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Manuel Jess Barba

DUI and DWI Attorney at Riverside, CA

4.6   35 reviews

also known as Law Offices of Manuel J. Barba

Free consultation Virtual consultation available
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
  • Licensed for 24 years
    State CA
    Acquired 1999
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Manuel

Learn Manuel’s areas of practice.

1
Practice area
  1. DUI and DWI
    100%
    Practice limited to defending persons accused of DUI. Expert Defense for Alcohol, Marijuana, Drug and Prescription Medication DUI cases; DUI Trial Attorney. Payment Options Available.

    24 years, 4,500 cases

RIVERSIDE AND SAN BERNARDINO COUNTIES EXPERT DUI DEFENSE ATTORNEY FOR ALL ALCOHOL AND DRUG DUI CASES - CALL NOW.

Top DUI Defense Attorney Manuel J. Barba is an expert in DUI Defense and is dedicated to defending people accused of DUI, as well as other driving related cases throughout Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

 

Attorney Manuel J. Barba represents people accused of DUI related crimes throughout Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

 

Attorney Manuel J. Barba has been awarded "The ACS Forensic Lawyer-Scientist Designation as recognized by the Chemistry and the Law Division of the ACS.”  The American Chemical Society (ACS) and its Chemistry and the Law Division (CHAL) awards the ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist Designation to lawyers who have met the rigorous criteria and have demonstrated their knowledge of the science related to defending DUI cases.  

 

The ACS-CHAL designation of Forensic-Lawyer Scientist is the highest form of scientific recognition available to lawyers. It is a milestone and stands as a strong indication that the lawyer not only knows the law but truly understands the science in a fundamental way. 

 

Currently there are only nine attorneys in the State of California who have been awarded the ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist designation, and attorney Barba is the only DUI defense attorney in the Riverside and San Bernardino County area with the ACS-CHAL Lawyer-Scientist designation.  

 

Having the ACS-CHAL Lawyer-Scientist designation gives attorney Barba the knowledge and expertise to analyze the proscution's chemical test results and look for errors to help his client's get a better outcome on their DUI case.    

 

DUI Defense Attorney Manuel J. Barba has been awarded the AV® Preeminent™ rating from Martindale-Hubbell®.  For more than 130 years, lawyers have relied on the AV® Preeminent™ rating while searching for their own expert attorneys. Now anyone can depend on this important, trusted rating. The Martindale-Hubbell® AV® Preeminent™ rating is the highest possible rating for an attorney for both ethical standards and legal ability. This rating represents the pinnacle of professional excellence. It is achieved only after an attorney has been reviewed and recommended by their peers - members of the bar and the judiciary.

 

In addition, attorney Manuel J. Barba has been awarded a “superb” #10 rating by , the highest rating a lawyer can receive. 

DUI Attorney Manuel J. Barba is a Specialist member of the California DUI Lawyers Association and is a member of its Board of Directors.  Attorney Barba is also an active member of the National College for DUI Defense, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, California Public Defenders Association, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.  Attorney Manuel J. Barba has also attended the National Criminal Defense College in Macon, Georgia, as well as theTrial Lawyers College in Dubois, Wyoming.

Attorney Manuel J. Barba is also a nationally recognized Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) Instructor, having completed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) / International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) DWI Detection Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Instructor Program, and has taught SFST courses throughout the United States to other lawyers.

 

Attorney Barba is also trained in Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) protocols set forth by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This gives Mr. Barba the specialized knowledge necessary to evaluate arrests made by law enforcement officers for DUI-Drugs and skillfully cross-examine the arresting officer on issues related to drug evaluation protocols.

 

In addition, attorney Manuel J. Barba has received advanced training in Forensic Blood and Urine Analysis as it relates to testing for Alcohol and Drugs, including advanced courses in Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry at Axion Analytical Laboratories, Inc. in Chicago, taught by Dr. Harold Mc Nair and Dr. Lee Polite.  Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry are the processes generally used to analyze blood samples for alcohol and drug content.

 

Attorney Manuel J. Barba is also an expert in Breath Testing Analysis, having attended various advanced courses related to breath testing analysis.

 

Attorney Barba is also a member of the American Chemical Society (ACS), which is the world's largest scientific society and one of the world's leading sources of authoritative scientific information.  A nonprofit organization, chartered by Congress, ACS is at the forefront of the evolving worldwide chemical enterprise and the premier professional home for chemists, chemical engineers and related professions around the globe.

