Vista Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

Why Hire Vista Sex Crimes Attorney Peter Liss

Sex crime investigations move quickly. Evidence disappears, witnesses change their stories, and what you say to police can permanently affect your case. Peter Liss works immediately to protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and begin building a strong defense from day one.

“I can help you avoid embarrassment by arranging for the arrest to occur away from your home or workplace,” explains Liss. “When you are placed behind bars, I will work to secure your release, arguing for reduced bail or no bail at all.” He may also try to limit publicity around the charges, helping you reduce public awareness of the alleged crime.

As your attorney, Liss may take any of the following actions to support your defense:

• Collect evidence on your behalf.
• Interview witnesses.
• Review the evidence against you.
• Attempt to have the charges against you dropped or reduced.
• Make court motions on your behalf.
• Work with experts to challenge the validity of the medical examiner’s conclusions.
• Obtain a psychological evaluation to show you do not fit the profile of a sex offender.
• Negotiate a plea bargain to minimize the charges.
• Fight to secure the minimum possible sentence or alternative sentencing.

If you or someone in your family has been arrested on one of these charges, please call (760) 643-4050 anytime to schedule a free, confidential consultation at the top-rated Law Office of Peter M. Liss.

How Are Sex Crime Charges Different?

Sex offenses are unlike other crimes. They are highly emotional and can damage your reputation even if you are never convicted. This could harm your friendships, career, and even strain your relationship with family members.

If you are convicted, mandatory registration on the sex offender list could leave you facing consequences for decades after you finish serving out the rest of your sentence.

Having an Experienced Lawyer Matters

Don’t take chances with charges this serious. If you have been accused of a sex crime, you need an attorney familiar with the penal codes, defenses, and justice system.

Peter Liss has over 40 years of experience. His experience and credibility with local judges and prosecutors help him effectively advocate for clients, negotiate favorable resolutions, and present persuasive motions.

Sex Offense Charges in North County

There are many types of sex crimes, from misdemeanor lewd acts in public to violent gang rapes punishable by life imprisonment. If you need a sex offense lawyer in North San Diego County, call The Office of Peter M. Liss today for a free consultation and case evaluation. Mr. Liss has represented clients accused of all types of sex crimes, including:

• Rape/Sexual Assault
• Child Molestation
• Child Pornography
• Forced Oral Copulation
• Unlawful Sodomy
• Penetration with a Foreign Object
• Human Trafficking
• Prostitution
• Indecent Exposure
• Statutory Rape
• Sexual Battery

He can also help if you are facing a potential “third strike” under the three-strikes law or are accused of being a sexually violent predator, meaning you could be confined after your prison release or subject to chemical castration under 645 (PC).¹

The Sex Offender Registry

Not all criminal sexual conduct requires lifetime registration on the sex offender registry. Under Megan’s Law, some offenders must register for life, while those convicted of minor offenses may only need to register for ten years.²

Failure to register is a distinct crime that can result in additional jail or prison time.

Penalties for California Sex Crimes in San Diego

Each specific offense carries a different sentence. Your defense attorney can answer questions about the potential penalties for the charges you face. Common punishments for sex offenses in San Diego County include:

• Jail or Prison Time
• Mandatory Sex Offender Registration
• A Possible Strike on Your Criminal Record
• Probation
• Fines

Liss always seeks alternative sentencing when possible. Options can include GPS monitoring, residential treatment, counseling, or hormone treatments to suppress your sex drive. In some cases, you may not have to register as a sex offender.

Sex Crimes and the Three Strikes Law

Some sex offenses are considered strikes under California’s Three Strikes Law, 667 (PC). Under this law, those with a prior strike can have their sentence doubled. Those with two previous strikes who are accused of a violent or serious felony (including rape) will face 25 years to life in prison.³

“In my work as a Vista sex crime defense attorney, I am sometimes able to convince the judge to ignore a previous strike for sentencing purposes,” explains Liss.⁴

What Should I Do When Accused of a Sex Crime?

Try to remain calm. While these sex crime allegations can be very upsetting, try to remain rational. Remember that it is possible to fight these charges. They don’t have to ruin your reputation.

Call a lawyer as soon as possible and schedule a consultation. Before your appointment:

• Do not speak to police.
• Avoid contact with the victim.
• Write down everything you remember.
• Preserve texts, emails, and other records.
• Gather and protect physical evidence, such as clothing, in plastic bags.
• Create a list of potential witnesses.

What Happens After You Hire Peter Liss

When you hire Peter Liss, he will immediately begin working on your case. While every case is different, he may begin communicating with investigators, reviewing evidence, identifying evidence in the prosecution’s case, interviewing witnesses, filing court motions, negotiating with prosecutors, and preparing your case for trial, in case negotiations don’t result in an acceptable outcome.

Defenses to Sex Offenses in Vista

These are serious offenses with complex defenses. Every defense must be tailored to the defendant’s circumstances. Common defenses include:

Consent

The most common defense against sexual assault charges is that the alleged victim consented to the sexual activity. By claiming consent, you acknowledge that sex occurred, but contend no crime happened. This defense can discount physical evidence unless it indicates force —and sometimes this is excused by stating both parties agreed to rough sex.⁵

“Consent is not a defense against criminal sexual offenses where the victim was not legally able to consent,” warns Liss. “Saying the victim consented can be a confession in cases where the alleged victim was a child, disabled, or unconscious.”

False Allegations

Some people falsely accuse others of sex crimes.⁶ However, claiming the alleged victim is making false allegations is risky unless you can show a motive. If they hold a grudge or could benefit from your arrest, this could weaken their case. Always consult a defense attorney before using this strategy, as it can backfire and make you appear guiltier.

Mistaken Identity

Just because someone claims you committed a criminal sex act does not mean you actually did. Eyewitness testimony is often unreliable, and defendants are often victims of mistaken identity.⁷

Insufficient Evidence

Many cases come down to the victim’s word versus the defendant’s, which is rarely enough to secure a conviction.⁸ Investigators often use aggressive interrogation tactics in an effort to obtain confessions from suspects.

No Sexual Contact Occurred

This defense may work if the victim was unconscious —just because you were with the victim before they passed out does not mean you were the one who committed the crime. However, claiming you aren’t guilty because you only touched them over their clothing could be an admission of guilt for sexual battery or child molestation.

Illegal Search or Mishandled Evidence

Criminal searches must follow a strict set of federal and state laws. Once collected, evidence must be collected in a precise manner and transported from one location to another using a strict chain of custody.⁹ “If the evidence is improperly collected, tampered with, or unaccounted for at any point, it becomes tainted,” explains Liss. “When this happens, your attorney can file a motion to suppress to ensure the evidence cannot be used against you.”

Securing a Plea Bargain for Sex Crimes in Vista

In many cases, the best option is a strong plea bargain that will minimize the charge or penalty you may face. Your attorney can be instrumental in this process. Sometimes convictions for lower-level sex offense charges are particularly beneficial in plea bargains, as they may not require you to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law.

Do Not Attempt to Defend Yourself Without a Lawyer

Never speak with the police or the victim without an attorney present, as you may inadvertently say something that could harm your case. For example, if you claim the victim consented, you cannot later say you are a victim of mistaken identity. Or, if you say no sex occurred, but forensic evidence shows otherwise, you will appear untrustworthy.

Call Lawyer Peter M. Liss Today to Start Building Your Defense

As soon as you have been accused of a sex crime, hire a top attorney in Vista with experience fighting charges similar to those you have been accused of. With over 40 years of experience, Mr. Liss has personally represented people charged with just about every type of sex crime in San Diego. 

Call (760) 643-4050 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.