Vista DUI Lawyer and Criminal Attorney Peter M. Liss

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What are the Penalties for Stealing a Catalytic Converter in California?

October 4, 2021 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

catalytic converter theft

Catalytic converter theft is dramatically increasing in frequency. This crime may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony in California, depending on the value of the auto part.

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, Theft Defense, THEFT CRIMES Tagged With: theft, burglary, auto theft, catalytic converters, catalytic converter theft

What to Know About Dognapping Laws in California

May 14, 2021 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

dognapping laws in california

One of the most increasingly common crimes is that of dognapping. Perhaps one of the most surprising things about this crime is the fact that is usually only charged as petty or grand theft and a good portion of people accused of the crime only face misdemeanor charges. Here’s what you should know about this […]

Filed Under: Theft Defense, THEFT CRIMES Tagged With: theft, petty theft, grand theft, dognapping, dog theft, purebred dogs, kidnapping of dogs, pet theft

Accused of Shoplifting In California? Theft Defense in Vista

January 29, 2020 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

Shoplifting is not limited to the mere act of taking something from a store without paying for it. If you change the price tag on an item to avoid paying the full cost, or if you eat food in a grocery store without paying for it, you are shoplifting. When you find yourself accused of […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, Theft Defense Tagged With: shoplifting, california petty theft, grand theft in california, Vista Shoplifting Lawyer, shoplifting laws in california, shoplifting in california

The Difference Between Burglary and Robbery In California

January 15, 2020 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

While burglary and robbery are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, they are actually two completely distinct crimes from a legal perspective. In fact, burglary isn’t always even a form of theft crime whereas robbery always involves theft, but also the use of fear or force. Here’s what defense attorney Peter M. Liss believes you […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, Theft Defense Tagged With: robbery, burglary, California theft laws, criminal charges, difference between burglary and robbery, understanding the law

The Crimes Committed in Home Alone: Harry and Marv are Destined for Prison

December 20, 2019 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

crimes committed in home alone

Home Alone is largely 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 all 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 […]

Filed Under: Hypotheticals, San Diego Juvenile Crimes Lawyer, Theft Defense, Assault and Battery, Homicide, VIOLENT CRIMES, THEFT CRIMES, HYPOTHETICAL SITUATIONS, JUVENILE CRIME Tagged With: christmas, holidays, christmas crimes, home alone, kevin malone, harry and marv

The Most Common Holiday Crimes -Oceanside Criminal Lawyer

December 18, 2019 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

Oceanside criminal lawyer

Everyone has certain things they expect to happen around the holidays, whether that means a special Christmas event at church, a New Year’s Eve night out with friends, a massive meal with family or a gift-giving extravaganza. But these expectations and celebrations often also lead to legal trouble and just as Halloween often results in […]

Filed Under: DUI Lawyers Vista, CRIMINAL DEFENSE, San Diego Juvenile Crimes Lawyer, Theft Defense, The CA Legal System, Sex Offenses, DUI / FELONY DUI, Fraud Charges, Assault and Battery, Rape, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, WHITE COLLAR CRIME, DRUG OFFENSES, VIOLENT CRIMES, SEX OFFENSES, THEFT CRIMES, JUVENILE CRIME, LEGAL PROCEDURES Tagged With: Oceanside DUI attorney, oceanside sex crimes lawyer, oceanside drug defense lawyer, oceanside theft attorney, oceanside theft defense lawyers

It’s Not Only Illegal to Dine and Dash, It Could Even be a Felony

November 18, 2019 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

dine and dash

Dining and dashing is the act of going to a restaurant, eating a meal and then leaving without paying the bill. Some people do this because they feel the food or service wasn’t very good and others do it solely for the thrill, often deciding to skip out on the bill long before they even […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, Theft Defense, THEFT CRIMES Tagged With: theft crimes, is dine and dash illegal, can you get arrested for dine and dash, dining and dashing, dine and dash, restaurant theft, dine and dash penalties

