Riverside Criminal Defense Lawyer
Call for Case Consultation 951-384-7375
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Criminal Defense Attorney in Riverside

Serving all of Riverside County

We are Ready To Defend You​

Being in trouble with the law in Riverside, California can have serious implications for your future. As a historically conservative-leaning county, its criminal justice policies and procedures are tougher and more aggressive than in other parts of the state. As a consequence, you can expect the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office to vigorously pursue the harshest punishment available for the crime you’ve been accused of committing.

Without quality legal representation, you put yourself at risk for going to jail or prison, paying expensive fines, years of probation and more. A conviction will result in a permanent criminal record which can damage your reputation, career prospects, and personal relationships. For the rest of your life, you’ll have to disclose that you were convicted of a crime when applying for a job, housing, or financial aid.

If you or a loved one is under investigation or has been arrested for committing a crime in Riverside, CA it’s vitally important to seek the advice and counsel of a local criminal defense attorney with a proven track record of achieving favorable results for clients.

d wohl newRegardless of how serious your situation may seem, it’s important to realize that you are innocent until proven guilty, and having the right lawyer by your side can make all the difference. The Wohl Law has earned a strong reputation in the Riverside community as a passionate advocate for defending the rights of the accused.

Our consistent presence in Riverside courts over the past decade has enabled us to build long-standing professional relationships with key players inside the Riverside court system including with prosecutors, judges, and courtroom staff.  The relationships we’ve built along the way gives us leverage to more effectively negotiate on your behalf to get the charges against you dismissed or reduced to a lesser offense.

Here are just a few of the valuable services our criminal defense attorneys can provide:

  • Guide you through the complicated bail and release at the Riverside County Jail/Robert Presley Detention Center.
  • Advocate for you at your arraignment, hearings, conferences, and trial
  • Perform a thorough investigative analysis of your case: review police reports and witnesses’ statements; assess and attack scientific evidence, recruit experts such as criminologists to test strength of evidence, etc.
  • File motions to suppress evidence that was illegally obtained as a result of an unlawful search and seizure; improper police procedures; or in violation of your constitutional rights
  • Negotiate plea bargains with Riverside DA to dismiss or reduce charges
  • Pursue alternative sentencing options such as home confinement, work release, alcohol and drug rehabilitation, sober living, electronic monitoring, or community service.

Call us today to schedule a Free consultation
951-384-7375

Meet Our Defense Attorneys:

Our principle, David E. Wohl is a veteran criminal defense attorney with over a decade of experience practicing criminal law.

criminal-defense-david-wohlRiverside Criminal Defense Lawyer David E. Wohl:

If you want a savvy negotiator and tough litigator in your corner, David’s your guy. 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 a special emphasis on juvenile dependency matters and Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) Hearings. When he’s not in the courtroom, you can catch him on Fox News programs such as “Kelly’s Court” and “America’s News Headquarters” where he serves as a legal analyst.

As seen on Yelp logo

David Wohl did an incredible job representing me.  He had my back throughout the entire process, kept me informed, and was able to secure a very good deal.  He was very professional, non-judgmental, and reassuring in the way he handled the matter.  I would recommend his services for those who want excellent representation and a good negotiator. – William L.  Yucaipa, CA

Riverside County Criminal Process: Arrest to Trial 

The Arrest & Booking: If you were arrested in Riverside, CA or the surrounding areas, the arresting officer will most likely take you to the Riverside County Jail – Robert Presley Detention Center where you will be booked and placed in a holding cell. The booking process involves getting your fingerprints taken, posing for a mugshot, and relinquishing your property. From the time of your arrest through booking, it’s paramount that you exercise your constitutional right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions until you have a lawyer present.

Bail is Set: After you’ve been booked, bail may be set using the Riverside County’s bail schedule or the magistrate will decide it. The amount of bail that is set is based on the severity of the crime. If the bail amount is too high or you can’t afford it, we can help you seek the help of a bail bondsman who will put up the money for you and charge you a small percentage fee. If this is your first offense and it’s a simple misdemeanor you may not need to post bail and will be released on your own recognizance based on your promise to return for a future scheduled court date. In cases where bail is denied, you must remain in police custody.

The Arraignment: Within 48 hours of your arrest, you will attend your first court appearance called an arraignment wherein you will be read the charges against you and asked to offer a plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest. In many misdemeanor cases, a lawyer can attend the arraignment on your behalf.