 

Attorney Barba has been awarded the "Top Lawyers" award by Palm Springs Life Magazine from 2012 through 2020.  Attorney Barba has also been named a Top Lawyer in Inland Empire Magazine for 2012 through 2020. 

Photos and videos

DUI Defense Lawyer Manuel J. Barba defends DUI cases throughout Southern California.  Attorney Barba has been awarded the Forensic Lawyer-Scientist designation by the Chemistry and Law division of the American Chemical Society (ACS-CHAL).
1 - A DUI can be charged as a Felony if (1) you get a DUI and you have 3 prior DUI convictions in the past 10 years, (2) you are DUI and you cause an accident and someone is seriously injured, or (3) you had a previous felony DUI conviction.
2 - You can get a DUI while on a Horse.  When riding any animal on the roadway, you have the same rights as a person who's driving a motor vehicle. But you also have the same responsibilities, which includes riding safely and not under the influence.
3 - In California, you can get a DUI on a bicycle. You can't ride a bicycle on the roadway while you're under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The penalties are a little less but it is still not legal to ride a bicycle under the influence.
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Contact Manuel

Law Offices of Manuel J. Barba
8175 Limonite Ave
Stuite A
Riverside, CA, 92509
Law Offices of Manuel J. Barba
68457 E Palm Canyon Drive
Suite 1
Cathedral City, CA, 92234
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Reviews

