But as the public may talk about recusal when it is discussed in major news stories, many don’t understand what the term means or its greater implications on the judicial system. Here’s why someone may recuse themselves from a case and what happens if someone who should have recused themselves didn’t. What Does Recuse Mean […]
What is Hearsay in Vista Under California Evidence Code 1200 (EC)
Pretty much any show or movie with a courtroom trial scene features the TV Trope of a lawyer objecting to something because it’s hearsay. But what is hearsay, exactly, and why can’t it be used in courts in Vista? Lawyer Peter M. Liss explains California Evidence Code section 1200 (EC), including the exceptions that allow […]
Thinking About Cooperating With the Police?
Being investigated for a crime is intimidating. Many people believe that the best way to clear their name is to cooperate with the police in every step of the investigation and answer any questions detectives may ask. Sometimes people worry they will look guilty if they invoke their right to silence, insist on contacting a […]
Court-Ordered Community Service for Misdemeanors in Vista, California
If you have been charged with a low-level misdemeanor in Vista or the rest of San Diego County, you may be eligible for an incarceration alternative, which could include community service. Not everyone is eligible for these opportunities, so speak with an alternative sentencing lawyer if you hope to perform community service as part of your […]
Why Does Eating Before Drinking Reduce BAC?
No one wants to get a DUI, but in car-centric cities like Vista or San Diego, it’s pretty common for people to drive after enjoying a few drinks. If you want to go to the Stone Brewery for dinner and make it home to Vista before the babysitter’s shift ends, chances are you’ll need to […]
Is Throwing Something at a Car Illegal? Yes, Throughout Vista and the Rest of California
Everyone knows it’s dangerous to throw rocks at a car, so it makes sense that doing so is illegal. You might not realize that throwing something at a car is illegal even seemingly innocent items like empty water bottles. So why is throwing something at a car illegal even if it is seemingly harmless? While […]
Are Mario and Luigi Drug Addicts That Stomp Turtles While High?
Much has been made about the idea that the Super Mario Bros. game simply revolves around Mario and his brother Luigi hallucinating while doing mushrooms. It’s an interesting concept that really does change everything about the game. So assuming it’s true, what does that mean for the brothers from a legal perspective? Here’s what lawyer […]
Is Skipping School Illegal in California?
Skipping school is something most students do at one point or another —most schools even have an unofficial “senior ditch day” where students cut class near the end of the year. But it turns out that under California Penal Code section 270.1(a) (PC), when a minor misses too much school, they can be labeled […]
Escorts Vs Prostitutes: What’s the Difference?
Prostitution is illegal in California, leaving many people to question why pornography and escort services are legal when selling sex acts is not. While we’ve already covered the fine line between prostitution and pornography, that doesn’t explain why escort businesses are legal in San Diego and the rest of California. Though escorts and prostitutes are […]
Will a Case Get Dropped if a Victim Refuses to Testify?
Many cases, particularly those involving domestic violence and sexual assault, come down to the alleged victim’s word versus the word of the accuser. Because these charges depend on the accuser’s testimony, courts have to balance the risks of further traumatizing the victim with the rights of the defendant to face their accuser in court and […]
