When you’re facing criminal charges in Riverside County, the attorney you choose in the first hours and days can shape everything that follows. Christopher Koch is a Riverside criminal defense lawyer with more than two decades of courtroom experience defending clients against DUI, felony, and misdemeanor charges throughout Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties. His practice is built on one principle: every client deserves a rigorous, informed defense and a clear understanding of what lies ahead.
This page explains how Chris Koch approaches criminal defense, the charges he handles, the Riverside County courts where your case may be heard, and what you should do if you or someone you love has been arrested.
Arrested or Under Investigation?
The decisions you make in the first 24 hours can have a major impact on your criminal case. If you have been arrested, contacted by law enforcement, or charged with a crime in Riverside County, speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately.
Call Chris Koch Now: (951) 251-0068
Request a Free ConsultationAttorney Snapshot
| Practice Areas | DUI Defense, Felony Defense, Misdemeanor Defense, Domestic Violence, Drug Crimes, Assault & Battery, Theft Crimes, Expungements, Probation Violations, Warrant Defense |
| Courts Served | Riverside Hall of Justice, Larson Justice Center, Southwest Justice Center, Banning Justice Center, Blythe Courthouse |
| Years of Experience | Admitted to the California Bar in November 2001 (20+ years) |
| Education | Juris Doctor, University of San Diego School of Law |
| Admissions | State Bar of California |
| Languages Spoken | English |
| Areas Served | Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and Orange County |
| Office | 3800 Orange St, Riverside, CA 92501 |
| Phone | (951) 251-0068 |
About Chris Koch
Christopher Koch earned his Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law and was admitted to the California Bar in November 2001. In the years since, he has built a criminal defense practice grounded in hands-on courtroom work across three of Southern California’s busiest counties — Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange.
His longstanding presence and local connections throughout these jurisdictions allow him to navigate the courts effectively and pursue the strongest possible outcome on nearly every case he handles. Familiarity with how local prosecutors, judges, and court staff operate is not a marketing slogan — it is practical knowledge that influences charging decisions, plea negotiations, and trial strategy every day.
DUI experience. Over the course of his career, Chris Koch has personally handled thousands of DUI cases and developed a thorough command of California DUI laws and defense strategy. He has secured hundreds of DUI dismissals through court negotiations, along with additional dismissals achieved through litigation. That depth of experience matters because DUI defense turns on technical details: the legality of the traffic stop, the administration of field sobriety tests, the calibration and maintenance of breath-testing equipment, and the chain of custody for blood samples.
Felony experience. His work extends across the full range of felony matters. He has successfully represented clients in hundreds of drug, theft, and assault cases, and has also handled serious charges including sex crimes and homicide cases. Felony exposure carries the highest stakes in the criminal system — prison time, lasting record consequences, and the loss of important rights — and demands an attorney comfortable litigating at every stage.
Misdemeanor experience. While misdemeanors carry lighter maximum penalties than felonies, they still threaten your record, your finances, and in many cases your freedom. Chris Koch handles misdemeanor matters with the same preparation he brings to serious felonies, because a conviction of any kind can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing.
Advocacy philosophy. Chris Koch’s approach centers on protecting his clients’ constitutional rights — the right to remain silent, the right to be free from unreasonable searches, and the right to a fair trial. He prepares each case as though it may go to trial, which strengthens his position in negotiations and ensures clients are never pressured into a plea simply because the defense was unprepared to litigate.
Why Clients Choose Chris Koch
Knowledge of Riverside County courts. Criminal cases in Riverside County are spread across multiple courthouses, each with its own procedures and personalities. Chris Koch appears regularly in these courts and understands their local practices.
Familiarity with criminal procedure. From arraignment through sentencing, California criminal procedure is governed by strict rules and deadlines. Missing or misusing them can cost a defendant dearly. Experience ensures procedural opportunities — suppression motions, speedy-trial demands, diversion eligibility — are identified and pursued.
Experience defending serious charges. Having handled felonies up to and including homicide, Chris Koch is equipped to take on cases that many attorneys are not prepared to litigate.
Personalized legal strategy. No two cases are identical. Chris Koch evaluates the specific facts, evidence, and circumstances of each client before recommending a path forward.
Clear communication. Clients are kept informed about the status of their case, their options, and the realistic range of outcomes — in plain language, not legal jargon.
Thorough case preparation. Strong defense begins with investigation: reviewing police reports, examining the evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting experts where appropriate.
