Douglas Hugh Ridley

Douglas Hugh Ridley

4.9
Rating: 9.9

Licensed for 27 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Moorpark, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Sex Crime ... +2 more

165 East High Street, Suite 200, Moorpark, CA

About Douglas

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 35%

Doug Ridley is the primary attorney at "Ridley Defense". We defend all types of criminal matters in all California Courthouses including major crimes, drug charges, domestic crimes, gun crimes, white collar crimes, shoplifting, and more. Mr. Ridley uses his vast experience as a former prosecutor to engage in skilled negotiations with prosecutors and judges. We work with the court to reach the best possible outcome for our clients. Even when guilty, there are many options available that can help!

26 years

35%
DUI and DWI 30%

Doug's DUI experience includes thousands of DUI files reviewed as a Deputy DA, hundreds prosecuted, and hundreds defended in private practice. Doug "speaks the language" of the court system and is able to work resolutions for his clients that are both creative and significantly impactful on their current and future situation. Doug has an excellent reputation with the prosecutors and the judges that will be making decisions regarding your case.

26 years | 15,000 cases

30%
Sex Crime 20%

Doug's last position at the DA's office was in the Special Victims Unit. His experience, compassion, and willingness to help create rehabilitation opportunities for select clients can save lives and families. Doug can help clients remain off sex offender lists, avoid jail, and more in certain circumstances.

26 years

20%
Domestic Violence 10%

Doug has handled many Domestic Violence matters successfully. One bad day should not ruin your life. Often times we are able to work with prosecutors to avoid Domestic Violence charges entirely. In other cases we can resolve matters with much better alternatives than proposed sentencing. Doug is an excellent choice for your Domestic Violence case.

26 years

10%
Juvenile Law 5%

Doug has handled many juvenile cases with exceptional results. Doug is a bright light in the lives of many youth through his advocacy, community efforts, and charitable work. Doug has helped many kids get back on track! Success in juvenile cases can be complicated; Doug is very skilled at handling those complexities. Doug is a person that you can trust with your child's future.

26 years

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 27 years

State: California

Acquired: 1998

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Ridley Defense Moorpark Office

165 East High Street, Suite 200, Moorpark, CA, 93021

Ridley Defense Ventura Office

701 E. Santa Clara Street, Suite A, Ventura, CA, 93001

Ridley Defense Santa Barbara Office

7 W Figueroa Street, Suite 350, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101

Ridley Defense Simi Valley Office

2655 First Street, Suite 250A, Simi Valley, CA, 93065

Ridley Defense Thousand Oaks / Westlake Village Office

2629 Townsgate Rd., suite 235D, Westlake Village, CA, 91361

Ridley Defense Calabasas Office

5023 Parkway Calabasas, Calabasas, CA, 91302

Ridley Defense Malibu Office

29201 Heathercliff Road, Suite 1206, Malibu, CA, 90265

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Douglas Hugh Ridley's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

31 Client Reviews

5 star (30)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (1)

Posted by Logan | July 10, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent lawyer amazing results

After calling a few different offices we decided to go with Ridley defense to handle our case. Ola was so attentive and responsive. Doug was patient with us, took the time to explain our options, and seemed genuinely sympathetic to our situation . The end result could not have been better and it'...s all because of Ridley Defense.

Posted by anonymous | November 8, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Unethical and greedy

I would never recommend Ridley Defense to my worst enemy. This team works against you for the county. Michelle Silva showed up late to my court hearing after I repeatedly called and texted her that they keep calling up my case. When she shows up, she says absolutely nothing in my defense and the judg...e orders that I be present for all hearings. I hired a lawyer because I live out of state. Now I had to pay hotel, car rental and hotel costs after Michelle did nothing. She proceeds to tell me she needs TWO WEEKS to redact the evidence that was in my case. She didn't send it to me until the day before the next court hearing, a month later. I find out through another lawyer, after I fired Michelle that she left out evidence and photos that should have been provided to me. I requested a meeting with Brian Angel the assistant, he ignored my calls texts and emails. "Ridley" himself reached out and told me I'm SOL and he will not refund me after they did nothing to defend my case but sabotage it. They are so unprofessional and I hope you all will think twice before hiring them. I paid 2500 for them to force me in to spending more money and prolonging the case 4 months. I never hired Andrew Roberts, but he was very knowledgeable & helpful in the remainder of my case. Check him out if you want real defense.

Posted by Mike C. | June 3, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Best choice I’ve ever made!

