Vista DUI Lawyer and Criminal Attorney Peter M. Liss

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    • Sex Crime Defense
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    • Reckless Driving
  • More Practice Areas
    • Juvenile Offenses
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      • The Three Strikes Law
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    • Theft Defense
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      • Fraud Charges
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What is a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT)?

October 25, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

crimes of moral turpitude california

Under both state and federal law, some offenses are considered “crimes of moral turpitude,” meaning they involve serious dishonesty, fraud, or something morally reprehensible. While the term may sound old-fashioned and outdated, it is still very relevant when it comes to the law, as it can result in additional post-conviction consequences. Unfortunately, what crimes fall […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM, Fraud Charges, Assault and Battery, Rape, WHITE COLLAR CRIME, Homicide, VIOLENT CRIMES, Weapons Charges, SEX OFFENSES, THEFT CRIMES, LEGAL PROCEDURES Tagged With: domestic violence, theft, fraud, sex crimes, white collar, violent crimes, better understanding the law, moral turpitude, professionals

What You Should Know About Gun Storage Laws in CA

October 16, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

california's gun storage laws

Wherever you stand on the political spectrum, there’s no denying that guns can and do kill people. To minimize the dangers of children and those prohibited from using firearms accessing these dangerous weapons, California has enacted many laws specifying how they should be stored and transported. The City of San Diego has even passed a […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM, VIOLENT CRIMES, Weapons Charges, JUVENILE CRIME Tagged With: felonies, misdemeanors, violent crimes, gun laws, firearms, weapons, wobblers

California Knife Laws: 21310 (PC)

August 23, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

knife laws in California

Knife laws in California can be notoriously confusing, with multiple penal codes dictating what is and is not legal to possess and carry in the state. Additionally, many local city and county ordinances add further restrictions. Before you carry any weapon, it’s wise to learn what restrictions may apply so you do not run afoul […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, VIOLENT CRIMES, Weapons Charges Tagged With: violent crimes, california laws, knives, weapons, san diego

The 10-20-Life Law of California

June 6, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

oceanside violent crimes lawyer

California Penal Code 12022.53 (PC), also known as the “10-20-Life” statute or “Use a Gun and You’re Done” law, adds additional penalties when you use a gun during the commission of certain crimes. When the law was originally enacted in 1998, it was very strict, and the penalty enhancements were mandatory. It has since been […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM, VIOLENT CRIMES, Weapons Charges Tagged With: felonies, hate crimes, california laws, gun laws, firearms, gang crimes, penalties, weapons, enhancements

Can Teachers Carry Guns on Campus in California?

April 18, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

are teachers allowed to be armed in california?

School shootings have become a sad reality in our current world. While some people argue the solution lies in creating more gun laws to prohibit potential mass murderers from gaining access to these weapons, others believe we should instead ensure more “good guys,” such as teachers, have firearms so potential killers can be stopped before […]

Filed Under: VIOLENT CRIMES, Weapons Charges Tagged With: california laws, firearms, better understanding the law, politics, weapons

Possession of a Firearm and Drugs in California

March 6, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

possession of a firearm and drugs in california

Some drugs cause paranoia, and dealing and purchasing drugs can sometimes be dangerous. With these things in mind, it’s not surprising that many people who are arrested with drugs also carry weapons. Unfortunately, just carrying a gun and any amount of certain drugs is a criminal act in itself. Here’s what you should know about California’s possession of […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, DRUG OFFENSES, VIOLENT CRIMES, Weapons Charges Tagged With: felonies, drug possession, california laws, drug crimes, drug trafficking, firearm possession, firearms, drug sales, penalties, weapons

Are Sawed-Off Shotguns Illegal In California? Understanding 33215 (PC)

September 23, 2022 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

is a sawed-off shotgun legal in calfornia

California state law prohibits manufacturing, possessing, selling, or importing short-barreled shotguns or rifles. Manufacturing includes sawing the barrel from a shotgun to make it a “sawed off” model. Possession charges can still be filed even if the weapon is in pieces as long as it can easily be reassembled. Contact a defense lawyer immediately if […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, Gang Crimes, VIOLENT CRIMES, Weapons Charges Tagged With: felonies, misdemeanors, firearm possession, gun laws, firearms, penalties, weapons

Ghost Gun Charges and Penalties in Vista, California: 24610 (PC) and More

December 12, 2021 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

ghost guns are illegal in california

The Second Amendment guarantees Americans the right to bear arms, but legislators and courts are constantly debating exactly where to draw the line on that right. One area of the gun rights issue that’s particularly problematic is the issue of privately made firearms, often called “ghost guns.” These self-made firearms pose a serious threat to […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM, VIOLENT CRIMES, Weapons Charges Tagged With: violent crimes, firearm possession, gun laws, firearms, 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

Caught With An Unserialized, Stolen or Unregistered Firearm in Vista?

April 16, 2021 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

stolen firearm possession

California has many laws limiting the types of weapons a person may own in the state, prohibiting guns such as assault-weapons and machine guns. But even a firearm that is otherwise legal can be illegal if it was unregistered, stolen, or if the serial number was altered or removed. Fortunately, there are defenses against all […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, VIOLENT CRIMES, Weapons Charges Tagged With: violent crimes, firearm possession, gun laws, firearms, weapons, stolen goods

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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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    • Computer Crimes
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  • DRUG OFFENSES
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    • Gang Crimes
    • Animal Abuse
    • Assault and Battery
    • Homicide
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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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