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About Thomas
Biography
I am a previous Riverside County Public Defender who has represented thousands of defendants in a wide variety of criminal matters, and successfully litigated drunk driving throughout Southern California. I am also an active member of the National College for DUI Defense, a select group of DUI attorneys and lawyers that are dedicated to the defense of drunk driving cases. In addition, I am an active member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, a group of criminal defense attorneys, including DUI lawyers, who are dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals accused of crimes. As a California Criminal Defense DUI Attorney, I am known for my fair yet aggressive representation, always working toward the best possible outcome for my clients. I have extensive experience in jury trials, pre-trial negotiations and discovery, and am skilled in counseling clients about the criminal trial process.
I graduated from University of California at Irvine, Cum Laude and went on to Southwestern University School of Law where I completed my law degree in a 23 month accelerated program, and was the recipient of the Paul Wildman Scholarship.
I began my legal career practicing medical malpractice defense at Elliot Snyder & Reid, where I successfully represented many doctors in medical malpractice suits. I also worked for the Riverside County Public Defender, where I handled hundreds of driving under the influence cases, with many successful results both as a Public Defender and a private Southern California DUI attorney.
I am an outgoing personable attorney who is well-respected by judges, district attorneys, police officers, expert witnesses, and private defense lawyers around Southern California. I personally handle every case. I currently sit as a Judge Pro-Tem in the Riverside Courthouse.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
98%
28 years | 3,900 cases
Birth Injury
1%
28 years | 16 cases
Defective and Dangerous Products
1%
28 years | 540 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 27 years
State: California
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Location
The Law Offices of Scott Henry
3750 University Avenue, Suite 680, Riverside, CA, 92501
The Law Offices of Scott Henry
8 Corporate Park, Suite 300, Irvine, CA, 92606
The Law Offices of Scott Henry
1980 Orange Tree Lane, Suite 260, Redlands, CA, 92374
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Thomas Victor Wallin's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
23 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (23)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Staff & Support
Posted by anonymous | May 02, 2012 | DUI & DWI
Absolutely the Best
Thomas Wallin and the Wallin Group as a whole are a phenomenal legal team. I didn't know what to expect and they were able to walk me through every step of the process as we fought my DUI charges. They were always there to answer every question, no matter how insignificant it may have seemed. Mr. ...
Posted by Chris | December 06, 2011 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Extremely professional, knowledgeable attorney
Mr. Wallin "saved my life". He and his staff were extremely professional, knowledgeable and caring during a time that was really frightening for me and my family. His knowledge of the DMV and court system allowed me to move on in my life with a result that was so far above my expectations. I cannot e...
Posted by anonymous | March 14, 2011 | DUI & DWI
Saved My Career
I'm a nurse and had a difficult time dealing with both personal and professional issues following a DUI arrest. Mr. Wallin and his staff were friendly, supportive, and extremely professional. They handled my case without ever having to appear in court myself. I'm so thankful that this is all behind m...
Posted by Steven | November 17, 2010 | DUI & DWI
Drunk In Public
I received a Drunk in Public in Rancho Cucamonga back in April, while my friend received a DUI. I was in the back seat of his car, while he was in the passenger seat. We were both intoxicated, but we were parked in another friends driveway. The friends whose house we were parked at was inside and had...
Posted by Jerry | October 21, 2009 | DUI & DWI
Great Lawyer, Very Helpful
Tom helped me with all parts of my case. His staff was very kind and always kept me informed. He helped me with getting enrolled in my alcohol class and cleaning up my act.
Thomas Victor Wallin's Lawyer Endorsements
"Tom is well known in the DUI Defense community as a serious advocate for his clients. He fights for the best possible outcome every time. He has my full endorsement, and you will be well-served with him on your side."
"Mr. Wallin is an exceptional attorney who is dedicated to the process of obtaining justice for those who have been injured by defective and dangerous products. I highly recommend him."
