Skip to main content

David Steven Chesley

Criminal defense Attorney at Los Angeles, CA

4.9   184 reviews
  • Licensed for 18 years
    State CA
    Acquired 2005
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About David

Learn David’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    30%
    Drug Possession/Drug Sales of Cocaine, Meth, Marijuana, Heroin, Ecstasy, Prescription Drugs, Grand Theft, Burglary (Commercial and Residential), Identity Theft, Fraud, Petty Theft, Solicitation of Prostitution

    18 years, 15,000 cases

  2. DUI and DWI
    30%
    Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Marijuana, Meth, Heroin, Cocaine, Ecstasy, Prescription Drugs, Refusal Cases

    18 years, 15,000 cases

  3. Violent crime
    30%
    Murder, Robbery, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Criminal Threats, Rape, Molestation, Assault on a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest, Unlawful Possession of Firearms, Gang-Related Offenses,

    18 years, 15,000 cases

  4. Domestic violence
    10%
    Gross Bodily Injury/Major Injury and Minor to No Injury Domestic Violence Cases

    18 years, 6,000 cases

We are CA's Largest Most Successful Defense Law Firm w/ offices throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Ventura, San Francisco, Sacramento, Alameda, San Jose, Bakersfield, Santa Barbara, & San Luis Obispo. See www.chesleylawyers.com for our list of locations. We are Former Judges and District Attorneys with over 35 Years of Experience!  Avvo rating "Superb 10" CA's Largest Criminal Defense Firm! We've handled over 55,000 criminal cases!!! Client's Choice Award last 10 years! Rated Top 1% (National Trial Lawyers Association, Martindale) Our law firm has been featured on: CNN, NBC, FOX, Time Magazine, NY Times, LA Times, ABC, MSNBC, etcetera. 

     Hello (Buen Dia), We are pleased to have this opportunity to introduce ourselves to you and provide you with some information about attorney David Chesley and his law firm. Getting your case rejected before your first Court date or dismissed prior to trial is our first priority! Alternatives include reductions to lesser offenses, or helping you to achieve an acquittal at jury trial. We take pride in providing the best criminal defense representation available, defending your rights, helping you to maintain your license(s) (driving, professional, and otherwise), protecting your reputation, and most importantly safeguarding your personal freedom!

     After working in the Los Angeles County District Attorneys' office, David Chesley saw the potential to protect California criminal defendants from unfounded allegations. He observed many instances of unlawfully obtained testimony, illegally-seized "evidence," and situations where he felt his fellow Angelenos were being unjustly prosecuted (without probable cause). In addition, David observed that many of these criminal cases were complicated by the potential for disastrous immigration consequences for those in USCIS processing or without documentation.

     Following this experience, David began defending DUI, felony, and misdemeanor cases in Courts throughout Los Angeles County as well as assisting clients with immigration matters. Since that time, David Chesley has successfully defended many clients in major violent felony strike cases, against serious allegations including rape, child molestation, and gang-murder trials where his clients potentially faced multiple life sentences. He has also helped many clients avoid deportation, obtain green cards or permanent residency status, and achieve citizenship. 

      David Chesley Attorney Bio- David Chesley is a "superb" rated (10 out of 10), full-time defense attorney who defends high-profile clients against serious felony charges & has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, NBC, Fox, NY Times, LA Times, WSJ, Time & People. The firm has won Client Choice Awards for the past 10 years in a row. In addition to defending clients in Court, David, with the help of other attorneys at the firm, manages a staff of over 50 employees throughout the state, including over 25 full-time criminal defense attorneys. David has been careful to recruit only the best, most well-trained, and experienced lawyers from top-tier law schools, including former Judges and District Attorneys, with each of the firms' attorneys having practiced criminal defense and handled heavy felony cases for well over 20 years. 