Pre-Trial Conference: If you plead not guilty to a misdemeanor, your case will be set for a pre-trial conference. For a felony, you will attend an early settlement conference. In both these instances, your lawyer will have the opportunity to negotiate with the prosecutor and/or judge to either drop the charges or agree to a plea deal that reduces your sentencing.

Preliminary Hearing: If you have been charged with a felony, you have the right to a preliminary hearing within ten court days of your arraignment. During this hearing, the prosecutor will have the burden of proving that there is a reasonable likelihood that you committed the crime in question. If the judge agrees there is probable cause exists, your case will proceed to trial.

Arraignment in Superior Court: In a felony case, you will be arraigned once more in Superior Court and your trial will be scheduled 60 days thereafter.

Trial: You are entitled to a trial with a jury of your peers, which in California is made up of 12 members of the community. A trial can be held just before a judge and often happens with misdemeanor charges. At trial, the prosecution has the burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If you are found guilty, you will attend a sentencing hearing where a judge will state your punishment. The criminal defense attorneys at Wohl Law will fight rigorously to preserve your freedom.

Were You Charged With Drunk Driving (DUI) in Riverside County?

Riverside DUI lawyerDriving Under the Influence of Alcohol (DUI):  No matter what DUI charge you are facing, whether it’s a first time misdemeanor DUI, felony DUI, or vehicular manslaughter, Wohl Law stands ready to provide a tenacious defense.

Potential Penalties for DUI: Riverside County is considered one of the worst places to get caught for a DUI, mostly because it’s one of the few counties in the state that can impose jail time for a first time offender.

In addition to jail, a DUI conviction is punishable by severe fines, suspension or revocation of driver’s license, and completion of a drinking and driving program. A harsher sentence may result if you had a BAC level far above the state’s illegal limit of .08 percent, caused bodily harm or death to another driver or pedestrian, had minor children in the car, or if you are a repeat offender.

The penalties, at a minimum for a first time DUI include

  • 6 to 10 days of jail time or work release
  • Completion of a 3 month drug/alcohol program
  • Fines up to $2300
  • Up to 3 years of probation

DUI defense lawyer in Riverside, CADUI Defense Strategies: A DUI charge in Riverside County is split into two separate processes, a criminal process through the court and an administrative process through the Department of Motor Vehicles. One of the very first things DUI defense attorney David Wohl can do for you is to contact the DMV within 10 days of your arrest and demand a license suspension hearing. At this hearing, we can argue in favor of getting your driving privileges reinstated.

While it’s true that DUI’s are harshly prosecuted in Riverside, CA there are several defense strategies that may be effective in getting your charges dismissed or reduced.

  • investigate whether or not there was any police misconduct such as an illegal traffic stop, illegal search and seizure, or improper protocol during field sobriety tests
  • challenge the accuracy of breathalyzer tests, blood tests, or field sobriety tests through the use of hard evidence and expert witnesses

Facing Drug Charges in Riverside County?

Drug Crimes: Drug-related offenses in Riverside CA, include the possession, sales, transportation, manufacturing or trafficking of an illegal controlled substance or narcotic. The drugs in question can be illicit or “street” drugs such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy and GHB or prescription medication like Xanax, Valium, and OxyContin. Drug crimes in California can be categorized as misdemeanor or felony, or federal crime that requires the involvement of the FBI or DEA.

Potential Penalties for Drug Crimes: In California and nationwide, drug charges are aggressively prosecuted and often carry high mandatory sentences. If convicted of a drug crime in Riverside County, you could face steep monetary fines, probation, a lengthy jail or prison sentence, and mandatory attendance in drug counseling/rehabilitation program.

Possession of a drug or narcotic carries serious penalties but possession with the intent to sell, distribute or manufacture has far harsher consequences. Possession of illicit street drugs or unlawfully obtained prescription drugs may result in a maximum of three years in California state prison. The manufacturing of drugs can land you in prison for up to seven years. If you were convicted of being in possession of a drug for your own personal use, you may be able to seek lesser sentencing under the recently passed Proposition 47. Prop 47 is a law that allows a drug possession charge to be downgraded from a felony to a misdemeanor.

At Wohl Law, we understand that many drug charges are the result of an underlying drug addiction or drug abuse problem, and we strive to help our clients receive the treatment they need. Often, we will negotiate with the District Attorney to agree to a drug diversion program or substance abuse treatment in lieu of imprisonment.

