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David Steven Chesley
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Biography
California Criminal Defense Attorneys Law Offices of David S. Chesley
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley , we pride ourselves on providing excellent representation to our clients in California. We are more than 25 of the top, “best-rated” Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys, with over 50 years of Courtroom experience and we always achieve the best results for our clients! As FORMER JUDGES, PROSECUTORS and POLICE who once worked for the State of California we are very successful at getting our client’s cases DISMISSED on a daily basis. 95% of our DUI clients receive NO jail time! We are simply the best at what we do! We believe our RESULTS speak for themselves, check out our RECENT CASE RESULTS page for further details… Our criminal attorneys have been appearing daily in every court in the State of California for decades. Each of our attorneys is assigned one or two Courthouses. Judges and Prosecutors in the Court your case is held work with our attorneys daily and know our law firm and our attorneys on a first name basis. Come see why we have won the Clients’ Choice Award for the last 16 years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026…
We are highly-skilled, aggressive, and knowledgeable criminal defense and DUI lawyers in California with extensive experience practicing criminal law. We successfully defend our clients against ALL TYPES OF MAJOR CRIME, SERIOUS FELONY, AND MISDEMEANOR CHARGES including: Violent Offenses, Theft Crimes, Drug Charges, DUI, Murder Cases, and Sex Crimes. Information about these charges can be found on the tabs listed above. It is extremely important that criminal charges are defended thoroughly and vigorously by our highly-skilled, professional, and experienced criminal attorney.
The right attorney can and will make the difference between a guilty plea and a dismissal of all charges. Without the work of an excellent lawyer, criminal charges are bound to have a significant long-lasting impact on a defendant’s life and will most likely change the quality of a defendant’s life forever. Hiring a skilled, aggressive, and experienced law firm is essential. Our client’s get the best results in their cases because we are excellent lawyers! We are well-connected in all of the courthouses and We are extremely persuasive, aggressive, relentless, and thorough, we know what we are doing, and have been practicing criminal defense for many years. Defendants are constantly being recommended and referred to us from past and present satisfied clients of our law firm. We also frequently receive new client referrals through the Court system, and from other attorneys in the criminal defense community who are familiar with the amazing results we have achieved for our clients.
Top 1%. As Former Judges and Prosecutors we get the Best Results! Offices Statewide- Available 24/7
Practice Areas
7
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
15%
21 years | 15,000 cases
DUI and DWI
15%
21 years | 15,000 cases
Domestic Violence
14%
21 years | 6,000 cases
Drug Crime
14%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2018 2017 2015
...
+
3
Licenses
Licensed in California for 21 years
State: California
Acquired: 2005
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2023
Location
Law Offices Of David S. Chesley, Inc.
(855) 633-9283
Mobile
4533 Van Nuys Boulevard, Second Floor, Sherman Oaks, CA, 91403
chesleylawyers.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find David online.
David Steven Chesley's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
186 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (186)
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Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (103)
Lawsuits & Disputes (27)
DUI & DWI (25)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (8)
Drug Crime (6)
Domestic Violence (5)
Family (3)
Immigration (3)
Business (2)
Expungement (2)
Gun Law (2)
Litigation (2)
Appeals (1)
Car Accidents (1)
Divorce & Separation (1)
Federal Crime (1)
Juvenile (1)
Violent Crime (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (124)
Advocacy (91)
Recommendation (57)
Professionalism (45)
Communication Style (34)
Practice Area Knowledge (34)
Trustworthiness (28)
Cost of Services (26)
General Knowledge (26)
Responsiveness (26)
Character & Conduct (21)
Staff & Support (19)
Compassion (16)
Free Consultations (4)
Punctuality (4)
Payment Plans (3)
Showing 1 - 5 of 186 reviews
Posted by Wendy chavez | April 14, 2026 | Hired Attorney
The Best.
