Matthew Jay Ruff

About Matthew Jay Ruff

☎️ Call Matt Directly NOW 310-527-4100

“In a system where the government’s word is often taken as gospel, Matthew Ruff stands as the ultimate truth teller—a legal force who looks past the badge to find the facts the police hope stay hidden.”

Matthew is a long time NCDD member and Top Tier DUI Attorney in Southern California serving Los Angeles, Redondo Beach, Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, Torrance, Palos Verdes, Hermosa Beach, Venice, Malibu, Long Beach, Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, San Luis Obispo, El Segundo DUI Lawyers and most other CA cities for nearly 30 YEARS! We also handle cases in Kern County, Lamont and Mojave California.

NHTSA Trained at Instructional Level. DRE Trained. ARIDE Trained. 5 Star Rated by clients on Social Media! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Award Winning! Named “10 Best Attorney” by American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
Highest Success Rate!

Verified Recent Case Successes (January 2026)
Prominent California DUI defense attorney Matthew Ruff has successfully secured a complete set-aside of a driving privilege suspension for a client, overcoming breathalyzer test results well above the legal limit. The decisive victory hinged on exposing a critical procedural failure by law enforcement regarding state-mandated observation periods following a bathroom break. The case involved a motorist who submitted to chemical breath tests yielding Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) results of 0.14% and 0.15%, significantly higher than the California legal limit of 0.08%. Despite these numbers, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Driver Safety Officer ruled that the administrative action against the respondent's driving privilege could not be upheld. The defense successfully demonstrated that law enforcement failed to adhere strictly to Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations. Title 17 dictates that an officer must maintain continuous, uninterrupted observation of a subject for at least 15 minutes prior to a breath test to ensure the individual does not ingest anything, regurgitate, or burp—actions that can cause residual mouth alcohol to severely contaminate and artificially inflate breathalyzer readings. According to the official DMV findings, the arresting officer admitted during testimony that he permitted the respondent to use the restroom to urinate immediately prior to the testing sequence. Because the restroom area was 15 feet away and the respondent’s back was turned toward the officer, the officer conceded he could not observe the respondent’s face, nor could he definitively determine if a burp, belch, or regurgitation had occurred. Furthermore, the officer admitted he only observed the client for two to three minutes after the bathroom break before initiating the breath test. "Title 17 regulations are not optional guidelines; they are strict scientific safeguards designed to ensure the integrity of chemical testing," said attorney Matthew Ruff. "When an officer allows a bathroom break and breaks that mandatory 15-minute continuous observation window, the scientific reliability of the machine's results completely collapses. Our client desperately needed their license for employment, and we are incredibly pleased that the DMV recognized the rule of law must prevail over compromised evidence." As a direct result of the Title 17 violation uncovered by DUI Lawyer Matthew Ruff, the DMV officially determined that the preponderance of evidence did not support that the respondent was driving with a BAC at or above 0.08%. The driver's license suspension was fully set aside, completely restoring the client's driving privileges. With over 30 years of experience specializing in criminal defense and drunk driving laws, Matthew Ruff continues to establish himself as a premier DUI defense attorney in Southern California by combining rigorous scientific scrutiny with aggressive legal advocacy.
45 Minutes to Justice: Reaffirming the Power of a Strong DUI Defense When a jury walks out of a courtroom to deliberate, the tension is palpable. For many, that wait lasts days. But in the case of The People vs. Diaz, it took less time than a standard lunch break for a jury of her peers to see the truth. Today, we’re looking back at a standout acquittal that highlights exactly what happens when the prosecution’s case meets a relentless defense. The Speed of Certainty The client faced two serious misdemeanor counts: driving under the influence and driving with a BAC of .08% or higher. These are the "standard" charges used to corner defendants, attacking both their physical conduct and their chemical biology. However, the official court record tells a story of a prosecution that failed to hold water: • 2:50 P.M.: The Jury retires to deliberate. • 3:35 P.M.: The Jury signals they have reached a verdict. • 3:40 P.M.: The verdict is read in open court. The result? A "Not Guilty" verdict on all counts in just 45 minutes. Why a Quick Verdict Matters In the legal world, a 45-minute deliberation is a powerful statement. It suggests that the defense didn't just "create doubt"—it likely exposed fundamental flaws in the state’s evidence. Whether it was challenging the accuracy of the breathalyzer or dismantling the officer’s testimony regarding impairment, the jury didn't need hours to "think it over." The lack of evidence was clear from the start. The Final Word: Acquitted The trial ended with the following official disposition: • Count (01): ACQUITTED BY JURY • Count (02): ACQUITTED BY JURY Experience You Can Count On A DUI arrest can feel like an automatic conviction, but as this case proves, the right strategy can change everything. Matthew Ruff has spent decades protecting the rights of drivers, turning complex legal battles into swift victories for his clients. If you’re looking for a defense that commands the courtroom and demands a fair result, you’ve come to the right place. Facing a DUI? Get a defense that doesn't waste time. Contact Matthew Ruff today.
