Vista DUI Lawyer and Criminal Attorney Peter M. Liss

24 hour hotline
  • DUI / Felony DUI
    • Vista DUI Attorney
    • DMV Hearings
  • 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
  • About
    • About Attorney Peter Liss
    • Contact Us
    • San Diego Office
    • Client Testimonials
    • Case Results
  • Resources
    • Law Blog
    • The Criminal Process
    • California Criminal Law FAQ
    • Hiring a Criminal Lawyer
  • English

Is Throwing Something at a Car Illegal? Yes, Throughout Vista and the Rest of California

April 19, 2019 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

A smashed windsheild

Everyone knows it’s dangerous to throw rocks at a car, so it makes sense that doing so is illegal. You might not realize that throwing something at a car is illegal even seemingly innocent items like empty water bottles. So why is throwing something at a car illegal even if it is seemingly harmless? While […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, VIOLENT CRIMES, JUVENILE CRIME Tagged With: juvenile crimes, vandalism, murder, manslaughter, homicide, violent crimes, property damage, property destruction, bodily harm

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

Is it Illegal to Spank Your Child in California?

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

is it illegal to spank your child in california

It is against the law to beat a child, but many people mistakenly believe that all forms of corporal punishment are illegal in California. The line between discipline and abuse can be blurry though, so while spanking is legal, it must fall under what the law defines as “reasonable discipline.” If you have been accused […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, Assault and Battery, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, VIOLENT CRIMES Tagged With: assault, battery, felonies, misdemeanors, child abuse, violent crimes, penalties, wobblers

Count Olaf Doesn’t Go to Jail for His Crimes, But he Should

June 2, 2017 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

endanger Fans of Lemony Snicket have long shuddered at the atrocities committed by Count Olaf. Thanks to Netflix, even more people now know just how evil the frequent not-so-legal guardian of the Baudelaire children really is. While readers and viewers know they should have heeded warnings to “look away,” the tragic tale is now etched […]

Filed Under: Fraud Charges, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, WHITE COLLAR CRIME, Homicide, Kidnapping, VIOLENT CRIMES, HYPOTHETICAL SITUATIONS Tagged With: murder, violent crimes, arson, tv shows, suicide, fictional, criminal threats

California’s Murder Law Covers Feticide

June 5, 2015 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

california fetal homicide law

Under California law, abortion may be a legal option for a mother to choose, but otherwise, feticide can result in murder charges. Just because the death occurred to an unborn person does not mean it is a lesser crime. If you have been accused of murder related to the death of a fetus, call a […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, VIOLENT CRIMES Tagged With: murder, manslaughter, homicide, violent crimes, supreme court, unborn persons, 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

Vista Torture Charges Under California Penal Code Section 206 (PC)

July 6, 2014 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

california torture law 206 (PC)

Torture may be a common enough word in our modern language, but there’s a big difference between what is considered torture under the law and what people may joke about being torture —like listening to Nickleback or being forced to eat anchovy pizza. Under California penal Code section 206 (PC), torture is specifically defined not […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, VIOLENT CRIMES Tagged With: murder, violent crimes, aggravated battery, torture, mayhem, life imprisonment, three strikes

Are Switchblades Legal in California? Not Generally

May 12, 2014 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

are switchblades legal in california

California has some of the strictest weapons laws in the nation. While people often ask “are switchblades legal in California?” The answer is no, but California knife laws are notably complex, especially the parts that cover switchblade knives, to the point where sometimes those charged with the crime weren’t actually in possession of a switchblade. […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, VIOLENT CRIMES Tagged With: violent crimes, california laws, knives, weapons, federal crimes

Penal Code 597.5 (PC): Dogfighting Laws in California

March 30, 2013 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

Two dogs snarl and jump at one another in the snow.

You can face serious criminal charges if you have been accused of training or entering your dog in a dog fight. California laws prohibit even witnessing dogfighting displays. Prosecutors take these cases very seriously, and juries are often filled with dog lovers prone to bias against those accused of these charges. It takes a skilled […]

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, Animal Abuse, VIOLENT CRIMES Tagged With: violent crimes, civil asset forfeiture, animal abuse, animals, pets, gambling, dogs

The Downside to Wolverine Claws From a Legal Perspective

December 31, 2012 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

laws about wolverine claws

Wolverine’s claws are admittedly cool-looking, but they also offer some serious draw backs. Aside from the pain associated with the claws pushing through his skin every time they come out, they present a number of legal issues as well. For example, Logan could be accused of carrying a concealed weapon and if he ever uses […]

Filed Under: VIOLENT CRIMES, HYPOTHETICAL SITUATIONS Tagged With: assault, battery, violent crimes, comic books, movies, knives, superheroes, medical conditions, weapons

« Previous Page
Next Page »

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

  • THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM
  • CRIMINAL DEFENSE
  • DUI / FELONY DUI
    • Sentencing
    • Traffic Stops
  • DRIVING OFFENSES
  • 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
  • FAQs
  • FEDERAL CRIMES
  • HYPOTHETICAL SITUATIONS
  • JUVENILE CRIME
  • LEGAL PROCEDURES
  • SENTENCING ALTERNATIVES
  • DUI/ Felony DUI
  • Driving Offenses
  • Domestic Violence
  • White Collar Crimes
  • Theft Defense
  • Violent Crimes
  • Sex Offenses
  • Juvenile Crime
  • Drug Offenses
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
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.

About Me Icon About Me Phone Call Icon Call Contact Icon Contact Email Icon Email