Ryan L. Smith has 12+ years of experience handling criminal cases

Learn how RLS Criminal Defense Can Help You

Ryan helps people accused of crimes in Alameda, San Joaquin, and Contra Costa County

It’s very important your attorney understand not just California law, but also the local rules, customs, services, programs, and even individual prosecutors and judges whenever possible. 

Like anyone, a lawyer will be most effective when doing the things they have experience doing, going the places they have experience going, and talking to people they have experience talking to.

Attorney Smith has over 12+ years of experience practicing criminal defense in Alameda, San Joaquin, and Contra Costa County. 

RLS Criminal Defense handles: DUI, Domestic Violence, Assault, Battery, Theft, Drugs, Reckless Driving, Hit and Run, Evading, Trespassing, Vandalism, Solicitation, Indecent Exposure, Public Intoxication, Expungements, Petitions to Seal Arrest Records, and other crimes as well.

Ryan Offers FREE Initial Consultations

At a FREE initial consultation, Ryan will throughly explain the entire process of a criminal case from start to finish and the potential defenses and outcomes for your case so you can make informed decisions regarding whether, or when, to hire an attorney at all. 

Even if you don’t hire Ryan to represent you, he promises you will learn and benefit greatly from this FREE initial consultation.

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Ryan L. Smith Gets Results for Defendants

DUI Cases Handled
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Expungements / Sealed Arrest Records
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Cases Dismissed After Charges Filed
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What makes us different?

Ryan feels these things differnetiate RLS Criminal Defense most from other firms and lawyers.

Your best-interest comes first, with honest and thorough advice.

Ryan will not recommend costly additional procedures if they don’t have reasonable merit.

Ryan practices only criminal defense and only in Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Joaquin County. 

Therefore, his experience is focused and concentrated on exactly your type of case.

Ryan seeks to expand the community’s access to legal services by offering FREE initial consultations, low monthly payment plans, and the most-fair billing practices in the business.

Example: Lower fees if charges aren’t filed; no hidden “coordination fees” ; no additional fee to set trial as a bluff; and only half the fee for pretrial motions if cancelled prior to hearing (i.e. due to settlement or dismissal).

MAKING THE UNEASY EFFORTLESS

Some people are embarrassed to consult a criminal defense attorney. Many have no idea what to expect in a case, and most everyone worries about going to court. Whether you are guilty or innocent, attorney Ryan Smith will not judge you, and will make sure you feel respected and appreciated. He’ll inform you what to anticipate from every proceeding and can attend court without you having to go in most situations.

If charges are not filed by your first court date, Ryan will check for charges every week, so you need not worry about missed mail or the issuance of a bench warrant. He’ll communicate all developments on the case, share with you all the evidence, and remind you when you’re eligible for Expungement or Arrest Record Sealing. He’ll work to get the case dismissed or the plea-bargain offer lowered, and continue to guide you through completing the sentence if you are convicted.

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

RLS Criminal Defense Can Help You

DUI

“Driving Under the Influence” is the crime attorney Ryan L. Smith handles most often. He is experienced asserting DUI defenses such as: illegal stop, illegal arrest, improperly administered...

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Domestic Violence

“Domestic Violence” is the crime attorney Ryan L. Smith handles second-most-often (second to DUI). The first thing to learn about Domestic Violence is that judges often issue...

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Assault & Battery

Assault is: an unlawful attempt, coupled with present ability, to commit a violent injury on another person. Said differently, it’s any intentional act that would likely result in the...

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Drug Crimes

In California, it is a crime to knowingly possess any useable amount of any controlled substance, unless under the prescription of a physician, dentist, podiatrist, or veterinarian licensed...

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Theft

In order for conduct to be a “theft”, a person must: (1) take possession of the property of another, (2) the taking must be without the owner’s consent; ; (3) the person must move the property...

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Hit & Run

If someone is involved in a car accident which ends up causing damage to someone else’s property, and leaves the scene without properly identifying themself to the other people...

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Expungement

People convicted of a crime may be eligible to petition the court to Expunge their conviction. Attorney Ryan L. Smith can prepare, file, and appear in court for an expungement. He can also...

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Sealing Arrest Records

People who were arrested, but ultimately never convicted, for a criminal offense are typically eligible to petition the court to Seal their Arrest Record. Attorney Ryan L. Smith can prepare, file, and appear...

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Other Crimes

Ryan also handles all other types of misdemeanor cases, and certain felonies. Schedule your FREE initial consultation and see if Ryan can help you.

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REVIEWS FROM SATISFIED CLIENTS

“HIGHLY RECOMMEND.”

JOHN M.

Ryan is very knowledge attorney. He knows how to take care of business and handles all of all the details. Example my first day in court he found out another attorney had a case similar to mine but his client had previous convictions. He switched places with this attorney just to see how the DA would handle the bail situation. When the DA did not request bail I remember Ryan turning to me with a thumbs up knowing the DA was most likely not going to request bail from me either. Of course Ryan was right. Little things like this shows Ryan knows the in and outs of the system so he can best defend you. I highly recommend Ryan if you are looking for a great defense attorney!

“COMPETENT, PROFESSIONAL, GENEROUS WITH TIME.”

FORMER CLIENT

I hired Mr. Smith to defend a relative. He was the first lawyer I called and the one I hired. When I first gave him a call he explained everything that could happen, and what he could do in great detail. I was so impressed with his knowledge that I did not call anyone else. We met in his office before going to arraignment and we kept him until the end of the case. Honestly, I was happy to pay his fee. I never thought I'd ever say that. Mr Smith made us feel confident, and calm. He is competent, professional and very generous with his time. I recommend him without reservations.

“PERSONAL, EMPATHETIC, CARING.”

P. RATTAN

My case had 3 felonies and a misdemeanor. Ryan appeared in court for my case 21 times and did not charge me any more money than the flat fee we agreed to in the beginning. In the end, I received only one misdemeanor with community service and a $200 fine. Ryan cares, and gets the best result possible. Do not hesitate to hire Ryan.

“NO JAIL TIME.”

FORMER CLIENT

I was arrested on charges of Felony Embezzlement with all the evidence stacked against me. I was looking at serious prison time or a lengthy probation. Ryan was able to work with me even though my finances at the time were not great. He was able to drop my Felony down to a Misdemeanor. I had to pay back restitution and 3 year probation. There was no jail or prison time which I can’t thank Ryan enough for. It’s been 3 years since the incident and on the day of the third year Ryan reminded me that I am eligible for expungement. I gladly did it and Ryan did everything for me in less than 2 weeks. I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer in this tough situation I put myself in.