Criminal Defense Lawyer for Drug CrimesDrug Crime Defense Strategies:  Depending on the circumstances of your case, Drug crime attorney David Wohl will argue a

  • lack of intent
  • unlawful search and seizure
  • invalid search warrant
  • direct interference by police officers; you were induced to commit a crime and were the victim of entrapment
  • drugs did not belong to you

 

Have You Been Accused of Committing A Violent Crime?

Violent Crimes: Violent crimes involve doing bodily harm to another person, resulting in injury or death. These offenses are usually charged as felonies and include murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, assault and battery, and domestic violence. If you are facing accusations for a violent crime, the consequences are extremely serious and your freedom could be on the line.

Potential Penalties for Conviction of a Violent Crime: If convicted of a violent crime, you may have to serve a long-term or life prison sentence pay substantial fines or restitution to the victim, endure years of probation, attend court ordered treatment, or complete community service. It’s also likely that you will lose certain constitutional rights such as voting or owning a firearm. The earlier you contact Wohl Law, the quicker we can begin gathering the facts of the case and reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses to build a strong defense.

Violent Crime Defense Strategies: You can rely on our violent crime defense attorneys to scrutinize every aspect of your case in an attempt to exploit weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument. We will exhaust every possible defense strategy and won’t back down from a fight in court to prove your innocence.

Potential defense strategies may include…

  • Mistaken identity
  • Acted in self-defense or in defense of others
  • Evidence obtained illegally
  • Not enough evidence to support a conviction
  • Fabricated evidence
  • Alibi exists
  • Coerced confession
  • Untruthful witnesses
  • Racial profiling
  • Temporary insanity

Three Strikes Crimes: Most violent crimes fall under the “Three Strikes” law which imposes a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years-to-life for individuals who have two prior felony convictions on their record. If you are facing a third strike offense, we know how high the stakes are. Our violent crime lawyers will rigorously work to try and change a prior felony conviction to a misdemeanor or persuade the prosecutor to change downgrade a current “strike” charge to a normal one.

Are You Under Suspicion for Theft?

Property Crimes: Property crimes involve taking someone else’s property without their consent. These theft-related offenses are wide-ranging and include shoplifting, petty theft  grand theft, burglary, larceny, arson, and trespassing.

Potential Penalties for Property Crime: The penalties for a property crime conviction in Riverside County are determined based on the total value of the property taken as well as the manner in which it was taken. If you were accused of a petty theft charge like shoplifting and the stolen property was worth less than $950, it would be treated as a misdemeanor and would most likely require you to pay the amount back, and to complete probation and community service. Conversely, if you were accused of a grand theft charge and the stolen property was in excess of $950, it would be considered a felony punishable by three years in prison.

California Proposition 47 May Change Certain Theft Felonies to Misdemeanors

Prop 47 is a new law that reclassifies certain property or theft crimes from a felony to a misdemeanor. The following crimes qualify for this reclassification:

  • Shoplifting, where the value of property stolen does not exceed $950
  • Grand theft, where the value of the stolen property does not exceed $950
  • Receiving stolen property, where the value of the property does not exceed $950
  • Forgery, where the value of forged check, bond or bill does not exceed $950
  • Fraud, where the value of the fraudulent check, draft or order does not exceed $950
  • Writing a bad check, where the value of the check does not exceed $950

Defense Strategies for Property Crime Charges:

  • Case of mistaken identity with lack of evidence to support accusation
  • Lack of intent: damage or destruction was not deliberate
  • Value of property is not what the prosecutors claim it is
  • You were in an intoxicated state at the time the property was stolen

Defense Lawyer for Sex Offenses

Sex Crime Allegations

Sex Crimes: Being accused of committing a sex crime is one of the most egregious accusations a person can face. Because of the stigma, you may feel too ashamed or embarrassed to reach out for legal help. Wohl Law is dedicated to providing you with a solid defense regardless of the crime you’ve been accused of committing. Our firm has represented clients accused of indecent exposure, lewd conduct, rape, sexual battery, child molestation, possession of child pornography, prostitution, and more.

Potential Penalties for Sex Crime: Penalties for misdemeanor sex offenses such as indecent exposure, improper touching of a child, prostitution or solicitation can be punished by up to 1 year in county jail and fines of up to $1000.00. A conviction can also include mandatory counseling, AIDS testing, community service, and probation. Penalties for felony sex offenses such as rape, child pornography, lewd and lascivious acts, or sexual battery can range from one year in county jail to life in prison.

