Vista DUI Lawyer and Criminal Attorney Peter M. Liss

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    • Sex Crime Defense
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    • Hit and Run Accidents
    • No-License Driving
    • Reckless Driving
  • More Practice Areas
    • Juvenile Offenses
    • Violent Crime
      • The Three Strikes Law
      • Weapons Charges
    • Theft Defense
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      • Fraud Charges
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What Happens if you Miss Jury Duty?

November 7, 2024 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

Vista Criminal Lawyer

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 […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM, LEGAL PROCEDURES Tagged With: misdemeanors, california laws, contempt of court, juries, better understanding the law, how courts work, court, court motions

What are California’s Laws Against Deepfake Pornography?

October 24, 2024 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

California deepfake porn laws

It may seem hard to believe, but up through 2024, it was completely legal to create AI-generated pornography, even if it depicts a child’s likeness. However, this will all change in 2025, thanks to a new slate of laws signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom that target the sharing and creation of deepfake porn, namely […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, Sharing Obscene Materials, Sex Crimes Involving Children, SEX OFFENSES Tagged With: sex crimes, sex offenders, technology, child pornography, computer crimes, revenge porn, first ammendment, pornography

Self-Defense in California: The Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground Laws

October 23, 2024 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

a hand holding a gun

In most cases, it is illegal to use unjustified force against others, but one of the strongest criminal defenses to these charges is arguing that you were acting in self-defense. California is known as a “stand your ground” state, which means you have the right to use force to defend yourself or another person without […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM Tagged With: murder, homicide, violent crimes, defense of others, self defense

Assault and Battery on a Police Officer in California

October 22, 2024 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

a close up of an angry man's face with mouth open shouting and raising his fist

Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders are a protected group known as “peace officers” under California law. When someone knowingly commits assault or battery against one of these individuals, they can face additional penalties for these crimes under Penal Codes 241(c), 243(c), and 243(b) (PC). There are many ways to fight these charges, […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, Assault and Battery, VIOLENT CRIMES Tagged With: assault, battery, police, felonies, misdemeanors, violent crimes, aggravated assault, resisting arrest, assault with a deadly weapon

Filing a False Police Report in California: 148.5 (PC)

October 22, 2024 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

false report of a crime

We’ve all been annoyed, angered, or scared of someone before —sometimes all three at once. However, falsely accusing someone of a crime is illegal under California Penal Code section 148.5 (PC), meaning it is a poor choice for those hoping to seek revenge or prank others. This penal code also makes it a crime to […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, Fraud Charges, WHITE COLLAR CRIME, LEGAL PROCEDURES Tagged With: misdemeanors, fraud, defenses, perjury, false allegations, lying, 911, insurance

Sexting With a Minor is a Crime in California

October 4, 2024 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

sexting a minor laws in california

Sending erotic pictures to a lover is a naughty game many couples enjoy. However, when the material shared involves child pornography or the sending of sexual images to a minor, it is no longer just a harmless bit of fun. In California, sending harmful material with the intent to seduce a minor is a crime […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, SEX OFFENSES Tagged With: harassment, child molestation, sexting, technology, child pornography, computer crimes, revenge porn, stings

Minor In Possession of Alcohol Attorney In San Diego, California

October 3, 2024 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

minor in possession

In California, being under the legal drinking age doesn’t just prohibit you from consuming alcohol; it also prevents you from possessing it in any public place. Minors convicted of this crime face misdemeanor charges, but the offense is only punishable with a fine or community service, so teens convicted for this crime cannot be sentenced to […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, JUVENILE CRIME Tagged With: alcohol, misdemeanors, drunk in public, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, diversion programs, minor in possession, business and professions code, juvenile drinking laws, zero tolerance, open container laws

Possession of Stolen Property Lawyer in San Diego

September 25, 2024 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

receiving or possessing stolen property in California

Most people agree that stealing is wrong, but taking ownership of something you know has been stolen can be a legal gray area. Whether the matter is ethical or not typically comes down to whether or not the individual taking the item knows if it was stolen. The law considers the issue similarly, which is […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THEFT CRIMES Tagged With: felonies, misdemeanors, theft, shoplifting, conspiracy, petty theft, grand theft, stolen goods, wobblers

The 7 Types of Criminal Warrants in California

September 12, 2024 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

aiding and abetting california: 31 (PC)

While most people have heard of search and arrest warrants, fewer are familiar with the other types used in the criminal justice system. Regardless of the variety, they are all used to help keep the justice system working as smoothly as possible, making it possible for police to do their jobs while ensuring witnesses and […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM, LEGAL PROCEDURES Tagged With: police, California criminal process, police investigations, warrants, better understanding the law, how courts work, court, judges

Vista and San Diego Restraining Order Attorney: TRO & PRO

August 26, 2024 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

san diego restraining order lawyer

When someone you know, even love, accuses you of assault, harassment, stalking, or domestic violence, you may feel hurt and betrayed. You may not know what to do. But what you can’t afford to do is wait to hire a lawyer experienced at defending against restraining orders (sometimes called “protective orders” or “stay-away orders”). Attorney […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, VIOLENT CRIMES, LEGAL PROCEDURES Tagged With: assault, battery, domestic violence, restraining orders, harassment, violent crimes, california laws, gun laws, firearms, stalking

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Call Today, I Can Help You

criminal justice attorney Peter M. Liss

The Experience You Need

I have been practicing law for over 40 years, and opened my own law firm in 1998, after serving as Assistant Supervising Public Defender for the Vista Public Defender’s Office. I have successfully defended hundreds of cases in my career, fighting charges ranging from drunk driving to capital murder.

Two Easy-to-Find Offices

My Vista offices are located just off the 78 freeway, directly across the street from the local courthouse and jail facility. For those further south, I have another office in Carmel Valley, off the 5 freeway and highway 56. Both offices offer free parking.

Call (760) 643-4050 Now

You can call my offices any time of day, every day to speak with a live person who can help you schedule a free initial consultation. If you have any questions, I return my calls promptly and courteously.

My Guarantee to You

I ensure all clients receive top quality representation at affordable rates and I accept all major credit cards. Hablamos Español.

I’m available, let’s talk

My Practice Areas

I handle all types of misdemeanor and felony criminal cases in San Diego County, including:

  • Driving Under the Influence
    • DMV DUI License Hearings
  • Domestic Violence
    • Sex Crimes
    • Sexual Assault/Rape
  • Child Molestation
    • Child Pornography
  • White Collar Crimes
    • Fraud Cases
    • Identity Theft
    • Computer Crimes
    • Theft Crimes
    • Petty Theft
    • Grand Theft
    • Shoplifting
    • Robbery
  • Drug Charges
    • Drug DUI
    • Trafficking
  • Violent Crimes
    • Weapons Offenses
    • Assault
    • Homicide
    • Hate Crimes
    • Gang Crimes
    • Three Strikes Law
  • Criminal Traffic Offenses
    • Driving on a Suspended License
    • Hit and Run accidents
    • Reckless Driving
    • Vehicular Homicide
  • Juvenile Crime Defense
    • Truancy
    • Vandalism
    • Minor in Possession

Categories

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  • Attorney Peter M. Liss
  • (760) 643-4050
  • 380 S Melrose Drive #301 Vista, CA 92081

Copyright 2003, 2024 Peter M. Liss, Esq. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED


About the Legal Information on This Website

I rely on my experience as a top defense lawyer in my area to personally review all information on this site; however the information offered here should not substitute as legal advice. If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Vista, please contact a qualified criminal defense attorney.

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