40+ Years Fighting Criminal Charges in Vista & North San Diego
Have you or a family member been arrested or charged with a crime? If so, Vista defense lawyer Peter M. Liss can help. He has a proven record of success with acquittals, dismissals, and reduced charges. Mr. Liss personally handles every case from start to finish, ensuring each client receives personalized attention. His strong reviews on Google, Yelp, Martindale, and Avvo reflect his outstanding reputation as one of the top criminal defense attorneys to call after an arrest in Vista.
Mr. Liss has personally tried over 100 criminal jury cases and negotiated numerous plea bargains. He handles all types of misdemeanor and felony cases, including:
Why Choose Criminal Attorney Peter M. Liss
- Tough negotiator. Well respected. Always fighting for his client’s best results
- Grandparents or parents: He can defend your child of any age
- Can appear in your place in most misdemeanor cases; you won’t miss work
- Immediate and courteous responses to all inquiries.
GET HELP NOW! Call 24/7
Vista Criminal Justice Attorney: Start Your Defense 24/7
No matter the charges, Peter Liss has the depth of experience necessary to assist you. As the only criminal defense attorney at his Vista law firm, he handles every case himself, providing truly personalized representation.
Mr. Liss offers a 24/7 answering service, always returns calls, and addresses client concerns promptly and courteously. When facing a criminal defense emergency, you need to talk to someone as soon as possible.
The Right Criminal Defense Lawyer
Many people who find themselves in legal trouble start by searching online for a “5-star criminal attorney near me” to handle their case. Or they may leave the Vista jail and walk across the street to the Atrium building to find a lawyer as soon as possible.
While either of these options may be a good start, don’t stop there. Ensure you find the best defense lawyer for your specific situation by reviewing their client testimonials and ratings. Go beyond viewing a few nearby attorney websites to find someone worth hiring who presents the best opportunity for winning your case.
Fighting for Your Best Results
Peter Liss stands out as both a tough negotiator and a successful criminal trial lawyer. What sets him apart is the respect he receives from judges and prosecutors who compliment his relentless advocacy and strategic defense, aimed at protecting client rights and achieving optimal results. His extensive trial and negotiation experience gives clients a strategic edge and a tailored defense in every case.
His peers in the legal industry rated him an AV-Preeminent attorney by Martindale-Hubbell. This honor means he demonstrates the highest level of excellence in legal experience, knowledge, judgment, and communication. He also has a perfect 10 rating on AVVO, due in part to endorsements from fellow San Diego criminal defense attorneys.
Attorney Peter Liss guarantees the quality of his work. He is dedicated to seeking the best outcome for every client’s case. With experience fighting all types of criminal charges, he evaluates and presents the most effective defenses for each unique situation. He has even successfully represented many clients in high-profile cases, including murder charges.
If you are a parent or grandparent, you can retain attorney Liss to defend your child who has been arrested. During your consultation, he will discuss how to build the strongest possible criminal defense based on your case’s specifics.
Attorney Peter Liss has extensive experience fighting all types of criminal charges. He is well-seasoned in evaluating and presenting the most effective defenses tailored to each client’s unique circumstances.
Mr. Liss understands that every case is different. Someone accused of drunk driving after a night out at Belching Beaver Brewery needs a very different legal strategy than a person facing theft charges near Shadow Ridge Drive or domestic violence allegations around Brengle Park.
When you meet with Mr. Liss, he will discuss what happened and how he can help you based on the specifics of your case. As your Vista criminal lawyer, he will ensure you receive the best possible defense for your unique situation, whether or not you are guilty.
Fight for Your Freedom Without Draining Your Wallet
The criminal justice process can be intimidating, but he can support you through your entire court case. As your lawyer, Peter Liss can defend you every step of the way by:
- arguing for reduced bail
- investigating your case to gather evidence on your behalf
- making court motions
- fighting on your behalf in trial or while negotiating a plea bargain
- working to minimize your sentence
- seeking out alternative sentencing options, such as court-ordered community service, diversion programs, or house arrest
As your Vista criminal lawyer, Mr. Liss can appear on your behalf for most misdemeanor charges (except those involving domestic violence), so you never need to attend court, saving you time and stress. He draws on his decades of experience to pursue the best possible results for you, ensuring convenience and peace of mind throughout your case.
