Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
PRO
Peter Michael Liss
Virtual Consultation Available
Free Consultation
About Peter
Biography
I have over 40 years of experience and my law degree is from the top ranked University of California- Berkeley. I can help you if you or a family member has been arrested or charged with a crime in California.
My offices are convenient with free parking, just off the 78 freeway in Vista and the 5 freeway in Carmel Valley / Del Mar. My Vista office is directly across from the Vista - San Diego County Courthouse, Jail, and Traffic Court. Your first consultation is free. All fees are reasonable and all major credit cards are accepted. I am available 24/7 with 24-hour in-person phone answering. Hablamos Espanol.
I'm a tough negotiator and successful trial lawyer. Judges and prosecutors respect me because I fight hard to obtain the best result for my clients. I guarantee the high quality of my work and my dedication to seeking the best outcome possible for you under the facts and law. If you are a parent or grandparent, you can retain me to defend your child, of any age, who has been arrested.
In most misdemeanor cases (except for domestic violence), I can represent you without you ever having to go to court. You won't need to miss work or activities.
I consider all criminal matters urgent and will respond as quickly as possible to your phone call. My phone is answered 24/7 by a live person. If you or a family member has been arrested for a crime, or if you think you are about to be arrested, please call me any time, any day, at.
Top Vista and San Diego Criminal & DUI Lawyer. Distinguished Graduate of U.C. Berkeley Law with Over 40 Years of Experience. Vista Criminal Law Provides Top-Quality Representation at Affordable Rates! Call (760) 642-2408 for a Free Consultation.
Top Vista and San Diego Criminal Lawyer. Distinguished Graduate of U.C. Berkeley Law with Over 40 Years of Experience. Vista Criminal Law Provides Top-Quality Representation at Affordable Rates! Call (760) 642-2408 for a Free Consultation.
Top Vista and San Diego DUI Lawyer. Distinguished Graduate of U.C. Berkeley Law with Over 40 Years of Experience. Vista Criminal Law Provides Top-Quality Representation at Affordable Rates! Call (760) 642-2408 for a Free Consultation.
Vista and San Diego Domestic Violence Lawyer. Distinguished Graduate of U.C. Berkeley Law with Over 40 Years of Experience. Top-Quality Representation at Affordable Rates! Call (760) 642-2408 for a Free Consultation.
San Diego Juvenile Law Attorney. Distinguished Graduate of U.C. Berkeley Law with Over 40 Years. Top-Quality Representation at Affordable Rates. Proven track record of fighting DUI/Felony DUI, sex crimes, violent offenses, gang crimes, theft offenses, and more.
Vista and San Diego White Collar Attorney. Distinguished Graduate of U.C. Berkeley Law with Over 40 Years of Experience. Top-Quality Representation at Affordable Rates. Proven track record of fighting charges related to theft, fraud, identity theft, hacking, embezzlement, and more.
Vista and San Diego Expungement Lawyer. Distinguished Graduate of U.C. Berkeley Law with Over 40 Years of Experience. Top-Quality Representation at Affordable Rates! Call (760) 642-2408 for a Free Consultation.
Vista and San Diego Sex Crime Attorney. Distinguished Graduate of U.C. Berkeley Law with Over 40 Years of Experience. Top-Quality Representation at Affordable Rates. Proven track record of fighting charges related to rape, sexual assault, child molestation, child pornography, and more.
Vista and San Diego Violent Crimes Lawyer. Distinguished Graduate of U.C. Berkeley Law with Over 40 Years of Experience. Top-Quality Representation at Affordable Rates. Proven track record of fighting charges related to assault, battery, murder, weapons, third strikes, and more.
Practice Areas
8
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
30%
43 years
DUI and DWI
30%
Domestic Violence
10%
Juvenile Law
10%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2022 2019 2016
...
+
4
Licenses
Licensed in California for 42 years
State: California
Acquired: 1983
No misconduct found
Licensed in Washington for 32 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Peter online.
Peter Michael Liss's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
90 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (90)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (79)
Advocacy (54)
Recommendation (46)
Professionalism (30)
Communication Style (25)
Practice Area Knowledge (24)
Responsiveness (24)
General Knowledge (22)
Character & Conduct (20)
Trustworthiness (19)
Cost of Services (18)
Compassion (15)
Staff & Support (11)
Punctuality (3)
Free Consultations (1)
Payment Plans (1)
Showing 31 - 35 of 90 reviews
Posted by anonymous | August 19, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Outstanding Attorney
My husband and I found ourselves in a not so ideal situation and without Peter we don't think the outcome would have been the same. I cannot say enough positive words about Peter's professional yet understanding manner. He could clearly see my husband and I were very scared and was able to put our fe...