The Very Unrighteous Crimes of the Righteous Gemstones

October 21, 2019 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

Danny McBride is known for making over-the-top characters that are incredibly flawed and yet still somehow sympathetic. He’s also well versed at showing how easy it is for one crime to escalate into more and more major criminal acts, particularly in his new show, The Righteous Gemstones. Here are some of the many, many crimes […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, Hypotheticals, Theft Defense, Assault and Battery, WHITE COLLAR CRIME, DRUG OFFENSES, VIOLENT CRIMES, SEX OFFENSES, THEFT CRIMES, HYPOTHETICAL SITUATIONS Tagged With: crimes, blackmail, extortion, righteous gemstones, danny mcbride

Keeping Money You Found on the Ground is Technically Theft

October 7, 2019 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

keeping money you found on the ground

If you’re walking down the street and see a nice crisp twenty dollar bill, it may feel like your lucky day. But if you consider the other side of it, someone else just had a very unlucky day and while you’re up twenty dollars, they are now out that same amount. That’s why California actually […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, Theft Defense, THEFT CRIMES Tagged With: keeping money you found on the ground, keeping found money, theft crimes in california, california little known laws, finding money, found money, found money on the ground

Accused of Joyriding in California? About California Vehicle Code 10851

September 13, 2019 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

joyriding in california

While everyone has heard of grand theft auto (no doubt partially due to the successful video game franchise), joyriding is a much more common crime in California. That’s because it’s easier for prosecutors to get convictions for this crime than grand theft auto (GTA). Although joyriding, legally known as the unlawful taking or driving of […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, Traffic Offenses, Theft Defense, DRIVING OFFENSES, Reckless Driving, THEFT CRIMES Tagged With: auto theft, car theft, joyriding, california vehicle code 10851, unlawful taking of a vehicle, unlawful taking or driving of a vehicle, gta

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Call Today, I Can Help You

criminal justice attorney Peter M. Liss
The Experience You Need

I have been practicing law for over 35 years, and opened my own law firm in 1998, after serving as Assistant Supervising Public Defender for the Vista Public Defender’s Office. I have defended many high profile cases in my career, fighting charges ranging from drunk driving to capital murder.

Two Easy-to-Find Offices

My Vista offices are located just off the 78 freeway, directly across the street from the local courthouse and jail facility. For those further south, I have another office in Carmel Valley, off the 5 freeway and highway 56. Both offices offer free parking.

Call (760) 643-4050 Now

You can call my offices any time of day, every day to speak with a live person who can help you schedule a free initial consultation. If you have any questions, I return my calls promptly and courteously.

My Guarantee to You

I ensure all clients receive top quality representation at affordable rates and I accept all major credit cards. Hablamos Espanol.

I’m available, let’s talk

My Practice Areas

I handle all types of misdemeanor and felony criminal cases in San Diego County, including:

  • Driving Under the Influence
    • DMV DUI License Hearings
    • Drug DUI
    • DUI Evidence
  • Domestic Violence
  • Sex Crimes
    • Sexual Assault/Rape
    • Child Molestation
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  • White Collar Crimes
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    • Embezzlement
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    • Computer Crimes
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    • Burglary
  • Drug Charges
    • Sales
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    • Trafficking
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    • Third Strike FAQ
  • Criminal Traffic Offenses
    • Driving on a Suspended License
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    • Vehicular Homicide
  • Juvenile Crime Defense
    • Truancy
    • Vandalism
    • Minor in Possession

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Attorney Peter M. Liss,
(760) 643-4050
380 S Melrose Drive #301
Vista, CA 92081

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Copyright 2003, 2021 Peter M. Liss, Esq.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED


About the Legal Information on This Website

I rely on my experience as a top defense lawyer in my area to personally review all information on this site; however the information offered here should not substitute as legal advice. If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Vista, please contact a qualified defense attorney.