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Mr. Middlebrook is a Southern California Super Lawyer, is AV Rated (highest rating available by Martindale Hubbel) and has a perfect 10 rating on AVVO. He is considered one of the preeminent DUI attorneys in California.
He spends hundreds of hours a year attending, moderating and lecturing in seminars throughout the world. He exclusively represents persons accused of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs and the forensic science associated with those areas.
He is a two time President of the California DUI Lawyers Association and a Founding Member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association and sat on their Board of Directorsfor a decade. He is a Sustaining Member of the National College for DUI Defense.
He was awarded the 2024 Ed Kuwatch Lifetime Achievement Award by CDLA and the 2025 National College of DUI Defense Leadership Award.
He is one of only six lawyers in the State of California and less than 50 worldwide to be designated by the American Chemical Society as a Lawyer-Scientist. The ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist is one who uses validated and legitimate science for the benefit of justice. These are lawyers who study the science and apply it legitimately in the courtroom. They expose invalid or non-validated science and use valid science in the courtroom. They eschew the smoke and mirrors techniques of old and embrace the science for the benefit of all.
He has tried over 290 DUI cases throughout his career with a 97% success rate. He has acted as lead counsel in over fifteen thousand administrative hearings, writ proceedings, motions, and appeals. His success rate in those proceedings is unmatched anywhere in Califorinia.
1
Practice Area
34 years | 5,000 cases
Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
State: California
Acquired: 1993
No misconduct found
Fax
8501 Brimhall Road Suite 404, Bakersfield, CA, 93312
kerncountydui.com/
Other places you can find Richard online.
Showing 1 - 5 of 81 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Rolland | June 24, 2024 | Hired Attorney
They handled my case so smoothly my mind was blown. After I called them they took care of everything!!! They are the real deal people.
Posted by David | December 31, 2023 | Hired Attorney
There is a reason Mr. Middlebrook is one of the top DUI attorneys. He was there every step of the way with me needed very little. Let me know every little detail of my case. His office staff is very helpful and kind, every single one of them. They truly do take pride in taking every persons case pers...
Posted by Elisa | November 15, 2023 | Hired Attorney
I really am glad I went with Middlebrook and Associates to handle my case. Their attorneys are knowledgeable and efficient. They accommodated to my needs and availability and made sure communication was always clear and prompt. I definitely recommend them.
Posted by Jaime B | November 7, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Mr. Richard Middlebrook helped me with my DUI violation. The outcome was great! Mr. Middlebrook was able to get my DUI sentence to what I believe the minimal possible. My violation was a felony, and he was able to get it dropped to a misdemeanor. Mr. Middlebrook made me feel stressed/worried free the...
Posted by Nancy | January 23, 2023 | Hired Attorney
There are no words for the love and respect I hold for this firm. In July, 2022, I made a terrible decision. I drive to my then-boyfriend’s in Rosamond, CA from Long Beach. I had been drinking all day, celebrating with a friend who had gotten a new job. I made the decision to drive after receiving a ...
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Middlebrook is an exceptionally effective litigator in the area of driving under the influence cases. He has a remarkable knowledge of the science of forensic alcohol testing which he uses to the benefit of his clients during cross-examination of the prosecution's experts. Mr. Middlebrook has achieved an unparalled record of acquittals in DUI cases and enjoys a national reputation as an outstanding trial lawyer."
"I endorse Richard on any driving related offense. I have worked for several years with Richard and have been privileged to know him professionally and as a great friend. His success in trial is indisputable. Richard’s knowledge of the science behind blood and breath alcohol analysis is unmatched. Having obtained more training than the officers administering field sobriety tests and having advanced training in headspace gas chromatography, beyond the level of understanding of the analysts testing for blood alcohol, he is unmatched in DUI defense. I am personally aware that he had successfully tried more DUI related cases than any other 10 attorneys in Kern County California combined. His ability as a trial lawyer and his specialization in the area of DUI defense has without question earned him the reputation of the being one of the best DUI Attorneys in California hands down. This is evidenced by the fact that his new clients are referred by former clients, other lawyers, law enfo"
"I endorse this lawyer. Simply put, this attorney is a giant in DUI defense. When I needed assistance with a legal question regarding a writ against the DMV in the First District Court. He provided me with excellent advice. Additionally, he lectures on the subject to California DUI Lawyer's Association on how to defend DUI's. He's the best. I can't give higher accolades."
