How much does it cost to hire Matthew for a criminal defense case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Matthew walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Matthew offer a free consultation?

Matthew charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew's current terms during booking.

How long do criminal defense cases in California typically take?

Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Matthew gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Matthew take my case if I'm outside Torrance?

Matthew is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Matthew will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Matthew?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Matthew will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Matthew accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

Matthew's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

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Matthew Jay Ruff, Criminal Defense Attorney in Torrance, California

Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI · 4.5/5 rating from 18 verified client reviews

Attorney at LawatLaw Offices Of Matthew J Ruff

Torrance, CA

Practicing criminal defense in Torrance since 1995.

31+: Years practicing
4.5 ★: 18 client reviews
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Criminal Defense Drug Crimes DUI/DWI DV Defense DV Protection Federal Crimes +11 more →

Are you Matthew Jay Ruff?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Matthew Jay Ruff is an attorney at law based in Torrance, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Matthew has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices Of Matthew J Ruff. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 18 client reviews.

Based in: Torrance, CA
Experience: over 31 years
Known for: Criminal Defense · Drug Crimes · DUI/DWI

Handles Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI matters from Torrance, CA.
Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Matthew's practice areas in Torrance

Matthew concentrates on criminal defense, drug crimes, dui/dwi, dv defense, and dv protection. Each area below outlines the kind of case Matthew handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Torrance, California

Matthew takes criminal defense matters in Torrance, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.

Drug Crimes cases in Torrance, California

Matthew takes drug crimes matters in Torrance, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.

DUI/DWI cases in Torrance, California

Matthew takes dui/dwi matters in Torrance, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.

DV Defense cases in Torrance, California

Matthew takes dv defense matters in Torrance, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.

DV Protection cases in Torrance, California

Matthew takes dv protection matters in Torrance, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.

Biography

Matthew Jay Ruff, criminal defense attorney serving Torrance

Matthew Jay Ruff is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, criminal law, driving while intoxicated and 52 other areas of law. Matthew received a B.S. degree from California State University, Fresno in 1991, and has been licensed for 31 years. Matthew practices at Law Offices of Matthew J. Ruff in Torrance, CA and 1 other location.

How Matthew handles criminal defense matters

Who Matthew represents

Matthew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, drug crimes, and dui/dwi matters in Torrance and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Matthew studied and practices

University of the Pacific
J.D. · 1995
California State University, Fresno
B.S. · 1991

Jurisdictions

Matthew's state bar admissions

California
1995 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1995 · ACTIVE

Matthew studied at J.D. in University of the Pacific and B.S. in California State University, Fresno.

Law school and academic background

Matthew completed J.D. in University of the Pacific and B.S. in California State University, Fresno. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Matthew runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Matthew's professional memberships and bar associations

Kern County and Los Angeles Bar Associations State Bar of California National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
membership

Locations

Matthew Jay Ruff's office in Torrance

Matthew's primary office is at The Old Courthouse Building, 18411 Crenshaw Boulevard, Suite 417, Torrance, CA, 90504. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Law Offices Of Matthew J Ruff

The Old Courthouse Building, 18411 Crenshaw Boulevard, Suite 417

Torrance, CA 90504

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Matthew Jay Ruff — 4.5/5 rating from 18 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Matthew. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Torrance.

4.5

18 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Matthew Jay Ruff claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Matthew Jay Ruff — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Matthew usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Matthew charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Matthew will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Torrance, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Matthew

Matthew discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Matthew confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Matthew's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Matthew Jay Ruff

How much does it cost to hire Matthew for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Matthew walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Matthew offer a free consultation?
Matthew charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in California typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Matthew gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Matthew take my case if I'm outside Torrance?
Matthew is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Matthew will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Matthew?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Matthew will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Matthew accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Matthew's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by California residents in the last few months, answered by criminal defense attorneys like Matthew Jay Ruff. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What should I do if I’m arrested for assault in California?
I was arrested in Los Angeles, CA, for assault during an altercation at a bar last weekend. I didn’t start the fight, and there are witnesses who can back me up. I'm really anxious
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · California
How can I appeal a conviction for a DUI in Michigan?
I was convicted of a DUI in Detroit, MI, last year and am unhappy with the outcome. I feel like my attorney didn’t represent me well, and I’d like to know if there’s a way to appea
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Michigan
What can I do if I’m wrongfully accused of robbery in Pennsylvania?
I was wrongly accused of robbery in Philadelphia, PA, after an incident at a store where I was simply shopping. The security footage proves my innocence, but the police arrested me
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Pennsylvania
What should I know about plea deals for misdemeanor charges in Hawaii?
I received a misdemeanor charge for disorderly conduct in Honolulu, HI, and the court suggested a plea deal. I’m unsure if I should accept it or fight the charge. What should I con
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Hawaii
What are the penalties for a DUI in Colorado after a second offense?
I received my second DUI in Denver, CO, last month, and I'm worried about facing harsher penalties this time around. My first offense resulted in a fine and community service, but
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Colorado
What are the legal consequences of underage drinking in Massachusetts?
I’m a college student in Boston, MA, and I was caught with alcohol at a party. I’m concerned about the legal repercussions this may have on my record and my future job opportunitie
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Massachusetts

Areas served

Criminal Defense attorneys serving Torrance, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Matthew handles criminal defense matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Matthew's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Torrance handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

Matthew Jay Ruff, Criminal Defense Attorney in Torrance, California

Quick answer

Matthew's practice areas in Torrance

Criminal Defense cases in Torrance, California