Author Archives: thetorranceattorney

About thetorranceattorney

Matthew Ruff is a Torrance criminal defense attorney located near the 405 freeway on Crenshaw Blvd. Focusing on DUI and serious criminal cases for over twenty five years. In addition to criminal cases, Matthew also defends clients at the DMV regarding license suspension hearings stemming from drunk driving arrests.

Does a Pilot Need To Report A Refusal to the FAA?

Posted on June 21, 2022 by thetorranceattorney

The answer to this question requires a brief discussion laws, rules and regulations. First, 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 61.15(e) requires that everyone holding a pilot’s license report motor vehicle actions (see 61.15(c) for definition but it includes DWI/DWAI … Continue reading →

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Torrance Criminal Defense Attorney Matthew Ruff Explains Domestic Violence Laws in California

Posted on May 14, 2022 by thetorranceattorney

Anyone facing an upcoming DV criminal charge can easily be confused, scared and unsure of what the future holds, this article will explain the various domestic violence charges that can be filed against a person in the Torrance Court. The … Continue reading →

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I Got A DUI in Texas But I Am Moving To California, What Will CA Do?

Posted on May 11, 2022 by thetorranceattorney

Here is the scenario: Client has a pending DWI in Texas. He currently has a Texas Driver’s license but he is living in California.  If he sits out his 6 month license suspension in Texas and then Applies for a … Continue reading →

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Motion To Exclude Use Of Term “Drug Recognition Expert” (DRE) at Trial.

Posted on April 29, 2022 by thetorranceattorney

A Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) is a cop who has taken a specialized training course. According to the training manual, “The Drug Recognition Expert course is a series of three training phases that, collectively, prepare police officers and other qualified … Continue reading →

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What Are The Consequences of A DUI on DACA?

Posted on April 11, 2022 by thetorranceattorney

Recently I represented a young man charged with DUI in Los Angeles County. The client was a a recipient of DACA and was afraid of the impact a driving under the influence conviction would have on his ability to remain … Continue reading →

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How To Avoid A DUI

Posted on April 2, 2022 by thetorranceattorney

Having practiced criminal defense for close to 30 years I have been asked numerous times what should I do if stopped for a DWI? I’ve never been one to give people advice on how to thwart the law, however, over … Continue reading →

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Are Field Sobriety Tests Reliable?

Posted on March 20, 2022 by thetorranceattorney

In California, as is the case in most states, Field Sobriety Tests are used to determine probable cause to arrest for driving under the influence. The “tests” are also used as substantive evidence of impairment for purposes of proving whether … Continue reading →

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Can Blood in the Mouth After an Accident Affect the Breathalyzer?

Posted on March 6, 2022 by thetorranceattorney

It is not uncommon in some DUI accident cases for the driver to sustain injury to their face from the deployment of the airbag. The force of the bag hitting the facial area can be quite substantial causing cuts to … Continue reading →

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Judicial Profile: Torrance Judge Laura C. Ellison

Posted on March 6, 2022 by thetorranceattorney

Judge Ellison is a Superior Court Judge in the Torrance Branch of the Los Angeles Superior Court. She currently presides in Department C of the Court which hears mostly Felony Criminal Matters. Dept. C is a Trial Courtroom where cases … Continue reading →

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Caretaker And Parental Diversion Motion in California

Posted on May 2, 2021 by thetorranceattorney

Caretaker Diversion is codified in Penal Code 1001.83. The law is a welcome sight for many who saw the instability and chaos created when a parent of a minor child went to prison. The law allows for rehabilitation and accountability … Continue reading →

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New California Judicial Diversion Motion For 2021

Posted on January 2, 2021 by thetorranceattorney

A few years ago California allowed Judges to grant Diversion over the objections of the prosecution on most misdemeanor offenses, this was commonly referred to as Judicial Diversion.  Unfortunately the statute that allowed for this expired.  In 2021 the law has brought … Continue reading →

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How To Get A Copy of Your California Criminal Record

Posted on December 19, 2020 by thetorranceattorney

Anyone who wants one can get a copy of their official criminal history from the State of California. This criminal record is the same record that law enforcement uses and many private and governmental employers. To get a copy of … Continue reading →

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