      In the legal community, among judges, prosecutors, defense lawyers, legal experts, court staff, law enforcement, detectives, and criminal defendants, The Law Offices of David Chesley are widely recognized as the largest and most successful criminal defense firm in California. The Chesley law firm has handled well over 55,000 major felony, DUI, and misdemeanor cases since its inception and represents clients in over 4,500 criminal cases every year. We regularly receive referral clients from the Court, from other lawyers, and from the many satisfied clients we have represented in the past.  

     Our offices are located throughout Southern, Central, and Northern California. We have multiple offices in Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Ventura, San Francisco, Alameda, Sacramento, Kern County, Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo. See our website: www.chesleylawyers.com for our exact addresses and locations.

     Call us today so we can provide you with the best criminal defense representation available, and assist you in getting your case thrown out, dismissed, or reduced, or in achieving an acquittal of all charges. Thank you for choosing us as your "go-to" law firm for all criminal defense-related matters!!! And if your case is complicated by immigration issues, we can assist you in avoiding convictions for deportable offenses and help you avoid deportation in immigration court as well. Hablamos español. Estamos muy contentos de que nos haya elegido para que lo defienda.

Thank you and Gracias! 

Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. 

Photos and videos

View more

Contact David

Similar lawyers nearby

Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
445 South Figueroa Street.
Suite 2700
Los Angeles, CA, 90071
Law Offices Of David S. Chesley, Inc.
7676 Hazard Center Drive
Suite 500
San Diego, CA, 92108
Law Offices Of David S. Chesley, Inc.
500 North State College Blvd.
Ste. 1100
Orange, CA, 92868
Law Offices Of David S. Chesley, Inc.
201 Spear Street
Suite 1100
San Francisco, CA, 94105
Law Offices Of David S. Chesley, Inc.
5150 E. Pacific Coast Hwy
Suite 200
Long Beach, CA, 90804
Hide locations

