Just this week Defense Attorney Matthew Ruff was successful in getting felony charges of possession of loaded firearm in a vehicle dropped due to insufficient evidence.

The case originated when his client was involved in a traffic collision in Long Beach. The client was visiting the Los Angeles area for work at one of the local refineries. Unfortunately, police found a loaded handgun inside his truck and arrested him. The case was submitted to the DA who filed FELONY charges alleging the gun was not registered. The DA assigned to the case also believed the client was DUI based on admission to drinking at Hooters prior to the collision.

The client was facing loss of his job as a welding inspector. The client had a TWIC (TSA Worker Credential) card that was going to be disqualified due to the felony charge. Matthew was not going to allow this to happen. He fought the case and presented evidence to the Court that the DA improperly charged his client, who was not a resident of California. The client’s only criminal record was a DUI in Texas.

The DA handling the case also falsely insinuated the client was driving under the influence in this case, without any evidence to support it. The offer from the DA was: Plead to a Felony and become a convicted felon for 2 years formal probation and 60 days Caltrans and AA meetings. Matthew promptly rejected that offer and made a motion in Court to drop the charges, arguing there was insufficient evidence to prove his client guilty of any felony.

At the hearing on the motion, the judge agreed with Matthew and dismissed the felony!

Matthew Ruff is a Top Tier Long Beach Criminal Defense Attorney and Long Beach DUI Lawyer with over 30 years experience fighting and winning justice for his clients.