Riverside Criminal Defense Lawyer

When you’re facing criminal charges in Riverside County, your freedom, reputation, and future are all at stake. At The Law Offices of Hart J. Levin, we bring decades of courtroom-tested experience and dedication to your side. As a top-reviewed Riverside criminal defense lawyer, Hart Levin is a former prosecutor who understands both sides of the legal system, the prosecution and the defense. Our firm provides aggressive, strategic and a goal-oriented defense for individuals charged with crimes throughout Riverside and Riverside County, including downtown and the broader Inland Empire.

Whether you’ve been arrested for DUI, domestic violence, theft, hit and run, battery, driving on a suspended license, assault, or a white collar offense, we are prepared to fight for your rights. With deep familiarity with Riverside County Superior Court and local law enforcement procedures, we offer expertly-informed legal representation that’s tailored to your unique situation and personal needs. Schedule a free legal consultation today and get the clarity and support you need.

Why Hire a Riverside Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Criminal charges can quickly derail your life, leading to jail time, steep fines, destroying your criminal record, and lasting damage to your personal and professional reputation. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor allegations or serious felony charges, it is essential to have an experienced criminal defense attorney in Riverside protecting your rights from the very beginning.

Hart J. Levin is not only a seasoned trial lawyer but also a former prosecutor. This gives him an invaluable advantage in anticipating the strategies used by the District Attorney’s Office in the prosecution of you. Understanding the playbook of the opposition enables our team to stay ahead by knowing their specific internal protocols and strategies, whether that means negotiating favorable plea deals or mounting an aggressive defense at trial.

As one of the top criminal defense attorneys in Riverside, Hart Levin and his expert term of attorneys is known for his meticulous preparation, persuasive courtroom discussions with both the judge and the district attorneys, and unwavering commitment to his clients. We don’t just represent you — we partner with you to defend your future from start to finish.

Criminal Cases We Defend in Riverside

Our firm defends clients against a wide range of criminal charges in Riverside County. From first-time misdemeanors to complex felony cases, we provide the same high level of dedication and strategic planning. Our practice areas include but are not limited to:

DUI and drug-related offenses (including drug sales and drug trafficking)
Domestic violence and restraining order violations
Theft, burglary, and robbery
Assault and battery
White collar crimes such as fraud and embezzlement
Probation violations
Driving offenses like hit and run, evading, or driving on a suspended license

Each case is approached with a tailored strategy with your specific goals in mind. Some cases may be resolved through skillful plea deal negotiations, while others demand rigorous preparation for trial. Regardless of the path your case takes, we are committed to achieving the best possible outcome to protect your freedom and livelihood.

What to Expect During the Criminal Process in Riverside

Understanding what happens after an arrest can help ease some of the uncertainty and anxiety that comes with being charged with a crime in Riverside. At our firm, every case begins with a thorough case review. We want to understand what happened from your personal perspective. During this free legal consultation, we’ll evaluate the charges against you, explain your options, and outline a preliminary defense strategy.

From there, we guide you through each step of the court proceedings in Riverside County. This typically includes the first court date (known as the arraignment), pre-trial hearings, potential plea discussions, and if necessary, jury trial defense. Our approach is proactive. We don’t wait to react to the prosecution — we take the lead in challenging evidence, filing motions, and building a narrative that supports your defense.

Communication is central to our process. You will always know where your case stands and what to expect next. We remain available to our clients to answer any questions they may have throughout, and after the process is finished.

Why Hart Levin is Among the Top Criminal Defense Attorneys in Riverside

Our reputation has been built on amazing results and many years of hard earned trust. With over 50 years of combined courtroom experience, our legal team has helped hundreds of clients avoid jail time, reduce charges, or secure case dismissals. Hart J. Levin is a highly rated Riverside attorney with a consistent record of successful victories and client outcomes. Our clients appreciate not only our legal knowledge but our transparency, empathy, and commitment to personalized service.

We encourage all prospective clients to review our client testimonials. They speak volumes about our dedication, integrity, and results-driven approach. We use a one-on-one approach, dealing with you directly and personally to defend your case.

