About Peter Michael
Peter Michael Liss is a California attorney with over 40 years of experience in criminal defense and DUI law. He was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1983, holding bar number 111128, and maintains an active license. Mr. Liss is the founder and sole practitioner at Peter M. Liss, Criminal Attorney, located at 380 South Melrose Drive, Suite 301, Vista, California. His practice serves clients throughout San Diego County, including the cities of Vista and San Diego.
Mr. Liss earned his Juris Doctor from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law in 1983. Prior to law school, he completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. During his tenure at Berkeley Law, he developed a strong foundation in legal principles that have guided his extensive career in criminal defense.
Throughout his career, Mr. Liss has focused exclusively on criminal defense, handling a wide range of cases from misdemeanors to serious felonies, including homicides. He has represented clients at all stages of the legal process, from initial consultations and pre-trial motions to trials and appeals. His practice areas encompass DUI and DWI offenses, drug crimes, theft, violent crimes, and juvenile offenses. He is known for his dedication to achieving favorable outcomes for his clients.
Before establishing his private practice in 1998, Mr. Liss served in various public defense roles. He began his legal career with the United Farm Workers Union and the Legal Aid Society of San Diego. In 1987, he joined the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office, where he tried numerous criminal cases, including multiple murder trials and a death penalty case. He eventually became the Assistant Supervising Public Defender in the Vista office, overseeing a team of attorneys handling a diverse caseload. His extensive experience in public defense has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system.
Mr. Liss is an active member of the San Diego County Bar Association and serves as the President and a board member of Affordable Housing Advocates, a San Diego non-profit organization providing free legal services to renters. He has been a faculty member of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy since 1995, teaching trial skills to fellow attorneys. Additionally, he is fluent in Spanish, enabling him to effectively serve a diverse clientele in the San Diego area.