"Look: If you absolutely HAVE to win your DUI case, this is the guy!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Wallin is professional, both in with dealing with DA's and clients. He has helped my clients numerous times. He works with my firm when we refer him a case and constantly keeps me up to date. DUI is a complicated area of law and he knows his stuff!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Tom on several DUI cases. He specializes in DUIs and works hard to get good results. I recommend him highly."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Wallin is a real asset to the AVVO community and really knows his stuff! I highly recommend him!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. HIs results speak for themselves."
"I endorse this lawyer. Tom is a superb attorney. He really knows his stuff and is HIGHLY REGARDED in the legal community. U can't go wrong with Tom."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Attorney Wallin is knowledgeable, articulate and always prepared. I would not hesitate to endorse Attorney Wallin."
"Tom is an experienced and competent attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Wallin is smart, knowledgeable and passionate. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Thomas Wallin takes the time to review each case. He has built a reputation as an aggressive DUI attorney and is known and respected by judges, defense counsel and prosecutors."
"Tom is THE go-to for information on DUI's. I recommend him highly."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"In a field where everyone seems to pretend to be knowledgeable in the sub-field of DUI defense, Tom Wallin is the real deal."
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Experience
Honors
2019
America's Most Trusted Lawyers, America's Most Trusted Lawyers
2019
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2019
Lawyers of Distinction, Lawyers of Distinction
2018
America's Most Trusted Lawyers, America's Most Trusted Lawyers
2018
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2018
Lawyers of Distinction, Lawyers of Distinction
2018
America's Most Respected Attorneys, America's Most Respected Attorneys
2017
Lawyers of Distinction, Lawyers of Distinction
2017
America's Most Respected Attorneys, America's Most Respected Attorneys
2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2016
Top Attorneys, Orange Coast Magazine
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2016
Lawyers of Distinction, Lawyers of Distinction
2015
Top Lawyer, OC Metro Magazine
2015
Top Attorneys, Orange Coast Magazine
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyer, The National Trial Lawyers Association
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2014
Best OC DUI Lawyer, OC Mero Magazine
2013
Best OC DU Attorney, OC Metro Magazine
2011
NCDD Trial Award, National College for DUI Defense
2010
DMV DUI Laws Certificate - Irvine, California DUI Lawyers Association
2010
Judicial Ethics for Temporary Judges - Certificate of Completion, Administrative Office of the Courts
2010
DUI Trial Certificate - Palm Desert, California DUI Lawyers Association
2010
DUI Trial Certificate - San Diego, CPDA
2009
DMV DUI Laws Certificate, California DUI Lawyers Association
2009
DUI Trial Certificate, National College for DUI Defense
2009
Palm Desert DUI Trial Certificate, California DUI Lawyers Association
2009
Judicial Ethics for Temporary Judges - Certificate of Completion, Administrative Office of the Courts
2008
DUI Trial Certificate - San Francisco, California DUI Lawyers Association
2008
DUI Trial Certificate, National College for DUI Defense
2008
Trial Certificate - Palm Desert, California DUI Lawyers Association
2008
Judicial Ethics for Temporary Judges Certificate of Completion, Adminsitrative Office of the Courts
2008
California DMV DUI Laws Certificate, California DUI Lawyers Association
2007
Best Attorneys in the County, Orange Coast Magazine
2007
DUI Trial Certificate - Monterey, CPDA
2007
DMV DUI Laws Certificate - Irvine, California DUI Lawyers Association
2007
Judicial Ethics for Temporary Judges Certificate of Completion, Administrative Office of the Courts
2007
DUI Trial Certificate - Palm Desert, California DUI Lawyers Association
2007
NHTSA FST Training Certificate, La Pier and Associates/NHTSA
2007
Certificate - Annual Supreme Court Update Dinner, Newport Harbor Bar Association
