Vista DUI Lawyer and Criminal Attorney Peter M. Liss

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    • Sex Crime Defense
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    • Reckless Driving
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    • Juvenile Offenses
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      • The Three Strikes Law
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236 & 237 (PC): False Imprisonment Charges in California

November 21, 2024 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

False imprisonment is one of the more easily understood sections of the California penal code as it involves illegally detaining someone against their will. Though the offense, as defined under California Penal Code section 236 (PC), is relatively straightforward, things can get confusing when distinguishing between this charge and the similar crimes of domestic violence, kidnapping, human […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM, Kidnapping, VIOLENT CRIMES Tagged With: domestic violence, violent crimes, false imprisonment, california laws, kidnapping, human trafficking

Vista and San Diego Restraining Order Attorney: TRO & PRO

August 26, 2024 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

san diego restraining order lawyer

When someone you know, even love, accuses you of assault, harassment, stalking, or domestic violence, you may feel hurt and betrayed. You may not know what to do. But what you can’t afford to do is wait to hire a lawyer experienced at defending against restraining orders (sometimes called “protective orders” or “stay-away orders”). Attorney […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, VIOLENT CRIMES, LEGAL PROCEDURES Tagged With: assault, battery, domestic violence, restraining orders, harassment, violent crimes, california laws, gun laws, firearms, stalking

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 While the term may sound old-fashioned and outdated, it is still very relevant when it comes to the law, as it can result in additional post-conviction consequences.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

Famous Domestic Violence Cases

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

vista domestic violence attorney

  The popular image of domestic violence usually involves a beer-swilling, shirtless husband beating his wife to vent his frustration with life. But in reality, people of all classes, genders, and orientations are accused of committing domestic violence, including actors, musicians, athletes, and more. In fact, many real-life domestic abuse cases involve individuals who are […]

Filed Under: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, VIOLENT CRIMES, HYPOTHETICAL SITUATIONS Tagged With: assault, battery, domestic violence, violent crimes, movies, celebrities, tv shows, legal stories in the news

Child Abuse and Endangerment Lawyer in San Diego: 273 (PC)

November 4, 2022 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

vista child neglect attorney

There are many types of child abuse charges in California. While most people would assume child abuse would be the most common charge, in fact, child endangerment charges, filed under 273(a) (PC), are more commonly filed because they are the easiest to prove. These serious criminal offenses can result in incarceration and loss of custody […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, VIOLENT CRIMES Tagged With: felonies, misdemeanors, domestic violence, child abuse, violent crimes, child endangerment, wobblers, bodily harm, three strikes, neglect

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

Terrorist and Criminal Threats: Penal Code Section 422 (PC)

June 2, 2021 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

bomb threats lawyer

Under California law, criminal threats of any nature, be they personal or terror-related, are charged in the same manner. That means whether you threaten to threaten to kill an ex or if you call in a bomb threat to an airport, you will still be charged with making a criminal threat. If you have been […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, Assault and Battery, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, VIOLENT CRIMES Tagged With: assault, battery, domestic violence, harassment, violent crimes, technology, social media, computer crimes, Cell phones, doxing

What to Know About Simple and Aggravated Battery in Vista, California

May 26, 2021 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

assault and battery laws in california

Battery is one of the most frequently occurring crimes in California as nearly every time someone gets in a fight at a bar, school, sporting event, or anywhere else, they’ve committed this offense. If you have been accused of this violent crime, insist on speaking with a San Diego battery attorney as soon as possible. […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, VIOLENT CRIMES Tagged With: assault, battery, domestic violence, violent crimes, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, defenses, self defense, bodily harm

Penal Code 166 (PC): Criminal Contempt of Court Laws in Vista, California

October 17, 2020 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

what is contempt of court?

If you’ve ever watched a TV show or movie that shows a courtroom scene, there’s a good chance that one of the characters has done something that would be considered contempt of court. Unfortunately, what makes for a fair, lawful courtroom environment rarely makes for interesting entertainment to the general public. To keep actual courtrooms […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM, LEGAL PROCEDURES Tagged With: misdemeanors, domestic violence, restraining orders, California criminal process, reasonable doubt, contempt of court, better understanding the law, how courts work, court, judges, penalties

What to Expect at a California Domestic Violence Arraignment in Vista

September 14, 2020 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

domestic violence arraignments

The first court appearance you will need to attend after a domestic violence arrest is known as an arraignment. This step of the court process is one of the most important, as it allows you to hear the charges that have been filed against you, deal with bail, schedule future court dates, and re-addresses the […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Tagged With: domestic violence, restraining orders, bail, better understanding the law, how courts work, arraignments, after the arrest, court

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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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  • 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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