1. The Law Offices of Graham Donath, A.P.C.
Practice Focus: Criminal defense including violent crimes, gang crimes, burglary, theft, drug offenses, DUI/DWI, domestic violence, sex crimes, and federal offenses.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, violent crimes, gang-related offenses, burglary, theft, robbery, drug possession, drug sales, DUI/DWI, domestic violence, sex crimes, weapons charges, and federal crimes.
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, preliminary hearings, arraignments, bail hearings, plea negotiations, motion practice including motions to suppress, sentencing advocacy, and expungements.
Background: Graham Donath is one of the few attorneys in California who has been certified by the California State Bar as a specialist in criminal defense law through the Board of Legal Specialization. He is a former Deputy Public Defender in Riverside County. He was named 2008 Trial Attorney of the Year by the Riverside County Public Defender’s Office and has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Trial Attorneys in California from 2012-2015. The firm regularly represents family members of prosecutors, probation officers, public defender’s office employees, court staff, police officers, and other defense attorneys who face criminal charges. The firm provides personal, one-on-one services and is available around the clock.
Location: Riverside, California
Contact: (951) 667-5293 | https://www.gddlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available. Available around the clock.
2. Wallin and Klarich, A Law Corporation
Practice Focus: Criminal defense including sex crimes, drug offenses, theft crimes, assault and battery, DUI/DWI, domestic violence, juvenile defense, murder, and manslaughter.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, federal crimes, DUI/DWI, drug offenses, violent crimes, sex crimes, domestic violence, theft crimes, assault and battery, murder, manslaughter, robbery, burglary, fraud, expungements, DMV hearings, restraining orders, and warrants.
Legal Services: Trial defense, preliminary hearings, arraignments, bail hearings, plea negotiations, motion practice including motions to suppress evidence, appeals, expungements, DMV administrative hearings, probation violation defense, and post-conviction relief.
Background: Established in 1981 by Paul J. Wallin. The firm has more than 40 years of experience defending clients in Riverside County courts. Paul J. Wallin earned his B.A. from UCLA. He is admitted to practice in all California State Courts, the United States District Court for the Central and Southern Districts of California, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, and the California Supreme Court. The firm holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Other attorneys at the firm include Louis Pilato, a skilled litigator dedicated to achieving outcomes in challenging cases. The firm has offices throughout Southern California and has successfully defended thousands of clients in Riverside courts. The firm maintains a 5 out of 5 rating on Lawyers.com, a 10 out of 10 rating on AVVO, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Location: 7177 Brockton Avenue, Suite 339, Riverside, CA 92506
Contact: (951) 684-3340 | (877) 466-5245 | https://www.wklaw.com/riverside
Consultation: Free consultation available. Payment plans offered. Available around the clock.
3. Kia Law Firm
Practice Focus: Criminal defense with the lead attorney certified as a Criminal Law Specialist by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization, handling DUI/DWI, drug offenses, theft, violent crimes, and expungements throughout Riverside County.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, drug possession, drug sales, theft crimes, violent crimes, assault, domestic violence, sex crimes, weapons charges, and expungements.
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, preliminary hearings, motion practice, plea negotiations, expungement petitions, and record clearing.
Background: Attorney Kia Feyzjou is a California Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist, a distinction that requires passing a difficult examination, demonstrating substantial experience in criminal law, receiving favorable recommendations from judges and attorneys, and fulfilling ongoing education requirements. The firm practices in all counties in California. The firm documents case outcomes and provides copies of court records to demonstrate success. The Kia Law Firm has received recognition for case dismissals and favorable outcomes in Riverside County courts.
Location: Riverside, California
Contact: (855) 662-2723 | https://kialaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available around the clock.
4. Law Office of Gregory H. Comings
Practice Focus: Criminal defense throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties, handling cases ranging from murder to lesser charges, with over 21 years of trial experience.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, murder, manslaughter, assault, domestic violence, drug offenses, theft crimes, DUI/DWI, weapons charges, and probation violations.
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, preliminary hearings, arraignments, bail hearings, plea negotiations, motion practice, sentencing advocacy, and probation violation defense.