4.6 / 5.0
  35 customer reviews
Posted by Jeffrey | November 30, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
EXPERT DUI DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Mr. Barba is an amazing attorney. I’ve had previous attorneys in Los Angeles represent me but they do not compare to the work ethic and dedication Attorney Manuel Barba has for his clients. Mr. Barba, along with his team, provided me with a sense of comfort from the moment I decided to hire him to represent me. I primarily chose Mr. Barba because of his Forensic Scientist-Lawyer background and was able to see firsthand his experience and how knowledgeable and effective he is in trial because of that. The trial lasted a little over two weeks and could not have gotten through it without Mr. Barba. He’s an expert in DUI defense. He’s able to see things in the case that I did not even think were possible. He is highly knowledgeable in the analysis of blood that it puts the DA’s experts to shame. You know you have a great attorney representing you when even the DA compliments his work. Mr. Barba’s representation and defense exceeded my expectations as he relentlessly fought for me in court. The trial resulted in a hung jury. I thank him for all his guidance and support and would highly recommend him to anyone in need of DUI defense.
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Posted by Humberto | December 22, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Mr. Barba is the real deal
After reading about Mr. Barba’s successful representation of DUI cases, I decided to proceed with his services. I’d like to thank Mr. Barba for saving my future and keeping me away from serving jail time. I was facing a very serious and difficult DUI felony with violation of probation from a previous DUI. Mr. Barba fought aggressively and got every detail of evidence he could to defend me. He was able to get me a great deal. He was able to dismiss all felony DUI charges and settling it for a straight "wet reckless." I can’t ask for anything better after facing a potential state prison sentence. Thank you Mr. Barba I truly appreciate your time and dedication towards my case. The BEST on the field of DUI defense.
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Posted by Jack | April 23, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Manual Barba "the best"
Mr. Barba was a great no nonsense attorney, he always told me the truth about everything that I was facing, he never gave me false hope but he was always on top of my case advising me what was happening, what to expect and when to appear and not appear. He had one of my cases reduced down and is still working diligentmy on the other, as of yet the DA hasn't filed.
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Posted by Alan | August 20, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Worth the Money!
Mr. Barba represented me in a DUI case that lasted over 2 years. He was highly recommended to me by a former CHP officer. He was very attentive to the small details in the handling of the case. The case went to trial and Mr. Barba presented the defense with the utmost diligence and confidence. He walked me through every phase of how a trial works beforehand and explained our defense and the reason why the arrest should be contested. One thing I really appreciated was that he was not over-confident. He was not eagerly optimistic or dreadfully pessimistic. Mr. Barba always talked to me objectively about the facts of the case and laid out the plan. I was acquitted of all charges.
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Posted by anonymous | December 20, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Two time experience
I hired Mr. Barba two times now and both times he had done an amazing job at getting my charges lowered down to a lower charge. Not only that but this time he keept me out of jail the most important thing to me.
Posted by anonymous | May 23, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best DUO Attorney
Mr. Barba represented me in a lengthy DUI case. He and his defense team worked tirelessly throughout every phase of my case. Client attorney communication was excellent. His knowledge in DUI defenses is second to none. I recommend him without hesitation.
Posted by Rosa | June 11, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A DUI Attorney You Want on YOUR Side!
Mr. Barba defended me in a DUI trial to disprove a 0.3 BAC level AND SUCCEEDED. His detailed knowledge and team of forensic experts he works with in the sobriety field test and the blood alcohol testing saved me from having a devastating record. Both key evidence were out the window by the end of the trial. Instead, after an incident-free probation, I'll be in a position to expunge the incident from my record. Throughout the 8-day trial I was so relieved to have Mr. Barba, an attorney so well-versed in every aspect of DUI, defending me. If you've stumbled on Mr. Barba's website while looking for help with your DUI arrest like I did, your search is over. Mr. Barba's professional help is sure to give some relief from the DUI nightmare you have.
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Response from Manuel Barba June 14, 2016
This case is yet another example of an incorrect analysis of the blood sample by the crime lab. The process of gas chromatography is not a precise science and must be done correctly if the results are to be accurate and reliable.
Posted by Steven | August 27, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent dui attorney
Mr.Barba has truly saved my life. I was faced with a very difficult case, with a long prison term attached to it. But with the help of Mr. Barba and his staff I got the best possible outcome I could get he kept me out of prison saved my job and my home, I was about to lose everything. My family and I are truly grateful for all the time and work put into my case and got it settled. if anyone is in need of a great attorney this is your guy.
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Posted by anonymous | November 9, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
amazing DUI Lawyer
If you're looking for an experienced and knowledgeable DUI attorney, look no further than Mr. Barba. He handled my case which ended up lasting over 2 years. He looked over my case with a fine tooth comb and discovered many flaws that I would have never picked up on. We decided to go to trial which ended up lasting over a week. In trial Mr. Barba fought hard and brought the absolute best expert witnesses in to testify on my behalf. He was able to completely discredit the arresting officer and get my first count a NOT GUILTY verdict. His witness who spoke about the problems with my blood sample was amazing, and had some of the jury members shaking their heads at the DA. In the end, I was given a not guilty verdict on the first count (a first time DUI has 2 separate counts), and a hung jury on the second count. Of course the DA wanted to retry my case to save her bruised ego, but Mr. Barba and his team was able to talk her down into giving me a plea bargain of a wet reckless!! Overall, I would highly recommend hiring Mr. Barba if you ever find yourself in the unfortunate situation of a DUI. He will find every possible flaw with your case and use that to get you a lesser sentence or even a full dismissal. My only critique would be that I would have preferred more communication from the office. I would often have to call to inquire what happened at a court date that I didn't need to attend. The office does send letters after each court date with the pertinent information, but an email or phone call would be preferred to get the information right away so I don't have to wait 2-5 days for my letter to come in to see when my next court date will be. Overall - HIGHLY RECOMMEND
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Posted by anonymous | August 9, 2015
Attorney & Scientist
Attorney Manuel Barba has not only excellent legal skills but a full understanding of the science related to the toxicology and forensics necessary to argue competently for a defendant with DUI charges. He is calm and methodical when working thoroughly to challenge the DA's data and makes it easy for the jury to understand and comprehend the nuances of breath and blood results, how they were obtained, tested and interpreted. His strong presentation of the laws, rights of the defendant to good science and how the testing lab failed to meet those requirements resulted in a jury that was engaged in really questioning the validity of the numbers. Attorney Barba fights with two swords- legal and scientific.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Trial Attorney / Managing Attorney
  • Law Offices of Manuel J. Barba
  • 2000 - Present

Education

  • California St Univ
  • undergraduate
  • N/A
  • Western State College of Law
  • law
  • N/A

Legal Cases

  • People v a DUI Client
  • Not Guilty on all charges after jury deliberated for less than 2 hours.
  • People v a DUI Client
  • Charged with DUI, Case resolved for Reckless Driving, original DUI charges dismissed.

Associations

  • California DUI Lawyers Association
  • Board of Directors
  • 2010 - Present
  • California DUI Lawyers Association
  • General Member
  • 2002 - Present
  • National College of DUI Defense
  • General Member
  • 2001 - Present

Languages Spoken

  • Spanish
  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Top Attorney
  • Inland Empire Magazine
  • 2018
  • Top DUI Lawyer
  • Palm Springs Life Magazine
  • 2018
  • 2017 Top Lawyers
  • Palm Springs Life Magazine
  • 2017
  • Top DUI Lawyer
  • Palm Springs Life Magazine
  • 2016
  • Top Attorney
  • Inland Empire Magazine
  • 2015
  • Advanced Blood Analysis Seminar Certificate
  • National College for DUI Defense
  • 2015
  • Standardized Field Sobriety Test Lead Instructor
  • Robert LaPier and Associates
  • 2015
  • Top Lawyer
  • Palm Springs Life Magazine
  • 2015
  • Advanced Chromatography XIII
  • American Chemical Society
  • 2014
  • Specialist Member
  • California DUI Lawyers Association
  • 2014
  • Solid Drug Dose Testing IV Certificate
  • American Chemical Society
  • 2014
  • Top Lawyer 2014
  • Palm Springs Life Magazine
  • 2014
  • DUI- Drug Course Certificate
  • American Chemical Society
  • 2014
  • The ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist Designation
  • American Chemical Society
  • 2014
  • Top Attorney
  • Inland Empire Magazine
  • 2014
  • SFST Lead Instructor Award
  • Robert LaPier & Associates
  • 2013
  • AV Preeminent 4.7 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2013
  • Coachella Valley Top Lawyers
  • Palm Springs Life Magazine - June 2013 edition - http://www.palmspringslife.com/Palm-Springs-Life/June-2013/Top-Lawyers/
  • 2013
  • 2013 Summer Session Graduate, Harvard Law School
  • National College for DUI Defense
  • 2013
  • Alcohol Evidence: Arrest to Trial Course Completion
  • Scientific Law Forums
  • 2013
  • Top Attorney
  • Inland Empire Magazine
  • 2013
  • Top Lawyers 2012
  • Palm Springs Life Magazine - http://www.palmspringslife.com/Palm-Springs-Life/June-2012/Our-Top-Lawyers/
  • 2012
  • Forensic Chromatography: Theory and Practice V
  • Axion Analytical Laboratories, Inc
  • 2011
  • NHTSA SFST Practioner Course Class Instructor
  • La Pier & Associates
  • 2011
  • NHTSA SFST Class Instructor
  • La Pier & Associates
  • 2010
  • Trial Lawyers College Graduate
  • Gerry Spence' Trial Lawyers College
  • 2009
  • NHTSA SFST Class Instructor
  • La Pier & Associates
  • 2009
  • NHTSA SFST Class Instructor
  • La Pier & Associates
  • 2008
  • Harvard Summer Session Graduate
  • National College for DUI Defense
  • 2007
  • 14th Annual Mastering Scientific Evidence in DWI/DUI Cases
  • Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  • 2007
  • NHTSA SFST Class Instructor
  • La Pier & Associates
  • 2007
  • Harvard Summer Session Graduate
  • National College for DUI Defense
  • 2006
  • Training on Draeger Instruments - 7410 EPAS / 7110 MK IIIC
  • Hansueli Reiser, Draeger Corporation / Anne ImObersteg / Mary McMurray / Dr. Richard Lynn - Former CA DOJ Criminalist
  • 2006
  • NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Test Instructor Course
  • Robert La Pier and Associates
  • 2005
  • 11th Annual Mastering Scientific Evidence in DUI Cases
  • William C. Head
  • 2004
  • Harvard Summer Session Graduate
  • National College for DUI Defense
  • 2003
  • NHTSA Standardized Field Sobreity Test Practitioner
  • Robert La Pier and Associates
  • 2003
  • Trial Practice Insitute Graduate
  • National Criminal Defense College- Macon, Georgia
  • 2002
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • CDLA Fresno May DUI Conference
  • Gas Chromatography
  • 2016
  • CDLA Fresno Seminar
  • Cross Examination of Drug Recocgnition Expert
  • 2014
  • NHTSA SFST Paractitioner Course
  • Standardized Field Sobriety Tests
  • 2013
  • CPDA DUI Seminar-Monterey, CA
  • DMV APS Suspensions
  • 2009
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (50)
Given (34)
Endorse Manuel
DUI and DWI Attorney | May 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Attorney Barba is an experienced trial advocate. He has the necessary reputation, knowledge, experience and guts needed to defend those accused of a crime. He has earned a national reputation for his years of successful advocacy. Most of all, I trust him. I know you will too."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Sep 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Barba is one of the new breeds of lawyers known as the lawyer-scientist. When defending a person accused of driving under the influence it is imperative that the lawyer have a deep understanding of the science behind blood and breath testing. Very few lawyers spend the time necessary to be a lawyer-scientist. Mr. Barba has and does. You are in good hands with Mr. Barba representing you on an alcohol related charge."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Wisdom, experience, passion. Mr. Barba is the real deal. His results for satisfied clients speak for themselves. Trains other lawyers (like me) how to defend against a DUI like the best. I endorse this lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Aug 25
Relationship: Co-worker