I would definitely give a six star rating if it was possible. I really can’t explain how thankful I am to Ridly Defense. At first I wasn’t too sure how to go about getting a lawyer for my situation but this 3rd time around I knew I had to. I was referred by a really good friend of mine who was in a s...imilar situation but even worse. If you’re looking for someone who is gonna fight for you. These people are the ones to call. I want to give a big shout out to Michelle. Not all heroes wear capes. She got me the best deal I could have got. I couldn’t even believe it at first. I was expecting the worst thing to happen to me. I will forever be thankful to Ridly Defense. They treated me like family.

Posted by Karlis | May 25, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Respectable, honest and Understanding

The support and honesty I received from Ridley Defense was top notch! My case was delayed for over a year due to COVID but when Michelle came aboard she was on top of keeping an eye out for when my court date was rescheduled. She then proceeded to attend all appearances on my behalf and was very open... and honest when she felt that I was given a fair deal. I could not recommend this firm more for any legal services that you may need. Both, Michelle and Brian were very helpful a helping me understand the legal process and were flexible and willing to work with me on a payment plan. As much as I respected their guidance, I hope I will never have to use them again.

Posted by Alan | May 22, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The Pros

I have worked with a lot of attorneys in my multi-decade career in both the entertainment and "green energy" industries, none better than Doug, Michelle (and associate Brian). I hired them to help me with a traffic incident, where the police thought I was DUI and were looking to press charges. Aft...er months of dedicated work, they got all charges dismissed. As it turned out my BAC was .02, but it took a lot of dogged work for Ridley Defense to get through the bureaucracy. They are Pros and probably the best attorneys you could find.

See All Client Reviews

Douglas Hugh Ridley's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Douglas
Nikki Hashemi headshot
Nikki Hashemi

Criminal defense lawyer | May 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Doug offers more than just criminal defense! He is empathetic, experienced, passionate about his clients, and an amazing human. He leads a great team of professionals."

Sam Jesse Paneno headshot
Sam Paneno

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Doug is an excellent lawyer who handles cases with the utmost professionalism. More than that, he wins. I give him my highest recommendation."

Channika Shalini Desilva headshot
Channika Desilva

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Ridley is a highly skilled, diligent and knowledgeable attorney who is well-known in the legal community for his outstanding professionalism. He was able to obtain satisfactory results even for clients whose cases were incredibly difficult by dedicating his time and effort to achieve the best results. I certainly endorse this lawyer and have no doubt he will be of great help to anyone seeking legal advice or representation within his main areas of practice."

John D. Faucher headshot
John Faucher

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Very effective at getting a good deal for his client, and walking the client through the traumatic processes in the criminal justice system."

Russ William Ercolani headshot
Russ Ercolani

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 04

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Doug is an excellent lawyer. His work ethic is extraordinary. Doug has a unique ability to communicate with a listener. Whether it be a jury or a judge, Doug is effective in convincing his listener to see it his way. Whenever one of my clients needs an expert in criminal law and superior representation in a criminal matter, I make sure they call Doug."

Ike Sherman headshot
Ike Sherman

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joseph Hyunsung Lee headshot
Joseph Lee

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Doug is the type of attorney that you hope never to need but truly are glad to know when you need him. He is a former prosecutor and so he knows the ins and outs of the other side. You may not need him now, but you will be glad you know him if the need should ever arise."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Douglas. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Angela D Curtis headshot
Angela Curtis

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer! Mr. Ridley provides thorough, compassionate & zealous representation for his clients. He will explain your rights, responsibilities & will be there for you in your time of need. He has incredible character & I highly recommend him if you need an Attorney for criminal defense matters."

Shantel Jenea Kuntuzos headshot
Shantel Kuntuzos

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Daniel Joseph Quisenberry headshot
Daniel Quisenberry

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Doug is very knowledgeable in the areas he has chosen to practice, and knows the criminal justice system very well. He is also a very active member of the community, and knows what it means to "give back"."

Ron S Bamieh headshot
Ron Bamieh

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I first met Doug when we were both fellow prosecutors in the Ventura County District Attorney's Office. He was both an aggressive prosecutor and an ethical advocate. As a defense lawyer he has taken his extensive trial experience and used it to benefit his clients. He has the respect of the legal community and is a leader in his field."