Background: Attorney Gregory H. Comings has over 21 years of experience as a trial attorney and has handled more than 100 felony cases, ranging from murder to lesser charges. Throughout his career, he has built relationships with Deputy District Attorneys and Judges in the Riverside and San Bernardino Courts. He provides straightforward assessments of cases and practical advice on available options. Attorney Comings is known for providing honest insights rather than unrealistic expectations and handles cases personally, ensuring clients are not left to navigate the criminal justice system alone.
Location: Riverside, California
Contact: (951) 406-6310 | https://www.comingslaw.com
Consultation: Consultation available. Contact office for details.
5. Kassel and Kassel Law Offices
Practice Focus: Criminal defense throughout the Inland Empire, handling cases from minor traffic violations to serious felonies including murder charges, with a focus on protecting clients’ rights and futures.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, drug possession, drug sales, assault and battery, domestic violence, child abuse, arson, theft crimes, burglary, robbery, sex crimes, and traffic violations.
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, preliminary hearings, arraignments, motion practice, plea negotiations, sentencing advocacy, and expungements.
Background: Kassel and Kassel has extensive experience handling criminal cases from minor to severe throughout the Inland Empire. The firm recognizes the effects of a charge and conviction on a person’s life and holds itself to a high standard in pursuing favorable outcomes. The attorneys practice with integrity, ethics, and strong values and have earned a reputation as a trusted name in the Inland Empire. The firm provides personalized legal representation, getting to know each client as a person, listening to their side of the story, and determining an individualized path forward.
Location: Riverside, California (serving the Inland Empire)
Contact: (909) 792-6455 | https://www.kasselandkassel.com
Consultation: Free consultation available.
Criminal Defense Regulations in California
California attorneys must pass the California Bar Examination and be admitted by the State Bar of California to practice law. The State Bar of California is the licensing and regulatory body that oversees attorney conduct, maintains disciplinary records, and enforces the Rules of Professional Conduct.
The State Bar offers a Criminal Law Specialist certification through its Board of Legal Specialization. Attorneys seeking this designation must demonstrate substantial experience in criminal law, pass a written examination, fulfill ongoing continuing legal education requirements, and receive favorable evaluations from judges and fellow attorneys familiar with their work.
California operates a county-based public defender system. In Riverside County, the Law Offices of the Public Defender provides representation to individuals who cannot afford private counsel. Eligibility for a public defender is determined at arraignment based on financial need.
Attorney advertising in California is governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct and Business and Professions Code. Attorneys must avoid false, misleading, or deceptive communications and cannot guarantee specific case outcomes.
California requires attorneys to complete 25 hours of Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) every three years, including required hours in legal ethics, competence issues including elimination of bias, and recognition of substance abuse.
The attorney-client privilege in California is codified in Evidence Code sections 950-962, providing strong protections for confidential communications between attorneys and their clients.
California categorizes felonies using a determinate sentencing structure with specific terms for each offense rather than a letter-grade classification system. Felony sentences generally range from 16 months to life imprisonment depending on the offense. Wobblers are offenses that may be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors at the prosecutor’s discretion. Misdemeanors carry a maximum sentence of one year in county jail.
California has speedy trial requirements under Penal Code section 1382: felony trials must begin within 60 days of arraignment on the information or indictment, and misdemeanor trials must begin within 30 days if the defendant is in custody or 45 days if released.
California’s bail system operates under the Uniform Bail Schedule, which sets presumptive bail amounts for various offenses. Judges have discretion to deviate from the schedule based on factors including flight risk and public safety.
California does not have the death penalty for new sentences following the Governor’s moratorium, though individuals remain on death row from prior sentences.
Expungement in California is governed by Penal Code section 1203.4 and related statutes. Individuals who completed probation successfully may petition for dismissal of their conviction. Recent legislation including the Clean Slate Act (AB 1076) and SB 731 has expanded automatic expungement for certain offenses. Felonies that resulted in state prison sentences may now qualify for expungement relief under certain conditions. Sex offenses requiring registration and certain violent or serious felonies remain ineligible for expungement.
California has three-strikes sentencing enhancements under Penal Code sections 667 and 1170.12, which impose increased sentences for defendants with prior serious or violent felony convictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where will my criminal case be heard if I am arrested in Riverside?