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  184 customer reviews
Posted by RickyH.Calhoun | July 23, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Honest and Experienced Attorney
I am very happy to have found David Chesley who has a perfectly clean record with State Bar and has been a licensed attorney for over 15 years. There are many corrupt or problematic lawyers that you need to watch out for but with David you are in good hands. He has assisted me on a couple of different occasions and have referred friends to him who have had legal problems and they always have reported getting a positive result or achieving the desired outcome. He is fair, honest, more experienced and affordable than most State Bar licensed attorneys out there. Give him a call if you need advice or assistance with your case.
Read less
Posted by Stephe | July 18, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
David and Michael are the best criminal defense attorneys
David and Michael are the best criminal defense attorneys in SoCal! Very helpful and reachable at any time. I highly recommend David Chesley for DUI and felony cases! They are very knowledgeable and walk you through the Court process. They were a big help to me! Thank you, David and Michael!
Posted by Constance | July 17, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I am from out is state and David......
I am from out is state and David assured me his firm could both represent me and take care of my case without my having to fly to Los Angeles. I can hardly thank David and his entire team enough for their professional and effective legal representation. They are perfect for someone finding themselves in a bind wha are in need of a strong and effective lawyer.
Read less
Posted by Dorothy | January 1, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Effective in Court
David is thoughtful, smart, compassionate, tough and very effective in Court. He is a skilled defense lawyer with a deep and invaluable understanding of how the legal system works. I was facing a stressful and difficult situation involving a family member. During our first meeting, David clearly explained my full range of options and the likely course the case would take. He suggested an approach that immediately set my mind at ease and was able to carry this approach through to completion. I cannot imagine going through this process without him by my side. Thank you again! You are the greatest!
Read less
Posted by Heather Graham | December 29, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thank You...
I really appreciate the extra efforts the law firm made in handling my case. We want to say thank you to attorney David Chesley and his law firm firm for believing in our side of the story and working on our defense so persistently. We appreciate the time you spent, questions, the preparation and research you did and the interviews that you conducted.
Read less
Posted by Vanessa | December 26, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Understanding and Hardworking
David was extremely understanding and up front regarding all details of my case. He was on time to every appearance that was required. He had one of my charges reduced from felony to misdemeanor and two others dismissed and I would highly recommend him to anyone.
Posted by Ashley Tharma | August 8, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Thank you for your advice and assistance
I would like to thank David and Steven and Chris for helping me in my case. I am glad that I hired this firm and would recommend them to others. They have earned my admiration and respect for theirs perseverance in handling my case and sticking with it until we achieved the outcome we were looking for. Thank you for your advice and assistance and for putting me on the right path.
Read less
Posted by Sue | July 24, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The best
After a lot online search, I hired Divid Chesley Law Firm to handle my case. They are excellent. This office are very well organized, has strong systems to handle each case professionally and efficiently. I made initial call, Sandy toke call, patiently listening my story and advised me the legal step. Following day, I met legal representative Hero, he was kind and informative. One hour later, I got call from Attorny, asking if I have any questions, assuring me that that they will be able 24/7, acting aggressively for my best interests. At same time I got Text message from my case manager Nancy Lopez who have been helping me tremendously, she always answers call or calls back right way even after hours, she is very knowledgeable and empathetic, works with passion and heart to go above and beyond to help those whose life in jeopardy. Thank you so much Nancy, you demonstrate your firm’s culture and value, you are great asset of this law office. My attorney Melvin is very good lawyer. He took my call any time to meet my need, to defend me. I will highly recommend Divid Chesley law firm to whose need criminal defense.
Read less
Posted by Nolan | November 13, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Clean slate
I recently got into some unfortunate trouble, and was in need of legal representation. I spoke to two different lawyers before seeing David Chesley. A friend had used David in the past for his legal representation and the case was hugely successful in his favor. After my free consultation with Chesley, I realized that he was the obvious choice to represent me. David was there every step of the way, and kept me informed about what direction we were proceeding in. His guidance and legal helped make an unfortunate event much less stressful. He delivered on everything that he promised and I walked away with a clean slate. I hope to never be in such a situation ever again, but if i find myself in need of representation ever again, David Chesley is who I will turn to, with no doubt in my mind.
Read less
Posted by Adrian | November 11, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Felony case
Mr Chesley did an absolutely exceptional job on my felony case. He was recommended to me from several friends of mine and they had nothing but the best to say about him. So I took it upon myself to see what they were talking about and sure enough, from the second I walked into to his office, I knew I was in good hands. He gives you every piece of information that you may need to keep yourself at ease throughout the entire process. Going through a case is an extremely stressful period of time, and he does everything he can to keep you at ease and to assure that everything will be alright. Although he may be busy at times, he always gets back to you by the end of the day. He got me supervision on my dui and and probation on my felony case.
