Crime shows like CSI, NCIS, Dexter, Law & Order, and Criminal Minds have allowed the public to explore the work of forensic science labs. The only problem? What makes for good television doesn’t reflect the realities of crime scene investigation units. Many investigation techniques seen on screen are exaggerated or outright fabricated. Unfortunately, many jurors […]
Can You Be Forced to Testify Against Your Spouse?
Many people understand that spouses can’t be forced to testify against one another, but the ins and outs of marital privilege are a bit complex. Since we’ve previously discussed how privileged communications work between lawyers and clients, patients and therapists, doctors and patients, and priests and worshipers, it seems only appropriate to discuss the marital […]
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 […]
What Does it Mean to Instruct Jurors in a Trial?
Jury instructions can dramatically impact a criminal case because they tell the jury how they should apply the law to determine whether the facts indicate that the defendant committed a given crime.
What to Do (and Not Do) During an Arrest in Vista
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.
Vista Lawyer Peter M. Liss: A Trusted Source for News Reporters
Reporters reach out to Peter M. Liss on a variety of topics because they know he is a respected source with an excellent understanding of the California criminal justice system.
What’s the Difference Between Different Types of Attorneys?
Have a hard time differentiating between prosecutors, defense lawyers, public defenders and judges? Here’s what you should know before you head into court.
Are Lawyers Allowed to Lie on Behalf of Their Clients?
There are probably hundreds of jokes about lawyers lying for a living, but no matter what public opinion, legal standards prohibit attorneys from knowingly telling a lie. If a lawyer lies, he is risking his law license. The American Bar Association’s (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct specifically says that while they must do what […]
How Lawyer May be Able to Get a Confession Thrown Out of Court in Vista
We’ve previously talked about how police push suspects into confessing to criminal acts, but while it’s always better not to confess the first time, you can still fight the charges even if you have already admitted guilt. Here are a few ways a criminal defense lawyer may be able to have a confession tossed out […]
Better Understanding the “Plain Sight” Doctrine
All Americans are protected against unreasonable search and seizure thanks to the Fourth Amendment, but defining what qualifies as unreasonable is a complex process. That’s where the plain view doctrine comes in -it states that police can search your home or vehicle without a warrant if they see evidence of a crime in plain sight. […]
