Matthew J. Ruff Law Blog

Here is the scenario: A person has one or more convictions for DUI in an out of state venue.  That person now picks up a new DUI in California.  What should the person be concerned about?  First, they need a California DUI Attorney that is familiar with the ramifications of out of state DUI's in CA Courts.  The primary requirement for the out of state DUI to qualify for a prior in California is that it be the equivalent of a CA ... Read More

The "Balloon Boy" case has brought to issue the ramifications of immigration consequences within the criminal law context.  As a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney I have seen countless instances where defendants take a "deal" on a case where they otherwise be innocent in order to avoid the possibility of being deported.  This seems to be the case in the balloon incident where the husband is pleading guilty to avo... Read More

The question many parents have regarding their child's criminal juvenile case is whether the criminal record can be sealed when the child turns 18.  The answer to this common question is it depends on the nature of the offense.  For example, most non violent felony cases can be sealed, however, if the offense is a violent  felony such as robbery or murder, the answer is not so clear.  When a minor is convicted of these types of offenses, the sealing of a record becomes mor... Read More

For many, the prospect of appearing in Court can be a terrifying experience indeed.  Among the questions are What should I say to the Judge?  Will the Court require that I post bail? Should I appear with an attorney? etc.

What you must understand is that no one inside the judicial system cares about your case.  The only individual that cares is a retained attorney who will be acting as your advocate.  Without an attorney you will be at the mercy of a public defender ... Read More

California Law proscribes that anyone with a .08 or higher blood alcohol level will be in violation of 23152b of the vehicle code.  However, that law does not cover those that are under the age of 21.  Most Underage DUI Lawyers will tell you that the current trend of the law is to tighten enforcement for minors who drink and drive.... Read More

Recently, in the case of People vs. Torres a California Appellate Court tossed out a conviction for DUI in a case where a jury found the defendant guilty of driving under the influence of DUI.  As a Los Angeles DUI lawyer I have seen this scenario many times.  The Court found that there is substantial evidence Torres was under the influence of ethamphetamine when he was arrested. He admitted recent methamphetamine use, he exhibited symptom... Read More

In California, as in many parts of the country, the law allows companies to buy information from local police departments that contain the names and addresses of persons arrested for criminal offenses.  This information is then sold to attorneys that send letters to the people soliciting legal services.  In my experience, most folks find this to be an incredible invasion of their privacy and is very unnerving to recieve at their home.  The danger exists in the sense that many of t... Read More

California interprets domestic violence as any case involving a family member, a spouse, past or present or anyone with whom you have had a dating relationship with.  As a Los Angeles Domestic Violence Attorney , I am often asked whether anger management classes are required if a person is convicted of a crime involving a person described above.  The answer is yes.  If an individua... Read More

An El Monte city manager was arrested early this week on suspicion of soliciting prostitution in Pomona according to a local Los Angeles Prostitution Defense Attorney .  The city manager, was among 30 suspects arrested during a six-hour sting, which began at 6 p.m. near east Holt Boulevard. He was cited, given a court date and released, Pomona police said. The city official referred all questions about ... Read More

In California the law recognizes two distinct types of theft classifications, petty theft and grand theft.  As a Los Angeles Petty Theft Defense Attorney, I am frequently asked the distinction between the two and whether if the theft is from a person is it always grand theft.  First, the main difference between the two is petty is a misdemeanor and grand theft is a felony.  The threshold inquiry is the ... Read More