10 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Riverside, CA

This guide compares 10 best criminal defense attorneys and law firms in Riverside, CA that represent individuals facing criminal charges in Riverside and the surrounding areas of Riverside County, California. The firms were evaluated based on three factors: professional background, particularly experience as former prosecutors, public defenders, or criminal law specialists; depth of experience handling charges commonly prosecuted in Riverside County courts, including DUI, drug offenses, domestic violence, assault, theft, sex crimes, violent felonies, and weapons offenses; and practice focus, including whether criminal defense is the firm’s primary area of work or part of a broader legal practice. The list includes Riverside-based firms as well as firms with offices in nearby communities, such as Irvine and Temecula, that also serve clients in Riverside County.

When comparing criminal defense attorneys, three practical questions are worth considering. Does the attorney regularly handle cases in the Riverside County Superior Court system, including proceedings at the Riverside Hall of Justice, and understand local court procedures? Has the attorney gained insight into criminal cases from the prosecution or public defense side, as a former deputy district attorney or public defender? And does the firm handle related legal matters that may arise during or after a criminal case, such as probation violations, criminal appeals, expungements, immigration consequences, or post-conviction relief? These factors can help individuals assess which attorney’s background and practice approach best match their legal needs.

1. Arsany & Barraza Attorneys At Law

• Official Website: iedefenders.com

• Attorney: Arsany Said and Alejandro Barraza, Co-Founders. Arsany Said is a trial-focused criminal defense attorney, while Alejandro Barraza focuses on criminal defense and immigration law.
• Headquarters: 3600 Lime St, Suite 111, Riverside, CA 92501.
• Phone: (951) 897-0555
• Website: iedefenders.com
• Practice Areas: Criminal defense (murder, attempted murder, DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, assault, violent crimes, and firearm offenses), criminal defense for non-citizens (crimmigration, immigration-safe plea strategies, and post-conviction relief), mental health criminal defense (mental health diversion, competency proceedings, mental health court, veterans’ court, and military diversion), and immigration matters (family-based petitions, U-Visas, and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status).
• Firm Size: Small boutique law firm with two publicly identified co-founders and attorneys. The firm does not publicly specify its total staff size or founding year.

Firm Overview:

Arsany & Barraza Attorneys at Law is a Riverside-based criminal defense and immigration law firm founded by Attorneys Arsany Said and Alejandro Barraza. The firm represents individuals facing criminal charges throughout Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, and Los Angeles counties. Arsany Said brings over a decade of courtroom experience and has handled serious felony cases, including matters involving life sentences and potential death penalty exposure. He has served on conflict panels throughout Southern California and has conducted numerous jury trials, securing not-guilty verdicts in high-stakes cases involving attempted murder, rape, and assault charges. Alejandro Barraza brings additional experience from multiple Southern California Public Defender’s Offices, including the Riverside County Public Defender’s Office, and focuses on criminal defense cases involving non-citizens, veterans, and individuals with mental health conditions.

2. The Law Offices of John L. Michels

• Official Website: criminaldefenseattorney-riverside.com

• Attorney: John L. Michels, Founder and Criminal Defense Attorney.
• Headquarters: 7095 Indiana Ave., Suite 200, Riverside, CA 92506. Additional office at 29970 Technology Drive, Suite 103, Murrieta, CA 92563.
• Phone: (951) 276-8900
• Website: criminaldefenseattorney-riverside.com
• Practice Areas: Criminal defense (assault and battery, domestic violence, drug crimes, murder, sex crimes, theft, felony offenses, and white-collar crimes), DUI defense, fraud, embezzlement, parole and probation violations, and criminal record expungements.
• Firm Size: Boutique criminal defense practice led by John L. Michels, supported by professional staff and a team of former law enforcement investigators. The attorney opened his own criminal defense firm in 2001.

Firm Overview:

The Law Offices of John L. Michels is a Riverside-based criminal defense practice serving clients throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Founded by Attorney John L. Michels in 2001, the firm represents individuals facing misdemeanor and felony charges, including serious allegations involving violent crimes, drug offenses, murder, and sex crimes. Michels brings more than 25 years of criminal law experience and previously served as a Deputy District Attorney with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted cases involving general felonies, fraud, embezzlement, major narcotics offenses, and juvenile matters. He is also a former Judge Pro Tem of the Riverside County Superior Court and an honors graduate of the University of Notre Dame Law School.

