California has one of the longest wildfire seasons in the country, and it continues to get longer every year, which is why the state also has some of the strictest arson laws in the nation. Those convicted of this crime can even be subjected to a statewide arson registry similar to that used to track […]
California Knife Laws: 21310 (PC)
Knife laws in California can be notoriously confusing, with multiple penal codes dictating what is and is not legal to possess and carry in the state. Additionally, many local city and county ordinances add further restrictions. Before you carry any weapon, it’s wise to learn what restrictions may apply so you do not run afoul […]
Famous Domestic Violence Cases
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 […]
Defenses and Sentences for Hate Crimes In California
People commit crimes for many reasons, but jurors are usually more sympathetic when an offense was performed out of desperation or a result of a personal conflict rather than due to biased, hateful beliefs. To help protect the civil rights of individuals and punish those who victimize others based on prejudice, California has enacted many […]
What is Mayhem Under California Law?
The crime of mayhem, defined under California Penal Code section 203 (PC), refers to maliciously disfiguring or disabling another person. When someone commits mayhem intending to disfigure or dismember another person, they can be charged with aggravated mayhem under California Penal Code 205 (PC). Several details distinguish this offense from torture and the less serious […]
Understanding the Gang Enhancement Law of California
California is home to some of the nation’s longest-running and most deadly street gangs. In 1988, to curb the violence associated with these criminal organizations, the state enacted Penal Code section 186.22 (PC), known as the California Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention (STEP) Act. Unfortunately, these measures ended up being disproportionately used against minority communities […]
Child Abuse and Endangerment Lawyer in San Diego: 273 (PC)
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 […]
What Are the Penalties of A Drive-By Shooting Under 26100 (PC)?
While some believe only the shooter is criminally liable in a drive-by shooting, that is far from the truth. Under California law, Penal Code section 26100 (PC) says if your vehicle was used for a drive-by shooting, but you were not present, you could be convicted if the prosecution can prove that you knew your […]
The Carjacking Law Under California Penal Code 215 (PC)
Carjacking is different than other crimes involving breaking into or stealing a motor vehicle in that it involves directly taking the car from someone else through the use of force. Because of the increased level of danger and trauma inflicted on the victims over that experienced through traditional auto theft or car burglary charges, the […]
The Most Common Misdemeanors and Felonies 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 […]
