Manuel Jess Barba, Criminal Defense Attorney in Riverside, California
Over 27 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI · 4.0/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews
AttorneyatLaw Offices of Manuel Barba
Riverside, CA
Practicing criminal defense in Riverside since 1999.
- 27+
- Years practicing
- 4.0 ★
- 4 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Manuel Jess Barba?
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Quick answer
Manuel Jess Barba is an attorney based in Riverside, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI. Manuel has over 27 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Manuel Barba. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
- Based in
- Riverside, CA
- Experience
- over 27 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI
- Handles Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI matters from Riverside, CA.
- Over 27 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Manuel Jess Barba: Manuel Jess Barba is an attorney based in Riverside, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI. Manuel has over 27 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Manuel Barba. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Manuel takes on
Manuel concentrates on criminal defense and dui/dwi. Each area below outlines the kind of case Manuel handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Riverside, California
Manuel takes criminal defense matters in Riverside, 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 Manuel agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Riverside, California
Manuel takes dui/dwi matters in Riverside, 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 Manuel agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Manuel Jess Barba — criminal defense lawyer in Riverside
Manuel Jess Barba is an attorney based in Riverside, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI. Manuel has over 27 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Manuel Barba. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
Based in Riverside, California, DUI Defense Attorney Manuel J. Barba has been practicing DUI Defense exclusively since 2004 throughout Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
Attorney Manuel J. Barba has been awarded "The ACS Forensic Lawyer-Scientist Designation as recognized by the Chemistry and the Law Division of the ACS.” The American Chemical Society (ACS) and its Chemistry and the Law Division (CHAL) awards the ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist Designation to lawyers who have met the rigorous criteria and have demonstrated their knowledge of the science related to defending DUI cases.
The ACS-CHAL designation of Forensic-Lawyer Scientist is the highest form of scientific recognition available to lawyers. It is a milestone and stands as a strong indication that the lawyer not only knows the law but truly understands the science in a fundamental way.
Currently there are only six attorneys in the State of California who have been awarded the ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist designation; and attorney Barba is the only DUI defense attorney in the Riverside and San Bernardino County area.
Manuel J. Barba is a Specialist member of the California DUI Lawyers Association and is a member of its Board of Directors.
Attorney Barba is also an active member of the National College for DUI Defense, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, California Public Defenders Association, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Attorney Manuel J. Barba has also attended the National Criminal Defense College in Macon, Georgia, as well as the Trial Lawyers College in Dubois, Wyoming.
Attorney Manuel J. Barba is also a nationally recognized Standardized Field Sobriety Test Instructor, having completed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) / International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) DWI Detection Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Instructor Program, and has taught SFST courses throughout the United States to other lawyers.
Attorney Barba is also trained in the Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) program in addition to Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) protocols, both developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), which gives attorney Barba the specialized knowledge necessary to evaluate arrests made by law enforcement officers for DUI Drugs and skillfully cross-examine the arresting officer on issues related to drug evaluation protocols.
In addition, attorney Manuel J. Barba has received advanced training in Forensic Blood and Urine Analysis as it relates to testing for Alcohol and Drugs, including advanced courses in Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry at Axion Analytical Laboratories, Inc. in Chicago, taught by Dr. Harold McNair and Dr. Lee Polite.
Attorney Manuel J. Barba is also an expert in the science of breath alcohol testing, having attended various advanced courses related to breath alcohol analysis.
Attorney Barba is a member of the American Chemical Society (ACS), which is the world's largest scientific society and one of the world's leading sources of authoritative scientific information. A nonprofit organization, chartered by Congress, ACS is at the forefront of the evolving worldwide chemical enterprise and the premier professional home for chemists, chemical engineers and related professions around the globe.
Attorney Manuel J. Barba has been awarded the AV® Preeminent™ rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, as well as a “superb 10 rating” by Avvo.com, both are the highest ratings a lawyer can receive.
In addition, attorney Barba was also awarded the "Top Lawyers" award by Palm Springs Life Magazine and Inland Empire Magazine from 2012 through 2020.
Professional Associations & Memberships
California DUI Lawyers Association
National College for DUI Defense
America Chemistry Society
National association of criminal defense lawyers
California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
California Public Defenders Association
DUI Defense Lawyers Association
Working with Manuel on a criminal defense matter
Based in Riverside, California, DUI Defense Attorney Manuel J. Barba has been practicing DUI Defense exclusively since 2004 throughout Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Attorney Manuel J. Barba has been awarded "The ACS Forensic Lawyer-Scientist Designation as recognized by the Chemistry and the Law Division of the ACS.” The American Chemical Society (ACS) and its Chemistry and the Law…
Clients Manuel works with
Manuel reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and dui/dwi matters in Riverside and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Western State University
J.D. · 1998
California State University, San Bernardino
B.A. Social · 1991
Jurisdictions
Manuel's state bar admissions
California
1999 · ACTIVE
Manuel studied at J.D. in Western State University and B.A. Social in California State University, San Bernardino.
Law school and academic background
Manuel completed J.D. in Western State University and B.A. Social in California State University, San Bernardino. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Manuel runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Manuel has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Manuel Jess Barba's office in Riverside
Manuel's primary office is at 3800 Orange Street, Suite 100, Riverside, CA, 92501. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Law Offices of Manuel Barba
3800 Orange Street, Suite 100
Riverside, CA 92501
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Manuel Jess Barba — 4.0/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Manuel. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Riverside.
4.0
4 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Manuel Jess Barba claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Manuel Jess Barba — 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 Manuel usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Manuel charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Manuel'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; Manuel will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Riverside, 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 Manuel
Manuel 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. Manuel confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Manuel'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 Manuel Jess Barba
How much does it cost to hire Manuel for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Manuel walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Manuel offer a free consultation?
Manuel charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Manuel's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Manuel'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. Manuel gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Manuel take my case if I'm outside Riverside?
Manuel 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 — Manuel 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 Manuel?
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. Manuel will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Manuel accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Manuel's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Riverside, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Manuel 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.
- Riverside1,678 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in California
If Manuel's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Riverside handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.