A: Criminal cases from Riverside are typically heard at the Riverside Hall of Justice located at 4100 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501. This is the main courthouse serving the City of Riverside and western Riverside County. Depending on where the offense occurred within the county, cases may also be assigned to other Riverside County Superior Court locations including the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta, the Indio Larson Justice Center in the Coachella Valley, or the Banning Justice Center. Felony arraignments for in-custody defendants may occur at the Riverside Jail courtroom. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes criminal cases throughout the county. You can verify your court date and case information through the Riverside County Superior Court’s online case access system.
Q: What are the consequences of a felony conviction in California and what rights are lost?
A: A felony conviction in California results in significant consequences beyond the immediate sentence. You lose the right to own, possess, or purchase firearms under both state and federal law, though some rights may be restored through a Certificate of Rehabilitation or pardon in limited circumstances. While incarcerated, you lose the right to vote, though this right is automatically restored upon release from prison or completion of parole under Proposition 17 passed in 2020. A felony conviction may disqualify you from serving on a jury, holding certain public offices, and working in certain licensed professions including law enforcement, teaching, and healthcare depending on the offense. Immigration consequences may include deportation, inadmissibility, or denial of naturalization for non-citizens. Many employers conduct background checks, and a felony conviction may limit employment opportunities, particularly in fields requiring professional licensing. Housing applications often require disclosure of felony convictions. Expungement under Penal Code 1203.4 can help mitigate some of these consequences but does not restore gun rights or remove the conviction for immigration purposes.
Q: What drug diversion programs are available in Riverside County?
A: Riverside County offers several drug diversion programs. Proposition 36 (the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act) provides drug treatment as an alternative to incarceration for qualifying nonviolent drug possession offenses. Participants who successfully complete the program may have their charges dismissed. Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ) under Penal Code section 1000 is available for certain first-time drug possession offenses, requiring completion of an 18-month drug education or treatment program in exchange for dismissal. Drug Court in Riverside County provides intensive supervision, regular drug testing, court appearances, and treatment for repeat offenders with substance abuse problems. Participation typically lasts 12-18 months. Under Proposition 47 (2014), many drug possession offenses were reduced from felonies to misdemeanors, and some individuals with prior convictions may petition for resentencing. Each program has specific eligibility requirements, and participation requires approval from the court and often the prosecution. An experienced criminal defense attorney can evaluate your eligibility and advocate for your placement in these programs.
Q: How long do I have to request a DMV hearing after a DUI arrest in Riverside County?
A: You have only 10 days from the date of your DUI arrest to request an administrative hearing with the California Department of Motor Vehicles to contest the automatic license suspension. If you fail to request this hearing within 10 days, your driving privilege will be automatically suspended 30 days after your arrest, regardless of what happens in your criminal case. The DMV hearing is separate from your criminal court case and addresses only your driving privilege, not criminal penalties. At the hearing, the DMV must prove that the officer had reasonable cause to believe you were driving under the influence, that you were lawfully arrested, and that your blood alcohol content was 0.08% or higher (or that you refused testing). Your criminal defense attorney can represent you at this hearing and may be able to obtain a temporary driving permit while the hearing is pending. Winning the DMV hearing allows you to keep your license regardless of the court case outcome, and losing the DMV hearing results in suspension even if you win or have charges dismissed in criminal court.
Q: What is realignment and how does it affect sentencing in Riverside County?
A: Criminal justice realignment, implemented in California in 2011 under AB 109, changed where certain offenders serve their sentences. Before realignment, most felony sentences were served in state prison. Under realignment, many non-violent, non-serious, non-sex offenders now serve their felony sentences in county jail rather than state prison. Sentences under Penal Code section 1170(h) are served in county jail with the possibility of split sentences involving a portion of the time in custody and a portion under mandatory supervision. This affects Riverside County because the Robert Presley Detention Center and other county facilities now house offenders who previously would have been sent to state prison. For defendants, this means serving time closer to home and family but in facilities designed for shorter stays. Realignment does not apply to serious felonies, violent felonies, sex offenses requiring registration, or defendants with prior convictions for these offenses. An experienced criminal defense attorney can advise whether your case falls under realignment and how this affects your sentencing options.