Vista DUI Lawyer and Criminal Attorney Peter M. Liss

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    • Juvenile Offenses
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DUI Car Accident Charges in Vista: 191.5(a), 191.5(b), and 23153 (PC)

March 14, 2025 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

DUI with accident lawyer

California legislators, police, and prosecutors do whatever they can to discourage drivers from operating vehicles while intoxicated. When drivers ignore these efforts and cause an accident while driving under the influence, they face much heavier consequences. In fact, when the driver causes an accident that results in even minor injuries, the charges are often filed […]

Filed Under: DUI / FELONY DUI Tagged With: defenses, bodily harm, driving, dui with accident, accidents, alcohol, dui

Top San Diego Military DUI Defense Attorney

December 6, 2024 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

Worn Usa Military Dog Tags Close Up on Us American Flag

Jurisdictional Issues for Military DUIs The circumstances of a military DUI will determine how the suspect is tried. When a service member gets accused of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they will face Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP) as determined by their superior officer. They will also usually face charges as well, but the […]

Filed Under: DUI / FELONY DUI, Sentencing Tagged With: military, federal crimes, driving, penalties, alcohol, dui

Minor In Possession of Alcohol Attorney In San Diego, California

October 3, 2024 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

minor in possession

In California, being under the legal drinking age doesn’t just prohibit you from consuming alcohol; it also prevents you from possessing it in any public place. Minors convicted of this crime face misdemeanor charges, but the offense is only punishable with a fine or community service, so teens convicted for this crime cannot be sentenced to […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, JUVENILE CRIME Tagged With: business and professions code, juvenile drinking laws, zero tolerance, open container laws, minor in possession, diversion programs, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, drunk in public, misdemeanors, alcohol

Can Gum Throw Off a Breathalyzer?

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

gingivitis dui

There are a lot of rumors about how gum may affect breathalyzer test results. Some people think chewing it before providing a breath test will help cover the odor of the alcohol, helping to lower their BAC. Others believe that the artificial sugars in gum contain alcohol and will, therefore, cause them to appear drunk, […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, DUI / FELONY DUI, Traffic Stops Tagged With: dui tests, food, high bac, bac, breathalyzers, alcohol, dui

Can You Get a DUI on a Skateboard or Rollerblades?

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

can you get a dui on a skateboard

California state driving laws establish a very specific definition of “vehicle” under the law, explicitly defining it as something self-propelled or powered by something other than a human. As a result, while you can get a DUI while riding a horse, operating a boat, or even using a ride-on lawnmower, you cannot get one for bouncing […]

Filed Under: DUI / FELONY DUI, DRIVING OFFENSES Tagged With: infractions, vehicles under california law, drunk in public, dui, alcohol

Life After a DUI in California

August 28, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

life after a dui in california

When most people consider the consequences of a DUI conviction, they only think about the immediate legal penalties. What they fail to take into account is how their life will change after a DUI conviction. When you look at the dramatic and devastating life changes you’ll likely go through after a conviction, it is easy to […]

Filed Under: THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM, DUI / FELONY DUI Tagged With: dui, drivers license, driving, penalties, community service, misdemeanors, alcohol

Public Intoxication Charges: 647(f) (PC)

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

647(F) (PC)

Being drunk in public in California isn’t technically illegal and can sometimes be a bit enjoyable as long as it doesn’t involve driving, biking, or boating under the influence. Just walking in public after drinking a beer or two isn’t enough to get you charged with this crime, and neither is drinking a beer in […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, DUI / FELONY DUI Tagged With: minor in possession, public intoxication, drunk in public, misdemeanors, alcohol

Hazing in Vista Under California Penal Code 245.6 (PC)

January 24, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

fraternity hazing attorney san diego

One of the first things people associate with fraternities is the centuries-old tradition of hazing new pledges. Still, after multiple students died during hazing activities over the years, many states, including California, started banning dangerous initiation rituals. While not all forms of hazing are illegal, those likely to result in injuries are. If you have […]

Filed Under: Gang Crimes, CRIMINAL DEFENSE, Assault and Battery, VIOLENT CRIMES Tagged With: battery, assault, alcohol, juvenile crimes, penalties, defenses, minor in possession, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, sex crimes

What is SR22 Insurance and What are the Requirements in California?

November 21, 2022 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

After being convicted of a DUI or other serious driving crime resulting in a driver’s license suspension, you must file an SR22 form with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to get back on the road. Those who drive motorcycles must obtain the similar SR1P document. These forms indicate that you have obtained suitable financial coverage […]

Filed Under: DUI / FELONY DUI, Sentencing Tagged With: insurance, driving, dmv, alcohol, dui, drivers license

Boating Under the Influence (BUI) Charges in San Diego, California

November 10, 2022 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

san diego boating DUI

These days, practically everyone knows it is illegal to drink and drive, but for whatever reason, many people don’t know it is against the law to operate a boat while under the influence (BUI) under California Harbors and Navigation Code 655 (HNC). Doing so is not only illegal, but it is also dangerous, which is […]

Filed Under: DUI / FELONY DUI, Sentencing Tagged With: driving, open container laws, penalties, bac, vehicles under california law, dui, alcohol

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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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