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 […]
What are the Best Criminal Defenses in CA?
If you are charged with a crime, you will be asked to plead guilty or not guilty. If you plead not guilty, you and your criminal defense attorney will need to present a defense to show the prosecutor does not have enough evidence to prove your guilt. To do this, you and your criminal lawyer […]
Surprising Things Police Can Do Without A Warrant
The Constitution may protect you from unreasonable search and seizure, but many people have no idea how complex search warrant laws are. For example, the police cannot search your cell phone without a warrant, but they can search your car without a warrant if they have “reasonable suspicion.” In fact, they can do many things […]
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 Age Can You Get Married in California?
The age of consent in California is 18. Oddly, while you have to be 18 to get married without your parent’s permission, you can marry at any age as long as you have parental consent —and those who are legally married are excluded from the state’s statutory rape laws. Here’s what you should know about […]
Self-Defense in California: The Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground Laws
In most cases, it is illegal to use unjustified force against others, but one of the strongest criminal defenses to these charges is arguing that you were acting in self-defense. California is known as a “stand your ground” state, which means you have the right to use force to defend yourself or another person without […]
What to do When You are Being Investigated & Signs it’s Happening
In television and movies, the suspect almost always knows the police are investigating them and acts accordingly. But in real life, things are rarely so obvious. You do not legally have to be informed of an investigation, and police often prefer not to notify someone that they are a suspect until they formally charge them […]
What is a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT)?
Under both state and federal law, some offenses are considered “crimes of moral turpitude,” meaning they involve serious dishonesty, fraud, or something morally reprehensible. While the term may sound old-fashioned and outdated, it is still very relevant when it comes to the law, as it can result in additional post-conviction consequences. Unfortunately, what crimes fall […]
When is a Crime an Infraction, Misdemeanor, or Felony?
California law defines three categories of crimes to distinguish which type of offenses are the most serious. While criminal charges may be filed as an infraction, a misdemeanor, or a felony, few people know which is worse. In terms of both the severity of the charges and the potential penalties, a felony is more serious […]
Could Jaime and Cersei Lannister be Together if They Lived in California?
If you watch Game of Thrones, you’re almost certainly already familiar with the incestuous relationship between Cersei and Jaime Lannister. While almost everyone will agree that a sister and brother maintaining a sexual relationship is more than a little gross, you might not know that it’s also illegal in California. Here’s what Jaime and […]
