1. Joseph W. Galasso, Esq.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former Riverside County Deputy District Attorney experience and 20+ years defending clients
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, theft, violent crimes, assault, battery, rape, domestic violence, financial crimes, fraud, forgery, marijuana DUI, traffic violations, probation violations, expungement
Background: Moreno Valley criminal defense attorney Joseph W. Galasso, Esq. is a former prosecutor at the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. He was part of a team of government prosecutors whose job was to prosecute misdemeanor and felony cases in the Juvenile, District and Superior Courts. For the past 20 years, attorney Galasso has helped those being prosecuted by Law Enforcement and local District Attorneys find justice. Joseph brings to you or your loved one’s case ‘insider’s knowledge’ and experience of how prosecutors think and prosecute criminal charges. Moreno Valley California has a diverse population of about 208,634 residents and, like any city, its share of crime. In response to public demand, local law enforcement and the district attorney’s office have increased enforcement. In Riverside County and surrounding counties, more aggressive prosecutors drop the hammer on anyone accused of a crime. It is critical to secure a criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and vigorously defend you against all charges.
Location: Moreno Valley, California (serves Riverside County)
Contact: (951) 225-4130 | https://www.formerdeputydistrictattorney.com/
Consultation: Free phone or sit-down consultation available
2. Law Offices of Graham D. Donath, APC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with Trial Attorney of the Year recognition and Top 100 Trial Attorneys in California
Practice Areas: DUI, domestic violence, sex crimes, drug crimes, theft, assault, battery, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: After an arrest or criminal charge, you need a Moreno Valley defense lawyer. Hiring a lawyer is the only way to ensure the judge hears your voice during an arraignment and trial. The Law Offices of Graham D. Donath, APC has aggressive defense attorneys who can make all the difference in your or a loved one’s case. They fight for fair treatment of clients throughout the legal process, as well as true justice for defendants. The law firm also handles drug crime defense in Moreno Valley. If your charges involve illegal possession of illicit substances such as heroin or alleged possession with intent to distribute, they can help. A drug crime conviction could ruin your life. The lawyers will work around the clock to make sure that doesn’t happen. They know the defenses to common drug crimes in California, such as the drugs weren’t yours, unlawful search and seizure, inaccurate crime lab analysis, missing drugs, and entrapment. Top 100 Trial Attorneys in California 2012-2014, 2008 Trial Attorney of the Year by the Riverside County Public Defender’s Office.
Location: Serves Moreno Valley, California
Contact: (951) 667-5293 | https://www.gddlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. Kolacia Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 15+ years experience serving Riverside County
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, sex crimes, felonies, misdemeanors, expungement
Background: If you have been accused of a crime in Moreno Valley, it is important to seek the assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. The consequences of a criminal conviction can be severe, and a skilled attorney can help protect your rights and interests. Kolacia Law Firm is a criminal defense firm serving Moreno Valley, CA, with over 15 years of experience in defending clients charged with criminal offenses. They have successfully defended clients facing various charges, including DUI, drug crimes, assault, and more. The experienced criminal defense attorneys have a track record of successfully defending clients in Moreno Valley and the surrounding areas. They take the time to understand the unique circumstances of each case and work tirelessly to build a strong defense strategy tailored to client needs. In California, certain Felonies can be reduced to Misdemeanors. This can be done either by plea negotiation with the District Attorney or by a Penal Code 17(b) motion to the court during the preliminary hearing, upon completion of probation.
Location: Serves Moreno Valley and Riverside County, California
Contact: Available through firm website | https://kolacialaw.com/
Consultation: Consultation available
4. Law Offices of John L. Michels
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former Deputy District Attorney background and 25+ years experience
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, violent crimes, assault, battery, homicide, domestic violence, sex crimes, gun crimes, theft, white collar crimes
Background: When you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Riverside County, including the city of Moreno Valley, it’s crucial that you have legal representation. A criminal defense attorney is on your side and will fight to get the charges reduced or dropped to solve the situation as they can. John L. Michels is a criminal defense attorney operating in Moreno Valley who can lend his expertise and experience to anyone who needs a robust criminal defense. The Law Offices of John L. Michels also has a team of helpful staff who make the process of seeking legal assistance easier. John L. Michels is an award-winning Riverside criminal defense attorney. He has been serving a broad range of clients for more than 25 years and is passionate about providing robust defenses for people charged with a variety of different crimes. He is a former Deputy District Attorney for Riverside County and has been assigned to the special juvenile law prosecution unit. He has been running his own law office for more than 25 years and is one of the most respected and accomplished attorneys in the region.
