01CriminalMisdemeanors and Felonies Defense
Defense against minor and major charges, built around the long term impact on your record rather than just the next court date.
Discuss my chargeCriminal Defense and Immigration Law
Two systems. One attorney who reads both.
For a non-citizen, a criminal charge is never only a criminal case. Empire Law, Inc. practices criminal defense and immigration law together, from one office on Market Street in Riverside.
Why both, under one roof
A plea that ends a criminal case can start an immigration case.
That is the gap people fall through. A defense attorney who does not practice immigration law can close a file cleanly and still leave a client exposed. Empire Law, Inc. is built so both questions get asked in the same room, while the case is still open.
9Practice areas
2Systems, one attorney
FreeConsultation
Case Brief Builder
Four questions, and you walk in prepared.
Most people arrive at a first consultation and talk for twenty minutes before the attorney knows what kind of case it is. This builds the summary first: which practice area you are in, which bodies of law are running, what to bring, and what is already on a clock.
Threaded
Step 1 of 4
California Vehicle Code 13558 gives you 10 calendar days from the suspension notice to request a DMV hearing. That clock runs separately from your court case.
Your case brief
Misdemeanors and Felonies Defense
Bring these to the consultation
Empire Law, Inc. offers a free consultation. This builder is an intake helper on a demo site, not legal advice, and using it does not create an attorney client relationship. Deadlines described are general California rules and every case turns on its own facts.
Practice Areas
Nine practice areas under one roof.
Criminal defense, DUI and immigration are separate bodies of law. Empire Law, Inc. lists all three because the cases arrive tangled together.
Criminal LawFive ways the record gets defended
02Post convictionMotions to Vacate, Penal Code 1473.7
Strategic motions to overturn unjust convictions, especially for immigrants and people with mental health challenges.
Ask about 1473.7
03CriminalMental Health Advocacy
Defense for people with mental health issues, focused on diversion and treatment rather than punishment.
Talk through options
04Criminal + ImmigrationImmigrant Criminal Defense
Protective strategy for non-citizens facing criminal charges, where the criminal outcome and the immigration outcome are decided together.
Protect my status
05DUIDUI Law
DUI defense that looks at the stop, the testing and the officer's observations, not just the number on the report.
Review my DUIImmigration LawFour routes through the other system
06ImmigrationFamily Petitions and Immigration Filings
Uniting families through careful petition filing and immigration advocacy, with the evidence assembled to tell one clear story.
Start my filing
07ImmigrationVictims of Crimes and Abuse
Assistance for immigrants affected by crime or abuse, guiding them toward legal residency.
See if this fits
08ImmigrationSIJS and Guardianship
Support for young immigrants seeking safety and a future through Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and guardianship.
Ask about SIJS
09ImmigrationRemoval Defense
Defense strategy for people facing deportation, working every avenue available for staying in the United States.
I need removal defenseThe Overlap Map
Where a criminal case stops being only a criminal case.
Pick the row that fits, then the column. The grid shows which bodies of law are in the room. Tap any cell to load it straight into the Case Path Navigator.
Situation
US citizen
Green card or visa
No current status
New criminal charge
DUI charge
Prior conviction
Victim of a crime
Pick a cell to see what it means
Every cell in the right two columns puts two bodies of law in the same case. That is the reason Empire Law, Inc. lists criminal defense and immigration law side by side rather than picking one.
Load this into the Case PathHow the firm works a file
The same four moves on every case.
Empire Law, Inc. describes its approach as holistic and informed, treating mental, emotional and legal needs with the same level of care.
01Listen
The charge, the filing, the status question, the deadline, and the pressure the family is under.
02Separate the risks
Criminal exposure on one side, immigration consequences on the other, and the dates that cannot move.
03Build the strategy
Documents, hearings, evidence and filings mapped against both systems at once.
04Move
One clear next step for the client, in plain language, with the office reachable while it plays out.
In their words
What clients said once it was over.
These are the client testimonials Empire Law, Inc. publishes, carried over as written.
★★★★★Empire Law managed to accomplish in a very short time what four other attorneys could not accomplish in ten years. My case was so complicated with multiple convictions. Empire Law gave me my life back.
★★★★★They made the complex process of obtaining my residency smooth and stress free. Their attention to detail and expertise ensured everything was handled correctly.
★★★★★I was really scared about the process for a marriage green card but they made it super easy and made sure we had everything we needed. I have also renewed my DACA and used their services for Advanced Parole.
★★★★★Thorough, knowledgeable, and fully engaged at all times with his clients and their families. He explains everything clearly, listens attentively and explores all options under the individual circumstances of each case.
★★★★★We had a successful case two years ago and to this day the attorney continues to answer any lingering questions. He takes the time to thoroughly explain potential outcomes and how the process works.
★★★★★Best last minute decision I could have made for myself. I never knew the importance of having an amazing attorney. Polite and very caring. I couldn't imagine going through my case alone.