"I would absolutely hire Richard Middlebrook for a DUI arrest. He works tirelessly on his cases for his clients. His knowledge base in the law is impeccable as is his formidable trial skills. He has a fantastic record of wins in over 200 jury trials. Richard is always increasing his expertise in this area of the law. I have consulted with him on many, many cases. He is also meticulous in his preparation for trial. You or your family member will be well served by having Richard Middlebrook represent you. He has my highest recommendation."
"Having practiced DUI Defense for 17 years now, coupled with serving on the faculty of the National College for DUI Defense and current Board of Director for the DUI Defense Lawyers Association, I have had the privilege of getting to know and work with many of our nation's finest DUI defense attorneys over the years. Without hesitation, Richard Middlebrook is amongst the finest DUI defense attorneys you will find anywhere in America. Well trained, professional, experienced, compassionate, talented, you name it, he's it. If anyone in central to northern California finds him or herself in the unenviable position of being charged with DUI, do not hesitate to call Richard Middlebrook. I promise, you will be glad you did."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Middlebrook is the DUI attorney that you want in Kern County. The prosecutors in Kern County know Mr. Middlebrook as a fearsome opponent and have a great deal of respect for him. 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."
"Mr. Middlebrook is the without a doubt the DUI go to guy that most of us other criminal lawyers refer to on our complex and serious DUI matters. I have adopted his approach to DMV hearings, Chemical test imperfections and other complex DUI defense strategies with great success."
"Richard is known far and wide as one of the finest DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers in the country. Without reservation, I would recommend his services to any friend or family member."
"Rich Middlebrook is a top notch DUI defense attorney, both in Court and with the DMV. Well trained and highly respected in the legal community. He has my full confidence and endorsement."
"I endorse this lawyer. If I ever get a DUI in Kern County, this is who I would call. Mr. Middlebrook is an expert in the complex area of DUI law. I have repeatedly observed how well his clients favor due to his diligence and skill."
"I am proud to endorse Mr. Middlebrook for his honest, integrity and hard work. He is an excellent DUI defense attorney."
"Richard Middlebrook is simply at the top of the food chain. There are but a small handful of DUI defense trial lawyers in the country that can do what this man can do & has done. We worked on a matter together -- the defense of a 2nd offense DUI allegation -- and I was able to see firsthand how effective Middlebrook really is. He pitched a perfect game ~ won the DMV hearing and had all charges dismissed on 4th Amendment grounds. This man is a heckuva trial lawyer and one simply cannot do better in Kern County. I fully endorse this excellent attorney."
"Mr. Middlebrook is quick to respond to any inquiries and offers excellent advice. I wholeheartedly endorse him and would not hesitate to refer friends or family members to him as I know him to be committed to the defense of his clients."
"Richard is dedicated to representing those charged with DUI. Richard and I have attended numerous seminars on defending DUI cases in order to understand both the legal and scientific aspects to the case. Richard is dedicated to representing his clients and obtaining the best outcome and that is why he continues to learn and improve his skills. If you need an attorney for a DUI case, I would not hesitate to hire Richard."
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2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2018
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2017
Client's Choice, Avvo
2017
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2016
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Client's Choice, Avvo
2015
Lawyer Scientist Designation, American Chemical Society- Chemistry and the Law
2015
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Client's Choice, Avvo
2014
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Client's Choice, Avvo
2013
Graduation- Legal and Forensic Science and Mass Spectrometry, American Chemical Society
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Graduate, Winter Session, National College for DUI Defense
2013
Super Lawyers, Thompson Reuters
2012
2012 Summer Session Graduate, National College of DUI Defense
2012
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Super Lawyers, Thompson Reuters
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Graduate- Winter Session, National College of DUI Defense
2011
Mastering Scientific Evidence Seminar, National College of DUI Defense
2011
Graduate, Summer Session, National College for DUI Defense
2010
Graduate- Summer Session at Harvard Law School, National College of DUI Defense
2010
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
Graduation- Legal and Forensic Science and the Gas Chromatograph, American Chemical Society
2010
Graduation- Mastering Scientific Evidence Seminar, National College for DUI Defense
2010
Graduation- Winter Session, National College for DUI Defense
2009
Graduation- NCDD Summer Session, National College of DUI Defense
2009
Graduation- NCDD Winter Session, National College of DUI Defense
2009
Graduation- DWI- Defending with Ingenuity, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2009
Graduation- DUI in the Desert, Califoria Attorneys for Criminal Justice
2009
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2008
Graduation- SFST Training, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
2008
Graduation- Mastering Scientific Evidence, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2006
Manuel Molina, National President of the Year, Active 20-30 International
1990
Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International
2015 - Present
Founding Partner, Middlebrook & Associates
1995 - Present
Managing Partner, Richard O. Middlebrook, A Prof. Corp.