One of the most devastating ramifications of being convicted of a sex crime is having to register as a sex offender, sometimes for the rest of your life. Your name, picture, address, and description of your conviction are publicly listed on an online database for sexual offenders. As a result of registering, certain restrictions may be placed on you such as not being allowed to live within 2,000 feet of a school, park, or other place where children congregate. To enforce this restriction, electronic monitoring devices are sometimes used for high-risk offenders.

Pursue a Lesser Charge Under Prop 57

Due to the passage of Proposition 57, certain sex crimes that were identified as violent have now been reclassified as non-violent. The following is a list of sex offenses that are now deemed non-violent

  • Rape of an unconscious person
  • Failing to register as a sex offender
  • Lewd acts against a child
  • Rape by intoxication
  • Human trafficking involving sex act with minors

Sex Crime Defense Strategies: Sex crimes are most often based on circumstantial evidence and he said/she said scenarios.The sex crime defense lawyer David Wohl will take a close look at all the evidence against you including the accuser’s complaint, DNA evidence, police reports, and witness statements. Based on our investigation, we will pursue the smartest line of defense, which may include

  • the accuser made false claims of sexual misconduct
  • you had honest and reasonable belief that there was consent
  • insufficient evidence to support or corroborate accusations
  • mistaken identity
  • results of polygraph points to your innocence

Juvenile Defense Lawyer

Is Your Child In Trouble With The Law?

Juvenile Crimes: Being charged with a crime as a juvenile is an incredibly stressful and frightening experience for both the the child and his/her parents/guardians. The most common types of juvenile offenses in Riverside County includes minor in possession of drugs or alcohol, disorderly conduct, shoplifting, simple assault and battery, and vandalism.

If your child has been accused of a misdemeanor or felony offense, it is essential that you seek an attorney who specializes in juvenile criminal defense and will have your son or daughter’s best interests at heart.

The juvenile justice system in California is designed to emphasize rehabilitation for young offenders rather than punishment. Children under the age of 18 are likely be tried as a minor but for serious accusations such as rape, murder, arson, robbery there’s a possibility they will be tried as an adult. Depending on the circumstances of the crime, punishment may include

  • Probation;
  • Fines;
  • Community service;
  • Time in a correctional facility or Juvenile Hall;
  • Placement in a foster home;
  • Training programs; and
  • Secured detention in the Division of Juvenile Justice (formally California Youth Authority).

The juvenile crime attorneys at Wohl Law are familiar with the inner workings of the juvenile court system in Riverside County and will work tirelessly to limit the impact of the charges on your child’s future.

Get Your Criminal Record Cleared

California criminal expungementHaving a criminal record can feel like a heavy burden to carry throughout life. No one should have to continue paying the price for mistakes they’ve made in the past. Fortunately, California offers the ability to expunge a criminal record and start over with a clean slate. The expungement attorneys at Wohl Law are familiar with the expungement laws and procedures within the Riverside County Superior Court system and can petition the court to withdraw your conviction, enter a plea of not guilty and have the charges against you completely dismissed.

To be eligible for an expungement, the following conditions must be met:

  • your successfully completed probation
  • there are no cases against you pending
  • you did no prison time
  • offense you committed wasn’t against a child

 

 

Riverside County Jails 

Criminal Matters within the Riverside County Superior Court System can be handled at any of the following locations:

  • Riverside Hall of Justice – 4100 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501
  • Robert Presley Detention Center – 4000 Orange St, Riverside, CA 92501
  • Banning Court – 135 N. Alessandro Road, Banning, CA 92220
  • Blythe Court – 265 N. Broadway, Blythe, CA 92225
  • Corona Court – 505 S. Buena Vista, Corona, CA 92882
  • Indio – Larson Justice Center – 46-200 Oasis Street, Indio, CA 92201
  • Murrieta – Southwest Justice Center – 30755-D Auld Road, Murrieta, CA 92563

Riverside County DUI Alcohol Programs

The High Road Program
3579 Arlington Ave., Suite 200
Riverside, CA 92506
(951) 791-6762

Riverside Recovery Resources
Alpha Program
3757 Elizabeth Street
Riverside, CA 92506
(951) 788-0411

Community Settlement Association of Riverside
4366 Bermuda Avenue
Riverside, CA 92507
(951) 686-6267

If you or a loved one is under investigation or has been arrested for committing a crime in Riverside, CA it’s vitally important to seek the advice and counsel of a local criminal defense attorney with a proven track record of achieving favorable results for clients.

