Aggressive Riverside, California Criminal Defense Lawyers

Facing charges in Riverside County? You need more than just legal advice — you need a strategy. At Michael & Associates, our experienced criminal defense lawyers act fast to protect your rights, your reputation, and your future. Free 24/7 case reviews.

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Attorney

Ben Michael

Award Winning Defense Attorney

Top 10
Texas Defense Attorney
98%
Client Satisfaction
500+
Years Experience
5.0★
Google Rating

Charged with a Crime? We Fight Back – and Win.

At Michael & Associates, we don’t waste time. Every case is handled by a senior criminal defense lawyer who knows Riverside’s legal system — its prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement agencies. We begin building your defense immediately, often before charges are filed.

Whether you were arrested in Downtown Riverside, Moreno Valley, Hemet, Corona, Temecula, or anywhere in Riverside County, one thing is sure: the legal system moves quickly against you. The district attorney’s office starts reviewing the case the moment police submit their report. If you wait too long, the damage begins stacking up.

Once you’re arrested, everything moves quickly. Police reports are filed, charging decisions are made, and the first court date is scheduled. Meanwhile, your job, your driver’s license, and even your freedom may be on the line.

We know what questions you’re probably asking:

  • Will I go to jail?
  • Can this be dismissed?
  • Do I really need a lawyer right now?

The answer? You need to act quickly — because the system already is.

We’ve helped clients across Riverside County, including Riverside, Moreno Valley, Indio, Temecula, Banning, Murrieta, and surrounding cities. No matter the charge, we work to minimize the impact and regain control of your case.

Each courthouse operates differently. Some prosecutors push hard early. Others allow more room for pre-filing negotiations. 

We regularly represent clients in:

  • Riverside Hall of Justice (Downtown)
  • Southwest Justice Center (Murrieta)
  • Banning Justice Center
  • Indio Larson Justice Center
  • Temecula and Palm Desert Branches

We know their patterns — and we use them to your advantage.

You Work Directly With a Senior Trial Lawyer

Every case is handled by an experienced criminal defense attorney—not a junior associate or paralegal. We bring years of experience in Riverside County courtrooms handling everything from misdemeanors to serious felonies. That depth of knowledge gives us the ability to attack weak points in the prosecution’s case from the start.

We Take Fewer Cases So We Can Focus on Yours

This is not a volume firm. We accept a limited number of clients so we can:

  • Review every piece of discovery
  • Examine body cam and police reports for inconsistencies
  • File early suppression motions
  • Conduct independent investigations when necessary
  • Prepare like we’re going to trial—because that’s how strong negotiations start

Honest, Clear Communication

You’ll never be left in the dark. We return calls promptly — often the same day — and explain every step in plain language. You’ll know what’s happening and why, and you’ll get real advice, not sugar-coated promises or fear-based pressure.

What We Defend: Criminal Charges in Riverside County

We handle a wide range of cases—from common misdemeanors to the most serious felonies. Every case gets our full attention, no matter the charge.

Misdemeanors

We frequently defend clients charged with:

  • Petty theft
  • Shoplifting
  • Vandalism
  • Simple assault
  • Public intoxication
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Drug possession (small quantity or first-time offenses)

These are often charges where early intervention can lead to diversion, dismissal, or reduced penalties. Acting fast helps protect your record and avoid long-term consequences.

Serious Misdemeanors & Felonies

Our team handles high-stakes cases such as:

  • DUI and DUI with injury
  • Domestic violence
  • Battery and aggravated assault
  • Burglary
  • Robbery and armed robbery
  • Drug sales or trafficking
  • Gun and firearm charges
  • Probation violations
  • Hit-and-run
  • Identity theft and fraud
  • Juvenile crimes
  • Manslaughter or homicide

Felony cases require intense strategy and preparation. We bring in expert witnesses when needed, attack weak evidence, and prepare your case for trial from day one.

Law Enforcement Agencies We Regularly Challenge

Most criminal cases in Riverside County originate from these agencies:

  • Riverside Police Department (RPD)
  • Riverside County Sheriff's Department
  • California Highway Patrol – Inland Division
  • Corona, Moreno Valley, Hemet, Banning, and Temecula PDs

Each agency has different procedures and levels of documentation. We know how to find inconsistencies in arrest reports, spot errors in body cam footage, and expose overreach or misconduct when it happens.

How We Beat Criminal Charges in Riverside

To win in court—or even negotiate a strong outcome—we look for every crack in the case against you. Our strategy includes:

  • Challenging unlawful traffic stops or detentions
  • Suppressing evidence from illegal searches
  • Identifying mistakes in how evidence was collected or stored
  • Calling out inconsistent or missing police reports
  • Analyzing body cam footage that contradicts official statements
  • Highlighting unreliable witness statements
  • Exposing constitutional violations

Many clients come to us thinking their case is “open and shut.” Once we investigate, we often find enough to file motions that lead to reduced charges—or dismissals.

What to Expect When You Hire Us

From the moment you contact us, we make the process straightforward. You’ll speak directly with a senior Riverside criminal defense lawyer—not a call center or junior staffer. After hearing your side of the story, we’ll:

  • Immediately preserve key evidence
  • Request and review all documents and reports
  • File motions to suppress insufficient evidence
  • Handle bail or release issues, if needed
  • Negotiate strategically — or prepare for trial
  • Keep you informed at every step

We don’t just defend — we protect your future.

Sources: California Penal Code; California Vehicle Code §§23152, 23153, 23612, 13353;; Riverside County Superior Court – Criminal Division; Riverside Police Department (RPD); Riverside County Sheriff’s Department; California DMV; California Highway Patrol (CHP); NHTSA

Talk to One of Our Attorneys Today

A criminal charge in Riverside doesn’t have to define your life. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor charges or serious felonies, the right legal defense can mean the difference between jail time and walking free.

Our firm brings decades of experience to the courtroom—and we know how to fight back.

Call Michael & Associates today for a free, confidential case review.

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