Serious Traffic Crimes Require an Experienced Defense Attorney
Serious misdemeanor or felony traffic offenses in California are criminal charges —not just traffic tickets. Convictions can result in jail or prison sentences, substantial fines, license suspension or revocation, probation, and a permanent criminal record. Attorney Peter M. Liss represents clients charged with misdemeanor and felony traffic crimes throughout North County San Diego, including Vista and surrounding communities.
If you are ready to take the first step forward in fighting the charges, please schedule a free consultation by calling (760) 643-4050.
What is a Criminal Traffic Offense?
Unlike ordinary traffic infractions, criminal driving offenses are prosecuted in criminal court and may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies. These cases often involve arrest, court appearances, probation, incarceration, or a criminal record. Many also carry DMV consequences independent of the criminal case, from points on your record to license suspensions —all the way up to lifetime license revocations.
Criminal Traffic Charges Vs. Traffic Tickets
To put it simply, here’s how criminal traffic offenses differ from traffic tickets:
| Traffic Ticket | Criminal Traffic Charge |
|---|---|
| Infraction | Misdemeanor or felony |
| No jail | Possible jail or prison |
| Fine | Fine plus criminal penalties |
| No criminal record | Criminal record possible |
| Usually pay by mail | Court appearance may be required, though attorneys may appear on your behalf in some cases |
Common Criminal Driving Offenses in Vista
Some of the most frequent misdemeanor and felony traffic crimes in San Diego County include:
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
If you drive after consuming enough alcohol or drugs to affect your driving, you could be charged with driving under the influence under 23152 (VC)1, even if you are under the legal BAC limit.
A full section of our website is dedicated to DUI offenses, including pages explaining first offenses, repeat offenses, and DUI with injury.
Reckless Driving
Under 23102 (VC), reckless driving involves operating a vehicle with a “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.”2
For more information on this charge and the best defenses, visit our dedicated reckless driving page.
Hit & Run Accident
Leaving the scene of an accident without providing the other party with your contact and insurance information is a crime under 20003 (VC).3
Learn more about the penalties and defenses for hit-and-run accidents.
Driving on a Suspended License
If your license is suspended, continuing to drive can result in new criminal charges under 14601.1 (VC).4
Find more information on driving with a suspended license charges.
Driving Without a Valid License
If your license was not suspended, but you do not have a valid license, you may be charged under California Vehicle Code 12500 (VC).5
Learn more about the charges, penalties, and defenses for driving without a license.
Joyriding
Taking a vehicle without permission, even temporarily, can be charged under 10851 (VC), an offense similar to grand theft auto.6 Passengers may also be charged under this law if they helped take the vehicle.
Find more information on sentencing and defenses for joyriding.
Vehicular Homicide
Not all car accident deaths result in homicide charges, but if someone dies because someone drove in a negligent or unlawful manner, the driver could face manslaughter charges under 192(c) (PC).7
Read more about vehicular homicide charges.
Other Common Driving Crimes
Peter Liss can also represent those accused of:
- Minor with an Open Container: 23224 (VC)8
- Driving with Fraudulent Registration: 4463(VC)9
- Evading the Police: 2800.1 (VC)10
- Street Drag Racing / Speed Contest: 23109 (VC)11
- Road Rage: 245 (a) (PC)12
Why Hire Lawyer Peter M. Liss for Criminal Traffic Charges?
“If you have been accused of a misdemeanor or felony traffic crime, you cannot just pay a fine and walk away,” explains attorney Peter Liss. “You need to work with someone experienced in these types of serious allegations.”
Because attorney Peter Liss’ practice focuses exclusively on criminal defense, he represents clients facing serious misdemeanor and felony charges rather than ordinary traffic infractions.
Peter Liss has four decades of experience fighting all types of criminal charges, including DUI, reckless driving, and driving on a suspended license. Over this time, he has developed a strong reputation among clients and peers. His Vista office is located across the street from the Vista Detention Facility and courthouse. He can even represent you at DMV license suspension hearings.
Attorney Peter Liss Handles Criminal Traffic Cases—Not Tickets
Peter Liss handles only criminal misdemeanor and felony traffic cases, not infractions or general traffic tickets, such as:
- Speeding
- Running red lights
- Failing to stop at a stop sign
- Distracted driving
- Using a cell phone while driving
You Can Fight Criminal Traffic Charges
Depending on the evidence and case specifics, charges may be resolved through dismissal, reduced charges, a diversion program, a well-negotiated plea agreement, or trial. An experienced defense attorney can evaluate the facts and recommend the strongest strategy for your situation, which may include seeking alternative sentencing options like probation or community service.
If the police lacked reasonable suspicion to stop you or probable cause to search your vehicle, your attorney may be able to file a motion to suppress any evidence uncovered through the illegal activity. If the motion is successful, it can strengthen your defense, making dismissals, reduced charges, or trial wins more likely.13
Speak With a Vista Criminal Traffic Defense Attorney
Don’t underestimate the consequences of felony driving charges. If you are facing misdemeanor or felony traffic charges, contact Attorney Peter M. Liss to discuss your case.
Call (760) 643-4050 today to schedule a consultation and start building your defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Doesn’t Peter Liss Handle Traffic Tickets?
Mr. Liss is a dedicated criminal defense attorney who focuses exclusively on serious misdemeanor and felony cases. He does not represent clients facing traffic tickets, such as speeding or running a red light, so he can devote his full attention to those facing real criminal consequences.
Will a Misdemeanor Traffic Crime Appear on a Background Check?
Most traffic offenses are covered under California’s clean slate law, 1203.425 (PC). This law allows for many arrests and convictions to be automatically sealed, and sometimes dismissed, so they will not appear on commercial background checks commonly used by employers and landlords. However, the offenses will appear on government background checks and the live scan background checks required for most professional licenses.
Not all traffic offenses can be sealed. DUIs and serious or violent offenses (such as road rage) are not subject to the Clean Slate law. Your attorney can help clarify whether you will be able to have your record sealed after serving your sentence.
Can I go to Jail for a Misdemeanor Traffic Offense?
Yes. Misdemeanor traffic crimes are criminal offenses, punishable by jail time. If you are arrested for a driving offense by the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, you will be brought to the Vista Detention Facility, across from Attorney Peter M. Liss’ office.
What’s the Difference Between an Infraction, Misdemeanor, and Felony Traffic Crime?
The level of charges are largely based on the severity of the offense. Infraction traffic offenses are tickets issued for routine traffic violations such as speeding or running a stop sign. Misdemeanors, like driving without a valid license, are considered serious enough to require a defendant appear in court and possibly end up in jail. Felonies, like vehicular homicide, are the most serious offense, which can leave defendants in prison.
Legal References
- Vehicle Code 23152 (VC) (California Legislative Information) ↩︎
- Vehicle Code 23103 (VC) (California Legislative Information) ↩︎
- Vehicle Code 20003 (VC) (California Legislative Information) ↩︎
- Vehicle Code 12500 (VC) (California Legislative Information) ↩︎
- Vehicle Code 14601.1 (VC) (California Legislative Information) ↩︎
- Vehicle Code 10851 (VC) (California Legislative Information) ↩︎
- Penal Code 952 (PC) (California Legislative Information) ↩︎
- Vehicle Code 23224 (VC) (California Legislative Information) ↩︎
- Vehicle Code 4463 (VC) (California Legislative Information) ↩︎
- Vehicle Code 2800.1 (VC) (California Legislative Information) ↩︎
- Vehicle Code 23109 (VC) (California Legislative Information) ↩︎
- Penal Code 245(a) (PC) (California Legislative Information) ↩︎
- Pretext Stops (City of San Diego) ↩︎