1994 - 1995
Attorney, Borton Petrini & Conron
1994 - 1994
Prosecuting Attorney, Kern County District Attorney
1991 - 1993
Prosecuting Law Clerk, Yolo County District Attorney
2015 - Present
Rotary, Bakersfield WestMember
2015 - Present
Rotary InternationalMember
2014 - Present
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationFounding Member
2008 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysMember
2008 - Present
Active 20-30 InternationalPast President
2006 - Present
Active 20-30 United States and CanadaPast President
2003 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseSustaining Member
2003 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationSpecialist Member
2002 - Present
Board of DirectorsPresident
2002 - Present
Board of Directors1st Vice-President
2001 - Present
Board of Directors2nd Vice-President
2001 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationMember
1994 - Present
Kern County Bar AssociationMember
1993 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
1993 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
Member
Specialist Member
Member
2007 - 2008
Active 20-30 InternationalInternational President
2006 - 2007
Int. President-Elect
2005 - 2006
Active 20-30 United States and CanadaNational President
2004 - 2005
Active 20-30 United States and CanadaNational President-Elect
2002 - 2003
Active 20-30 United States and CanadaRegion 3 Director
2002 - 2003
Active 20-30 Club of BakersfieldClub President
2002 - 2003
National Director
1996 - 2003
Kern County Sheriff's Mounted PosseMember
1994 - 1996
Rotary InternationalMember
1988 - 1990
Rotaract Club of California Lutheran UniversityPresident
Dismissed DUI for an infraction
Offered an infraction
Hung jury.
Dismissal after one year to drunk in public
Case dismissed
All charges dismissed
All charges dismissed
All charges dismissed
License suspension set-aside
Acquitted of all charges.
All charges dismissed
Writ granted; license reinstated.
Acquitted of all charges.
Acquitted of all charges
Acquitted on all charges.
All Charges Dismissed; Plea to Infraction
Dismissal of DUI
.09/.09 DMV Win and Reduced to infraction
.28 Driving Suspension Set-Aside
DMV Set-Aside
DMV Set-Aside
DMV Set-Aside
DUI Dismissed. License reinstated.
Court Dismissal on .18/.17
DUI Dismissed on 100+ MPH Stop
Dry Reckless on DUI and Under the Influence
Acquitted .15 DUI
Dry Reckless on DUI and Under the Influence
Reversal of DMV License Suspension on WRIT
23103- Dry Reckless- No Jail or DUI terms
Dismissal of License Suspension on Writ
Dismissal of .09 DUI
DUI Dismissed. License reinstated.
.18 BAC with 30 MPH over the speed limit
.18 BAC with 30 MPH over the speed limit
DMV Appeal Won
Dismissed
Dismissal of .09 DUI
Prosecution Dismissed .18 DUI
Dismissal of Case Reinstatement of License
.18 DUI Dismissed
.23 DUI Dismissed
DUI Dismissed
DUI Dismissed with Reckless License Return
Hung Jury on .11/.10 PAS and .09/.08 Breath
DMV Set-Aside
DMV Set-Aside
DMV Set-Aside
DMV Set-Aside
5th District COA decision defining DMV rights
DUI Refusal Case for Drugs and Alcohol
DMV Set-Aside
1993
JD - Juris Doctor
1990
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2019
Preparing A Client To Testify
2013
2013
Chemical Testing in DUI Cases
2012
The Misleading Nature of Unconfirmed Headspace Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detector Single Column Based Alcohol Reports - A Criminal Case Study
2012
Transparency of Crime Laboratories to End Users
2010
DUI Defense for Public Defenders
2010
Scientific Evidence in DUI Cases
2010
DUI Scientific Evidence for the Non-Scientist
2010
DMV Hearings: Winning Can Mean Everything
2010
Private Criminal Defense Counsel and Their Role
2009
Requirements of a Great Judge
2009
Private Criminal Defense Counsel and Their Role
2008
Charitable Giving
2008
2010
2010
2008
English
Spanish
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Richard earned significant contribution points in 2012.
Can I petition the DMV's license suspension?
05 Jan 2015
First DUI arrest BAC level of .11
05 Jul 2011
What does California do if you have no job or money to pay DUI fines, etc.?
21 Feb 2010