Vista DUI Lawyer and Criminal Attorney Peter M. Liss

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    • Juvenile Offenses
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Filing a False Police Report in California: 148.5 (PC)

October 22, 2024 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

false report of a crime

We’ve all been annoyed, angered, or scared of someone before —sometimes all three at once. However, falsely accusing someone of a crime is illegal under California Penal Code section 148.5 (PC), meaning it is a poor choice for those hoping to seek revenge or prank others. This penal code also makes it a crime to […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, Fraud Charges, WHITE COLLAR CRIME, LEGAL PROCEDURES Tagged With: misdemeanors, fraud, defenses, perjury, false allegations, lying, 911, insurance

Sightseeing or Unauthorized Entry into an Emergency Area

July 16, 2024 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

A drone like the one used to interfere with fire crews in June

When emergency personnel are called to handle a fire, hostage situation, car crash, or any other situation that threatens the public’s safety, they must be able to do their jobs without interference. It is for this very reason that California has instituted multiple laws to help protect first responders while they handle dangerous situations. These […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, WHITE COLLAR CRIME Tagged With: police, misdemeanors, white collar, california laws, community service, intent, defenses, disturbing the peace, 911

Larry David Has ‘No Lessons Learned’ Regarding Courtroom Proceedings

April 11, 2024 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

curb your enthusiasm season finally: larry david in court

Mark Twain advised entertainers to ‘never let the truth get in the way of a good story.” Throughout the twelve seasons of HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, Larry David heartily embraced those words, making a farce of his own life as he plays a fictional version of himself. Of course, he already test-drove this recipe for success […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, WHITE COLLAR CRIME, HYPOTHETICAL SITUATIONS, LEGAL PROCEDURES Tagged With: witness accounts, civil rights, juries, better understanding the law, how courts work, trials, politics, court, juror misconduct, mistrials

What is the Penalty for Voter Fraud in California?

March 29, 2024 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

election fraud

A democracy can only function when the electorate believes their votes will be counted accurately and fairly. To maintain the system’s integrity, voter and election fraud must be prevented, so California has instituted strong laws and punishments to prevent these crimes. If you have been accused of any crime related to interfering with an election, […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, Fraud Charges, WHITE COLLAR CRIME Tagged With: misdemeanors, fraud, politics, felon rights

What is Work Furlough in San Diego County?

March 22, 2024 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

work furlough programs in san diego

To help minimize the populations of prisons and jails, state and county lawmakers have developed many alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenders. One such program in California is the San Diego County Probation Department’s “Work Furlough (WF) and Residential Re-entry Center (RRC)” program, which allows inmates an opportunity to work and apply for jobs before they are […]

Filed Under: THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM, WHITE COLLAR CRIME, DRUG OFFENSES Tagged With: misdemeanors, alternative sentencing, jail, incarceration, penalties

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

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

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

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

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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

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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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