Matthew J Ruff

Top Tier DUI Attorney Matthew J. Ruff has devoted his entire legal career, 30 years, to the area of DUI and Criminal Defense. Unlike many other Attorneys who may "side line" in the area of criminal defense, Attorney Ruff has limited his practice to exclusive criminal defense for over a decade. Prior to starting his work in Criminal Defense he worked in one of the largest District Attorney's Offices in the State of California. This gives his clients an edge by having "inside knowledge" of how his client's case will be prosecuted. He also gives his clients the added "edge" and an educational background in Law Enforcement, Police Science and Administration of Criminal Justice.

Matthew Boasts one of the highest success rates for dismissal in Torrance Court and prosecutions from cities such as Redondo Beach, Hermosa, Rancho Palos Verdes and Long Beach.

Put simply, he knows the "ins and outs" of the Criminal Justice system from the police, the D.A. and the Judge hearing the case, giving his clients a distinct advantage when charged with a crime.

What also sets Attorney Ruff apart from most other attorneys is the fact that he gives the client one-on-one attention. He is always available to consult directly, never passing his client's off to a paralegal or legal assistant. He believes his clients deserve this kind of respect.

He is known in California as a top criminal lawyer, a zealous defender and an aggressive "FIGHTER" for his clients.

Attorney Matthew J. Ruff is licensed to practice law in the entire State of California, as well as the Federal District Courts in California and the Federal Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit Federal Court of Appeal.

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.
Thank you to our clients and colleagues for your continued support as we head into 2026

In 2025, Matthew J. Ruff continued his record of high-stakes legal victories across Southern California, specializing in DUI defense and constitutional advocacy.

Key 2025 Case Wins
Felony Gun Charges Dismissed (Long Beach Court): In June 2025, Ruff secured a dismissal of felony charges for possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle. He successfully argued insufficient evidence, preventing his client—a welding inspector—from losing his job and TWIC credentials.

Domestic Violence "Not Guilty" Verdict (Torrance Court): In October 2025, Ruff obtained a full acquittal for a client in a domestic violence case, successfully demonstrating that the prosecution's evidence was insufficient to support a conviction.

DUI with Injury and Hit-and-Run Charges Dismissed (Torrance Court): In July 2025, Ruff achieved a total dismissal of multiple charges, including DUI with injury, refusal of a chemical test, and hit-and-run with injury.
Santa Clarita DUI and Hit-and-Run Dismissal: In March 2025, Ruff successfully negotiated the dismissal of DUI, refusal, and hit-and-run charges in Santa Clarita Court.
Pre-Filing Intervention Success (Long Beach): In December 2025, Ruff utilized a proactive "pre-filing intervention" to prevent a college student from being formally charged with public intoxication and resisting arrest.

Hermosa Beach "Rising BAC" Victory: In November 2025, Ruff overturned a DUI charge with a .11% breathalyzer result by utilizing the "Rising Blood Alcohol Defense," securing a license reinstatement and avoiding all standard DUI penalties.

2025 Awards and Certifications
Top 3 Best Rated DUI Lawyer: Ruff was independently recognized by Three Best Rated as one of the Top 3 DUI Lawyers for 2025, a prestigious accolade based on a rigorous 50-point inspection.

Matthew Ruff, a distinguished DUI Attorney, has been awarded the prestigious title of “America’s Most Honored Lawyers” for 2025. This recognition, certified by The American Registry, places Mr. Ruff in the Top 5% of American Professionals.

This award is a testament to continuous professional recognition and excellence in the legal field. Qualifying for this distinction requires a rigorous vetting process, including significant mentions in the press, honors from recognized trade groups, and acclaimed recognitions by peers and clients.

Achieving the status of the Top 5% indicates a high level of consistency and dedication to his clients. Matthew Ruff’s inclusion in this elite group underscores his reputation as a leading authority in DUI defense and his commitment to providing top-tier legal representation.

NHTSA Certification: In December 2025, Ruff obtained formal certification from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the administration of Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, the same training given to law enforcement officers.

Ongoing Momentum into 2026
Ruff began 2026 with a significant victory on January 9, securing the dismissal of a major drug sales and cultivation case in Mojave involving 24,000 marijuana plants by proving violations of the client's constitutional rights.

Top Tier DUI attorney Matthew Ruff recently demonstrated that with the right technical and legal maneuvers, even these "unwinnable" cases can be dismantled. Here is how he successfully navigated the Long Beach court system to get DUI and refusal charges dropped to a "wet reckless."
The Challenge: The Long Beach "Refusal" Trap
In Long Beach, law enforcement and the City Prosecutor take a hard line on refusals. If a driver declines a chemical test, they aren't just facing criminal charges; they are facing a specialized DMV battle.
In a recent case handled by Mr. Ruff, the client faced:
• VC 23152(a): Driving under the influence.
• The Refusal Allegation: Which carries mandatory jail time and a 12-month hard license suspension.
How Matthew Ruff Fought Back
Mr. Ruff’s strategy centered on three key pillars: Constitutional rights, technical errors, and aggressive negotiation.
1. Challenging the Initial Stop
Every DUI case begins with the stop. Mr. Ruff scrutinized the officer’s justification for pulling the vehicle over. If the police lacked "probable cause"—meaning they didn't have a legal reason to stop you—the entire case can be thrown out. In many of his Long Beach victories, he has successfully argued that the client’s driving did not actually violate any traffic laws, rendering all subsequent evidence (including the refusal) inadmissible.
2. Attacking the "Admonition" Process
To legally charge someone with a refusal, the officer must read a specific "implied consent" warning (the admonition). It’s not enough to just ask, "Do you want to take a test?" The officer must clearly state that refusing will result in a license suspension.

The Win: Mr. Ruff often uncovers that officers were rushed or confusing in their delivery, or failed to provide the admonition at all. If the suspect didn't truly understand the consequences, the refusal cannot stand.
3. Leveraging Technical Flaws in the "Antique" Equipment
Long Beach has been known to use older breath-testing equipment. Mr. Ruff utilizes toxicologists and equipment experts to show that these machines can produce "false positives" or "inflated results" due to mouth alcohol or radio frequency interference. By creating "reasonable doubt" about the science, he forces the prosecution to reconsider their position.
The Result: From a 1-Year Suspension to a "Wet Reckless"
By exposing these weaknesses, Mr. Ruff moved the prosecution from a position of "mandatory jail and suspension" to a "Wet Reckless" (VC 23103 per ).
Why this is a Major Victory for Matthew's client:
• License Saved: Unlike a refusal conviction, a wet reckless often allows the driver to keep their license or quickly obtain a restricted one.
• No Mandatory Jail: The refusal-related jail time is removed.
• Lighter Probation: Shorter probation periods and lower fines than a standard DUI.
• Record Preservation: A "reckless driving" conviction looks significantly better to future employers than a "DUI Refusal."
Conclusion
A DUI refusal in Long Beach is not a foregone conclusion. As the "Master of DUI Defense", Matthew Ruff has shown, a combination of over 30 years of experience and a deep understanding of local court nuances can turn a catastrophic arrest into a manageable resolution.