Location: Serves Moreno Valley and Riverside County, California
Contact: (951) 276-8900 | https://criminaldefenseattorney-riverside.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Greenberg, Greenberg & Kenyon, APLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense serving Moreno Valley and the Inland Empire
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: Directly east of Riverside lies one of the most dynamic communities of the Inland Empire, Moreno Valley, California. With nearly 194,000 people, the young city continues to grow and thrive in Riverside County, attracting more business and people. Even with “People, Pride, Progress” as the city’s motto, Moreno Valley citizens are not immune to altercations with the law. In many cases, however, you may be unfairly charged, or the law enforcement system may have not properly handled your particular situation. If you have been charged with a crime in Moreno Valley, you are likely scared, frustrated, and worried about your career, your family, and your freedom. Depending on the severity of the accusation, you could be facing time in prison, heavy fines, or other legal ramifications that limit your freedoms as California citizen. At Greenberg, Greenberg & Kenyon, APLC, they understand this fear and confusion. Most importantly, they will defend your side of the incident, fighting for your rights as a Moreno Valley citizen. Don’t feel like you have to face a criminal charge alone.
Location: 3750 University Ave., Suite 550, Riverside, CA 92501
Contact: (951) 274-0003 | https://danielgreenberglaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
Criminal Defense Laws in California
Felony Classifications
California uses a determinate sentencing system for most felonies with three possible terms (low, middle, high):
Serious Felonies: Include murder, voluntary manslaughter, mayhem, rape, and robbery. These trigger Three Strikes enhancements.
Violent Felonies: Defined under Penal Code 667.5(c), including murder, voluntary manslaughter, mayhem, rape, and certain other offenses.
Standard Felonies: Carry sentences ranging from 16 months to life depending on the specific offense. Most felonies have low, middle, and high terms.
Wobblers: Offenses that can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors at prosecutor discretion based on circumstances and defendant’s history.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Standard Misdemeanor: Maximum 6 months county jail and $1,000 fine.
Gross Misdemeanor: Maximum 364 days county jail and $1,000 fine. Examples include DUI (first offense), domestic battery, and petty theft with prior.
Infraction: Non-criminal offense with fine only, no jail.
Proposition 47 (2014)
Reduced certain non-violent felonies to misdemeanors, including simple drug possession and theft under $950.
Expungement (Penal Code 1203.4)
California allows expungement of most convictions after successful completion of probation. The conviction is set aside and the case is dismissed.
DUI Laws
California DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .01% under 21). First offense carries 3-5 years informal probation, up to 6 months jail, $390-$1,000 fine plus penalty assessments, 6-month license suspension, and DUI school.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Moreno Valley?
Criminal cases in Moreno Valley are handled by the Riverside County Superior Court system. The Moreno Valley Courthouse is located at 13800 Heacock Street, Building D #201 in Moreno Valley. This courthouse handles small claims and traffic infractions, including speeding tickets and reckless driving. Other criminal cases most often go to the Riverside Superior Court, or the Riverside Hall of Justice at 4100 Main Street, Riverside, California. The Superior Court is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Having a Moreno Valley criminal defense attorney familiar with Riverside County courts provides an advantage.
What is the difference between a felony and misdemeanor in California?
According to the Superior Court of California, County of Riverside, a “felony” is a criminal case in which the prosecution alleges that the defendant committed a crime punishable by imprisonment in state prison. Felonies are more serious offenses that can result in state prison sentences ranging from 16 months to life. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses punishable by up to 1 year in county jail. Some offenses called “wobblers” can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors depending on circumstances. A Moreno Valley criminal defense attorney can evaluate how your charges may be classified.
What are the penalties for drug possession in California?
California reformed drug laws significantly under Proposition 47 (2014). Simple possession of controlled substances for personal use (Health & Safety Code 11350) is now a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year county jail. Possession of marijuana (1 oz or less) is legal for adults 21+. Possession for sale and trafficking remain felonies with enhanced penalties. Drug diversion programs may be available for eligible offenders. A Moreno Valley criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility for diversion programs and alternative sentencing.
What happens if I am charged with DUI in Riverside County?
A DUI charge in Riverside County carries serious consequences. First offense carries 3-5 years informal probation, up to 6 months jail (48-hour minimum), $390-$1,000 fine plus penalty assessments, 6-month license suspension (restricted license may be available after 30 days with IID), and 3-9 month DUI school. Enhanced penalties apply for BAC of .15% or higher, refusal, accident, or child in vehicle. You have only 10 days from arrest to request a DMV hearing to protect your driving privileges. A Moreno Valley criminal defense attorney can handle both the DMV hearing and criminal court case.
Can I get my California criminal record expunged?
California allows expungement under Penal Code 1203.4 for most convictions after successful completion of probation. To qualify, you must have completed probation (or obtained early termination), not be currently charged with or serving a sentence for another offense, and have fulfilled all conditions of probation. The effect of expungement is that the conviction is set aside and the case is dismissed. However, expungement does not restore firearm rights, does not seal the record from view, and must be disclosed in certain circumstances. Certain offenses are not eligible. A Moreno Valley criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and file the petition.