"I have known and worked with Manny for over 15 years. I have witnessed first hand that his top priority is working hard for his client and getting the best resolution of their case."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Dec 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Jan 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Manuel "Manny" Barba is an excellent, RESPECTED attorney who wins trials, gets cases dismissed before trial, and handles cases with difficult facts. I would recommend him to my close friends and family members if they ever needed an experienced criminal defense attorney."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Dec 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Barba is a outstanding DUI Attorney. I highly recommend him."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Nov 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer.This lawyer has an expertise in DUI defense. By attending DUI seminars throughout the year to keep up on the latest in the law, field sobriety testing, blood testing, and breath testing, this attorney is an asset to the clients. This lawyer is a member of the California DUI Lawyers Association. I endorse this lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Nov 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Excellent DUI attorney and trial lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Nov 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I was privileged to have Attorney Barba as my instructor at the NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Test course in October 2013 as he is one of the nation's best DUI defense attorneys. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the courtroom, and consistently provides an aggressive and effective defense for his clients. Highly recommended."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Sep 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Barba is an exemplary attorney. I would refer anyone and everyone to him on a regular basis. Despite the fact that I have been a judge, magistrate, prosecutor, and private attorney for over 24 years, I continue to learn from him daily from his Avvo posts. I would recommend that you hire him in an instant."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Aug 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr Barba is a respected member in the legal community. He is a pillar in the National College of DUI defense. I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jul 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"This attorney is a GOD in the field of DUI defense. Not only is his knowledge in the area unsurpassed, he regularly gives his time and effort to mentor younger and less experienced attorneys. He is a gifted speaker, teacher, and all around great guy. If I was unfortunate enough to be accused of DUI, I would want Manny to represent me. I would feel comfortable having him represent my closest friends and family. You cannot go wrong with this lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | May 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Manny frequently shares his knowledge and experience on the California DUI Lawyers Association listserve. I had the pleasure of having Manny as a co-instructor in the NHTSA approved Standardized Field Sobriety Test Administration Course in Irvine. I highly recommend Manny Barba for your DUI needs."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Manny is the exact type of lawyer I would want if I were a client, honest, tenacious, knowledgeable and dedicated."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Dec 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have been doing DUI defense in the Central Valley and Sacramento for about 20 years. There are very few atorneys that on rely on for help, but Manny is one of those attorneys. He is very savvy on winning techniques and tactics for DUI trials. I have learned a tremendous amount from over the years and I endorse him as a great trial atorney."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Dec 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Dec 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Barba has a passion for representing his clients in DUI and DWI cases. He is a master of the science involved in very technical and scientific dui/dwi cases. I highly recommend Mr. Barba if you are looking for a dui attorney or dwi lawyer in Riverside or San Bernardino."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Oct 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Manny was my instructor at the Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Course. He is one of the strongest and most knowledgeable DUI defense lawyers in the entire country. If there is any strategy available to you that will get your DUI case dismissed, you can trust Manny to find it."
View more endorsements
Criminal defense
DUI and DWI
DUI and DWI
Personal injury
DUI and DWI
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DUI and DWI
Criminal defense
DUI and DWI
Criminal defense
DUI and DWI
DUI and DWI
DUI and DWI
Riverside DUI and DWI Lawyer Manuel Jess Barba
Manuel Jess Barba
DUI and DWI Attorney
Riverside, CA
Licensed for 24 years
Free Consultation
Virtual consultation available