Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.9 /5.0
192 Client Reviews
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David Steven Chesley
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About David
Biography
David S. Chesley is an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer who serves the entire state of California. His firm, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, has handled thousands of cases ranging from misdemeanors to felonies and is dedicated to delivering meaningful results to every client.
In his criminal defense practice, Mr. Chesley acts as a violent crimes defense lawyer for assault cases, battery cases, criminal threat cases, and is even prepared to build murder/homicide defenses in Los Angeles. He is also an experienced theft crimes defense attorney who covers everything from burglary and robbery to fraud and embezzlement cases.
As a sex crimes defense attorney, Mr. Chesley treats his clients with respect and takes the time to learn their side of the story. He has the sensitivity to properly handle Los Angeles client cases and protect their image as well as their rights.
Mr. Chesley's criminal defense practices also extend into DUI/DWIs and drug crimes. When acting as a DUI defense lawyer, he defends clients' freedom in criminal court while protecting their licenses in DMV hearings His dedication to DUI defense in California has earned him recognition by America's Top 50 Lawyers. Meanwhile, Mr. Chesley's drug crimes defense attorney skills help him negotiate diversions for clients to keep them out of jail.
In addition to being a criminal defense lawyer, Mr. Chesley is also a leading immigration attorney in Los Angeles. He has helped immigrants apply for visas, fight deportation, and apply for U.S. citizenship. His cancellation of removal services help protect California families and keep them in the country.
Below are some of the specific case types we cover in Los Angeles, California:
First Time DUI Defense Lawyer
Felony DUI Defense Lawyer
Citizenship Lawyer
Deportation Lawyer
Assault Lawyer
Federal Defense Attorney
Burglary Defense Lawyer
Grand Theft Lawyer
Three Strikes Defense
Marijuana DUI Lawyer
Los Angeles-based Criminal Defense Lawyer, DUI Lawyer, and Immigration Lawyer serving the entire state of California.
David Chesley is a criminal defense lawyer who covers all types of cases, including violent crimes, sex crimes, theft crimes, drug crimes, DUIs, and murder.
As a leading DUI defense attorney, David Chesley has successfully helped 95% of his DUI and DWI clients avoid jail time. Mr. Chesley handles both criminal defense and DMV hearings for clients and will fight for you license as well as your freedom.
David Chesley understands the sensitivity of domestic violence cases and treats every client with respect. As a domestic violence criminal defense lawyer, he helps clients fight against false accusations and misunderstandings.
David Chesley's drug crime defense attorney experience covers all types of accusations (possession, distribution, trafficking, sale, manufacturing, drug-free school zone violations, etc.) for many kinds of substances (marijuana/cannabis, prescription drugs, ecstasy, cocaine, methamphetamine, etc.).
As a Los Angeles immigration lawyer, Mr. Chesley helps clients apply for lawful permanent resident ("green card") and citizenship status. He also fights against deportation in cancellation of removal 42(b) and 42(a) proceedings, and helps people enter the country through Visa applications.
David Chesley is a sex crimes lawyer who understands the sensitivity of these cases and listens to the clients' stories. Charges like rape and sexual assault deserve the experienced, knowledgeable legal representation that you will receive from Mr. Chesley.
Mr. Chesley's practices as a violent crimes defense attorney help him protect clients' freedom against charges such as assault, battery, criminal threats, domestic violence, firearm offenses, hate crimes, and more.
Practice Areas
13
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
10%
21 years | 15,000 cases
DUI and DWI
10%
21 years | 15,000 cases
Domestic Violence
10%
21 years | 6,000 cases
Drug Crime
10%
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/Law Offices of David Chesley - Los Angeles County Office
(855) 633-9283
Mobile
445 South Figueroa Street, Suite 2700, Los Angeles, CA, 90071
chesleylawyers.com/Law Offices of David Chesley - Long Beach/South L.A. Office
(855) 633-9283
Mobile
5150 Pacific Coast Hwy, Suite 200, Long Beach, CA, 90804
chesleylawyers.com/Law Offices of David Chesley - San Diego County Office
(855) 633-9283
Mobile
7676 Hazard Center Drive, Suite 500, San Diego, CA, 92108
chesleylawyers.com/Law Offices of David Chesley - Orange County Office
(855) 633-9283
Mobile
500 North State College Blvd., Suite 1100, Orange, CA, 92868
chesleylawyers.com/Law Offices of David Chesley - Riverside County Office
(855) 633-9283
Mobile
4199 Flat Rock Rd, #100, Riverside, CA, 92505
chesleylawyers.com/Law Offices of David Chesley - San Bernardino County Office
(855) 633-9283
Mobile
473 E Carnegie Dr., Suite 200, San Bernardino, CA, 92408
chesleylawyers.com/Law Offices of David Chesley - Fresno Office
(855) 633-9283
Mobile
5588 N Palm Avenue, Fresno, CA, 93704
chesleylawyers.com/Law Offices of David Chesley - Santa Barbara Office
(855) 633-9283
Mobile
7 West Figueroa Street, Suite 200, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
chesleylawyers.com/Law Offices of David Chesley - Sacramento Office
(855) 633-9283
Mobile
770 L Street, Suite 950, Sacramento, CA, 95814
chesleylawyers.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find David online.
David Steven Chesley's 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 21 - 25 of 186 reviews
Posted by Ethan | September 03, 2018 | 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 ...
Posted by Nina | August 30, 2018 | 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 sta...
Posted by Kai | August 29, 2018 | 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 o...
Posted by Ernie | August 28, 2018 | 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 dismi...
Posted by Harvey | August 28, 2018 | 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 D...
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
2026
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2026
Best Lawyer, Expertise
2014
Alcohol Breath Testing Certification, Ventura College
2014
Clients' Choice Award, Avvo
2014
DUI Advanced Training Seminar, CA DUI Lawyers Association
2013
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2012
Handling DUI Cases Seminar, CACJ Association
2005
Amjur-rated #1 in Legislation, Southwestern Law School
Work Experience
2005 - Present
President, Managing Attorney, Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
2003 - 2005
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