more than 170,000 lawyers in California. While the majority of these attorneys are reputable, honest people who do what they can to provide their clients with fair legal representation, there are a small number of them who are willing to cut corners, make false promises, cheat clients and otherwise act unethically. While we’ve […]
Why Judges or Attorneys Must Sometimes Recuse Themselves
But as the public may talk about recusal when it is discussed in major news stories, many don’t understand what the term actually means or the greater implications it has on the judicial system. Here’s why someone may recuse themselves from a case and what happens if someone who should have recused themselves didn’t do […]
What is Hearsay and Why is it Objectionable?
If you’ve watched pretty much any show or movie with a courtroom scene, then you’ve probably seen a lawyer object to something in a trial based on the fact that it’s hearsay. But what is hearsay, exactly, and why can’t it be used in court? Lawyer Peter M. Liss explains. What is Hearsay? To some […]
What Happens to Your Stuff When You go to Prison?
When you’re incarcerated, you are stuck behind bars and unable to access your bank accounts or pay bills. So what happens to your house and personal belongings when you go to jail? That’s actually a common question many clients ask their criminal lawyer and the answer is sadly complex, which is why so many people […]