From a .29% PAS to a "Wet Reckless": How Matthew Ruff Won a "Refusal" Case in Long Beach A DUI arrest on Catalina Island presents a unique set of challenges. Between the relaxed vacation atmosphere of Avalon and the specific transport protocols to the mainland, things can get complicated quickly. However, a recent case handled by veteran DUI attorney Matthew Ruff proves that even with a sky-high breath test and a "refusal" charge, a skilled defense can change everything. The Facts: A "High-Centered" Case in Avalon In this specific case, the suspect was detained in Descanso Canyon after his golf cart became "high-centered" on a planter. When officers arrived, they noted "obvious signs of intoxication." A Preliminary Alcohol Screening (PAS) test was administered on the island, returning staggering results of .294% and .293%—nearly four times the legal limit. Following the arrest, the suspect was transported to the Avalon Station, where the situation shifted from a standard DUI to a "Refusal" case. The suspect declined the formal chemical test, a move that typically triggers a mandatory one-year license suspension in California with no chance for a restricted permit. How Matthew Ruff Dismantled the Prosecution's Case Facing a .29% BAC and a refusal charge in the Long Beach Court (which handles Avalon matters) usually feels like a guaranteed conviction. But Mr. Ruff looked closer at the technicalities: 1. Challenging the "Refusal" Admonition For a refusal to hold up in court, the officer must clearly and correctly advise the driver of the legal consequences. Mr. Ruff scrutinized the interaction at the Avalon Station. If the admonition was confusing, or if the suspect’s request for an attorney was handled improperly before the refusal was recorded, the "refusal" can be thrown out. 2. Attacking the .29% PAS Reliability While a .29% looks devastating on paper, a Preliminary Alcohol Screening (PAS) test is often less reliable than the evidentiary breath machines found at mainland stations. Mr. Ruff knows how to challenge these handheld devices, questioning: • The calibration logs of the specific device used in Descanso Canyon. • Whether the "high-centered" accident caused "mouth alcohol" to skew the results. • The officer's training in administering the test under island conditions. 3. Negotiating the "Wet Reckless" By highlighting the flaws in the refusal process and the potential unreliability of the field testing, Mr. Ruff created enough "reasonable doubt" to bring the prosecution to the table. Instead of facing a DUI conviction and a year-long license seizure, the charges were reduced to a "Wet Reckless" (VC 23103 per 23103.5). Why This Victory Matters A "Wet Reckless" is a significantly better outcome, especially when a refusal is involved: • No Mandatory 1-Year Suspension: The driver avoids the "hard" suspension triggered by a refusal. • Lower Penalties: Fines are reduced and probation periods are typically shorter. • Avoided Jail Time: High-BAC cases (.15% or higher) often carry enhanced penalties or jail time; this reduction successfully bypassed those enhancements. The Takeaway If you are arrested in Avalon or anywhere in Long Beach, the "evidence" isn't always as solid as the police report makes it seem. As Matthew Ruff demonstrated here, even a .29% reading can be overcome with a defense that targets the technical and constitutional errors made during the arrest.
Recently, Attorney Matthew Ruff achieved the dismissal of public intoxication charges and the sealing of arrest records for a client following an incident in Manhattan Beach, California. The case involved an encounter with the Manhattan Beach Police Department. Ruff utilized a comprehensive defense strategy, including investigation and negotiation at the Torrance Superior Court, demonstrating that the evidence did not meet the legal standards for the charges.
Drug Case Dismissal: On January 9, 2026, he secured a total dismissal of high-stakes charges involving a large-scale marijuana cultivation operation by proving constitutional violations during the investigation. Rising BAC Victory: On January 8, 2026, he won a "Rising BAC" case in San Luis Obispo County, using scientific retrograde extrapolation to prove a client's alcohol level was below the legal limit at the time of driving. DMV Win: On January 5, 2026, he successfully had a license suspension set aside for a client with .12/.13 breathalyzer results by challenging "conclusory" police reports.

Past Case Wins! Long Beach DUI Attorney was able to get DUI charges dropped in a Long Beach case by uncovering evidence the breath test results were unreliable. The breathalyzer results were reported as .16 by the arresting officer, however the attorney produced evidence to refute the integrity of the results and the DMV threw out the pending suspension. Matthew was also successful in obtaining a set aside of a refusal suspension in a North Hollywood DWI case where the client was facing a mandatory 1 year “hard” suspension for failing to submit to a chemical test. Matthew challenged the action and argued the evidence was insufficient to justify a suspension for refusing to take a test. The DMV agreed and dismissed the case against his client.