3. Blumenthal & Moore, APC

• Official Website: blumenthallawoffices.com

• Attorney: Virginia M. Blumenthal, Founding Attorney; Jeff G. Moore, Attorney; Heather A. Green, Attorney; and Brent F. Romney, Attorney.
• Headquarters: 3993 Market Street, Riverside, CA 92501.
• Phone: (951) 682-5110
• Website: blumenthallawoffices.com
• Practice Areas: Criminal defense (murder, capital murder, manslaughter, sex crimes, violent crimes, domestic violence, white-collar crimes, drug crimes, theft, firearms offenses, juvenile crimes, and gang-related offenses), DUI defense, probation violations, parole matters, expungements, and post-conviction defense.
• Firm Size: Small, established criminal defense firm with four listed attorneys and dedicated administrative and investigative support. Founded in 1975.

Firm Overview:

Blumenthal & Moore, APC is a Riverside-based criminal defense law firm founded by Virginia M. Blumenthal in 1975. The firm focuses exclusively on defending individuals accused of misdemeanor and felony offenses throughout Riverside County and San Bernardino County. Virginia Blumenthal brings 50 years of criminal defense experience and is recognized as one of the region’s prominent trial attorneys. She has been included in The Best Lawyers in America for more than 30 years and has been named among the Top 100 Trial Attorneys in America by the National Trial Lawyers. Her notable legal achievements include arguing before the California Supreme Court in People v. Aranda in 2019, resulting in a favorable 6–1 decision. The firm’s legal team also includes Jeff G. Moore, Heather A. Green, and Brent F. Romney, bringing experience in prosecution, criminal litigation, and complex trial matters.

4. LAW Offices of Graham Donath

• Official Website: gddlaw.com

• Attorney: Graham D. Donath, Founder and Lead Criminal Defense Attorney.
• Headquarters: 3801 University Avenue, Suite 260, Riverside, CA 92501. Additional office at 2030 Main Street, Suite 210, Irvine, CA 92614.
• Phone: (951) 667-5293 (Riverside); (714) 758-5293 (Orange County).
• Website: gddlaw.com
• Practice Areas: Criminal defense (assault and battery, burglary, domestic violence, drug possession and sales, murder, attempted murder, robbery, theft, gang crimes, weapons charges, juvenile crimes, sex crimes, fraud, embezzlement, and white-collar crimes), DUI defense, felony and misdemeanor defense, probation violations, criminal record expungements, and self-defense cases.
• Firm Size: Small criminal defense practice led by Graham D. Donath. The firm does not publicly specify its total attorney or employee count.

Firm Overview:

The Law Offices of Graham D. Donath, APC is a Riverside-based criminal defense law firm representing individuals accused of misdemeanor and felony offenses throughout Riverside County and Orange County. Founded by Attorney Graham D. Donath, the firm focuses exclusively on criminal defense and emphasizes personalized representation, courtroom advocacy, and protecting the rights of individuals facing criminal charges. Donath is a former Deputy Public Defender with Riverside County and a California State Bar Certified Specialist in Criminal Law. During his time as a public defender, he received the 2008 Trial Attorney of the Year recognition from the Riverside County Public Defender’s Office. He has also been recognized among California’s Top 100 Trial Attorneys from 2012 through 2014 and has received additional professional awards for his criminal defense work.

5. Law Offices of Grech, Packer & Hanks

• Attorney/Key Figures: Paul Grech Jr., Founder and Trial Attorney; Trenton C. Packer, Trial Attorney; Joshua Hanks, Trial Attorney.
• Headquarters: 7095 Indiana Avenue, Suite 200, Riverside, CA 92506.
• Phone: (951) 682-9311
• Website: riversidecriminaldefense.com
• Practice Areas: Criminal defense (DUI, drug crimes, federal crimes, felony offenses, murder and manslaughter, sex crimes, violent crimes, domestic violence, assault, arson, theft, juvenile crimes, internet crimes, and white-collar crimes), criminal appeals, civil rights litigation, prisoner rights, excessive force, wrongful arrest, and police misconduct.
• Firm Size: Small to mid-size litigation-focused law firm with three publicly featured trial attorneys and dedicated support staff. The firm reports more than 65 years of combined experience among its attorneys.

