Home Alone is considered a Christmas classic these days, and it’s no wonder when the plot revolves around a scared little boy fighting off two seriously bad dudes while trying to make the most of the holiday season. As a tribute to this holiday staple, lawyer Peter M. Liss is taking the opportunity to explore […]
Unlawful Taking or Driving of a Vehicle: 10851 (VC)
California Vehicle Code 10851 (VC) makes it illegal to drive or take someone else’s vehicle without permission. While this offense is commonly called “joyriding,” the law applies to far more than teenagers taking a car for a short ride. It can be used in cases involving borrowed vehicles, family disputes, unauthorized use of a company […]
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 […]
Is Skipping School Illegal in California? Not Since 2026
Note: Updated to reflect current laws after the repeal of 270.1 (PC) in 2026. Skipping school is common—many schools have an unofficial “senior ditch day” near year’s end. In many states, though, it is actually a crime. Fortunately, as of January 1, 2026, ordinary truancy will no longer be a criminal offense in California, whether […]
Is it Legal for Minors to Buy Kombucha and Drive?
Kombucha is a lightly fermented drink that has recently become trendy for its health benefits. But because the beverage is fermented, could it be safely consumed by a teenager, and if so, could they drink it before driving a vehicle? While it may be ok to consume due to its low alcohol content, attorney Peter […]
Charges for Furnishing Alcohol or Drugs to a Minor in Vista, California
Most people don’t need to be told that it’s a crime to give alcohol to someone under 21, but what you might not know is that doing so could even land you in jail. The good news is that most of the time, furnishing alcohol to a minor is only an infraction punishable by a […]
