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Jonah Chaplin Chew
About Jonah
Biography
Jonah Chew has over 20 years of experience in the courtroom, earning him a reputation as one of San Francisco’s most aggressive and effective criminal litigators. His work and expertise in a wide range of criminal cases has earned him media coverage in numerous Bay Area publications.
After earning his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 1998 and being admitted to the California State Bar the same year, he opened a private criminal practice with another attorney. Three years later, he was hired at the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office, considered among the best public defender offices in the United States. It was there he sharpened his skills as a top trial attorney, representing thousands of clients, writing and arguing hundreds of motions and successfully defending people in cases ranging from simple drug possession to serious felonies.
Whether he is defending clients in federal court or in state court, Jonah Chew is a trial attorney who consistently obtains outstanding results. He is aggressive and negotiates the best deals for his clients and guides them towards treatment and rehabilitation when necessary. He is an expert in dealing with complex criminal issues and assists all of his clients in navigating through the intricacies of the legal system.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
60%
27 years
DUI and DWI
40%
27 years
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 27 years
State: California
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of Jonah Chew
1388 Sutter Street, Suite 805, San Francisco, CA, 94109
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Jonah Chaplin Chew's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
71 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (71)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (57)
Advocacy (47)
Recommendation (42)
Professionalism (34)
Responsiveness (32)
Practice Area Knowledge (30)
Communication Style (26)
Character & Conduct (20)
General Knowledge (18)
Compassion (15)
Trustworthiness (14)
Cost of Services (11)
Punctuality (6)
Staff & Support (3)
Payment Plans (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 20 reviews | Character & Conduct
Posted by anonymous | March 18, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Thank you, Jonah!
I never had any interactions with the law in my life and after an unfortunate incident everything was scary and stressful. Jonah helped to reduce the stress and patiently explained things to me and answered my questions, as I was clueless about how the justice system works. He was very responsive thr...
Posted by anonymous | December 23, 2020 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
First time needing an attorney and I couldn’t have been happier with the outcome thanks to Jonah
I'm so glad I decided to choose Jonah as my attorney. Getting my first DUI was an experience full of uncertainty, fear, and an overall feeling that I had never felt before. From the first day I met him, I knew I was in good hands. His cool and calm attitude definitely put me at ease. He is straight t...
Posted by Charlie | August 22, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
20+ years of experience in Criminal Defense, Kind, Smart, hire him!
I hired Jonah to help a family member who was charged with several counts: drug posession, domestic violence, gun possession, and child endangerment. Really messy case and we needed a good criminal defense lawyer. Jonah handled the case really well and was extremely responsive and professional. Whe...
Posted by Vince | October 01, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Extremely professional and effective
Was in dire need of a lawyer for my case so I contacted the law offices of Jonah Chew. Without going into too much detail, I can say that Jonah displayed a level of unparalleled professionalism throughout this long, tiring ordeal. Mr Chew was non-judgmental but also personable and made me feel lik...
Posted by Allison | April 18, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
THANK YOU, JONAH!
Jonah is a life saver. My mother and I were referred to Jonah by an attorney in Oakland. This attorney promised us that we would be in "good hands". From then on, that is exactly what has occurred. As this was my first offense, I was very honest about my lack of knowledge of the justice system and co...
Jonah Chaplin Chew's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Jonah. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Jonah is one of the best, if not THE BEST attorneys out there. He knows the law like the back of his hand and has a great reputation in the legal community. Everybody loves him and that's because he's ethical, straight to the point, and gets the best result for all of his clients. We've worked together on many cases and our clients could not be happier."
"Jonah is extremely knowledgeable, confident, and helpful. He is well known in Bay Area courts and he always fights for his clients. Great lawyer!"
"Attorney Chew has to be one of the hardest working, most compassionate and client oriented advocates to be practicing law. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer without any reservations. It is amazing that I continue to learn from him every day from his responses on Avvo even though I have been licensed for 24 years and have served as a judge, magistrate, law professor, prosecutor, and private attorney. You can not afford not to hire him."
"For that past decade, I've known Jonah to be a fantastic advocate for his clients. The man has vast experience in the San Francisco courts. I wouldn't hesitate to hire him if I was facing charges."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"To me, Jonah represents a standard that all in our practice should pursue. He is detail oriented, knowledgeable on the law and all aspects of his case (and if you need him, your case too). