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 […]
Pay-to-Stay Jail Programs in California
No one wants to be locked up, but those sentenced to time in a California jail facility may make their stay more comfortable by opting to pay to stay in a private jail. These alternatives to traditional incarceration allow you more privacy and a little less risk than conventional public jails. They can even provide you a […]
What is Capital Murder in California? Special Circumstances and the Death Penalty
Have you ever wondered why some people get the death penalty for murder while others do not? The answer comes down to the specific details that make a crime a “capital murder” versus a typical first-degree murder. That’s because while capital punishment is still entirely legal, it is only applicable in a handful of murder […]
Is Impersonating a Cop a Felony or Misdemeanor in Vista, CA?
It’s normal for both adults and kids to pretend to be a policeman as a Halloween costume or when playing make-believe. But pretending to be a cop is legal as long as it’s not done to fraudulently trick another person into actually believing you are an officer of the peace. There is a significant distinction […]
Mothers Against Drunk Driving Victim Impact Panels (MADD VIP) in Vista
Judges and prosecutors have a lot of options when putting together the terms of a probation agreement or plea deal. When it comes to DUI probation, some of the most common aspects of probation agreements include DUI classes, ignition interlock devices, and participation in a Mothers Against Drunk Driving Victim Impact Panel (MADD VIP) session. What […]
What Alternative Custody Options are Available in Vista?
In recent years, courts around the country have offered an increasing number of alternatives to incarceration, including home arrest and electronic surveillance options. For a long time, San Diego County courts hesitated to take advantage of alternative sentencing options in all the most unusual cases. However, judges and prosecutors are now more open to these […]
The Difference Between Jail Vs. Prison in California
Most people use the terms “jail” and “prison” interchangeably, but those familiar with the legal system understand that the two institutions operate quite differently. If you have been accused of a crime, criminal lawyer Peter M. Liss believes it’s a good idea to know the difference between jail and prison to better understand the potential […]
What Happens if You Dine and Dash in Vista, California?
Some people dine and dash for fun, others dine and ditch because they get tired of waiting for the check, and others skip out on their bill because they forgot their wallet. Whatever the reason, you can go to jail for not paying your bill at a restaurant in Vista, and sometimes dine and dash […]
337(b) and 337(c) (PC): California Sports Bribery Laws
Bribery is almost always a crime, but while most cases focus on elected public officials, other people may be involved instead. When a public official is not involved, the target of bribery may instead be an athlete or official playing in a sporting event, often to make money through gambling. If you have been accused […]
What’s the Point of Multiple Life Sentences?
People can only live once. So what’s the point of judges sentencing people to multiple life sentences? There are actually valid reasons for this strange-sounding criminal penalty, including the real meaning of “life” imprisonment and how the judicial system works. Here’s why courts in California give multiple life sentences and why it makes sense from […]