Firm Overview:

The Law Offices of Grech, Packer & Hanks is a Riverside-based criminal defense and civil rights law firm serving clients throughout Southern California. The firm’s roots date back to 1988, when Attorney Paul Grech Jr. established the Law Offices of Grech and Ruiz after serving six years as a prosecutor with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. Grech graduated from Southwestern University School of Law in 1982 and became a California State Bar Certified Specialist in Criminal Law in 1995. His prosecutorial background includes trying more than 50 jury cases involving serious felonies, murder, and child molestation. The current legal team also includes Trenton C. Packer, who joined the practice in 2014 and became a partner in 2018, and Joshua Hanks, a Riverside native with a family background in the judiciary.

6. Sharp Criminal Lawyers, P.C.

• Official Website: sharpcriminallawyers.com

• Attorney/Key Figure: Stephen Randolph Sweigart, Lead Criminal Defense Attorney and attorney identified as sponsoring Sharp Criminal Lawyers, P.C.
• Headquarters: 3600 Lime Street, Suite 111, Riverside, CA 92501.
• Phone: (951) 777-1111
• Website: sharpcriminallawyers.com
• Practice Areas: Criminal defense (DUI/DWI, drug and narcotics offenses, assault and battery, domestic violence, federal crimes, juvenile crimes, sex offenses, robbery, theft, embezzlement, weapons offenses, traffic violations, and hit-and-run cases), felony and misdemeanor defense, and related criminal proceedings.
• Firm Size: Small criminal defense practice. The website identifies Stephen Sweigart as its lead attorney but does not provide a verified attorney or employee count or a confirmed founding year.

Firm Overview:

Sharp Criminal Lawyers, P.C. is a Riverside-based criminal defense law firm representing individuals accused of misdemeanor and felony offenses in Riverside and the Los Angeles area. The firm focuses on defending clients facing charges involving DUI, drug offenses, domestic violence, assault, theft, robbery, sex crimes, juvenile offenses, weapons violations, and federal crimes. Its website identifies Stephen Sweigart as its lead criminal defense attorney and emphasizes his courtroom experience, criminal law specialization, and familiarity with Riverside County courts. The firm highlights more than 20 years of experience in Riverside County, not-guilty verdicts in local courthouses, and individualized defense strategies designed around the circumstances of each client’s case.

7. Law Office of Gregory H. Comings, APC

• Official Website: comingslaw.com

• Attorney: Gregory H. Comings, Founder and Managing Attorney.
• Headquarters: 3850 Vine Street, Suite 100, Riverside, CA 92507.
• Phone: (951) 686-3457
• Website: comingslaw.com
• Practice Areas: Criminal defense (DUI, drug crimes, violent crimes, assault, domestic violence, theft and property crimes, sex crimes, crimes against children, weapons charges, gang-related offenses, and probation violations), felony and misdemeanor defense, and related criminal proceedings.
• Firm Size: Small boutique criminal defense practice operated under a one-attorney representation model. The firm does not publicly specify its total employee count or founding year.

Firm Overview:

The Law Office of Gregory H. Comings, APC is a Riverside-based criminal defense law firm representing individuals facing misdemeanor and felony charges throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Founded by Attorney Gregory H. Comings, the practice focuses exclusively on criminal defense and has served clients in the Inland Empire since 2003. Comings is a former Deputy Public Defender who brings more than 20 years of criminal defense experience. He earned his Juris Doctor from California Southern Law School and his bachelor’s degree from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. His practice includes representing clients in serious criminal matters ranging from assault and drug offenses to high-profile murder cases. The California State Bar lists him as an active attorney, admitted in 2003.

8. Wallin & Klarich Criminal Defense Attorneys

• Founded: 1981
• Attorney: Paul J. Wallin (Founding Partner); Stephen D. Klarich (Founding Partner, Retired); Matthew B. Wallin and Jonathan M. Lynn (Partners). The Riverside office page also identifies Paul Wallin and Evan DeLorio as attorneys serving Riverside. Wallin & Klarich+2
• Headquarters: 18022 Cowan, Suite 285, Irvine, CA 92614. The firm also maintains a Riverside office at 7177 Brockton Avenue, Suite 339, Riverside, CA 92506. Wallin & Klarich, A Law Corporation+1
• Phone: (951) 684-3340 (Riverside office); (877) 466-5245 (firm’s general number). Wallin & Klarich+1
• Website: https://www.wklaw.com/
• Practice Areas: Criminal defense, DUI, drug crimes, violent crimes, sex crimes, domestic violence, assault, theft, fraud, white-collar crimes, federal crimes, juvenile matters, weapons offenses, appeals, expungements, and post-conviction relief. Wallin & Klarich+2
• Firm Size: Small-to-mid-sized firm. LinkedIn lists 11–50 employees, while the firm’s attorney directory identifies approximately 10 attorneys, including of-counsel lawyers.

