1. Law Offices of John L. Michels
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former Deputy District Attorney experience and 25+ years of practice
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, violent crimes, theft, assault, domestic violence, sex crimes, federal crimes
Background: Riverside Criminal Defense Lawyer John L. Michels has been defending the accused for more than 25 years. He is an award-winning advocate who has been aggressively fighting for his clients and winning cases for over twenty-five years. While serving as a former Deputy District Attorney, John L. Michels obtained an in-depth understanding of the tactics utilized by prosecutors and law enforcement officers. For two decades he has employed this knowledge and experience for the benefit of his clients. He enjoys a reputation as a skilled advocate who is respected and well-liked by clients, colleagues, prosecutors, and judges. Attorney John L. Michels and his investigative team of former law enforcement officers fight aggressively to win cases.
Location: 7095 Indiana Ave., Suite 200, Riverside, CA 92506 (additional office in Murrieta)
Contact: (951) 276-8900 | https://criminaldefenseattorney-riverside.com
Consultation: Free consultation available 24/7
2. Wallin & Klarich
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 40+ years experience in Riverside County courts
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, sex crimes, domestic violence, theft, violent crimes, juvenile crimes
Background: Since 1981, Wallin & Klarich has been providing outstanding and aggressive legal representation to clients facing criminal charges in Riverside County. The skilled and knowledgeable Riverside criminal defense attorneys are passionate about fighting for clients in their time of legal need. The law firm has more than 40+ years of experience defending clients in the Riverside County courts. Few lawyers can say they have the level of experience the firm possesses. The firm knows the district attorneys, prosecutors, judges, and staff at each court. They also know the specific policies and procedures in each court. When hiring Wallin & Klarich, clients are hiring a team of attorneys who use their collective knowledge to help obtain the best possible outcome.
Location: Riverside, California (serves all Riverside County courts)
Contact: (877) 466-5245 | https://criminalattorneyriverside.com/
Consultation: Free phone consultation available
3. Graham Donath Law Offices
Focus Area: Criminal defense with Board Certification and former Deputy Public Defender experience
Practice Areas: Violent crimes, gang crimes, DUI, burglary, theft, cyber crimes, child abuse, domestic violence
Background: Graham Donath is an award-winning and board-certified Riverside criminal defense lawyer with decades of experience representing clients in the face of charges for violent crimes, driving under the influence, theft, cyber crimes, child abuse/endangerment, domestic violence charges, and more. Lead Riverside criminal defense attorney Graham Donath is one of the few attorneys in the state who has been certified by the California State Bar as a specialist in criminal defense law. As a former Deputy Public Defender in Riverside County, Mr. Donath has always been on the defense side of the law. Accolades include Top 100 Trial Attorneys in California 2012-2015 and 2008 Trial Attorney of the Year by the Riverside County Public Defender’s Office.
Location: Riverside, California (serves Inland Empire)
Contact: (951) 667-5293 | https://www.gddlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Joseph W. Galasso, Attorney at Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutor experience and 20+ years as defense attorney
Practice Areas: Violent crimes, gang crimes, drug crimes, assault, domestic violence, attempted murder, parole violations
Background: Former prosecutor at the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, Joseph W. Galasso is a skilled criminal defense lawyer who offers stellar legal counsel and courtroom defense for individuals under criminal investigation or who have been arrested and charged with a crime. Joseph handled thousands of cases as a Riverside ADA. Now, as a Riverside criminal defense lawyer practicing for 20 years, he brings a prosecutor’s experience and knowledge of the DA’s tactics to defend those facing misdemeanors and serious felonies. His consistent presence in Riverside courts has enabled him to build long-standing professional relationships with key players inside the Riverside court system including prosecutors, judges, and courtroom staff.
Location: Riverside, California
Contact: (951) 225-4130 | https://www.formerdeputydistrictattorney.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
5. Wohl Criminal Defense
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 27+ years experience and media legal analysis background
Practice Areas: DUI, juvenile crimes, battery and assault, expungement, domestic violence, drug crimes
Background: The Wohl Criminal Defense has earned a strong reputation in the Riverside community as a passionate advocate for defending the rights of the accused. Their consistent presence in Riverside courts over the past decade has enabled them to build long-standing professional relationships with key players inside the Riverside court system including prosecutors, judges, and courtroom staff. Principal David E. Wohl is a veteran criminal defense attorney with over a decade of experience practicing criminal law. With a career spanning over 27 years, David has tried more than 65 jury trials and hundreds of bench trials. His expertise encompasses all areas of criminal law with special emphasis on juvenile dependency matters and Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) Hearings. He also serves as a legal analyst on Fox News programs.
Location: Riverside, California
Contact: Available at website | https://criminaldefenseriverside.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
Criminal Defense Laws in California
Felony Classifications
California does not use traditional felony classes. Instead, each offense specifies its own penalty:
Straight Felonies: Crimes that can only be charged as felonies, such as murder, rape, and kidnapping. Penalties vary widely based on the specific offense.