Posted by Tom | August 15, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Great Attorney!
My son was charged with felony DUI. I interviewed several attorneys and settled on Peter because he told me that although there were no guarantees he would aggressively defend my son. My expectation was that my son would be spending at least a year or longer in jail or prison. Peter did exactly wh...
Posted by anonymous | June 08, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Peter Liss: Well-regarded, tenacious and very effective!
I was arrested for DUI. Peter won my DMV hearing, successfully getting DMV to set aside the suspension. I've been told it's very rare to win DMV hearings and I believe it. This was also huge as I depend on driving for work. Pursuant to the DMV decision he was able to argue for a plea deal down to a "...
Posted by Kiana | May 02, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Peter Liss
I first contacted Peter Liss after reading many of his great reviews. Being stuck in a difficult situation, I felt that along with his impressive credentials, he was best suited in helping me with my case. And I wasn't wrong! From the start, Peter was very realistic about what the outcome of my case ...
Posted by anonymous | May 01, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Amazing Lawyer
Peter Liss is an amazing lawyer! My original lawyer passed away and I wanted representation for my final hearing and dismissal after taking PC1000. While my situation was very unusual, Peter did not hesitate to take my case and appear at my dissmal hearing. In addition to making sure my case was dism...
Peter Michael Liss's Lawyer Endorsements
"Peter is an exceptional criminal defense attorney whose reputation speaks for itself. Highly recommended lawyer."
"It is with complete confidence I endorse Peter Liss. Peter is an oustanding attorney who truly cares about the outcome of his client's cases. While Peter is an effective trial attorney, he also is highly skilled at obtaining the best possible outcomes for his clients without having to proceed to trial. Peter is highly respected in the San Diego and Vista legal communities."
"I endorse Peter. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A top-notch attorney, highly respected in the legal community."
"Peter is a smart and engaging attorney that not only knows he law, but knows how to reach a prosecutor and get him or her to a reasonable position in a case."
"Peter works very hard for his clients and has a heart in his work."
"This attorney works very hard for the client and keeps up with the law by attending legal seminars to assist them in this regard. I endorse this attorney."
"Your resume speaks for itself and I consider you a valuable member of the attorney community. I would recommend you to anyone and everyone who needs your services. I whole heartedly endorse this lawyer!"
"Excellent attorney. Highly recommended."
"Mr Liss is a veteran that has helped me countless times. He knows the law cold and is willing to assist others. Good guy ad good attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Liss is one of the finest attorneys in his state. He is a strong and zealous advocate for his clients and a credit to the legal profession. I highly recommend his legal services."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Known him personally and professionally 20 years. Highly respected by judges, prosecutors, police, and peers. Can handle any criminal case from murder to misdemeanors. Known for honesty and ethics. Gets remarkable results. Great trial lawyer. Knows how to keep a case from being prosecuted. Would refer my family and friends to him."
"For more than 20 years I have known Peter Liss - both professionally and personally. He is a brilliant attorney who does an incredible service to his clients. He is a master in the courtroom. His clients are grateful for his winning results. I highly recommend Peter to anyone seeking justice."
"Peter Liss is an exceptional attorney. I have known him my entire legal career. He is incredibly smart, savvy and committed to maintaining the rights of his accused client. He fights for his clients from start to finish. If there is a way out of his client's legal problem, he will find it. Without hesitation I would hire him if I found myself being charged with a crime. I have full faith and respect for Mr. Liss's advocacy which translates to the best results for his clients."
"Peter Liss is an exceptional attorney. He is extremely bright, hard-working, and ethical with an outstanding reputation in the San Diego/Vista legal community. Peter truly cares for his clients and it shows when he fights for them in court. I have personally seen him argue zealously on behalf of his clients while garnering excellent results. I highly respect his work and I would not hesitate to recommend his services to anyone."
"Peter is an outstanding lawyer with an insider's knowledge of the San Diego courts. He is absolutely dedicated to his clients and has over twenty years of trial experience."