Have you been arrested on Catalina Island for being drunk in public? Matt can help. He handles both DUI and public intoxication on Avalon. Drunk in Public on Catalina Island .

☎️ Call Matt Directly NOW 310-527-4100
(You Will NOT Be “Passed Off” to a Secretary)

Text Matt on his cell at 310-686-1533

With nearly 30 years experience , Matthew has defended thousands of drunk driving cases and DMV Administrative Hearings over the course of his career, many jury trials resulting in acquittal and many motions resulting in dismissal. In addition, Matt is a Top California DMV Hearing Attorney who has successfully defended thousands of DMV suspensions including APS/.08 or more, refusals, commercial driver and under 21 zero tolerance cases.

From Catalina Island to the Antelope Valley, Matthew has fought and won cases in just about every city in Los Angeles County. In order to best serve his clients, he has satellite offices in most major Courts. For example, if you have a case in downtown LA, he covers that Court.

Matt has the highest success rate and prides himself in obtaining the best results for his clients. For example, recently he was able to get all charges dismissed for a client facing DUI charges in Redondo Beach California. The dismissal was particularly noteworthy because the client had a prior driving under the influence conviction within 10 years and was facing mandatory jail if convicted.

In another case he was able to get DWI charges dropped in Los Angeles CA for a client arrested with her 4 year old son in the car. She was facing horrific consequences and child endangerment charges in addition to the drunk driving. Matt fought the case and ultimately negotiated a dismissal of all charges and reduction to a lesser offense.

Fighting and winning drunk driving cases has been Matthew’s passion for the last 30 years. As a Top Tier DUI Lawyer, he prides himself of beating cases that many think are impossible to win. In one case Matt was able to convince the DMV hearing officer that the blood results of .30% (that’s nearly 4 times the legal limit) should be thrown out.

In yet another case Matt was called upon to defend a client seeking a Long Beach DUI Attorney after he was arrested and facing a 1 year suspension for refusal to take a chemical test. Matt got a DMV hearing and stopped the suspension and obtained the body-cam evidence which told a different story. He won the DMV hearing and saved his client’s license.

Matt is also extremely knowledgeable in presenting the “rising blood alcohol” defense. This defense is a way to defeat the breath or blood test by accepting the results the state has obtained, but showing the client had a much lower BAC at the time of driving. In one recent Pismo Beach DUI case Matt was successful in winning on this issue for a client facing mandatory 1 year license suspension at the DMV. If you or someone close to you is facing a DUI in San Luis Obispo, Matt can help you as well.

☎️ Call Matt Directly NOW at 310-527-4100

In California it is also possible to get driving while intoxicated charges reduced to a lower charge called alcohol related reckless driving or “wet reckless”. Recently, Matt was able to get a 2nd offense DUI in Hermosa Beach dropped to a wet reckless and avoid mandatory jail and ignition interlock requirements.

Matt also defends clients facing other criminal charges associated with their drunk driving case. For example, in a recent case he fought and won child endangerment allegations filed alongside the DWI when a client was arrested with her 4 year old child in the car on the 10 Freeway near downtown Los Angeles.

Matthew Ruff is also a Top California Refusal Hearing Attorney with the highest success rate beating dui refusals using innovative legal defenses such as “Miranda Confusion” and many others.

What are the DMV penalties for a DUI in California? First refusal following arrest for driving while intoxicated is a one year hard suspension. If it is simply a DUI without refusal, 6 month suspension OR 30-day suspension with a 11 month restriction for work and classes OR 6 month IID without additional restrictions.

Here are 5 Tips to follow when being investigated for a DUI: 1. Be Courteous. Cops deal with rude people all day long and always appreciate it when a suspect is respectful and courteous. 2. Tell the officer right up front you do not want to participate in any field sobriety tests. These tests are unreliable and should not be taken. Let the officer know if he wants to place you under arrest you will not resist, however if not you are requesting you be able to proceed on your way. 3. If asked about drinking, respond you will provide your drivers license if requested but you are invoking your Constitutional Right to remain silent as to any questions concerning alleged criminal activity. 4. Get out of the car if requested. Officers are allowed to demand a driver exit his vehicle for officer safety reasons. Do so, but politely decline any field sobriety tests or questions pertaining to drinking. 5. If arrested for DUI in California you must submit to a chemical test or risk losing your license for 1 year. I recommend the breath test because it is the easiest to challenge. Advise the officer of any GERD or recent dental work.

