The 4th of July is the ultimate celebration of American freedom, but if you violate San Diego City or County fireworks laws by possessing or using illegal pyrotechnics, you could lose your freedom. Only those licensed to use fireworks can possess any type of these explosives, even sparklers, in Vista or the rest of San […]
Can Two People be on Trial at the Same Time in Vista, California?
Most people charged with a crime settle things in a plea bargain. When things aren’t settled this way, they go to trial. While most people go through their trials alone, some co-defendants facing charges from the same circumstances are tried together. While these joint trials save court resources and make it easier for witnesses, they also […]
Laws About Picking Fruit from Public Trees
When you see a sun-ripened fruit hanging from the branch, it’s natural to want to pick it. But if the tree doesn’t belong to you, take a minute to evaluate the situation first. While you’re usually allowed to harvest from public trees, the law is more complex when it comes to plants located on private […]
What to do When You are Being Investigated & Signs it’s Happening
In television and movies, the suspect almost always knows the police are investigating them and acts accordingly. But in real life, things are rarely so obvious. You do not legally have to be informed of an investigation, and police often prefer not to notify someone that they are a suspect until they formally charge them […]
What is the Penalty for Hiring a Hitman? California Murder Solicitation Law
A recent article in the New York Times uncovered a strange side of the dark web, where murder-for-hire sites are plentiful, but assassins are non-existent. While the hitmen may be fake, real people do visit these sites looking to hire someone to kill another person. Though it is legal to access these types of sites, […]
What Alternative Custody Options are Available in Vista?
In recent years, courts around the country have offered an increasing number of alternatives to incarceration, including home arrest and electronic surveillance options. For a long time, San Diego County courts hesitated to take advantage of alternative sentencing options in all the most unusual cases. However, judges and prosecutors are now more open to these […]
California Penal Code Section 118 (PC): Perjury Charges in Vista
alt When you swear to tell the truth, you are not only ethically held to tell the truth; you are legally obliged to do so. If you are caught lying under oath in Vista, California, you can be charged with knowingly providing false testimony while under oath, better known as perjury, a crime under California […]
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 […]
Can Someone Charged With Domestic Violence Become a Cop?
We’ve previously discussed how a domestic violence charge can prevent someone from joining the armed forces and likely end any military career. When many people find this out, they assume the same would be true for police officers, but in practice, the effects of a domestic violence conviction are somewhat different for those in law […]
If Drugs are Found in a House, Who is Responsible?
One of the most common things people say when police confront them with drugs found in a search is, “those aren’t mine.” While drug possession lawyers suggest never talking to the police without an attorney present, you can sometimes successfully fight drug charges on the grounds that they weren’t actually yours. This defense is a good option […]