"You will suspect from the very first call that Peter is relentless in getting what he wants. In the end, you will know that his persistance and intelligence translates to exceptional results for his clients. Peter has a very clear sense of what he can obtain for his clients not only because he is bright but also because he possesses an uncanny ability to read the personalities every player in the court system - the judges, DA's, clerks, and fellow lawyers. He knows exactly how far he can push his agenda. He is particularly well-known and very well respected in the North County Superior Court (Vista). I have known Peter as a criminal defense lawyer for over two decades. He is ethical, quick on his feet, fair with his fees, and he will obsess over a case until he gets what he wants."
"I have know Mr. Liss for several years. He is an outstanding criminal defense attorney who cares for his cases and clients."
"San Diego criminal defense lawyers who know attorney Peter Liss will tell you that he is an exceptionally bright, caring and superb defense attorney. He will fight and dig. Then dig some more and fight some more. Peter simply doesn't give up until he gets the best possible outcome for each and every client he represents. He defends in a very smart way. He always does all necessary homework. He always focuses on the right issues which help each client. A free consultation with Peter will make any person understand exactly what he or she is up against and why Peter is the right attorney for him or her. For a plethora of well-founded legal and factual reasons which cannot fit in this small space, I strongly endorse and recommend this lawyer without reservation."
David Pflaum
Criminal defense lawyer
Gregory Garrison
Criminal defense lawyer
Scott Williams
Criminal defense lawyer
Christopher Whelton
Criminal defense lawyer
J Feldner
Insurance lawyer
Theresa Hofmeister
DUI and DWI lawyer
James Dicks
Criminal defense lawyer
Marc Applbaum
DUI and DWI lawyer
Kathleen Cannon
Criminal defense lawyer
Christine Yonan
Criminal defense lawyer
Brian Mccarthy
Criminal defense lawyer
Joni Eisenstein
Criminal defense lawyer
Earll Pott
White collar crime lawyer
Anna Yum
Criminal defense lawyer
Domenic Lombardo
Criminal defense lawyer
Jon Pettis
DUI and DWI lawyer
George Mueller
DUI and DWI lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
Client Reviewed, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
Client Reviewed, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
2010 Service Award Winner, San Diego County Bar Association
Work Experience
1998 - Present
Criminal & DUI Defense Lawyer, Law Offices of Peter M. Liss
1989 - 1998
Deputy Public Defender & Supervising Deputy, San Diego County Office Of The Public Defender
1984 - 1989
Attorney, Legal Aid Society Of San Diego, Inc.
1983 - 1984
Attorney, United Farm Workers Of America
Associations
2022 - Present
National College for DUI DefenseMember
2022 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers,Member
2014 - Present
Criminal Defense Lawyers ClubMember
2000 - Present
San Diego Affordable Housing AdvocatesPresident & Member Board of Directors
1998 - Present
San Diego County Bar AssociationMember
1995 - Present
National Institute for Trial AdvocacyFaculty Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Criminal Cases
Dismissals, Acquittals, and Reduced Charges
Education
1983
University of California at Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1980
University of California - Santa Barbara
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2015
Pacific Regional-San Diego
Building Trial Skills
2014
Building Trial Skills
Trail Skills
2013
Building Trial Skills-Pacific
Trial Skills
2012
Pacific- Building Trial Skills Course
Trial Skills
Publications
2015
VistaCriminalLaw.com
California Gun Storage Laws
2015
VistaCriminalLaw.com
Online Stalking Laws in California
2014
VistaCriminalLaw.com
More Common Questions Asked of a San Diego Criminal Lawyer
2013
VistaCriminalLaw.com
Are Drunk Drivers Involved in Accidents Always At Fault?
2013
CriminalLawyerSanDiegoBlog.com
Underage DUI Arrests in San Diego
2012
VistaCriminalLaw.com
Elder Abuse Charges in Vista California
2012
VistaCriminalLaw.com
What to do during a police investigation in San Diego, California
2012
VistaCriminalLaw.com
Aiding and Abetting Charges in San Diego, California
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
What is the average sentence for a first time offender (ZERO prior criminal record) for conspiracy to commit fraud?
01 Sep 2013
Q&A
Can I take DUI classes in a different county from where I received the DUI?
08 Aug 2013
Q&A
Caught shoplifting at Walmart- California. Help?! I'm just really scared and want this all behind me.
14 Jun 2013
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
What Happens During DUI Traffic Stops in California
14 Jan 2021
Legal Guide
Can You Get A Drug DUI If You Aren't High While Driving?
14 Jan 2021
Legal Guide
DUI Charge When You Have the Flu?
14 Jan 2021