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. […]
Domestic Battery Charges in Vista, California: (Penal Code 243(e)(1) (PC))
Domestic violence is a classification of crime that can cover a wide range of specific penal codes. The most commonly filed of these offenses in San Diego is domestic battery. This charge can be filed when someone uses force or violence against an intimate partner. If you have been accused of domestic battery in Vista […]
Could the Us Use Income-Based Fines for Crimes?
An old expression says that if a crime is punishable by a fine, it’s only illegal for the poor. That idea can be very problematic in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where there is such a massive disparity between the incredibly rich and the incredibly poor. Under traditional penalty structures, the […]
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 […]
What is 484 (PC): Petty Theft In California
In California, the severity of a theft offense is based on the value of the stolen money, goods, or services. If the property is valued at less than $950, the offense is considered petty theft, defined under California Penal Code 484 (PC). Anyone charged with this crime in San Diego should call a criminal defense […]
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? […]
Do You Need a Lawyer for an Open Container Law in California?
There’s a time and a place for everything. While there’s nothing wrong with cracking open a cold bottle of beer after work, it is a problem if you’re still in your car. California Vehicle law sections 23221-23229 (VC) set specific conditions for when an individual can or cannot drive with an open alcoholic beverage or […]
What Happens if you Miss Jury Duty?
Skipping jury duty is so common that it’s even a trope on television and movies. But while it may seem like no big deal, missing jury duty can actually result in your being charged with contempt of court. Though it is rare for those who ignore jury summons to face charges in California, many people […]