Firm Overview:

Wallin & Klarich is a Southern California criminal defense law firm established in 1981 by founding partners Paul J. Wallin and Stephen D. Klarich. Headquartered in Irvine, the firm serves clients throughout Southern California through multiple office locations, including Riverside. Its attorneys represent individuals facing misdemeanor and felony charges, as well as DUI allegations and other criminal matters. Paul Wallin, the firm’s founding partner, has practiced since establishing the firm and handles a broad range of criminal defense matters, including drug offenses, violent crimes, sex crimes, theft, and felony cases.

9. Law Office of Michael L. Guisti

• Founded: 1999, according to the firm’s website
• Attorney: Michael L. Guisti, Founding Attorney.
• Headquarters: 2030 Main Street, Suite 1300, Irvine, CA 92614. The firm also lists offices in Garden Grove and Newport Beach. The Irvine and Newport Beach locations are by appointment only.
• Phone: (888) 478-8999 (main number); (714) 530-9690 (Garden Grove office).
• Website: https://www.topcalifornialawyer.com/
• Practice Areas: Criminal defense, DUI, drug crimes, violent crimes, homicide, assault and battery, domestic violence, sex crimes, federal offenses, firearms offenses, theft, fraud, white-collar crimes, juvenile crimes, probation violations, appeals, and expungements. Law Office of Michael L. Guisti+1
• Firm Size: The firm describes a team of attorneys and support staff, but I could not verify a reliable employee count or current attorney headcount. Law Office of Michael L. Guisti

Firm Overview

The Law Office of Michael L. Guisti is an Orange County criminal defense practice founded by attorney Michael L. Guisti. According to the firm’s website, Guisti has represented people accused of crimes throughout Orange County since 1999. The firm handles both misdemeanor and felony matters and serves clients across Southern California, including Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Its listed office locations include Irvine, Garden Grove, and Newport Beach, with the Irvine and Newport Beach offices available by appointment. Law Office of Michael L. Guisti+3

The practice emphasizes individualized defense strategies, client communication, and protecting clients’ rights throughout the criminal process. Its website highlights experience with a broad range of cases, including federal criminal matters, drug charges, sex offenses, violent crimes, DUI, and white-collar allegations. The firm also publishes selected case results, including dismissed charges and reductions in serious felony cases. Guisti’s listed recognitions include membership in The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 and a 10.0 Avvo rating; these are claims presented on the firm’s website and should be checked against the relevant organizations before publication.

10. Law Offices of David S. Chesley

• Attorney: David S. Chesley, Founding Attorney.
• Headquarters: The firm lists a Temecula office at 43537 Ridge Park Drive, Suite 100, Temecula, CA 92590. It also publishes a Sherman Oaks office address at 4533 Van Nuys Boulevard, Second Floor, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403. The Temecula location advises callers to confirm the appointment address before visiting. Law Offices of David S. Chesley+1
• Phone: (800) 755-5174 (main firm number)
• Website: https://www.chesleylawyers.com/
• Practice Areas: Criminal defense, DUI/DWI, drug offenses, violent crimes, domestic violence, assault and battery, theft, fraud, sex crimes, murder and homicide, and immigration-related matters. Law Offices of David S. Chesley+1
• Firm Size: The firm describes its team as having more than 25 criminal defense attorneys in California. This is a firm-reported figure; I did not independently verify the current attorney headcount. Payment Plans │ Free Consult+1

Firm Overview

The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is a California criminal defense firm led by founding attorney David S. Chesley. The firm represents clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges throughout California, including in Temecula and Riverside County. Its website identifies Chesley as a California attorney (State Bar No. 236611), admitted on June 2, 2005. The firm describes its team as including more than 25 criminal defense attorneys and reports more than 50 years of combined courtroom experience. Law Offices of David S. Chesley+2

The firm handles a broad range of criminal allegations, from DUI and drug charges to serious violent offenses, sex crimes, theft, fraud, and homicide. Its stated defense approach includes investigating the allegations, challenging unlawfully obtained evidence, consulting expert witnesses, negotiating with prosecutors, and taking cases to trial when necessary. The firm also publishes selected case results, including dismissals and charge reductions, while noting that outcomes depend on the facts of each case. It advertises free initial consultations and 24/7 availability.