Experience You Can Rely On
Attorney Peter Liss has a proven track record of securing favorable client outcomes, including plea bargains with no jail time, diversion, probation, and not guilty verdicts. Examples include:
- DUI with injury —Plea bargain, no jail time
- Insurance fraud —Diversion, no jail time
- Road rage —Diversion, no jail time
- Prescription fraud —Diversion, no jail time
- Attempted robbery —Probation, no jail time
- Probation violation —Not guilty
If you’ve been accused of a crime, call Mr. Liss’ offices as soon as possible, day or night. Start protecting your rights today!
Why Hire Mr. Liss as Your Defense Lawyer?
Two Convenient Locations
You don’t need to search far for quality representation. Peter Liss (State Bar # 111128) offers convenient, local service. His Vista law office, with free parking, is directly across from the North County San Diego Regional Center. This center is home to the local Courthouse, Sheriff’s Office, and Traffic Court. The office, easily accessible via highways 78 and 5, serves:
- Oceanside
- Encinitas
- Carlsbad
- Bonsall
- San Marcos
- Escondido
- Fallbrook
- Rancho Bernardo
- The rest of North County
Attorney Peter Liss also has a satellite office in Carmel Valley, located closer to central San Diego, just off the I-5 near the 56 highway. This San Diego criminal law office serves:
- Del Mar
- University City
- La Jolla
- Clairemont
- Solana Beach
- Mira Mesa
- Rancho Penasquitos
- The rest of San Diego County
Many of Mr. Liss’ clients are from neighboring counties in Southern California. He even represents many out-of-state clients charged with drunk driving or other crimes in North County, California. Clients benefit from his deep familiarity with local courts and his commitment to accessible, responsive defense.
Top Quality Representation at Affordable Rates
Your first consultation is free. Peter Liss’ fees are very reasonable. He accepts all major credit cards.
Call Day or Night. Mr. Liss Will Respond Quickly:
Peter Liss considers all criminal matters urgent. You can always reach him thanks to his 24-hour in-person phone answering service. Mr. Liss provides prompt and courteous responses to all inquiries. Please call anytime, any day, at (760) 643-4050 or (858) 486-3024.
Over 40 Years of Practicing Law
Peter Liss graduated from the University of California, Berkeley Law School in 1983. He has been practicing law ever since.
For 15 years, he served the public through the United Farm Workers Union, Legal Aid Society of San Diego, and the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office. Since 1987, he has been practicing criminal law exclusively.
As a public defender, Mr. Liss tried many murders and a death penalty case. He eventually became the second person in charge in the Vista office, serving as Assistant Supervising Public Defender.
25+ Years in Private Practice
Peter Liss opened his private practice in 1998, offering criminal defense services for adults and juveniles. As a Vista defense lawyer operating in a solo practice, he strives to help clients navigate the challenges of the criminal justice system.
Learn About the Law
Mr. Liss believes in America’s justice system. He supports the idea that every person deserves the opportunity to defend themselves against criminal charges. To help the general public better understand the law, he thoroughly reviews and edits all the articles on his blog. This content has been ranked among the top 80 criminal law blogs on Feedspot for over eight years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Charges in Vista, CA
When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?
The best time to call a lawyer is as soon as you suspect you are under investigation for a crime. An attorney can protect your rights, negotiate for little or no bail, determine the best defense for your unique case, file motions to have evidence suppressed or the charges dropped, and fight to minimize the potential sentence you serve.
Do I Need a Lawyer if I Plan to Plead Guilty?
Yes. An attorney can fight charges and protect your rights while police investigate the crime. Working with a lawyer can keep you from accidentally providing incriminating evidence against yourself or allowing police to search property they otherwise cannot look at. A lawyer can also help you better understand the charges you are facing, the evidence against you, and what defenses are available. Most importantly, your attorney may be able to negotiate a plea bargain to minimize your sentence.
Should I Hire a Private Attorney or Public Defender?
While public attorneys are just as high quality as private ones, only those who cannot afford an attorney are provided a public defender. If you aren’t experiencing financial hardships, you will need to hire an attorney. Additionally, you cannot be assigned a public defender until you have been charged with a crime. In contrast, a private criminal defense attorney can help defend you before charges have even been filed.
Are Lawyers Worth the Money?
Most criminal charges carry significant fines. If your criminal lawyer can help reduce the penalties or prove your innocence, that alone may be worth the cost of their services. Of course, avoiding or reducing a potential prison or jail sentence is also worth the cost. Peter M. Liss offers both reasonable rates and accepts all major credit cards, so financial concerns should come secondary to protecting your future.
