Prosecutors only have a certain amount of time to file charges after a crime takes place. This timeframe is known as the statute of limitations. For most criminal offenses, California institutes a three-year statute of limitations, but legislators may pass laws to extend this time period for specific offenses. In rape cases, for example, there is […]
The Statute of Limitations on Sexual Assault Crimes in California
The statute of limitations is how long prosecutors can take to file charges against someone who has committed a crime. In most cases, this deadline is based on the date the crime occurred, but it sometimes can be based on when the victim discovered that a crime occurred —in the event of a forgery, for […]
Understanding California Statute of Limitations Laws
It makes sense that someone could be charged with murder 30 years after the victim dies, but it wouldn’t be fair for someone to be accused of shoplifting that many years later. The statute of limitations is a legal way to ensure that those who committed heinous acts can be held responsible for their actions […]
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.
What Can be Used in Court as Physical Evidence of Rape?
Forensic science is best known for solving murders, but forensics can also be used during a rape examination to collect proof that a sexual assault occurred. These examinations reveal evidence, including DNA samples, fiber fragments, fingerprints, and more. But just because the rape kit indicates that sexual intercourse occurred between two people doesn’t always mean […]
236 & 237 (PC): False Imprisonment Charges in California
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 […]
Human Trafficking Laws in California: 236.1 (PC)
Human trafficking is the legal name for slavery, but these laws aren’t limited to only involuntary servitude but also include forced sexual encounters. In fact, if you break California’s pimping and pandering laws and the prostitute in question is a minor, you could also be charged with violating human trafficking laws in California under Penal […]
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.