Summary

Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer in Riverside, California, can be an important step when facing misdemeanor or felony charges. The firms featured in this list represent individuals accused of a wide range of offenses, including DUI, drug crimes, violent crimes, domestic violence, sex crimes, theft, fraud, weapons offenses, and federal crimes.

The 10 featured law firms offer different approaches to criminal defense. Some are established practices with decades of experience, such as Blumenthal & Moore, APC, founded in 1975, and Wallin & Klarich, established in 1981. Others emphasize boutique, personalized representation, including Arsany & Barraza Attorneys at Law and the Law Office of Gregory H. Comings, APC. Several attorneys also bring valuable experience from public defender or prosecutor roles, including John L. Michels, Graham D. Donath, Paul Grech Jr., and Gregory H. Comings.

Although most of the firms maintain Riverside offices, some serve Riverside County from nearby locations, including Irvine and Temecula. Their practice areas, attorney backgrounds, firm sizes, and geographic coverage differ. Individuals considering legal representation should review each firm’s experience with the specific charges involved, confirm the attorney’s current State Bar status, and arrange a consultation to discuss their circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I choose the right criminal defense lawyer in Riverside, CA?

Look for an attorney with experience handling charges similar to yours, familiarity with Riverside County courts, and a clear approach to case preparation and communication. You may also want to review the attorney’s professional background, relevant case experience, client reviews, and current California State Bar status. A consultation can help you determine whether the attorney is a suitable fit for your case.

2. What types of criminal cases do Riverside criminal defense lawyers handle?

Criminal defense lawyers in Riverside handle a wide range of misdemeanor and felony cases. These may include DUI, drug possession and trafficking, assault, domestic violence, murder, sex crimes, theft, fraud, weapons offenses, juvenile offenses, and probation violations. Some firms also handle federal criminal cases, appeals, expungements, and post-conviction matters.

3. Can I find a criminal defense lawyer in Riverside who previously worked as a prosecutor or public defender?

Yes. Several attorneys featured in this list have prior experience in prosecution or public defense. John L. Michels and Paul Grech Jr. previously worked with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, while Graham D. Donath and Gregory H. Comings have public defender backgrounds. This experience may provide insight into how criminal cases are investigated, evaluated, and prosecuted.

4. Do all the law firms on this list have offices in Riverside?

No. Several firms maintain offices in Riverside, including Arsany & Barraza Attorneys at Law, Blumenthal & Moore, the Law Offices of Graham Donath, and the Law Office of Gregory H. Comings. Other firms serve Riverside County through offices in nearby cities or from locations elsewhere in Southern California. For example, Wallin & Klarich lists a Riverside office, while the Law Office of Michael L. Guisti lists offices in Orange County and the Law Offices of David S. Chesley lists a Temecula office. Contact each firm to confirm its current office arrangements and availability.

5. How much does it cost to hire a criminal defense lawyer in Riverside?

Legal fees vary depending on the attorney, the seriousness of the charges, the complexity of the case, and whether the matter proceeds to trial. Some criminal defense firms offer free initial consultations, while others may charge consultation fees. Before hiring an attorney, ask about the retainer, payment arrangements, additional costs, and what services are included in the representation agreement.

Disclaimer: This list is an independent editorial selection of criminal defense law firms serving Riverside, California, and surrounding communities. It is not an official ranking, endorsement, or recommendation issued by the California State Bar, any court, or another government agency. The firms were included based on publicly available information about their criminal defense practice areas, office locations, attorney backgrounds, professional experience, and other available credentials.

Information was gathered from the law firms’ official websites and publicly accessible professional sources. Firm-reported experience, attorney counts, case results, awards, and recognitions have not necessarily been independently verified. Office locations, phone numbers, attorney rosters, and practice areas may change over time. Readers should contact the firms directly and verify attorney licensing and disciplinary information through the State Bar of California.