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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What Happens if you Miss Jury Duty?

November 7, 2024 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

Vista Criminal Lawyer

Skipping jury duty is so common that it’s even a trope on television and movies. But while it may seem like no big deal, missing jury duty can actually result in your being charged with contempt of court. Though it is rare for those who ignore jury summons to face charges in California, many people […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM, LEGAL PROCEDURES Tagged With: misdemeanors, california laws, contempt of court, juries, better understanding the law, how courts work, court, court motions

The 7 Types of Criminal Warrants in California

September 12, 2024 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

aiding and abetting california: 31 (PC)

While most people have heard of search and arrest warrants, fewer are familiar with the other types used in the criminal justice system. Regardless of the variety, they are all used to help keep the justice system working as smoothly as possible, making it possible for police to do their jobs while ensuring witnesses and […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM, LEGAL PROCEDURES Tagged With: police, California criminal process, police investigations, warrants, better understanding the law, how courts work, court, judges

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

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

What is the Meaning of a Hung Jury?

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

Ocenside criminal lawyer

We strive to explain the criminal process in a way that makes sense to the average person so our prospective clients know what to expect as they navigate the justice system. One aspect of the system that commonly confuses people is the concept of hung juries. While most people know that a jury must reach […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM, FAQs, LEGAL PROCEDURES Tagged With: California criminal process, california laws, better understanding the law, how courts work, trials, prosecutorial misconduct, court, juror misconduct, mistrials, double jeopardy

Who Are The Worst Fictional Lawyers of All Time?

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

The Worst Fictional Lawyers of All Time

Always do your research when looking for the right defense lawyer because you don’t want to end up with someone inexperienced. Still, even the average not-so-great real-life attorney will have nothing on these famous bad lawyers. If they were real rather than just existing in TV shows, these lawyers wouldn’t just be the worst —they […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM, Fraud Charges, WHITE COLLAR CRIME, HYPOTHETICAL SITUATIONS, LEGAL PROCEDURES Tagged With: comic books, tv shows, superheroes, how courts work, fictional, court, lying, attorneys, court motions

Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer in San Diego

January 25, 2023 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

San Diego expungement lawyer

A criminal conviction will remain on your record unless it is expunged under the law. However, thanks to a law that took effect in 2023, many people are eligible for the automatic expungement of their criminal records. This law even allows for many people who were sent to state prison after being convicted of a […]

Filed Under: THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM, DUI / FELONY DUI, LEGAL PROCEDURES Tagged With: dui, misdemeanors, juvenile crimes, probation, dmv, better understanding the law, how courts work, felon rights

What’s the Difference Between Different Types of Attorneys?

September 13, 2021 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

defense lawyer vs prosecutor

Have a hard time differentiating between prosecutors, defense lawyers, public defenders and judges? Here’s what you should know before you head into court.

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM, LEGAL PROCEDURES Tagged With: California criminal process, better understanding the law, how courts work, court, judges, attorneys, prosecutors, faqs

How is Sentencing Determined by Judges in Vista, California Courts?

October 19, 2020 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

how criminal sentences are decided

State and local law sets out specific punishments for each type of crime, but ultimately, the judge still does decide the final sentence given to a defendant. After a defendant is found guilty of a crime, they go through a sentencing hearing where they will learn the punishment they will serve for the crime they […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM, LEGAL PROCEDURES, SENTENCING ALTERNATIVES Tagged With: felonies, misdemeanors, probation, California criminal process, prison, jail, plea bargains, better understanding the law, how courts work, trials, court, judges, penalties, sentencing

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

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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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    • 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
    • Sex Crimes Involving Children
  • THEFT CRIMES
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  • White Collar Crimes
  • Theft Defense
  • Violent Crimes
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  • Juvenile Crime
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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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