Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
PRO
Richard Orville Middlebrook
Virtual Consultation Available
Free Consultation
About Richard
Biography
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.
Kern County's Preeminent DUI Defense Attorney
Kern County's Preeminent DUI Defense Firm
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
DUI and DWI
100%
34 years | 5,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2021 2020 2019
...
+
5
2012
Licenses
Licensed in California for 32 years
State: California
Acquired: 1993
No misconduct found
Location
Middlebrook & Associates
(661) 636-1343
Fax
8501 Brimhall Road Suite 404, Bakersfield, CA, 93312
kerncountydui.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Richard online.
Richard Orville Middlebrook's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
81 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (81)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 6 - 10 of 12 reviews | Compassion
Posted by David | February 09, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
DUI CONVICTION
I was charged with a DUI back in May 2015 and received a BAC of over .09 and was involved in a moderate collision with another vehicle. I contacted Richard Middlebrook immediately to avoid a license suspension. My license was taken away by the Bakersfield Police Department. I got another license with...
Posted by Bob | November 06, 2014 | DUI & DWI
Amazing DUI defense
In June of 2013, I was arrested for DUI. I retained an inexperienced lawyer (not Richard Middlebrook) that just wanted to collect a few thousand dollars and plead me out to first offense DUI. It was clearly evident during the DMV hearing I made a serious error in the attorney I went the cheap route ...
Richard Middlebrook
Replied last November 06, 2014Truly one of the best experiences with a client and a trial I ever had. I'm so proud of the result and the friendship that we share now as a result of doing battle. You are a true gentleman and I'm so thankful you took the time to share your story here.
Posted by anonymous | July 10, 2014 | DUI & DWI
DUI and his last Divorce Case CLOSED with good results!
In 2009 I got a DUI and it was my second offense. At the time, I was going through a divorce. With hesitation on Mr. Middlebrook's part because he no longer handle divorces he took on my case. I was so afraid of losing my children at that time. My ex was dating a legal secretary and she was "out to ...
Richard Middlebrook
Replied last July 10, 2014Of course I do...Thank you so much for the kind words. After not doing a divorce case in nearly a decade, I wasn't thrilled to do another. But sometimes its imperative that all the loose strings remain in the same hand. I am grateful for the trust you put in me and my staff. I'm even more grateful that your case was my last family law matter I ever had to work on. Hahaha.
Posted by Elizabeth | October 25, 2013 | DUI & DWI
Great Firm, Amazing Lawyer!
After being pulled over for a DUI in Bakersfield I looked for the best of the best to try to help me win my case. I found Mr. Middlbrook and it was the best decision I have ever made. From the get go he was always very informative and didn't sugar coat anything. He wanted me and my family to under...
Richard Middlebrook
Replied last October 30, 2013Elizabeth, thank you so much for your kind words. I made sure each of the team saw your comments and all were very grateful. I'm so happy that this matter can be put to bed and you can move on with your life without the serious impediments these charges can bring. I couldn't be happier with the resolution. Thank you for trusting us with such important decisions in your life and I'm glad we proved to be the "right" decision for you.
Posted by Yesenia | June 04, 2013 | DUI & DWI
DUI CRISES AVERTED
On May 2013 I was convicted of a DUI. I went about asking my sister for advice and was given a name of an attorney in which for many weeks was very hard to get in touch with. As my court date grew closer I became worried that I would not get the legal representation that I needed. Three days before...
Richard Middlebrook
Replied last September 03, 2013Yesenia, thank you so much for the glowing review. We are so proud of our whole team. I will pass along your kind words. Best of luck in all your future endeavors!
Richard Orville Middlebrook's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Kern County's premier DUI defense attorney ... without a doubt!"
"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."
Harley Wagner
DUI and DWI lawyer
Jeremy Brehmer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Matthew Terry
DUI and DWI lawyer
Theodore Vosk
DUI and DWI lawyer
Karina Jacobo
DUI and DWI lawyer
Bell Island
DUI and DWI lawyer
Michael Tillotson
DUI and DWI lawyer
Justin McShane
DUI and DWI lawyer
Sarah Toney
DUI and DWI lawyer
Terry Wapner
DUI and DWI lawyer
Heberto Sala
Criminal defense lawyer
Virginia Landry
DUI and DWI lawyer
Donald Ramsell
DUI and DWI lawyer
George Mueller
DUI and DWI lawyer
Barry Goldner
Business lawyer
Diane Medina
DUI and DWI lawyer
Barry Simons
DUI and DWI lawyer
John Campanella
DUI and DWI lawyer
Chad Maddox
DUI and DWI lawyer
Paul Burglin
DUI and DWI lawyer
Experience
Honors
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
Work Experience
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
Associations
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
Bakersfield Active 20-30 Club
Member
California DUI Lawyer's Association
Specialist Member
California Bar Association
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
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. Jacob M.