Riverside Criminal Defense Services
DUI Defense
Chris Koch defends clients facing first-time and repeat DUI charges, DUI with injury, and DMV license suspension proceedings. Defenses often focus on the legality of the stop, the reliability of chemical testing, and procedural errors. See also: DUI Lawyer Riverside and DUI Defense Attorney.
Felony Defense
Felony charges carry the risk of state prison and lasting consequences. Chris Koch represents clients in drug, theft, assault, and other serious felony matters. See also: Felony Defense Lawyer Riverside.
Misdemeanor Defense
From petty theft to first-offense charges, misdemeanors still threaten your record. Chris Koch works to reduce or dismiss charges wherever possible. See also: Criminal Defense Attorney Riverside.
Domestic Violence Defense
Domestic violence allegations move quickly and can result in protective orders that affect where you live and your contact with family. See also: Domestic Violence Lawyer Riverside.
Drug Crime Defense
California drug laws cover possession, possession for sale, transportation, and manufacturing. Many cases are eligible for diversion or treatment-based resolutions. See also: Drug Crimes Lawyer Riverside.
Assault & Battery Defense
Assault and battery charges range from misdemeanors to serious felonies depending on the facts. Self-defense and disputed allegations are common issues.
Theft Crime Defense
Theft offenses — from petty theft to grand theft and burglary — carry significant record consequences. Defense often focuses on intent and the value of property involved.
Expungements
A past conviction can follow you for years. Chris Koch helps eligible clients pursue expungement to clear qualifying convictions from their record. See also: Expungement Lawyer Riverside.
Probation Violations
An alleged probation violation can trigger new penalties without the protections of a full trial. Skilled representation at the violation hearing is essential.
Warrant Defense
If a warrant has been issued for your arrest, prompt legal action can sometimes resolve the matter and minimize disruption to your life.
Protect Your Freedom, Reputation & Future
A criminal conviction can affect your job, professional license, finances, and future opportunities. Chris Koch provides aggressive defense strategies for DUI charges, felonies, misdemeanors, domestic violence allegations, and other criminal matters throughout Riverside County.
Speak Directly With a Riverside Criminal Defense Lawyer
Call (951) 251-0068 TodayUnderstanding the Riverside Criminal Justice System
Knowing what to expect reduces uncertainty during a stressful time. A California criminal case generally moves through these stages:
Arrest. A case typically begins with an arrest or a citation to appear. Anything said to law enforcement can be used in court.
Bail hearings. After arrest, the court determines whether the defendant will be released and under what conditions. Bail can sometimes be reduced or eliminated.
Arraignment. At the first court appearance, the charges are formally read and the defendant enters a plea. This is where the right to counsel becomes critical.
Preliminary hearings. In felony cases, the prosecution must show there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial. This is an important opportunity to test the strength of the state’s evidence.
Motion practice. Defense attorneys can file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, dismiss charges, or otherwise shape the case before trial.
Plea negotiations. Many cases resolve through negotiated agreements. Strong preparation gives the defense leverage to seek reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
Jury trials. When a fair resolution cannot be reached, the case proceeds to trial, where the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sentencing. If there is a conviction, the court imposes a sentence. Effective advocacy at sentencing can mean the difference between incarceration and alternatives such as probation or treatment.
Courts Served Throughout Riverside County
Chris Koch represents clients across Riverside County’s criminal court locations. Knowing which courthouse will hear your case — and how each operates — is part of building an effective defense.
Riverside Hall of Justice — Located at 4100 Main Street in downtown Riverside, the Riverside Hall of Justice is the primary criminal court in the county, handling the majority of felony and serious misdemeanor cases in the central judicial district, including arraignments, preliminary hearings, motions, and jury trials.
Historic Riverside Courthouse — At 4050 Main Street, the Historic Riverside Courthouse is a landmark facility that works in coordination with the Hall of Justice within the downtown Riverside complex.
Larson Justice Center — At 46-200 Oasis Street in Indio, the Larson Justice Center serves the desert region of the county, hearing criminal, family law, traffic, and juvenile cases for the Coachella Valley area.
Southwest Justice Center — At 30755-D Auld Road in Murrieta, the Southwest Justice Center serves the southwest region, including Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, and Lake Elsinore.
Banning Justice Center — At 311 E. Ramsey Street in Banning, the Banning Justice Center serves the Pass area and surrounding eastern communities.
Blythe Courthouse — At 265 N. Broadway in Blythe, the Blythe Courthouse serves the far eastern edge of the county near the Arizona border.
Note: confirm the individual location-page slugs against the live court site before publishing; the Larson URL is verified, the others link to the main court domain as a safe fallback.