Call to schedule your consultation:  951-384-7375

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Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
DUI Defense
Expungements
Juvenile Defense
CACI Hearings
Juvenile Dependency Hearings
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Clients testimonials
  • Dave Wohl is tenacious and compassionate. A great pair of qualities for an attorney. Dave helped us prevail on a case that was intense, to say the least. Can’t say enough good things about the man and this firm........
    Mike M
  • I recently found myself falsely accused of physical and sexual abuse of my own daughter. Child protective services detained her and filed two separate petitions against me and asked the court to find those allegations true! Having no other option I hired attorney David E. Wohl. Mr. Wohl has been spe.......
    MS
  • I was facing 45 years to life after being charged with child molestation and continuous sexual abuse of a child. Attorney David Wohl investigated my case and worked hard for months until he finally got the D.A. to agree to an eight-year sentence. I will be out of custody in plenty of time to see my .......
    V.A.
  • Soon after I was charged with drunk driving, I learned that my blood alcohol level was .08. I thought I would have no choice but to plead guilty to DUI with all the extreme consequences that go with it. Attorney David E. Wohl went to court for me and worked hard to get my charges reduced to a simple.......
    L.S.
  • I was charged with possession for sales of drugs, cultivation and possession of more than $25,000 in drug proceeds. Attorney David E. Wohl worked tirelessly on my case from the day he got it. In the end I will end up with nothing more than a misdemeanor on my record—probation and no jail time! I a.......
    S.H.
  • I was halfway through my three years of probation for my DUI conviction when I found out that to keep my job and become a U.S. citizen, I needed to clear my record. Attorney David E. Wohl filed a motion with the court to expunge my conviction and to terminate probation. I just found out the motion w.......
    S.G.
  • I am ecstatic with the results and very happy to have your help. I am recommending you to anyone I meet who needs a lawyer for criminal cases. Plus I liked that you got us out of court early considering how full it was. That made me feel special! I’ll be doing my community service and then going t.......
    J.T.
  • One night last year I made the mistake of driving after I had been drinking. I crashed my car on the 405 freeway and ended up seriously injuring one of my best friends, who was riding in the passenger seat. Next thing I knew I was in jail, charged with two felonies. Attorney David Wohl not only help.......
    C.J.
  • For many years I had legal guardianship over my sister’s daughter. Her behavior eventually began to deteriorate. The next thing I knew she fled my home and began to make allegations of abuse and neglect to Child Protective Services. CPS then filed a petition to remove her from my home, alleging th.......
    D.H.
  • After my teenage sons were allegedly involved in an incident of serious horseplay I got a notice from the state that my oldest son was being placed on the Central Child Abuse Index. I was outraged as this listing could ruin his life even before he’s done with high school. I quickly called attor.......
    J.R.
  • After I was arrested for DUI on a US Army base I found myself with a date in Federal Court, completely unaware of what kid of trouble I was facing. My blood alcohol level was .12 and I was prepared for the worst! That’s when I called Mr. Wohl for help. Attorney David E. Wohl fought hard for me an.......
    T.C.
  • Josh represented me at trial on a very serious case. I was looking at 8 years in prison and a lifetime of registration as a sex offender for a crime I didn't even commit. The entire experience was stressful and terrifying. Throughout the entire case, Josh was calm and reassuring. During the trial, J.......
    by Mohammed N.
  • This firm is great. I was represented by David E. Wohl, Senior Associate Attorney. He is an aggressive attorney who fought tirelessly to get all three felonies dismissed. I was facing possible prison time, restitution, and probation. Through his representation I am free of all felonies. I would use .......
    by Julian K
  • I felt that I needed to give an update regarding my case (which has been resolved for months now); my first review gave this law firm and David Wohl 5 stars, and now I wish I could give them more. After my case was resolved, the police did not want to release my property, and refused to do so for mo.......
    by William L
  • Dave Wohl is tenacious and compassionate. A great pair of qualities for an attorney. Dave helped us prevail on a case that was intense, to say the least. Can't say enough good things about the man and this firm........
    By Mike M
  • Josh did an outstanding job helping me resolve a case. I was sued by an insurance company for installing faulty plumbing. This accusation had no merit. Josh was able to convince the insurance company to dismiss the case with prejudice early on in the lawsuit........
    Josh is a very trustworthy and diligent attorney
  • I found Mr. Visco to be extremely knowledgeable when it came to his ability to defend me in a civil lawsuit last year. He kept me informed every step of the way and was always very professional with his demeanor in answering my endless stream of questions. He did win the case for me and I was extrem.......
    Very Happy Client
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Criminal Defense Attorney in Rancho Cucamonga.
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