Dismissed DUI for an infraction
People v. Damon B.
Offered an infraction
People v. Shannon D.
Hung jury.
People v. Pamela S
Dismissal after one year to drunk in public
People v. Melanie M
Case dismissed
People v. Janice H.
All charges dismissed
People v. Blaine N.
All charges dismissed
People v. John M.
All charges dismissed
DMV v. Stephanie U.
License suspension set-aside
People v. Carlie A.
Acquitted of all charges.
People v. Leah S.
All charges dismissed
Leah S. v. DMV
Writ granted; license reinstated.
People v. Brian T.
Acquitted of all charges.
People v. Armando L.
Acquitted of all charges
People v.Kenneth T.
Acquitted on all charges.
People v. Martin C.
All Charges Dismissed; Plea to Infraction
People v. Pam O.
Dismissal of DUI
People v. Martin C.
.09/.09 DMV Win and Reduced to infraction
DMV v. Nicole M.
.28 Driving Suspension Set-Aside
DMV v. Janice J-H
DMV Set-Aside
DMV v. S.K.
DMV Set-Aside
DMV v. Isiah S.
DMV Set-Aside
People v. Ian B.
DUI Dismissed. License reinstated.
People v. Kevin M.
Court Dismissal on .18/.17
People v. Robert M.
DUI Dismissed on 100+ MPH Stop
People v. Garrett A.
Dry Reckless on DUI and Under the Influence
People v. Randy Jones
Acquitted .15 DUI
People v. Kevin W.
Dry Reckless on DUI and Under the Influence
Daniel Enriquez v. Department of Motor Vehicles
Reversal of DMV License Suspension on WRIT
People v. Nick Clark
23103- Dry Reckless- No Jail or DUI terms
Eric J. v. Department of Motor Vehicles
Dismissal of License Suspension on Writ
People of the State of California v. Bradley T.
Dismissal of .09 DUI
People v. Ian B.
DUI Dismissed. License reinstated.
People v. Michael J.
.18 BAC with 30 MPH over the speed limit
People v. Michael J.
.18 BAC with 30 MPH over the speed limit
DMV v. Sylvia M.
DMV Appeal Won
People of the State of California v. Eric Jones
Dismissed
People of the State of California v. Bradley Tennis
Dismissal of .09 DUI
People v. Daniel Enriquez
Prosecution Dismissed .18 DUI
People V. Amy Wallace
Dismissal of Case Reinstatement of License
People v. D.K.
.18 DUI Dismissed
People of the State of California v. Emilio Hoyos
.23 DUI Dismissed
People v. Edward D.
DUI Dismissed
People v. Jennifer M.
DUI Dismissed with Reckless License Return
People v. Robert P.
Hung Jury on .11/.10 PAS and .09/.08 Breath
DMV v. Isiah S.
DMV Set-Aside
DMV v. Isiah S.
DMV Set-Aside
DMV v. Isiah S.
DMV Set-Aside
DMV v. Stacy C.
DMV Set-Aside
Bussard v. Department of Motor Vehicles
5th District COA decision defining DMV rights
People v. S. K.
DUI Refusal Case for Drugs and Alcohol
People v. Rochelle W.
DMV Set-Aside
Education
1993
University of California at Davis School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1990
California Lutheran University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2019
Spring Seminar
Preparing A Client To Testify
2013
2013
MCLE Session
Chemical Testing in DUI Cases
2012
American Chemical Society - San Diego Conference March 2012
The Misleading Nature of Unconfirmed Headspace Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detector Single Column Based Alcohol Reports - A Criminal Case Study
2012
American Academy of Forensic Sciences- National Convention 2012
Transparency of Crime Laboratories to End Users
2010
Kern County Public Defender MCLE Seminar
DUI Defense for Public Defenders
2010
Kern County Bar Association Criminal Defense Seminar
Scientific Evidence in DUI Cases
2010
DUI Scientific Evidence for the Non-Scientist
DUI Scientific Evidence for the Non-Scientist
2010
DUI Refresher
DMV Hearings: Winning Can Mean Everything
2010
A Day In the Law
Private Criminal Defense Counsel and Their Role
2009
Swearing in of Judge Charles Brehmer
Requirements of a Great Judge
2009
A Day In the Law
Private Criminal Defense Counsel and Their Role
2008
World Council of Service Clubs
Charitable Giving
2008
WOCO 2008
Various
Publications
2010
Kern County DUI Blog
The APS Suspension and Conviction Suspension
2010
Kern County Public Defender
DUIs: From A to DMV
2008
Kern County Bar Association Newsletter
The Effect of Bussard: Continuances for All
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Richard earned significant contribution points in 2012.
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I petition the DMV's license suspension?
05 Jan 2015
Q&A
First DUI arrest BAC level of .11
05 Jul 2011
Q&A
What does California do if you have no job or money to pay DUI fines, etc.?
21 Feb 2010