This year attorney Matthew Ruff is celebrating his 30th year as a defense attorney in the state of California.
Three Decades of Defense: Celebrating 30 Years of Advocacy and Recent Successes
This year marks a significant milestone for our firm. It has been 30 years since I first began representing individuals facing the complexities of the criminal justice system. Reaching three decades of practice is more than just a personal achievement; it is a testament to the trust our clients place in us during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
When I started this journey, the legal landscape looked quite different, but the core mission remains the same: ensuring that every individual receives a vigorous defense, protected constitutional rights, and a fair day in court.
Recent Victories in the Courtroom and at the DMV
While we pause to celebrate the past 30 years, our focus remains firmly on the present. We are proud to share several recent successes that highlight our commitment to technical precision and aggressive advocacy:
• DUI Charges Dismissed via Forensic Challenge: In a recent case involving a high Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) reading, we successfully challenged the scientific foundation of the breath test. By demonstrating technical violations of Title 17 regulations and highlighting issues with the maintenance of the testing equipment, we were able to secure a complete dismissal of all criminal charges.
• Constitutional Wins on Traffic Stops: Our firm recently prevailed in a Motion to Suppress Evidence (Penal Code 1538.5). We argued that the initial traffic stop lacked reasonable suspicion and that the subsequent detention was unlawfully prolonged, citing key precedents like Rodriguez v. United States. The court agreed, leading to the suppression of all evidence and a favorable resolution for our client.
• Setting Aside DMV License Suspensions: Administrative Per Se (APS) hearings are often more difficult than the court cases themselves. Recently, we successfully set aside a suspension by identifying critical errors in the DS 367 forms and challenging the “time of driving” presumptions used by the department. This victory allowed our client to maintain their driving privileges and their livelihood.
• Pre-Filing Successes: One of our most effective strategies continues to be early intervention. This month alone, we successfully prevented formal charges from being filed in two separate cases by presenting comprehensive mitigation packages to the prosecutor before the initial court date.
Looking Ahead
Experience matters most when the stakes are high. Whether it’s navigating the intricacies of forensic toxicology—such as “mouth alcohol” contamination or retrograde extrapolation—or fighting for Fourth Amendment rights, those 30 years of experience are poured into every brief we write and every argument we make.
Thank you to our clients, colleagues, and the Southern California community for three incredible decades. We look forward to many more years of protecting your rights in Long Beach, Santa Monica, Torrance, and beyond.
If you or a loved one are facing legal challenges, put 30 years of specialized experience in your corner. Contact Matthew Ruff today for a consultation.
Matthew J Ruff, DUI Attorney has represented over 5000 clients in cases throughout California. His level of experience and expertise is unparalleled and his relationships with prosecutors and Judges in all local Courts permit him to obtain the best outcomes for his clients.
