When it comes to juvenile DUI laws, California has some of the strictest laws in the country. Under the state’s Zero Tolerance policy, detailed under the state Vehicle Code section 23136 (VC), minors can be arrested and charged with drunk driving if they have even the slightest trace of alcohol in their system. If you […]
What You Should Know About Gun Storage Laws in CA
Wherever you stand on the political spectrum, there’s no denying that guns can and do kill people. To minimize the dangers of children and those prohibited from using firearms accessing these dangerous weapons, California has enacted many laws specifying how they should be stored and transported. The City of San Diego has even passed a […]
Do You Need a Lawyer for an Open Container Law in California?
There’s a time and a place for everything. While there’s nothing wrong with cracking open a cold bottle of beer after work, it is a problem if you’re still in your car. California Vehicle law sections 23221-23229 (VC) set specific conditions for when an individual can or cannot drive with an open alcoholic beverage or […]
You Won’t Believe These Famous DUI Cases
Drunk driving is one of the most commonly committed crimes in America, and celebrities are just as likely to drive under the influence as the general populace. While you may feel all alone when you have been charged with a DUI, remember that many people (including some of the most famous people in the world) […]
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? […]
Vehicle Code 10852 (VC): Auto Tampering in Vista
In Vista, California, tampering with another person’s vehicle is illegal, whether you mess with the car as a whole or just a part of the vehicle or its contents. The good news is that in many cases, this offense serves as a substitute for vehicle burglary charges, allowing these offenders to face a much lighter sentence. […]
Is Throwing Something at a Car Illegal? Yes, Throughout Vista and the Rest of California
Everyone knows it’s dangerous to throw rocks at a car, so it makes sense that doing so is illegal. You might not realize that throwing something at a car is illegal even seemingly innocent items like empty water bottles. So why is throwing something at a car illegal even if it is seemingly harmless? While […]
Making Harassing, Threatening or Obscene Phone Calls in California
Most people have prank called at least a few phone numbers in their lifetimes. And realistically, there’s no real harm in asking someone if their refrigerator is running. But when prank phone calls get out of hand and start involving threats, obscenity or repeated calls to the same victim, they become a form of harassment […]
The Crimes Committed in Home Alone: Harry and Marv are Destined for Prison
Home Alone is considered a Christmas classic these days, and it’s no wonder when the plot revolves around a scared little boy fighting off two seriously bad dudes while trying to make the most of the holiday season. As a tribute to this holiday staple, lawyer Peter M. Liss is taking the opportunity to explore […]
What Interrogation Techniques do Police Use?
When you are accused of a crime, the police will often work on coaxing you to confess —even if you didn’t actually do it. To do this, police officers rely on several tried and true interview techniques, such as the well-known good cop/bad cop technique. While a skilled criminal defense attorney may be able to […]