Vista DUI Lawyer and Criminal Attorney Peter M. Liss

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Vista, California Rioting Laws: Penal Code 404 (PC)

June 2, 2020 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

participating in a riot in San Diego

Vista and the rest of San Diego County are pretty laid-back, which means riots are, fortunately, a rarity here. But on occasion, they do happen. If a riot breaks out around you, avoiding the fray is not just a good idea from a safety standpoint but also from a legal perspective because participating in a […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, VIOLENT CRIMES Tagged With: know your rights, misdemeanors, disorderly conduct, rioting, looting, protesting, self defense, disturbing the peace, first ammendment

The Crimes Committed in Home Alone: Harry and Marv are Destined for Prison

December 20, 2019 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

A Christmas tree with multi-colored ornaments

Home Alone is considered a Christmas classic these days, and it’s no wonder when the plot revolves around a scared little boy fighting off two seriously bad dudes while trying to make the most of the holiday season. As a tribute to this holiday staple, lawyer Peter M. Liss is taking the opportunity to explore […]

Filed Under: Assault and Battery, Homicide, VIOLENT CRIMES, THEFT CRIMES, HYPOTHETICAL SITUATIONS, JUVENILE CRIME Tagged With: child abuse, juvenile crimes, robbery, theft, vandalism, shoplifting, conspiracy, christmas, holidays, self defense, grand theft, fictional, aggravated trespassing, trespassing, neglect, criminal threats

The Very Unrighteous Crimes of the Righteous Gemstones

October 21, 2019 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

A giant pile of money

Danny McBride is known for making over-the-top characters that are incredibly flawed and yet still somehow sympathetic. He’s also well versed at showing how easy it is for one crime to escalate into more and more major criminal acts, particularly in his new show, The Righteous Gemstones. Here are some of the many, many crimes […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, Assault and Battery, WHITE COLLAR CRIME, DRUG OFFENSES, VIOLENT CRIMES, SEX OFFENSES, THEFT CRIMES, HYPOTHETICAL SITUATIONS Tagged With: drug possession, white collar, murder, solicitation, extortion, self defense, wiretapping, embezzlement, fictional

The Concept of Imperfect Self Defense and When it Can be Used in Vista

May 18, 2018 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

A LEGO minifig drags another minifig with a blood trail behind it.

  Self-defense is considered a “perfect defense,” meaning you automatically qualify for a full acquittal if the defense succeeds. However, even with a top criminal attorney, it can be difficult to prove all of the requirements for self defense, particularly in a case involving murder. When it’s impossible to prove self defense in a murder case […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM, Homicide, VIOLENT CRIMES, LEGAL PROCEDURES Tagged With: murder, manslaughter, homicide, violent crimes, defense of others, defenses, self defense, better understanding the law, court, deadly force

Fighting Charges If You Were Forced to Commit a Crime

February 3, 2017 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

what happens if you are forced to commit a crime

  Many consider themselves to be reasonable people who would never break the law aside from maybe driving a little too fast on the freeway. But if someone coerces them to do a criminal act by threatening their life or the lives of their family members, they may be willing to do just about anything […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM Tagged With: assault, battery, robbery, defense of others, intent, defenses, self defense, armed robbery, duress, medical conditions

22610 (PC): California Laws Regarding Stun Guns and Batons

March 1, 2015 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

are tazers legal in california

California has strict and complex weapons laws that go beyond mere gun possession and detail everything from switchblades to pepper spray use. The rules are more straightforward regarding electroshock weapons such as taser batons and stun guns. Most people can legally own these weapons under state law, but some people are banned from possessing them […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, VIOLENT CRIMES, Weapons Charges Tagged With: misdemeanors, violent crimes, self defense, infractions, weapons

Is it Illegal to be a Superhero?

August 6, 2013 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

is it illegal to wear a mask in public in california

Over the past decade, more and more people have taken to the streets in body armor, striving to become real-life superheroes. While any wannabe heroes may not be able to develop powers, like Superman, Wolverine or Spider-Man, anyone who is brave enough can choose to fight criminals the way Iron Man and Batman do. But is it […]

Filed Under: Weapons Charges, HYPOTHETICAL SITUATIONS Tagged With: comic books, defense of others, self defense, superheroes, citizens arrests, weapons

Is It Legal to Kill A Zombie in California?

October 23, 2012 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

The Walking Dead shambled back on the air last week with record ratings, making it the most-watched episode of any drama show in basic cable history. But with all the focus on the morality of life after a zombie outbreak, few people consider the legality of killing the undead. Let’s Assume There’s Still a Justice […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, VIOLENT CRIMES, HYPOTHETICAL SITUATIONS Tagged With: murder, homicide, violent crimes, Halloween, self defense, firearms, better understanding the law, suicide, fictional, medical conditions, weapons

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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:

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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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