Vista DUI Lawyer and Criminal Attorney Peter M. Liss

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  • DUI / Felony DUI
    • Vista DUI Attorney
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  • Domestic Violence
  • Sex Crimes
    • Sex Crime Defense
    • Child Molestation
    • Child Pornography
  • 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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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 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

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 When the law was originally enacted in 1998, it was very strict, and the penalty enhancements were mandatory.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

What Rights do Felons Lose in California?

March 2, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

3 strikes law

Felons in California are subject to many penalties, even after they serve their time and pay off their criminal fines. The good news is that California does not restrict the constitutional rights of felons nearly as much as other states. Unfortunately, the state still does have many restrictions on what felons are not able to […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM, FAQs, LEGAL PROCEDURES Tagged With: know your rights, felonies, firearm possession, gun laws, better understanding the law, penalties

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

Negligent Discharge of a Firearm in Vista, California: 246.3 (PC)

August 11, 2021 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

A woman shoots a gun into the air

Every Forth of July and New Year’s Eve in Vista, you’re bound to hear someone shoot off a gun in celebration, but this activity isn’t just noisy, it’s also dangerous. And because it is dangerous, it’s also illegal under California Penal Code 246.3 (PC), formally known as the “negligent discharge of a firearm.” This criminal […]

Filed Under: VIOLENT CRIMES Tagged With: violent crimes, gun laws, firearms, negligence, weapons

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

246 (PC) and 247b (PC): Shooting at a Dwelling, House or Vehicle

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

shooting at an inhabitted building 246 (PC)

Shooting into a structure such as a home, car, motorhome or aircraft is unquestionably dangerous. In many cases, it’s impossible to tell if anyone is inside or not, which is precisely why you can face felony charges whether or not a dwelling was occupied. What specific charges you’ll face, as well as the penalties will […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, VIOLENT CRIMES, Weapons Charges Tagged With: violent crimes, gun laws, firearms, negligence, gang crimes, weapons, three strikes

Applying for a Certificate of Rehabilitation in San Diego, California

February 19, 2021 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

certificate of rehabilitation for crimes

If you have been convicted of a felony or certain sex offenses, a California certificate of rehabilitation might be beneficial in helping you move past the conviction so you can get on with your life. Aside from making it easier for you to apply for jobs and professional licenses, getting a certificate of rehabilitation serves […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM, LEGAL PROCEDURES Tagged With: sex crimes, sex offenders, California criminal process, megans law, gun laws, firearms, penalties

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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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  • DUI / FELONY DUI
    • Sentencing
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  • DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
  • WHITE COLLAR CRIME
    • Computer Crimes
    • Fraud Charges
  • DRUG OFFENSES
  • VIOLENT CRIMES
    • Gang Crimes
    • Animal Abuse
    • Assault and Battery
    • Homicide
    • Kidnapping
    • Weapons Charges
  • SEX OFFENSES
    • Sharing Obscene Materials
    • Rape
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  • THEFT CRIMES
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  • Theft Defense
  • Violent Crimes
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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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