There are many relationships given special confidentiality protections in the courts: lawyer/client, therapist/patient, spousal, priest/confessor and doctor/patient. Like all of these protected communications, there are many rules that cover how physician confidentiality works when it comes to the criminal courts, including the nature of the information and how it will be used. Not Everything You […]
Police Can Legally Lie to Suspects in Vista; Here are the 6 Most Common
Most people assume that because police are charged with upholding the law that they wouldn’t lie to perform their duties. This is a very problematic assumption because it’s simply not true. Law enforcement agents can legally lie to suspects (and often do) to get suspects to confess or otherwise get them to do what they […]
What You Should Know About Victim Restitution Payments in Vista
If you are convicted of a crime, you may be required to pay compensation to the victim or be ordered to pay a fine, particularly if a victim was injured or suffered financial losses as a result of your actions. Here’s what you should know about victim restitution and criminal fines and how the two […]
What Kinds of Things are Illegal to Bring Into California?
Whether moving to California from another state or just visiting, it’s important to know that there are some things you simply can’t take with you into the Golden State. These things include certain types of pets, foods and weapons. While these items may be legal in the U.S. in general, the fact that they are […]
Exotic Animals That Are Illegal to Have as Pets in California
In other states like Nevada or Oklahoma, owning an animal such as a tiger may not be a wise choice, but it’s perfectly legal. But California takes the protection of its native wildlife very seriously, which is why owning exotic pets is largely against the law, whether the animal in question is as large and […]
How Plants Can “Testify” In Criminal Investigations and Trials
Plants might not be able to talk, but they may be able to say quite a bit when it comes to a criminal investigation. This is all thanks to a science called forensic botany, which may not be widely known, but can be incredibly useful in helping to identify a suspect. But just like all […]
Is a DUI in California a Felony or Misdemeanor?
Drunk driving should always be viewed as a serious charge as it can result in jail time, massive fines, prevent you from being able to drive and leave you with expensive insurance deductibles even once you do get your license back. But some driving under the influence cases are even more serious and can even […]
Applying for a Certificate of Rehabilitation in San Diego, California
If you have been convicted of a felony or certain sex offenses, a California certificate of rehabilitation might be beneficial in helping you move past the conviction so you can get on with your life. Aside from making it easier for you to apply for jobs and professional licenses, getting a certificate of rehabilitation serves […]
Vista Attorney Peter Liss Earns Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Award
There are many awards and titles an attorney can earn, but one of the most celebrated is the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, which Vista Attorney Peter M. Liss proudly received in early January of 2021. Only 10 percent of attorneys ever achieve this prestigious rating that signifies a lawyer executes the highest possible […]
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 […]