Wobblers: Offenses that can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors at the prosecutor’s discretion, such as assault with a deadly weapon, grand theft, and domestic violence with injury. The decision depends on circumstances and criminal history.
Determinate Sentencing: Most California felonies have a “triad” sentencing structure with low, middle, and high terms (e.g., 2, 3, or 4 years). Judges select within this range based on aggravating and mitigating factors.
Indeterminate Sentencing: Serious violent felonies may carry indeterminate sentences such as 15 years to life or 25 years to life.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Standard Misdemeanor: Maximum penalty of 6 months in county jail and $1,000 fine. Examples include petty theft, simple assault, and trespassing.
Gross Misdemeanor: Maximum penalty of 364 days in county jail and higher fines. Examples include DUI (first offense), domestic battery, and violation of protective order.
Infractions: Not criminal offenses. Punishable only by fine, no jail time. Examples include most traffic violations and minor municipal code violations.
Record Clearing Options
California offers multiple paths to clear criminal records:
Expungement (PC 1203.4): Available for most misdemeanor and felony convictions after completing probation. The conviction is dismissed but still visible on background checks (employer must ignore it for most purposes).
Proposition 47 Relief: Certain drug and theft felonies can be reduced to misdemeanors and then expunged.
Proposition 64 Relief: Marijuana-related convictions can be reduced, dismissed, or sealed depending on the offense.
Certificate of Rehabilitation: Available for certain felons who have demonstrated rehabilitation. Can lead to a gubernatorial pardon.
Automatic Record Sealing (SB 731): California automatically seals arrest and conviction records for eligible offenses after completion of sentence and waiting period (typically 4 years for felonies).
DUI Laws
California DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .01% under 21). First offense carries 96 hours to 6 months jail, $390-$1,000 fine plus assessments, 6-month license suspension, 3-month DUI school, and 3-5 years probation. California has an implied consent law; refusal results in 1-year license suspension (first offense). Fourth DUI within 10 years is a felony. DUI with injury can be charged as a felony even for first offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will my criminal case be heard if I am arrested in Riverside?
Criminal cases in Riverside County are heard at the Riverside Hall of Justice, located at 4100 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501. This is the main courthouse for criminal matters in the Riverside area. Depending on where the alleged offense occurred in Riverside County, your case may also be heard at other locations such as the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta, the Larson Justice Center in Indio, or the Banning Justice Center. Having a Riverside criminal defense attorney who knows the specific courthouse, judges, and prosecutors handling your case provides a significant advantage.
What makes Riverside County different from other California counties for criminal defense?
Riverside County is historically a more conservative-leaning county, and its criminal justice policies and procedures are tougher and more aggressive than in other parts of California. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office vigorously pursues harsh punishment for crimes. DUI laws in Riverside County are among the toughest in the state. This means defendants need experienced defense attorneys who understand the local court culture and have relationships with prosecutors and judges. A Riverside criminal defense attorney familiar with Riverside County’s approach can better navigate negotiations and advocate for favorable outcomes.
What is the three strikes law and how does it affect Riverside cases?
California’s three strikes law can significantly increase sentences for defendants with prior serious or violent felony convictions. Under this law, a second strike doubles the sentence, and a third strike can result in 25 years to life imprisonment. In Riverside County, prosecutors are known to aggressively pursue strike enhancements. A prior conviction for a “strike” offense (such as robbery, burglary of an occupied dwelling, or assault with a deadly weapon) can dramatically affect the penalties you face for a new offense. A Riverside criminal defense attorney can challenge prior strike allegations or negotiate to have strikes dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
What are the consequences of a felony conviction in Riverside County?
A felony conviction in California and Riverside County carries consequences beyond incarceration and fines. You lose the right to possess firearms under federal and California law. You lose the right to vote while incarcerated (restored upon release). You may lose certain professional licenses and face difficulty finding employment and housing. For non-citizens, felony convictions can result in deportation and inadmissibility. A felony conviction could mean the loss of certain rights, including voting, firearm ownership, or military service eligibility. California does offer various record-clearing options after completing your sentence, but a Riverside criminal defense attorney can evaluate strategies to avoid felony conviction in the first place.
Can I get my Riverside County conviction expunged?
California allows expungement under Penal Code 1203.4 for most misdemeanor and felony convictions after successfully completing probation. If you received probation, you are generally eligible for expungement once you have completed all terms of probation, including payment of fines and restitution. If you were sentenced to prison (rather than county jail or probation), you may need to pursue a Certificate of Rehabilitation instead. Proposition 47 allows reduction and expungement of certain drug and theft felonies. California’s automatic sealing law (SB 731) now seals many conviction records automatically after the waiting period. A Riverside criminal defense attorney can evaluate your eligibility and file the appropriate petition.