One of the key advantages of working with our firm is our deep local knowledge. Each county is different and each courthouse within a county is very different in how they handle criminal charges. We’ve handled hundreds of cases throughout the Inland Empire and have excellent experience and strong relationships with the judges, prosecutors, and procedures at Riverside County Superior Court. We understand how different courthouses operate, including the nuances of criminal courts in Riverside. Each judge is different. Each prosecutor is different. Knowing who you are up against is critical.

This local insight allows us to move efficiently and strategically. Whether your case involves local law enforcement or is being prosecuted in downtown Riverside, we tailor our defense to reflect the realities of the jurisdiction. We proudly serve clients across Riverside County and provide accessible legal help to residents throughout the region. We offer generous payment plans and speak Spanish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Riverside

What should I do if I’ve been arrested in Riverside?

If you’ve been arrested, remain silent and ask to speak with an attorney immediately. Do not answer questions from law enforcement without legal representation. Remain courteous and respectfully decline to answer questions without your attorney present. Contacting a seasoned criminal defense attorney in Riverside as soon as possible gives your lawyer the opportunity to protect your rights from the outset.

Can I avoid jail time for a first-time offense?

In many cases, yes. California offers a range of alternative sentencing options for first-time offenders, including diversion programs, community labor (Cal Trans), community service, classes, probation, and rehabilitation. The best outcome depends on the nature of the charges, your background, and how we fight your case.

How long does a criminal case take in Riverside County?

Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the case. A misdemeanor may resolve in a few months, while felonies — particularly those that go to trial — can take several months or longer. We provide clear timelines during your case review and update you each step of the way so you know what to expect going forward.

Do I need a lawyer even if I’m innocent?

Yes. Innocence alone is not a defense — you need a legal advocate who can prove it. A successful criminal defense lawyer will protect you from procedural errors, challenge unlawful evidence, and make sure your rights are fully upheld in court.

What does a free legal consultation include?

Your consultation includes a private, one-on-one meeting with a defense attorney. We review your charges, explain potential outcomes, and provide an honest assessment of your case. There’s no obligation — just informed guidance to help you move forward.

Speak with a Riverside Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you or someone you care about is facing criminal charges in Riverside, now is the time to act. The sooner you secure expert legal defense, the better your chances of a favorable outcome. At The Law Offices of Hart J. Levin, we offer honest advice, proven defense strategies, and personalized attention backed by decades of courtroom experience, and most importantly, client satisfaction.

Call today to schedule your free legal consultation. We are available 24/7 and ready to provide the legal help you need to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.

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Testimonials

“Mr. Levin is an excellent attorney. The level of professionalism of himself and his staff is incomparable to others in the area and I highly recommend him.”

“I would like to thank Hart J. Levin and his staff for handling my case and being able to get it completely dismissed. His team is the highest-rated and most reviewed criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles for a reason. The whole process was extremely smooth, they took care of everything and answered all my questions and concerns. I would highly recommend The Law Offices of Hart J. Levin to anybody who is looking for the best outcome for their case. Thank you, I am extremely grateful.”

“As an attorney myself, I get a lot of inquiries for criminal defense and DUI attorneys. I have referred clients to Hart Levin and heard nothing but great feedback about his office and his staff. Getting a DUI can be a really scary and confusing experience. Hart Levin's office does a great job of walking clients through step by step and making sure they get the best result possible. I will continue to recommend Hart Levin's office to my clients, knowing they will be well taken care of.”

“Needing a criminal defense lawyer can be very stressful, so if you need one you can count on, I highly recommend calling Hart Levin.”

“I found the law office of Hart Levin and took an appointment with him after talking to him on phone. What makes him different from other lawyers whom I talked to is he doesn't scare you or give false promises. He will tell exactly how the case is going to proceed with his vast experience and what he can do to get best outcome. We were very stressed with the whole situation, but after we met Mr. Levin we were relieved and I got this feeling that he is very honest person and confidence that he will get us out of our bad situation. We are forever thankful to him and I would highly recommended him for criminal cases.”

Criminal Defense Attorney in Riverside, CA

Highly-Rated Criminal Defense Attorneys in Riverside