I am honestly so thankful with David, when I call and told him about my case he made sure to guide me every step of the way. I wish I could give them more stars because 5 isn’t enough 100% recommend
Posted by anonymous | March 02, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Great Law Firm
I had an excellent experience with this law firm. They were professional, responsive, and truly made me feel supported throughout the entire process. They explained everything clearly, kept me informed, and fought hard on my behalf. I’m beyond grateful for their dedication and highly recommend them t...
Posted by anonymous | September 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney
N/A
I was very scared, but my lawyer helped me and I feel much better. Thanks to Peter Mininsohn
Posted by Theodore | September 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley helped me in my time of need at a affordable price. I would use them again.
Posted by Jonas | August 12, 2025 | Hired Attorney
BEST IN Riverside County
David S Chesley Lawyers went out of there way to make sure I understood the ins and outs of every aspect of my case. Best in Riv county.
David Steven Chesley's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Chesley provides an effective and affordable defense for all of his clients."
"One of the absolute best. Exceptional attention to detail, service next to none. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. He has the legal skills and practical experience needed to excel at Criminal Defense."
"I endorse David. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal 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."
"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."
"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."
"David is an outstanding lawyer and officer of the court. He works hard to achieve the best result for his clients."
"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."
"I endorse David Chesley. David Chesley’s firm works hard to make sure the clients get the best representation possible."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse Mr. Chesley for having extensive experience to provide excellent criminal defense for his clients."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer for outstanding commitment to follow-up and attention to detail with client matters."
"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"
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Mark Johnson
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2023.
Public reproval with/duties issued in CA, 2023
updated on 01/30/2024A censure or reprimand issued by the Supreme Court or the State Bar Court that is not a matter of public record unless imposed after the initiation of formal disciplinary proceedings. No period of suspension is imposed. The reproval may be imposed with duties or conditions.
Honors
2022
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
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
2013
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2012
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Handling DUI Cases Seminar, CACJ Association
2011
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2005
Amjur-rated #1 in Legislation, Southwestern Law School
Work Experience
2006 - Present
President, Managing Attorney, Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
2003 - 2006
Government Attorney, Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
Associations
2005 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2005 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2004 - Present
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationMember
2004 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationMember
2004 - Present
Criminal Courts Bar AssociationMember
2004 - Present
San Fernando Valley Bar AssociationMember
2004 - Present
State Bar of California, Criminal Law SectionMember
2004 - Present
Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
2004 - Present
Beverly Hills Bar AssociationMember
Sample of 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
Child Molestation PC 288 and Sodomy with Child under Age 10 PC 288.7
DISMISSAL OF ALL CHARGES, NO SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION
Third Strike Case (Possession of Methamphetamine HS 11377(a))
REDUCED FROM 25 YEARS YEARS TO LIFE IN STATE PRISON TO A MISDEMEANOR
Second Strike Case (Grand Theft Auto PC 459(d)(1) and VC 10351)
FACING 10 YEARS, REDUCED TO A MISDEMEANOR, RECEIVED NO JAIL TIME
Education
2004
Southwestern University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2002
Univ of California Santa Barbara
undergraduate
Speaking Engagements
2015
North Hollywood Actors Studio
Legal Ethics- Stage Reading
Publications
2014
Chesley Law Firm Criminal Defense Website
LAPD Using New Computer Techniques to Predict Crimes
2014
Chesley Law Firm Criminal Defense Website
California DNA Collection Law For Felony Arrests Upheld
2014
Chesley Law Firm Legal Articles
Victory in the Courts for Gun Rights Advocates in California
2013
Chesley Law Firm
How To Behave During an Arrest
2013
Chesley Law Firm
What to Do When You Are Pulled Over for a DUI
2013
Chesley Law Firm
Costs of a First Time DUI
Languages
Armenian
Korean
Tagalog
Spanish
Mandarin
Farsi
English
Hindi
Persian
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I get in trouble for using pepper spray to defend myself?
24 Jun 2013
Q&A
Will a petty theft misdemeanor show up on my record?
19 Jun 2013