Vista DUI Lawyer and Criminal Attorney Peter M. Liss

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The Statute of Limitations on Sexual Assault Crimes in California

October 26, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

Statute of Limitations on Sexual Assault

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 […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, Sex Offenses, Rape, SEX OFFENSES Tagged With: rape, statute of limitations on sexual assault, sexual assault, aggravated rape, sex crimes, statute of limitations

What is a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT)?

October 25, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

what is moral turpitude in California

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 While the term may sound old-fashioned and outdated, it is still very relevant when it comes to the law, as it can result in additional post-conviction consequences.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 […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, The CA Legal System, Fraud Charges, Assault and Battery, Rape, WHITE COLLAR CRIME, Homicide, Weapons Charges, VIOLENT CRIMES, SEX OFFENSES, THEFT CRIMES, LEGAL PROCEDURES Tagged With: professional licenses, moral turpitude, domestic violence, theft, fraud, white collar crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes, the california legal system, legal concepts

What Surveillance Tools do Police in San Diego County Use?

October 24, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

San Diego police surveillance

Overall, Americans are against the idea of statewide surveillance programs, which is why there are no nationwide camera systems complete with facial recognition like there are in many other countries. But Americans, like most people, also want police to be able to solve crimes, especially serious and violent offenses. Balancing the public’s desire for privacy […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE Tagged With: police, surveillance tools, surveillance, sdpd surveillance, surveillance tech, city of san diego, law enforcement tools

Can Gum Throw Off a Breathalyzer?

October 23, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

can gum affect breathalyzer?

There are a lot of rumors about how gum may affect breathalyzer test results. Some people think chewing it before providing a breath test will help cover the odor of the alcohol, helping to lower their BAC. Others believe that the artificial sugars in gum contain alcohol and will, therefore, cause them to appear drunk, […]

Filed Under: DUI Lawyers Vista, CRIMINAL DEFENSE, DUI / FELONY DUI, Traffic Stops Tagged With: high breathalyzer results, gum, chewing gum, dui, bubble gum, drunk driving, breathalyzer, things that throw off the breathalyzer, bac

Shoplifting Laws in California: Penal Code 459.5 (PC)

October 18, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

Vista shoplifting lawyer

Shoplifting is not limited to the act of taking something from a store without paying for it. If you change the price tag on an item to avoid paying full cost or eat food in a grocery store without paying for it, you are shoplifting. It can be easy to assume these accusations are no […]

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

What You Should Know About Gun Storage Laws in CA

October 16, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

california's gun storage laws

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 […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, San Diego Juvenile Crimes Lawyer, The CA Legal System, VIOLENT CRIMES, Weapons Charges, JUVENILE CRIME, LEGAL PROCEDURES Tagged With: gun rights, Gun Storage Laws in California, gun storage laws, gun laws, firearms, red flag laws in california, letting a minor access your gun without permission

Is Proplifting a Crime in California?

October 16, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

proplifting

Skilled gardeners know the best way to avoid spending a fortune on plants is to simply propagate new plants from seeds, roots, cuttings, and discarded or damaged plant matter. While there’s typically nothing wrong with propagating your own plants or accepting propagation materials from friends, family members, and neighbors, taking plant parts without permission, sometimes […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE Tagged With: plant cuttings, taking plants, entheonenic plants, plants, proplifting, taking plant cuttings, stealing plants

What is The Difference Between Summary and Formal Probation?

September 20, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

Probation is one of the most common alternatives to incarceration and one of the most common sentences for both felonies and misdemeanors in California. But while people are usually familiar with the term, many don’t know what this sentence entails and how summary and formal probation differ. This overview offers a simple primer, but if […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, The CA Legal System, FAQs, LEGAL PROCEDURES Tagged With: california probation system, summary and formal probation in vista, difference between summary and formal probation, how probation works

What is Aggravated Assault Under California Law?

September 19, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

aggravated assault california

Though assault and battery are frequently confused with one another, assault typically only involves the threat or attempt to use violence, not the actual use of force. When someone elevates this threat or attempts to use force, the assault is considered to be aggravated, making it a potential felony offense filed under California Penal Code section […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, Assault and Battery, VIOLENT CRIMES Tagged With: aggravated assault, 245 (PC), attempted use of violence, assault with a deadly weapon, assault, battery, violence

It is Unethical and Illegal for a Therapist to Date Their Patient

September 15, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

Therapists to Have Sex With Patients

When someone goes to a therapist or psychologist, they are often in a vulnerable state. As treatment progresses, they may start feeling attracted to their therapist, who comforts and supports them. But no matter how strong the attraction, psychologists, therapists, and other registered mental health professionals are expected to avoid engaging in sexual relationships with […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, Sex Offenses, SEX OFFENSES Tagged With: sex, business and professions code, sleeping with a patient, psychology ethics, 729 bpc, therapists

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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
    • Child Pornography
  • White Collar Crimes
    • Fraud Cases
    • Embezzlement
    • Identity Theft
    • Computer Crimes
  • Theft Crimes
    • Petty Theft
    • Grand Theft
    • Shoplifting
    • Robbery
    • Burglary
  • Drug Charges
    • Possession
    • Trafficking
  • Violent Crimes
    • Weapons Offenses
    • Assault
    • Homicide
    • Hate Crimes
    • Gang Crimes
    • Third Strike FAQ
  • Criminal Traffic Offenses
    • Driving on a Suspended License
    • Hit and Run Accidents
    • Reckless Driving
    • Vehicular Homicide
  • Juvenile Crime Defense
    • Truancy
    • Vandalism
    • Minor in Possession

Categories

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  • DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
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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.