Homicide accusations are one of the handful of charges that can potentially carry the death penalty in California. These serious charges demand the knowledge and skill of an experienced San Diego murder defense attorney like Peter M. Liss. If you have been accused or believe you are suspected of taking someone else’s life, please contact my […]
San Diego Unlawful Sodomy Attorney
Sodomy is essentially a fancy name for anal sex. While consensual sodomy is legal, when one party does not consent, it is a crime under California Penal Code 286 (PC). The consequences for forceful sodomy or the sodomy of a child are similar to those for forceful oral copulation, rape with a foreign object, and […]
Oral Copulation Can Be A Crime In Vista and the Rest of California
Oral sex is usually legal in California, but there are instances where the activity can result in an arrest. For the most part, two consenting adults participating in oral sex are totally safe from the law, but when either of the participants is under 18 or forced against their will, a crime may have been […]
When is a Crime an Infraction, Misdemeanor, or Felony?
California law defines three categories of crimes to distinguish which type of offenses are the most serious. While criminal charges may be filed as an infraction, a misdemeanor, or a felony, few people know which is worse. In terms of both the severity of the charges and the potential penalties, a felony is more serious […]
Citizen Arrest Laws in Vista, California: CA Penal Code 837 (PC)
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is a citizen’s arrest a real thing?” after watching a TV show depicting one, you’ll be happy to know you’re not alone. In California, they are absolutely real and legal as long as they follow the rules set forth under the law. Citizen’s arrests are an important part of the […]
The Felony Murder Rule of California: 189 (PC)
Under California law, violent offenders can be charged with murder if they kill someone while committing a felony. This section of the law is known as the felony murder rule and is detailed under California Penal Code 189 (PC). At one point, even accidental deaths that occurred during the commission of a felony could result […]
The 10-20-Life Law of California
California Penal Code 12022.53 (PC), also known as the “10-20-Life” statute or “Use a Gun and You’re Done” law, adds additional penalties when you use a gun during the commission of certain crimes. When the law was originally enacted in 1998, it was very strict, and the penalty enhancements were mandatory. It has since been […]
Vista Sexual Battery Defense Attorney: 243.4 (PC)
Sexual battery charges are nothing to be taken lightly. A conviction can leave you behind bars for years —and on the sex offender registry for life. If you have been accused of sexual battery (Penal Code 243.4 (PC)) in Vista or North County San Diego, contact defense attorney Peter M. Liss as soon as possible. […]
Top Vista, California Arson Attorney on 451 and 452 (PC)
California has one of the longest wildfire seasons in the country, and it continues to get longer every year, which is why the state also has some of the strictest arson laws in the nation. Those convicted of this crime can even be subjected to a statewide arson registry similar to that used to track […]
Is it Illegal to Snoop Through Someone’s Phone in California?
Sometimes people worry their partner may be cheating and decide to spy on their spouse or lover to find out the truth. In the past, that often meant checking their letters, listening to phone conversations on another phone connected to the home’s landline, or hiring a private investigator to watch the potential cheater, but nowadays, […]
