Assault is among the most frequently charged crimes in San Diego County and throughout California. It happens daily in bars, microbreweries, parties, and even on freeways. If you are facing assault charges, Vista defense attorney Peter M. Liss can help. Please call 24/7 to schedule a free consultation. What is Assault Under California State Law? […]
Assault and Battery on a Police Officer in California
Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders are a protected group known as “peace officers” under California law. When someone knowingly commits assault or battery against one of these individuals, they can face additional penalties for these crimes under Penal Codes 241(c), 243(c), and 243(b) (PC). There are many ways to fight these charges, […]
Vista and San Diego Restraining Order Attorney: TRO & PRO
When someone you know, even love, accuses you of assault, harassment, stalking, or domestic violence, you may feel hurt and betrayed. You may not know what to do. But what you can’t afford to do is wait to hire a lawyer experienced at defending against restraining orders (sometimes called “protective orders” or “stay-away orders”). Attorney […]
What is Aggravated Assault Under California Law (245 (PC))?
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 […]
Famous Domestic Violence Cases
The popular image of domestic violence usually involves a beer-swilling, shirtless husband beating his wife to vent his frustration with life. But in reality, people of all classes, genders, and orientations are accused of committing domestic violence, including actors, musicians, athletes, and more. In fact, many real-life domestic abuse cases involve individuals who are both […]
The Difference Between Assault and Battery In California
There are many reasons that people mistakenly believe the terms assault and battery can be used interchangeably. For one thing, police procedurals often lump the two together when detectives speak with one another. But more realistically, it’s because some states lump the two acts together. In California, however, the two crimes are very distinct. When […]
Hazing in Vista Under California Penal Code 245.6 (PC)
One of the first things people associate with fraternities is the centuries-old tradition of hazing new pledges. Still, after multiple students died during hazing activities over the years, many states, including California, started banning dangerous initiation rituals. While not all forms of hazing are illegal, those likely to result in injuries are. If you have […]
Understanding the Gang Enhancement Law of California
California is home to some of the nation’s longest-running and most deadly street gangs. In 1988, to curb the violence associated with these criminal organizations, the state enacted Penal Code section 186.22 (PC), known as the California Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention (STEP) Act. Unfortunately, these measures ended up being disproportionately used against minority communities […]
Is Bullying a Crime? It Depends on the Circumstances
There have been a lot of efforts to reduce bullying over the last few decades, with more teens facing serious consequences for doing what was once considered simply hazing or typical schoolhouse fun. But even today, most forms of bullying, while problematic, are still not a crime. That being said, there are many activities that […]
Terrorist and Criminal Threats: Penal Code Section 422 (PC)
Under California law, criminal threats of any nature, be they personal or terror-related, are charged in the same manner. That means whether you threaten to threaten to kill an ex or if you call in a bomb threat to an airport, you will still be charged with making a criminal threat. If you have been […]
