Vista DUI Lawyer and Criminal Attorney Peter M. Liss

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  • DUI / Felony DUI
    • Vista DUI Attorney
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    • 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
    • White Collar Crime
      • Fraud Charges
    • Drug Crimes
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It is Unethical and Illegal for a Therapist to Date Their Patient

September 15, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

Therapists to Have Sex With Patients

When someone goes to a therapist or psychologist, they are often in a vulnerable state. As treatment progresses, they may start feeling attracted to their therapist, who comforts and supports them. But no matter how strong the attraction, psychologists, therapists, and other registered mental health professionals are expected to avoid engaging in sexual relationships with […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, SEX OFFENSES Tagged With: misdemeanors, sex crimes, privileged communications, therapists, business and professions code

It IS Legal to Pick California Poppies

September 14, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

is it illegal to pick california poppies

Californians love their state flower. It’s little wonder we’re so proud of them when they create a golden landscape spreading across hills and valleys in areas like Mission Trails, Antelope Valley, Diamond Lake, and Lake Elsinore. Many residents are so enchanted by our state flower that they don’t even question it when someone tells them […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, WHITE COLLAR CRIME, THEFT CRIMES, HYPOTHETICAL SITUATIONS Tagged With: misdemeanors, vandalism, petty theft, plants, legal myths, trespassing

Top San Diego, California Arson Attorney

September 12, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

san diego arson attorneys

California has one of the longest wildfire seasons in the country, and it continues to get longer every year, which is why the state also has some of the strictest arson laws in the nation. Those convicted of this crime can even be subjected to a statewide arson registry similar to that used to track […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, VIOLENT CRIMES, JUVENILE CRIME Tagged With: felonies, fraud, violent crimes, arson, negligence, insurance

Is it Illegal to Snoop Through Someone’s Phone in California?

September 11, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

Man sitting on a bed with a laptop looking at his cell phone smiling.

Sometimes people worry their partner may be cheating and decide to spy on their spouse or lover to find out the truth. In the past, that often meant checking their letters, listening to phone conversations on another phone connected to the home’s landline, or hiring a private investigator to watch the potential cheater, but nowadays, […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM, Computer Crimes, WHITE COLLAR CRIME Tagged With: felonies, misdemeanors, hacking, right to privacy, spying, technology, wiretapping, Cell phones

San Diego Bribery Defense Lawyer

September 8, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

A large pile of $100 bills

Bribery may be most commonly associated with politicians and police, but it doesn’t have to involve shady criminal types and corrupt public officials. In fact, there are many laws covering bribery in the California State Penal Code, covering everything from workers in commercial businesses to the parties involved in the state’s justice system. Nearly everyone […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, WHITE COLLAR CRIME Tagged With: felonies, fraud, money, bribery

Is a 911 Call Probable Cause? What if it’s Anonymous?

September 7, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

Police Spying on Phone Calls

On any given Friday or Saturday night, you might see signs on the side of the freeway advising drivers to report anyone they suspect of drunk driving to 911. But is this kind of tip really enough to serve as probable cause, allowing an officer to pull you over on suspicion of drunk driving? And […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, DUI / FELONY DUI, Traffic Stops Tagged With: dui, technology, traffic stops, probable cause, defenses, Cell phones, 911, reasonable suspicion

What Can be Used in Court as Physical Evidence of Rape?

September 5, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

physical Evidence Used in A Rape Case

Forensic science is best known for solving murders, but forensics can also be used during a rape examination to collect proof that a sexual assault occurred. These examinations reveal evidence, including DNA samples, fiber fragments, fingerprints, and more.  But just because the rape kit indicates that sexual intercourse occurred between two people doesn’t always mean […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, Rape, SEX OFFENSES Tagged With: sex crimes, sex offenders, police investigations, forensic science, evidence, megans law, rape, dna

Human Trafficking Laws in California: 236.1 (PC)

September 4, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

Shredded papers stating "human trafficking' and other words

Human trafficking is the legal name for slavery, but these laws aren’t limited to only involuntary servitude but also include forced sexual encounters. In fact, if you break California’s pimping and pandering laws and the prostitute in question is a minor, you could also be charged with violating human trafficking laws in California under Penal […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, Sharing Obscene Materials, Gang Crimes, Assault and Battery, Rape, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, Sex Crimes Involving Children, Kidnapping, VIOLENT CRIMES, SEX OFFENSES Tagged With: felonies, sex crimes, prostitution, pimping and pandering, kidnapping, penalties, human trafficking

San Diego, California Forgery Defense Attorney

September 1, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

forgery attorney

While signing someone else’s signature without permission is the best-known method of forgery, it is far from the only type under California law. This crime may also be accomplished by falsifying or changing documents or forging a seal. Because forgery crimes are typically performed to defraud someone of money or property, most people charged with […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, Fraud Charges, WHITE COLLAR CRIME Tagged With: felonies, misdemeanors, fraud, white collar, identity theft, embezzlement, forgery

The Good Samaritan Bystander Law in Seinfeld

August 30, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

Difference Between Jail and Prison

 In one of the most famous season finales in television history, George, Elaine, Jerry, and Kramer are all charged under a “Good Samaritan Law” for watching someone get carjacked and failing to offer assistance. But over 25 years later, countless fans still wonder if the Latham, Massachusetts Good Samaritan law in Seinfeld even exists. […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, HYPOTHETICAL SITUATIONS Tagged With: know your rights, misdemeanors, witness accounts, evidence, civil rights, better understanding the law, how courts work, fictional, court, legal myths

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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
    • Fraud Charges
  • DRUG OFFENSES
  • VIOLENT CRIMES
    • Gang Crimes
    • Animal Abuse
    • Assault and Battery
    • Homicide
    • Kidnapping
    • Weapons Charges
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    • Sharing Obscene Materials
    • Rape
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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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