Matt also handles cases on Catalina Island, Avalon, where most drunk driving arrests involve a golf cart. If you are looking for a DUI Attorney in Hawthorne California, Matt is your guy. His office is local and he knows the Judges and the prosecutors. Call Hawthorne DUI Attorney today for a free consultation and case review.

☎️ Call Matthew Direct at 310-527-4100

Just this week Matthew was able to get a Long Beach/Catalina DUI refusal case thrown out for a violation of his client’s rights. The DMV hearing officer agreed with Matthew’s argument that his client was stopped unlawfully and without sufficient probable cause. The set aside means the client will not endure the mandatory 1 year suspension that normally comes from refusing a chemical test following an arrest for DWI. This case follows another refusal case Matt beat in Long Beach CA where the DMV agreed the client was not properly admonished pursuant to California law.

Arrested for DUI in Long Beach? You have essentially two options: 1. You can do nothing. You can fail to demand a DMV hearing to save your license, bury your head in the sand and not hire a lawyer right now to protect your precious rights, or; 2. You can hire a local Long Beach DUI Attorney who can secure a formal hearing with the DMV, obtain all relevant police reports, blood tests, breath test results and scrutinize the evidence to determine whether mistakes were made that could result in a return of your drivers license and a dismissal of the charges in Court.

Where are the DMV Hearings Held in Los Angeles County? All DUI arrests that take place in the southern half of LA take place in El Segundo, the other half are held in Van Nuys. These locations are called “Driver Safety Offices”. It is important to know that you only have 10 days to demand a hearing after an arrest for driving under the influence.

What does a DUI Lawyer Cost? It depends on the complexity of the case. Be careful not to go with a lawyer based solely on the cost of his or her fee. A DUI attorney is not a commodity, a more experienced attorney will be more expensive than a less knowledgeable attorney and you should not compare lawyers on cost alone. If you spend more and get someone with more experience the outcome will usually be much better. A experienced, skilled lawyer retainer fee can start at $3500-$5,000. Perhaps the better question is what is the cost of a DUI if I don’t hire an experienced lawyer? The costs can be substantial. For example, the AAA recently reported that a conviction for driving under the influence can cost you as much as $20,000.00 when you factor in the fines, fees, insurance increases and cost of classes and ignition interlock (IID) fees.

I was arrested for DUI in Hermosa Beach, what happens next? First, don’t ignore the DMV notice you were served upon your release (the pink paper). It is important to jump on the DMV hearing, demand a stay of the suspension and not bury your head in the sand. Second, the Court date will be right around the corner so request the discovery which is all the evidence in the case. Matthew is a Hermosa Beach DUI Attorney who can assist with both of these issues and make sure your rights are protected.

I was stopped and arrested for driving under the influence in Palos Verdes, where will I be going to Court? All cases of DUI, DWI and DUID all go to Torrance Court for prosecution. This means you will have to face a Judge in that Court on the criminal charges stemming from the arrest. The same applies for incidents in Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Palos Verdes Estates or any case which falls within the jurisdiction of the South Bay. Matthew handles cases in these cities and has for over 30 years.

I was vacationing in California and arrested for DUI in Manhattan Beach, do I need to fly back to go to Court? No, in many cases Matt can go to Court for you and defend the case on your behalf. This is allowed under 977 of the CA Penal Code and is done quite frequently to avoid the inconvenience of having to travel from out of state for court appearances.

Does Long Beach DUI Attorney Matthew Ruff defend cases outside Los Angeles? Yes, he handles cases in San Luis Obispo and Kern County. For example, just recently his team represented a client driving to Mammoth and was stopped for drunk driving. The client needed a local lawyer and Matt was happy to help. Among the many other cities in the region we cover is that of Signal Hill. This small suburb of Long Beach is known for its oil fields and industrial facilities. If you are arrested and need a Signal Hill DUI Attorney call Matthew.

Visit our other locations:
Santa Monica DUI Attorneys

Pismo Beach DUI Attorneys

If you were arrested near LAX Airport for any serious misdemeanor or felony offense we are here to help. All cases originating in El Segundo California are heard in the LAX Airport Courthouse. If you are facing an upcoming hearing and need a El Segundo DUI Attorney Matthew is there for you. He can go to Court on your behalf, saving you precious time and money to travel for a court appearance.