Communities Served
Chris Koch represents clients throughout Riverside County and the surrounding region, including Riverside, Corona, Norco, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Moreno Valley, Perris, Menifee, Murrieta, Temecula, Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, Woodcrest, La Sierra, Orangecrest, Mission Grove, and Downtown Riverside.
What to Do After an Arrest
The hours after an arrest matter. These steps help protect your rights:
- Exercise your right to remain silent. You are not required to answer questions beyond providing identification. Politely state that you wish to remain silent and want a lawyer.
- Do not discuss the details of your case — with police, cellmates, or over jail phones, which are often recorded.
- Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
- Preserve evidence. Write down what you remember and save anything that may help your defense — photos, messages, names of witnesses.
- Understand your bail options. An attorney can advocate for release or reduced bail.
- Prepare for court with your attorney’s guidance so you know what to expect at each appearance.
The Criminal Defense Process
Step 1 — Consultation. Review the charges and circumstances and discuss your options. Step 2 — Investigation. Gather police reports, evidence, and witness information. Step 3 — Evidence Review. Analyze the strength of the prosecution’s case and identify weaknesses. Step 4 — Court Appearances. Handle arraignment, hearings, and procedural matters. Step 5 — Negotiations. Pursue reduced charges, dismissals, or alternative sentencing where appropriate. Step 6 — Trial Preparation. Prepare a thorough defense for trial when a fair resolution isn’t reached. Step 7 — Resolution. Reach the best available outcome, whether by dismissal, negotiated plea, or trial verdict.
Client Testimonials
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Free Confidential Criminal Defense Case Review
Whether you are facing DUI charges, drug allegations, domestic violence accusations, theft charges, assault allegations, or other criminal offenses, early legal intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Available for Clients Throughout Riverside County
Get Defense Help NowFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a Riverside criminal defense lawyer cost? Fees vary based on the charge, complexity, and whether the case goes to trial. Many criminal defense attorneys offer a free initial consultation to discuss fees. Contact the office at (951) 251-0068 for specifics.
Can DUI charges be dismissed? Yes, in some cases. Dismissals or reductions may be possible where there were problems with the traffic stop, the testing procedures, or the handling of evidence. Each case depends on its facts.
Should I talk to police without a lawyer? Generally, no. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. It is usually best to exercise both before answering questions.
How long does a criminal case take? It varies widely — from a few weeks for a simple misdemeanor to many months or longer for a contested felony.
What happens after an arrest? Typically booking, a possible bail determination, and an arraignment where charges are read and a plea is entered.
Can I clear my criminal record? Possibly. California allows expungement of many qualifying convictions. Eligibility depends on the offense and your compliance with sentencing terms.
What is an expungement? It is a legal process that can dismiss a qualifying conviction, reducing its impact on background checks and employment.
Will I go to jail for a first offense? Not necessarily. Many first offenses can be resolved with probation, diversion, or alternative sentencing, depending on the charge.
What should I do if I receive a court summons? Do not ignore it. Contact a defense attorney promptly to understand your obligations and protect your rights.
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor? Felonies carry the possibility of state prison and more serious long-term consequences; misdemeanors carry lesser maximum penalties but still affect your record.
Can a domestic violence charge be dropped if the alleged victim doesn’t want to press charges? Not automatically. In California, the prosecutor — not the alleged victim — decides whether to pursue charges.
What happens at an arraignment? The charges are formally read, you enter a plea, and the court may address bail and future hearing dates.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor? It is strongly recommended. Even misdemeanors can carry jail time and lasting record consequences.
What is a probation violation hearing? A hearing where the court decides whether you violated probation terms. The standard of proof is lower than at trial, which makes representation important.
Can I get my bail reduced? Sometimes. An attorney can request a bail review and argue for reduced or alternative release conditions.
What is plea bargaining? A negotiation between the defense and prosecution that may result in reduced charges or a lighter sentence in exchange for a plea.
What areas does Chris Koch serve? Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties, including the communities listed above.
Does Chris Koch handle felony cases? Yes. He has handled hundreds of felony matters, including drug, theft, assault, sex crimes, and homicide cases.
Attorney Credentials
- Education: Juris Doctor, University of San Diego School of Law
- Bar Admissions: State Bar of California (admitted November 2001)
- Speaking Engagements: English, Spanish
Speak With a Riverside Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Riverside County, reach out to discuss your situation and your options.
📞 Call Now: (951) 251-0068 · [Free Consultation] · [Request a Case Evaluation]
Christopher Koch & Associates · 3800 Orange St, Riverside, CA 92501