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Manuel Jess Barba
also known as Law Offices of Manuel J. Barba
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About Manuel
Biography
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 Southern California.
Attorney Manuel J. Barba represents persons accused of DUI related crimes throughout Southern California.
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 former 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 since 2012. Attorney Barba has also been named a Top Lawyer in Inland Empire Magazine since 2012.
Southern California Expert DUI Defense Attorney For All Alcohol and Drug DUI Cases - Call Now.
Southern California Expert DUI Defense Attorney For All Alcohol and Drug DUI Cases - Call Now.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
DUI and DWI
100%
27 years | 5,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2024 2015 2014
...
+
1
Licenses
Licensed in California for 26 years
State: California
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Manuel J. Barba
68457 E Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 1, Cathedral City, CA, 92234
barbalawyer.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Manuel online.
Manuel Jess Barba's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
40 Client Reviews
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Showing 31 - 35 of 40 reviews
Posted by Chuck | November 26, 2012 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Perfect
I HIGHLY recommend Manuel Barba to everyone, Very intelligent person and hands down the best there is out there. He worked on my case and presented himself to the court with authority. He know exactly what he is talking about and knows the law to the T. His hard work and perseverance has definitive...
Posted by Ryan | July 01, 2012 | DUI & DWI
Saved me from a huge hassle
I hired Manuel in October 2010, after being charged with my first DUI. He took my case and continually fought to save my license and prevent me from being charged with a DUI. The case ended up being dragged on for a year and a half, but Manuel never stopped working hard for me. He kept me informed of...
Posted by anonymous | December 07, 2011 | Administrative Law
Career Saver
Manny took over my case after the first attorney I retained took a couple of grand and let the DMV & DA steer the course. As a Firefighter with a Class B License I had my job at stake. After the first attorney failed to represent me at DMV hearing and wandered aimlessly trying to figure how to handl...
Posted by Linda | June 14, 2011 | Criminal Defense
Best DUI Lawyer You’ll Find! - Will really fight for you and go the extra mile!
I originally hired another attorney who made a lot of promises, took my money over the phone, and didn’t perform. I fired the first attorney and hired Mr. Barba. It was the BEST decision I ever made. Mr. Barba fought hard and hired the right experts to prove my innocence. It was not an easy ca...
Posted by anonymous | May 27, 2011 | Criminal Defense
No hesitation to highly recommend this attorney.
Accepted my case after I released a non- performing attorney. Clearly explained my chances for getting my charge reduced but did not promise unattainable results.Followed up with a well planned strategy and was successful in his efforts. I placed my confidence in him and was not disappointed.
Manuel Jess Barba's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Barba is a outstanding DUI Attorney. I highly recommend him."
"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."
"Excellent DUI attorney and trial lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"Manny is the exact type of lawyer I would want if I were a client, honest, tenacious, knowledgeable and dedicated."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Top Attorney, Inland Empire Magazine
2024
Top Attorney, Inland Empire Magazine
2018
Top Attorney, Inland Empire Magazine
2018
Top DUI Lawyer, Palm Springs Life Magazine
2017
2017 Top Lawyers, Palm Springs Life Magazine
2016
Top DUI Lawyer, Palm Springs Life Magazine
2015
Standardized Field Sobriety Test Lead Instructor, Robert LaPier and Associates
2015
Top Lawyer, Palm Springs Life Magazine
2015
Advanced Blood Analysis Seminar Certificate, National College for DUI Defense
2015
Top Attorney, Inland Empire Magazine
2014
Top Attorney, Inland Empire Magazine
2014
The ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist Designation, American Chemical Society
2014
Advanced Chromatography XIII, American Chemical Society
2014
DUI- Drug Course Certificate, American Chemical Society
2014
Top Lawyer 2014, Palm Springs Life Magazine
2014
Solid Drug Dose Testing IV Certificate, American Chemical Society
2014
Specialist Member, California DUI Lawyers Association
2013
Alcohol Evidence: Arrest to Trial Course Completion, Scientific Law Forums
2013
SFST Lead Instructor Award, Robert LaPier & Associates
2013
Top Attorney, Inland Empire Magazine
2013
2013 Summer Session Graduate, Harvard Law School, National College for DUI Defense
2013
Coachella Valley Top Lawyers, Palm Springs Life Magazine - June 2013 edition - http://www.palmspringslife.com/Palm-Springs-Life/June-2013/Top-Lawyers/
2013
AV Preeminent 4.7 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Top Lawyers 2012, Palm Springs Life Magazine - http://www.palmspringslife.com/Palm-Springs-Life/June-2012/Our-Top-Lawyers/
2011
NHTSA SFST Practioner Course Class Instructor, La Pier & Associates
2011
Forensic Chromatography: Theory and Practice V, Axion Analytical Laboratories, Inc
2010
NHTSA SFST Class Instructor, La Pier & Associates
2009
Trial Lawyers College Graduate, Gerry Spence' Trial Lawyers College
2009
NHTSA SFST Class Instructor, La Pier & Associates
2008
NHTSA SFST Class Instructor, La Pier & Associates
2007
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
2006
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
2005
NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Test Instructor Course, Robert La Pier and Associates
2004
11th Annual Mastering Scientific Evidence in DUI Cases, William C. Head
2003
NHTSA Standardized Field Sobreity Test Practitioner, Robert La Pier and Associates
2003
Harvard Summer Session Graduate, National College for DUI Defense
2002
Trial Practice Insitute Graduate, National Criminal Defense College- Macon, Georgia
Work Experience
2000 - Present
Trial Attorney / Managing Attorney, Law Offices of Manuel J. Barba
Associations
2002 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationGeneral Member
2001 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseGeneral Member
2010 - 2023
California DUI Lawyers AssociationBoard of Directors
Sample of 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.
Education
N/A
Western State College of Law
law
N/A
California St Univ
undergraduate
Speaking Engagements
2016
CDLA Fresno May DUI Conference
Gas Chromatography
2014
CDLA Fresno Seminar
Cross Examination of Drug Recocgnition Expert
2013
NHTSA SFST Paractitioner Course
Standardized Field Sobriety Tests
2012
NHTSA Standardized Filed Sobriety Test Practitioner Course
Standardized Field Sobriety Tests
2012
California Attorneys for Criminal Justice - Rules of the Road XV
Deconstructing Standardized Field Sobriety Tests
2009
CPDA DUI Seminar-Monterey, CA
DMV APS Suspensions
Publications
2023
Law Offices of Manuel J. Barba
I Got a DUI... What Do I Do Now? - Second Edition
2018
www.BarbaLawyer.com
Can a DUI be a Felony?
2018
www.BarbaLawyer.com
Marijuana DUI in California
2018
www.BarbaLawyer.com
I Got a DUI - What do I do now?
2018
BarbaLawyer.com
I Got a DUI - What Do I Do Now?
2017
www.BarbaLawyer.com
Is a "Wet Reckless" better than a DUI?
2014
On Amazon.com
Arrested For DUI in Southern California
2012
Blog - Law Offices of Manuel J. Barba
July 4th Tips To Avoid A DUI Conviction
2009
DUI Magazine
Your First DUI - What Now?
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
If I wait 10 years so that DUI drops off my record, will I still need SR22 and IID to get license back from CA DMV?
05 Mar 2025
Q&A
Do I need an attorney to pleabargain to wet reckless?
05 Mar 2025
Q&A
My drivers license was taken by the police on January 30 due to a dui accident.?
19 Feb 2025
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
July 4th Tips To Avoid A DUI Conviction
01 Jul 2012
Legal Guide
TIPS TO AVOIDING A DUI-DRUNK DRIVING CONVICTION
30 Jul 2011
Legal Guide
CALIFORNIA UNDER AGE 21 DUI –DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
30 Jul 2011