Facing criminal charges for Public Intoxication (PC 647(f)) and Resisting Arrest (PC 148) can be a terrifying experience, especially for a college student with their entire career ahead of them. In Long Beach, attorney Matthew Ruff has proven that the most effective defense often happens behind the scenes—before a case ever reaches a courtroom.

The Strategy: Proactive Pre-Filing Intervention

In a notable recent case, a local college student was arrested after an encounter with police in the busy nightlife district of Long Beach. Realizing that a criminal record could jeopardize the student’s financial aid, internships, and future job prospects, Matthew Ruff immediately went to work.

Rather than waiting for the scheduled court date, Ruff initiated a pre-filing intervention. This involves:

• Direct Outreach to the Prosecutor: Ruff contacted the Long Beach City Prosecutor’s Office shortly after the arrest.
• Presenting a “Human” Element: He provided evidence of the student’s academic achievements and lack of a prior criminal history, arguing that a permanent record was a disproportionate punishment for a one-time mistake.
• Legal Arguments Against PC 647(f): Ruff challenged the prosecution’s ability to prove the student was truly unable to care for their own safety—a high legal bar required for a Public Intoxication (drunk in public) conviction.

The Result: No Charges Filed

By intervening early, Ruff successfully convinced the prosecutor that the interests of justice would not be served by moving forward. The City Prosecutor agreed to reject the case, meaning:

• The Charges Were Dropped: No formal criminal complaint was ever filed with the court.
• Clean Record: The student avoided the “resisting arrest” stigma that often prevents graduates from passing professional background checks.
• No Courtroom Stress: The matter was resolved discreetly, allowing the student to stay focused on their studies without the shadow of a pending trial.

Why Local Expertise Matters

In Long Beach, the window between an arrest and a filing decision is narrow. Matthew Ruff’s deep familiarity with the Long Beach City Prosecutor’s policies allows him to present mitigation that often results in “DA Rejects” or “City Attorney Rejects.”

For any student or parent dealing with a recent arrest, the lesson is clear: don’t wait for the court date. If you or a loved one are facing charges, you can reach out to the Law Office of Matthew Ruff to discuss a pre-filing strategy.

Matthew Ruff is a Long Beach DUI Attorney and Criminal Defense Lawyer with over 30 years experience in Torrance, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Huntington Beach and throughout Southern California.