We also serve wine country and inland areas of the central coast communities of California, including anyone looking for a Paso Robles DUI Attorney

What is the punishment in California for driving a commercial vehicle while under the influence? In addition to jail time, the DMV will disqualify any commercial driver if it is determined they drove with .04 or higher while in a big rig, or if they drove any vehicle while at or above .08. The disqualification can be a minimum of one year but can be as long as a lifetime depending on the driver’s record. Our team of advocates defend commercial drivers charged with driving while impaired and other criminal offenses, including anyone looking for a Lamont DUI Attorney

Matthew also defends minors charged with underage DUI. His representation includes aggressive defense of the DMV zero tolerance license suspension and the criminal court charges of either VC23152 or VC23140. If you are looking for an Under 21 DUI Lawyer

If you were arrested in Los Angeles for driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) Matt can help. Matthew has been defending clients charged with impaired driving due to marijuana and other drugs for three decades. Matthew is regarded as one of the best marijuana dui attorneys in Los Angeles because he knows the science and how to beat these cases.

Matthew Ruff receives overwhelmingly positive reviews as a DUI attorney, with clients praising his professionalism, responsiveness, deep knowledge of DUI law (including breathalyzer accuracy and constitutional rights), and successful outcomes like charge reductions (e.g., to "wet reckless") or dismissals, often saving clients from significant penalties like ignition interlocks, while keeping fees reasonable and communication clear. He's known for aggressive defense, using pre-trial motions, and fighting for clients even when prosecutors seem unwilling to budge, earning high ratings from sites like Avvo and the BBB. Key Themes in Reviews: Excellent Results: Clients frequently report getting DUI charges dismissed or reduced to less severe offenses like "wet reckless," preserving jobs and avoiding ignition interlock devices. Knowledge & Strategy: He's lauded for using complex legal strategies, challenging breath test accuracy (Title 17 compliance), and identifying violations of constitutional rights (like unlawful stops). Client Experience: Reviewers highlight his calming presence, clear explanations, consistent communication (even for out-of-state clients), and ability to manage client nerves during stressful situations. Integrity & Value: Many note his upfront, honest communication, reasonable and consistent fees with no hidden costs, and a genuine commitment to his clients' best interests. Experience: With decades of experience, he focuses exclusively on criminal defense and DUI, giving him deep courtroom presence and expertise. Where to Find Reviews: thetorranceattorney.com (His firm's site) bestduidefense.com (Client testimonials) Yelp (Client reviews) Avvo (Ratings & reviews) DUI Defense Lawyers Association (Professional recognition)

Matthew Ruff has been recognized as one of the Top 3 Best Rated DWI & DUI Lawyers for 2025. This prestigious accolade, presented by ThreeBestRated®, identifies expert-recommended best local professionals who have demonstrated excellence in their field. This award reflects Matthew’s unwavering dedication to his clients and his consistent track record in navigating complex DWI and DUI cases. Being selected as a "Best Rated" professional is not just about legal knowledge; it is about trust, integrity, and results. The Three Best Rated award is the result of a rigorous 50-point inspection process that evaluates local businesses on a variety of metrics including reputation, history, complaints, ratings, and overall client satisfaction. Unlike other accolades, businesses cannot pay to be listed, ensuring an unbiased selection that reflects genuine community trust and professional excellence. “Being acknowledged as a top-tier defender in the very community where I live and work is a true honor,” said Matthew Ruff. "My commitment to the residents of Torrance, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and entire Los Angeles County, especially our local dock workers and port employees, is to provide aggressive advocacy and ensure their rights are protected when facing complex DUI and criminal charges". Thank you to our clients and colleagues for your continued support as we head into 2026.

Disclaimer: The results shown on this page are real and actual case resolutions. However, every case is different and the outcomes of these cases are no guarantee or prediction of the outcome of your case. Call Matthew for a personal consultation about the facts of your case and potential issues and defenses that may exist to achieve a favorable result.

Office Locations
Matthew J Ruff, Long Beach DUI Attorney
444 W. Ocean Blvd.
Long Beach CA 90802
(562) 473-5390

Matthew J Ruff, DUI Attorney
18411 Crenshaw Blvd.
Torrance CA 90504
(310) 527-4100

Matthew J Ruff, San Pedro DUI Attorney
222 W. 6th St.
San Pedro CA 90731
(310) 514-0877

Matthew J. Ruff, DUI Attorney
333 S. Grand Avenue
Los Angeles CA 90012
(877) 213-4453

Matthew J. Ruff, Huntington Beach DUI Attorney
17011 Beach Blvd.
Huntington Beach CA 92647
(877) 212-2090

Matthew Ruff, DUI Defense Lawyer -Santa Monica Office
100 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica CA 90401
(877) 213-4453



☎️ Call Matt Directly NOW 310-527-4100

(You Will NOT Be “Passed Off” to a Secretary)

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