Vista DUI Lawyer and Criminal Attorney Peter M. Liss

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  • DUI / Felony DUI
    • Vista DUI Attorney
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  • Domestic Violence
  • Sex Crimes
    • Sex Crime Defense
    • Child Molestation
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  • Traffic Offenses
    • 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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California Search and Seizure Laws

May 10, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

search and seizure laws california

For you to be charged with a crime, police must find enough evidence to indicate your guilt. For the charges to result in a conviction, the evidence must be strong enough to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. While the California and US Constitutions protect citizens from illegal and unreasonable search and seizure, police […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM, Computer Crimes, Traffic Stops, DRUG OFFENSES, THEFT CRIMES, LEGAL PROCEDURES Tagged With: know your rights, police investigations, evidence, probable cause, defenses, better understanding the law, us constitution, search and seizure

What is the Sentence for Grand Theft in California?

January 26, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

Vista grand theft lawyer

If you are accused of stealing something in California, the charges can be filed as either grand theft or petty theft, depending on the value of the goods. Grand theft, also known as grand larceny, occurs when stolen property is valued at $950 or more, whereas petty theft is charged when the value is lower. If you […]

Filed Under: THEFT CRIMES Tagged With: felonies, misdemeanors, theft, california laws, defenses, grand theft, penalties, wobblers

What is Looting Under California Law?

December 1, 2022 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

looting defense lawyer san diego

Some people may rush in to help in an emergency, while others attempt to flee. However, some people take advantage of dangerous situations by stealing other people’s property while they’re distracted. During the 2025 fires in Los Angeles, some looters even went so far as to dress like California firefighters to gain access to the […]

Filed Under: VIOLENT CRIMES, THEFT CRIMES Tagged With: felonies, misdemeanors, theft, rioting, looting, protesting, grand theft, penalties, wobblers

The Carjacking Law Under California Penal Code 215 (PC)

October 18, 2022 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

california carjacking law

Carjacking is different than other crimes involving breaking into or stealing a motor vehicle in that it involves directly taking the car from someone else through the use of force. Because of the increased level of danger and trauma inflicted on the victims over that experienced through traditional auto theft or car burglary charges, the […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, Gang Crimes, VIOLENT CRIMES, THEFT CRIMES Tagged With: felonies, robbery, theft, burglary, violent crimes, auto theft, armed robbery, driving, three strikes

How A San Diego Credit Card Fraud Lawyer Can Help You

October 15, 2022 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

san diego credit card fraud lawyer

Credit card fraud is increasing in frequency every day. As the internet makes it easier to steal, share and use credit card information, it will continue to do so. Unfortunately, because so many credit card fraud cases involve anonymous internet activities, many people are wrongly charged with this crime. In many cases, police begin to […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, Sharing Obscene Materials, Fraud Charges, WHITE COLLAR CRIME, THEFT CRIMES Tagged With: theft, fraud, white collar, identity theft, money, false impersonation, fake id, petty theft, grand theft, forgery

What are the Penalties for Stealing a Catalytic Converter in California?

September 30, 2022 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

catalytic converter theft

Catalytic converter theft is dramatically increasing in frequency. This crime may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony in California, depending on the value of the auto part.

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THEFT CRIMES Tagged With: felonies, misdemeanors, theft, burglary, auto theft, conspiracy, gang crimes, petty theft, grand theft, business and professions code, wobblers

The Most Common Misdemeanors and Felonies in California

September 26, 2022 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

common crimes in california

While attorney Mr. Liss handles all types of criminal charges, he sees some types of cases far more than others. These are some of the offenses he takes the most frequently in the process of defending clients in his San Diego practice, which are also some of the most common crimes as detailed by the […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM, DUI / FELONY DUI, Assault and Battery, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, WHITE COLLAR CRIME, DRUG OFFENSES, VIOLENT CRIMES, SEX OFFENSES, THEFT CRIMES Tagged With: dui, domestic violence, theft, sex crimes, violent crimes, california laws, drug crimes, weapons

San Diego Robbery Attorney With 35 Years Experience

October 21, 2021 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

A gun on a pile of money

Robbery is a serious felony that can result in penalties ranging from 3 years to life depending on the circumstances involved. If you have been accused of robbery, please call Peter Liss as soon as possible to discuss your defense.

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, VIOLENT CRIMES, Weapons Charges, THEFT CRIMES Tagged With: robbery, theft, violent crimes, firearms, armed robbery, enhancements, bodily harm, three strikes

Wedding Crashing is a Crime, But Charges Are Rare

June 7, 2021 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

laws about wedding crashing

While people have been crashing weddings for probably about as long as people have had weddings, the idea of “wedding crashing” really entered the popular consciousness when the Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn film Wedding Crashers was released in 2005. Since then, many more people have tried their hands at crashing weddings in order to […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THEFT CRIMES Tagged With: robbery, theft, burglary, fraud, sex crimes, identity theft, false impersonation, rape, marriage

Possession of Burglary Tools, California Penal Code Section 466 (PC)

June 4, 2021 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

possession of burglary tools

The mere possession of a crowbar, or even a set of lockpicks, does not make someone a criminal. But if prosecutors can prove the person in possession of these items intended to use them to , then that person could be found guilty of violating California Penal Code Section 466 (PC), aka possession of burglary […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THEFT CRIMES Tagged With: misdemeanors, theft, burglary, intent, aggravated trespassing, trespassing

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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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vista crimminal law logo
  • 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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