Read less
Posted by Rhea | November 9, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
David is the best
David came recommended to us when my son was facing two felony charges. I was assured that he had the experience and the expertise to help her to get the charges reduced or even dropped altogether. I'm glad I listened to the advice because after meeting David in person we were more confident than ever that he would be able to help. He was professional and honest throughout the entire process and made sure that he explained all of our options and I was confident throughout that he was looking out for what was best for my son and not what would cost the most money. He actually worked with us and his fees were beyond reasonable for what he was able to accomplish. Both felony charges were dropped. We could not have been happier. I would absolutely recommend David to anyone in need of legal assistance.
Read less
Posted by Josh | November 7, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Lawyer review
David was a great at getting my case expunged. I consulted with David before we could proceed with filing the paperwork and once the time came David filed the paperwork promptly. Everything went smooth and when something popped up, David was on top of it right away. He gave me a promise that we were going to be able to get my case done and he followed through with that promise. I am glad I chose David to take my case and would recommend him to everyone. Thank you David Chesley!
Read less
Posted by Cliff | November 7, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
DUI case
I want to give David a big thank you for beating my DUI case, I was facing a 3 year suspension and he was able to beat my summary of suspension plus the DUI charge as well. David is an aggressive lawyer and will fight for you to win!! I highly recommend David and will be calling him again if I need him!
Posted by Edwin | November 7, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly recommended
David did great on my case, my attorney was always at court, always in touch, met with me after every hearing to discuss my case, and actually cared to get me the results that i needed. Highly recommended!
Posted by Ethan | September 2, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
He got my case disimissed
David kept me informed and told me what to expect through each stage of my trial. He explained his tactics to me at each stage, and eventually got my case dismissed. During my trial, there were many curveballs, including a medical situation that occurred after I was charged, that could have derailed my case. David’s knowledge of the courts, however, helped make sure I received my desired outcome. His professionalism and knowledge are such that I would recommend him in a heartbeat.
Read less
Posted by Nina | August 30, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Trustworthy
I had no idea what I was supposed to do when I got in trouble. I just showed up in the office, and from there David took over in my first (and hopefully the last) criminal court experience. David was very clear, he did not sugarcoat the legal services or what will happen next, he did explain my status in a very crisp way and came up with a few options. And everything happened as David said (we did pick a strategy) , it took a few months and all charges were dropped. Along the process, he was very responsive. (email /cell phone/ imessages) Her office also helped with extra coverage. I do recommend David.
Read less
Posted by Kai | August 29, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Top notch
David did an excellent job taking care of my misdemeanor case. My first time dealing with criminal legal system/process, and he guided me through and explained in detail what the charge meant and what my options would be. Anyway, I was quite worried about my situation because being a foreign worker on a sponsorship visa could mean facing immigration if it came down to trial, and possibly getting deported (worst case scenario). Well, it did not come to that, thanks to David - case dismissed! I’m super happy with the outcome. David is very knowledgeable. Approachable and easy to speak with, and makes you feel comfortable about the situation and if you’re seeking a lawyer to represent your case - better call David! Oh, I thought the legal fees were very fair, much better compared to two other lawyers I saw prior to David.
Read less
Posted by Murray | August 28, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great law firm
I contacted David Chesley after reading many reviews and after my consultation I made the decision to hire him. He is professional, thorough, and knows the law. He immediately started on the case and kept me updated on everything. I definitely recommend him and he has a great office staff as well.
Posted by Harvey | August 28, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Incredible
I hired David when I found myself in an unfortunate situation of being in the wrong place, at the wrong time and was wrongly charged with Grand Larceny in the fourth degree. The charge alone threatened my career given that I work in the financial industry. Upon my initial consultation, I knew that David was the right attorney for the job. He spoke with conviction about which strategy he thought would be best to get the case dismissed given his background and familiarity with the courts. From the consultation on the entire experience was as pleasant as it could be given the circumstances. He ended up getting the case dismissed and I could not be more happy with my choice of David as my defense attorney. I highly recommend David and his law firm.
Read less
Posted by Ernie | August 27, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Awesome criminal attorney
The police stopped a car i was driving for no reason. I was arrested and at the precinct they claimed they found a gun under the back seat. The car didnt belong to me and i didnt know about the gun. Mr. Chesley was at hired by my family and he got me out ROR. We went to court and he got my case dismissed without a trial. I love this guy!
Read less
View less reviews

Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 60 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.8 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • President, Managing Attorney
  • Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
  • 2006 - Present
  • Government Attorney
  • Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
  • 2003 - 2006

Education

  • Southwestern University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2004
  • Univ of California Santa Barbara
  • undergraduate
  • 2002

Legal Cases

  • Attempted Murder, California Penal Code 187, PC 664
  • CLIENT WAS FACING LIFE IN PRISON, DISMISSAL OF ALL CHARGES
  • Armed Robbery, PC 211
  • FACING 15 YEARS, PROVED MISIDENTIFICATION, DISMISSAL OF ALL CHARGES
  • Assault with a Deadly Weapon PC 245(a)(1), Domestic Violence (Corporal Injury on a Spouse) PC 273.5(a)
  • DISMISSAL OF ALL CHARGES
View all legal cases

Associations

  • National College of DUI Defense
  • Member
  • 2005 - Present
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • 2005 - Present
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 2004 - Present
  • Los Angeles County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2004 - Present
  • Criminal Courts Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2004 - Present
  • San Fernando Valley Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2004 - Present
  • State Bar of California, Criminal Law Section
  • Member
  • 2004 - Present
  • Attorneys for Criminal Justice
  • Member
  • 2004 - Present
  • Beverly Hills Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2004 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • Armenian
  • Korean
  • Tagalog
  • Spanish
  • Mandarin
  • Farsi
  • English
  • Hindi
  • Persian
View all languages

Honors and Awards

  • Client Champion Award
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2022
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2015
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2014
  • Alcohol Breath Testing Certification
  • Ventura College
  • 2014
  • Clients' Choice Award
  • Avvo
  • 2014
  • DUI Advanced Training Seminar
  • CA DUI Lawyers Association
  • 2014
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2013
  • Client's Choice Award
  • Avvo
  • 2013
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2012
  • Handling DUI Cases Seminar
  • CACJ Association
  • 2012
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2011
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2010
  • Amjur-rated #1 in Legislation
  • Southwestern Law School
  • 2005
View all awards

Publications

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • North Hollywood Actors Studio
  • Legal Ethics- Stage Reading
  • 2015

Attorney endorsements

Received (25)
Given (1)
Endorse David
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Chesley provides an effective and affordable defense for all of his clients."
Unknown Attorney | Jun 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"One of the absolute best. Exceptional attention to detail, service next to none. I endorse this lawyer."
Immigration Attorney | Mar 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. He has the legal skills and practical experience needed to excel at Criminal Defense."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse David. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Attorney Chesley has the expertise and experience to win even the most difficult cases. His resume and his results speak for themselves! He is highly regarded by his colleagues and his clients. It is a pleasure for me to endorse Mr. Chesley for his tireless efforts and his history of success in providing valuable service to clients in need."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Attorney Chesley is a zealous advocate for his clients and is a criminal defense lawyer with real Courtroom experience. If you have a criminal issue, Attorney Chesley is well-qualified to provide you with an excellent defense."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"David is a tenacious advocate who goes the extra mile to obtain the best results for his clients. You will be hard pressed to find an attorney who works harder and is more committed to his clients than David Chesley. I highly recommend him."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"David is an outstanding lawyer and officer of the court. He works hard to achieve the best result for his clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 18
Relationship: Other
"I've known David Chesley by reputation for a long time and have had the pleasure to know him personally along with his wonderfully dedicated staff for several years now. He has organized and heads up a team of competent and zealous legal professionals who fight hard for his client's rights."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 18
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"I endorse David Chesley. David Chesley’s firm works hard to make sure the clients get the best representation possible."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I've known David for a number of years and over that period of time I have developed a great deal of respect for him. David is extremely dedicated to his clients and his craft and is the first person I turn to whenever any of my clients or friends need help with a criminal matter. I highly recommend David to anyone needing criminal or DUI defense."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"David is one of the best criminal defenses lawyers I know… his results speak for themselves. I have sent multiple clients to him and without exception they have all been glad I did. While there are many lawyers who practice DUI and criminal defense law; there are very few who have mastered it. David is one of the few. The best endorsement I can give is this… if I were ever arrested; he would be my first phone call."
Unknown Attorney | Jun 17
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"I endorse Mr. Chesley for having extensive experience to provide excellent criminal defense for his clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Experience. Commitment. Trust. These three attributes are why I strongly recommend David Chesley. I have seen firsthand David Chesley's firm work diligently for his clients in the courtroom. In Criminal Defense you won't find a better advocate."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer for outstanding commitment to follow-up and attention to detail with client matters."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Chesley. Anyone who hires David Chesley is hiring one of the best, and most experienced lawyers in California. Mr. Chesley knows exactly what to do to get you the best result possible in both criminal and civil matters"
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 10
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
View more endorsements
Criminal defense
Los Angeles Criminal defense Lawyer David Steven Chesley
David Steven Chesley
Criminal defense Attorney
Los Angeles, CA
Licensed for 18 years
Free Consultation