2007
DUI Trial Certificate, National College for DUI Defense
2006
Irvine DMV DUI Laws Certificate, California DUI Lawyers Association
2006
DUI Trial Certificate, California Public Defender's Association
2006
DUI Trial Ceritifcate - Palm Desert, California DUI Lawyers Association
2006
DUI Trial Seminar, National College for DUI Defense
2005
California DMV DUI Laws Certificate - Irvine, California DUI Lawyers Association
2005
DUI Trial Certificate, California DUI Lawyers Association
1996
Paul Wildman Scholarship Recipient, Southwestern University School of Law
1995
Golden Key Honor Society, University of California - Irvine
1995
Cum Laude Graduate, University of California - Irvine
1995
Phi Beta Kappa, University of California - Irvine
Work Experience
2004 - Present
Managing Partner, Law Offices Of Thomas Wallin
2006 - 2015
Judge Pro-Tem, Riverside County Superior Court
1997 - 1998
Intern, Legal Aide
1990 - 1996
Reserves, United States Coast Guard
1988 - 1990
, United States Coast Guard
Associations
2016 - Present
American Association for Justice, Birth Trauma Litigation GroupMember
2016 - Present
American Association for Justice, Interstate Trucking Litigation GroupMember
2016 - Present
Texas Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2016 - Present
The Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers (APRL)Member
2015 - Present
Newport Harbor Bar AssociationBoard of Directors
2015 - Present
Consumer Attorneys of CaliforniaMember
2015 - Present
Consumer Attorney AssociationMember
2015 - Present
American Association for JusticeMember
2014 - Present
Nursing Home Trial LawyersMember
2014 - Present
Consumer Attorney Association of Los AngelesMember
2014 - Present
Consumer Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2012 - Present
American Association for JusticeMember
2012 - Present
Orange County Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2007 - Present
North Orange County Bar AssociationMember
2005 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2005 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyersmember
2004 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
2004 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationOfficer
1999 - Present
San Diego County Bar Associationmember
1999 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar Associationmember
1999 - Present
Riverside County Bar AssociationMember
1999 - Present
California Public Defenders Associationmember
1998 - Present
Orange County Bar Associationmember
2014 - 2016
California Women LawyersMember
2012 - 2016
Hispanic National Bar AssociationMember
2009 - 2015
West Court Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
San Bernardino DUI BAC .10- Not Guilty
Not Guilty
Boating DUI
Wet Reckless
Under 21 DUI
Plea to a 1st with 4 month program
Wet Reckless Charge
DUI dismissed, plea to a wet reckless
2nd offense
Plea to a first offense with no jail
Underage DUI
Got DUI dismissed, plea to infraction with fine only
High BAC, reduced sentencing
Dry Reckless
Reduced DUI sentencing
Dry Reckless
DUI evading case
Dry Reckless, all charges dismissed
2nd Offense DUI
Reduced to Wet Reckless
DUI related accident
Wet Reckless
Potential Speed Enhancement
Received a dry reckless
Wet Reckless
saved job and license suspension for a year
DMV Set Aside Under 21
DMV License Suspension - Set Aside
DUI reduced to Infraction
Infraction
Jury Trial
Verdict - Not Guilty
1st Offense DUI
Reduced to Wet Reckless
Education
1997
Southwestern Univ SOL
Juris Doctorate
1995
University of California - Irvine
Bachelor of Arts
1995
University of California - Irvine
Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2014
Newport Harbor Bar Association
Social Media and the Law Ethics
2011
San Bernardino DUI Defense
Criminal DUI Defense
2009
Pacific Coast University - School of Law
Criminal Defense
2005
Moot Court Competition
Moot Court Judge
Publications
2011
James Publishing publication
DUI Guidebook
2010
James Publishing
Prosecutor's Guide to DUI Prosecutions
2009
California DUI Guide
www.californiaduiguide.com
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Do You Let Your Passengers Drink in Your Car? A Look at California's Open Container Law
31 Aug 2011
Legal Guide
My Friends Has Been Arrested for California DUI, Now What?
31 Aug 2011
Legal Guide
California DUI FAQ: Can You Talk Your Way Out of a California DUI?
22 Aug 2011