Terri Hilliard Olson headshot
Terri Hilliard Olson

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Diana Weiss Aizman headshot
Diana Aizman

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Steven D. Powell headshot
Steven Powell

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 18

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Doug Ridley is a good man and better lawyer. If things look bad he is the kind of lawyer you need. He is competent and professional. I recommend him."

Dmitry Gorin headshot
Dmitry Gorin

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Caring and tenacious advocate, as well as a former Ventura trial DA."

Jonathan Ari Drexler headshot
Jonathan Drexler

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Ridley is extremely intelligent, hard-working, trustworthy and well-spoken. He is committed to his clients and to what he does. I have referred clients to him in the past and he has treated them with the utmost professionalism and respect. I strongly endorse Mr. Ridley."

Terence Mark Sternberg headshot
Terence Sternberg

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Doug has everything you need in a criminal defense lawyer: On the legal side, Doug brings the doubly valuable experience he gained from his years working as a prosecutor. On the human side, Doug has the compassion and understanding you need from your lawyer when undergoing the extreme stress of criminal proceedings."

Scott Wesley Williams headshot
Scott Williams

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Doug is a straight shooter and a class act. His experience as a former deputy district attorney is a real plus. Definitely recommend."

Kevin Leigh Dorhout headshot
Kevin Dorhout

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Doug Ridley is a quality person and lawyer. He is an invested member in the community and someone I refer to with confidence."

View All Endorsements
Andrew Scott Mansfield headshot
Andrew Mansfield

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Shantel Jenea Kuntuzos headshot
Shantel Kuntuzos

Real estate lawyer

Ron S Bamieh headshot
Ron Bamieh

Criminal defense lawyer

Diana Weiss Aizman headshot
Diana Aizman

Criminal defense lawyer

Steven D. Powell headshot
Steven Powell

Criminal defense lawyer

Rori Michelle Ridley headshot
Rori Ridley

Business lawyer

Melinda Belew Owen headshot
Melinda Owen

Litigation lawyer

Sharon Coverly Hughes headshot
Sharon Hughes

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Esther Hopkins headshot
Esther Hopkins

Trusts lawyer

Karen L Gabler headshot
Karen Gabler

Employment and labor lawyer

Daniel Joseph Quisenberry headshot
Daniel Quisenberry

Business lawyer

Angela D Curtis headshot
Angela Curtis

Family lawyer

Jilber S Jamgochyan headshot
Jilber Jamgochyan

Litigation lawyer

Robert Alan Cohen headshot
Robert Cohen

Trusts lawyer

Brian Arnold Vogel headshot
Brian Vogel

Criminal defense lawyer

Dmitry Gorin headshot
Dmitry Gorin

Criminal defense lawyer

Ty R Supancic headshot
Ty Supancic

Estate planning lawyer

Kevin Leigh Dorhout headshot
Kevin Dorhout

Business lawyer

Scott Wesley Williams headshot
Scott Williams

Business lawyer

Terence Mark Sternberg headshot
Terence Sternberg

Business lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.9 (Superb)

Honors

2019

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2016

Trusted Advisor, San Fernando Valley Business Journal

2015

Trusted Advisor, San Fernando Valley Business Journal

2014

East County Favorite Law Firm, Ventura County Star

2013

Hometown Hero, Moorpark Chamber of Commerce

2010

Small Business Award, United Chambers of Commerce

2006

Business Person of the Year, Moorpark Chamber of Commerce

Work Experience

2011 - Present

Founder, Ridley Defense

1999 - 2004

Deputy District Attorney, Ventura County District Attorney's Office

Associations

2012 - Present

Provisors

Group Leader

2011 - Present

Provisors Professional Network

Member

2008 - Present

FAST Magnet School Booster Club

President

2009 - 2010

Moorpark Chamber of Commerce

Chairman

2008 - 2010

Calabasas Chamber of Commerce

Chairman

2008 - 2009

Rotary of Moorpark Morning

Charter President

Sample of Legal Cases

The People vs. Shaun y Stanistreet

Got Decision Reversed in State Supreme Court

See More Legal Cases

Education

1998

Pepperdine University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1998

Pepperdine University School of Law

Certificate

1995

CSU Fullerton

Master's Degree

Speaking Engagements

2017

DUI for Law Groups

DUI CLE

2016

DUI for Lawyers

DUI CLE

2016

DUI Facts

DUI CLE

2016

DUI Executives

DUI CLE

2015

Rotary Club

The Basics of DUI

2015

High School

The Law when you turn 18

2014

DUI Bar

DUI CLE

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution