Under California Penal Code 243 (PC), battery is usually punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. But if the battery involves attacking a police officer, firefighter, or other protected worker, the penalties are more severe as described in Penal Code 243(b) and 243(c). If you are accused of battery against a […]
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. […]
Corporal Injury to a Spouse or Cohabitant Charges in Vista
When domestic violence results in injury, it can be charged as corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant, filed under California Penal Code 273.5 (PC). This crime is one of the most commonly charged domestic violence offenses in San Diego County. If you have been accused of corporal injury to a spouse in San Diego, […]
DUI Causing Death Defense in Vista: 191.5 (PC)
Facing charges for DUI causing death in Vista? The stakes couldn’t be higher. You could easily be sentenced to four or six years in prison, depending on the circumstances. You could even face life imprisonment if you have a prior DUI on your record. If you’ve been accused of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated under California […]
Meeting a Minor for Lewd Purposes Attorney
In California, it is illegal to engage in a sex act with a minor and to attempt to meet with one for lewd purposes. Under California Penal Code section 288.4 (PC), you can be charged with the solicitation of a minor, even if the other person involved was actually an adult. The laws concerning sexual […]
Is Return Fraud a Crime in California?
Around 15% of all merchandise purchased from retailers ends up being returned, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). While businesses may be willing to accommodate unhappy consumers returning low-quality items or ill-fitting clothing, few are prepared for the rising amount of return fraud. In fact, in 2008, the NRF estimated 8% of returns were […]
California Laws Against Organized Theft: 490.4 (PC)
In 2017, California enacted new theft laws to ensure those who shoplifted could only be charged with a misdemeanor or infraction, whereas prosecutors previously filed felony burglary charges against shoplifters. After the law was changed, most offenders qualified for a diversion program, allowing them to avoid having a conviction appear on their criminal record. While […]
Is Mail Theft a Felony in California?
Mail theft is best known as a federal crime, and under USC Section 1702 of Title 18, if you open someone else’s mail, it is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. This section of the law applies whether a letter or package is sent via UPS, USPS, FedEx, Amazon, or any […]
Deferred Prosecution Options Through California Diversion Programs in Vista
Prison and jail overcrowding has resulted in California being open to many alternatives to traditional forms of criminal punishment. One increasingly common alternative is “diversion,” a program that allows those accused of crimes to avoid criminal conviction if they meet the terms outlined in their agreement with the court. What is a Pre-Trial Diversion Program? […]
California Penal Code 241(c) (PC) – Assault on a Police or Peace Officer
Assault is the threat or attempt to use force against another person. Ordinarily, simple assault is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. However, when committed against a first responder or protected government employee, it becomes a more serious offense. These penalties are set by California Penal Code […]
