Reporters reach out to Peter M. Liss on a variety of topics because they know he is a respected source with an excellent understanding of the California criminal justice system.
Accused of Resisting Arrest in Vista? Penal Code 148(a) (PC)
When police arrest someone for a crime they didn’t commit, it is common for the innocent party to fight back and argue with the officers because the circumstances are simply unfair. Alternatively, sometimes people who know they are guilty of a crime resist arrest because they are scared of the potential penalties they may be […]
Taking Someone From Police Custody is a Crime Under Penal Code 405(a) (PC)
In the Old West, mob justice was a big problem, which is why California enacted an anti-lynching law in 1933 in order to stop mobs from seizing and harming a suspected criminal in police custody. But as time went on, “lynching” came to be associated with the illegal murder of innocent black people, largely in […]
What is Work Furlough in San Diego County?
To help minimize the populations of prisons and jails, state and county lawmakers have developed many alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenders. One such program in California is the San Diego County Probation Department’s “Work Furlough (WF) and Residential Re-entry Center (RRC)” program, which allows inmates an opportunity to work and apply for jobs before they are […]
Prison and Jail Escape Laws in California: 4530 and 4532 (PC)
It’s a TV trope seen in shows like Luke Cage, The Fugitive, Sense 8, and Prison Break; the main character is locked in prison for a crime he didn’t commit and must break out of prison to prove his innocence. But in real life, proving your innocence doesn’t mean you can just walk away after […]
How is Sentencing Determined by Judges in Vista, California Courts?
State and local law sets out specific punishments for each type of crime, but ultimately, the judge still does decide the final sentence given to a defendant. After a defendant is found guilty of a crime, they go through a sentencing hearing where they will learn the punishment they will serve for the crime they […]
What Happens to Your Dog When You Get Arrested in Vista?
Close to half of all American households have a dog, and many of those dog owners are single, so what happens to a person’s dog when they go to jail or are arrested? As it turns out, that question can be rather complex and depends on where you live, where you were arrested, and more. […]
What Happens to Your Stuff When You go to Prison?
When you’re incarcerated, you are stuck behind bars and unable to access your bank accounts or pay bills. So what happens to your house and personal belongings when you go to jail? That’s actually a common question many clients ask their criminal lawyer. Unfortunately, the answer is sadly complex, which is one of the […]
Pregnancy and Birth in California Jails and Prisons
Just because a woman is convicted of a crime doesn’t mean her reproductive system suddenly shuts down. And in fact, many women end up behind bars while pregnant. What happens next will vary depending on the specific circumstances and wishes of the mother-to-be, but one thing that’s always true is that California provides a much […]
The Difference Between Jail Vs. Prison in California
Most people use the terms “jail” and “prison” interchangeably, but those familiar with the legal system understand that the two institutions operate quite differently. If you have been accused of a crime, criminal lawyer Peter M. Liss believes it’s a good idea to know the difference between jail and prison to better understand the potential […]
