Santa Monica boasts some of the most visited beaches and tourist spots in Southern California. Those visiting the pier, Venice and similar areas some times encounter problems with the police due to an over indulgence of alcohol and problems associated with having too much fun and/or over zealous cops. When this happens those individuals need a local criminal defense lawyer in the Santa Monica area to assist them in going to Court and getting out of trouble. Attorney Matthew J. Ruff has been helping people arrested in Santa Monica and adjacent communities for close to 15 years. All arrests originating in Santa Monica eventually find their way to the Los Angeles County Superior Court, LAX Division located at 11701 South La Cienega Blvd off the 405 freeway near the airport.
All misdemeanor offenses are heard in Division 147 on the 9th floor of the Courthouse. These cases are prosecuted by the Santa Monica City Attorney. The first appearance before the Judge is called an arraignment and it is at this time either a not guilty (sometimes called an innocent plea) or a guilty or no contest plea is entered. It is vital to have an attorney's advice before any plea is made. Some seemingly innocuous criminal charges such as drunk in public, possession of marijuana and similar infractions have long term consequences that can come back to haunt individuals many years after the case is adjudicated. For example, a possession of less than an ounce of marijuana in a vehicle (VC23222) ticket can often be disposed of for a fine, however a conviction results in points on a DMV record and substantially higher insurance and potential employment ramifications.
Out of state residents who visit the area sometimes are cited or arrested for DUI (VC23152), drunk driving, DWI, or driving under the influence in the Santa Monica area and do not understand their rights and options regarding the case. California law does allow a local attorney to appear in Court on behalf of a client in most of these cases. The benefit of retaining a lawyer to defend a alcohol related charge is tremendous. First of all, a DMV hearing is mandatory in all DUI incidents in order to avoid a license suspension. As a local Santa Monica DUI Lawyer, Matthew Ruff can file the necessary applications for a DMV hearing in order to keep the arrest off your motor vehicle record in your home state. Furthermore, as is often the case, he can make all necessary appearances in the LAX Superior Court and negotiate with the prosecutor and Judge to hopefully eliminate a DUI conviction.
Underage defendants face particularly difficult challenges. A simple ticket for drinking alcohol in public may seem not to be a serious matter, however a conviction could mean a one year drivers license suspension by the California Department of motor Vehicles. As is the case with public intoxication, using fake or false identification, driving while intoxicated, and possession of alcoholic beverages and marijuana or even a joint. Santa Monica Police unfortunately target tourists and out of town visitors, many of whom are under 21 and in college or the military. One typical scenario is when law enforcement observes large groups of young people walking along the beach or pier and they stop to check ID's and whether alcohol is present, this encounter invariably results in tickets being issued or an arrest being made. In this situation, a Santa Monica Criminal Defense Attorney can intervene and resolve outstanding violations.
CONTACT MATTHEW J. RUFF FOR A CONSULTATION AT 310-527-4100
Our office gets many phone calls from family members seeking information about how to help a loved one in jail in Santa Monica. Our attorney can take immediate steps to arrange release of individuals incarcerated awaiting their first appearance before a magistrate. We can file motions for bail reduction or negotiate a "own recognizance" release which does not require the posting of a bail bond. If you have received a call from a friend or loved one in custody, give Santa Monica criminal attorney Matthew Ruff a call for a free straight talk consultation on what action needs to be taken now.
Matthew Ruff has encountered many recurring questions concerning criminal cases over the last decade and a half. Can I go to jail for a DUI, Petty Theft, Drug Possession, Domestic Violence or Drinking in Public? Will I lose my drivers license following a drunk driving detention? Does the Santa Monica City Attorney seek prison for people driving on a suspended license?