The Attorney
Alexander Gallegos
Attorney, Empire Law, Inc.
One attorney who argues the charge and understands what a plea does to a status. That pairing is the whole point of the practice.
- Practice
- Criminal defense and immigration law, togetherThe consequence question gets asked while the case is still open, not after it closes.
- Consultation
- FreeThe firm offers a free consultation to discuss the case and begin strategizing.
- Office
- Riverside, California2280 Market Street, Suite 145, in downtown Riverside.
Where the office sits
Market Street, downtown Riverside.
Empire Law, Inc. practices from 2280 Market Street, Suite 145. Type a nearby city or a Riverside County ZIP to see where you are relative to the office.
Distances are straight line from the Market Street office and are shown to orient you, not as a statement of where the firm takes cases.
2280 Market Street, Suite 145
Riverside, CA 92501
Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Consultations by appointment.
Frequently asked
What people ask before they call.
The firm's own answers, in the firm's own words.
Can a criminal case affect my immigration status?
For a non-citizen, a criminal charge carries the added risk of deportation. Immigrant criminal defense combines criminal defense strategy with an understanding of immigration consequences. Empire Law, Inc. practices in both areas, so one attorney can look at both sides of the same case.
I am innocent. Can you get my case dismissed?
There are no guarantees. The firm commits to doing everything in its power to get charges dropped, restore your good name and get you back on the right track. Empire Law, Inc. offers a free consultation to discuss the case and begin strategizing.
If I am offered a plea deal, should I take it?
Not before discussing the case with an experienced attorney. Accepting a plea deal is the same as admitting guilt. Even with a lesser sentence, you are left with a criminal record that can be more damaging to your future than the penalties served.
Will I have to go to trial?
It depends. A client with DACA, a Legal Permanent Resident or someone with TPS approaches a case differently because of the immigration consequences. Empire Law, Inc. discusses all the details of the case before deciding how to move forward.
If the alleged victim does not want to press charges, will the charges be dropped?
A prosecutor may take that into account, but prosecutors can and often do pursue charges even when the complaining party does not cooperate, especially where the offense involved a violent or dangerous crime.
Do I really need a lawyer if I intend to plead guilty?
Yes. Always consult an attorney before entering a guilty plea. Legal knowledge can reduce or remove penalties that would otherwise be harsh consequences.
What is a motion to vacate under Penal Code 1473.7?
California Penal Code 1473.7 is a route for challenging a prior conviction. Empire Law, Inc. describes it as a strategic legal motion to overturn unjust convictions, especially for immigrants and people facing mental health challenges.
Where is the office and what are the hours?
Empire Law, Inc. is at 2280 Market Street, Suite 145, Riverside, CA 92501. Published hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Consultations are by appointment. Call (888) 611-3529.
For people in a hurry
The fast answers.
Six things people look up before they call, answered in a sentence each.
Who does Empire Law, Inc. help?
People in Riverside, California facing criminal charges, DUI, immigration matters, removal proceedings or post conviction relief. The firm practices criminal defense and immigration law together, which matters most when one case affects the other. Call (888) 611-3529.
How long do I have to fight a DUI licence suspension in California?
Ten calendar days. California Vehicle Code 13558 gives a driver 10 days from the suspension notice to request a DMV Administrative Per Se hearing. That deadline runs separately from the criminal court case, and missing it can suspend a licence even if the charge is later reduced or dismissed.
Does a criminal charge affect immigration status?
For a non-citizen it can. A criminal charge carries the added risk of deportation, which is why immigrant criminal defense combines defense strategy with an understanding of immigration consequences rather than treating them as two separate problems.
Can an old conviction be reopened?
Sometimes. California Penal Code 1473.7 is a route for challenging a prior conviction. Empire Law, Inc. uses it for convictions that carry immigration consequences and for clients who faced mental health challenges at the time.
Where is the office and when is it open?
2280 Market Street, Suite 145, Riverside, CA 92501. Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed weekends. Consultations are by appointment.
What does a consultation cost?
Empire Law, Inc. offers a free consultation to discuss the case and begin strategizing. Bring court papers, notices, immigration documents and any deadline you already know about.
Start your defense
Start with a free consultation.
Call the office or send the form. Empire Law, Inc. offers a free consultation to discuss the case and begin strategizing.
- Phone
- (888) 611-3529
- Office
- 2280 Market Street, Suite 145Riverside, CA 92501
- Hours
- Mon to Thu, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Sat and Sun.
- Payments
- Secure client payment portal
Demo form. It opens your email client addressed to the office and does not store anything. Sending a message does not create an attorney client relationship.
One call starts it
The clock in your case is already running.
Court dates, filing windows and plea decisions all move whether or not you have an attorney. Empire Law, Inc. offers a free consultation. Bring what you have and get a straight read on both sides of your case.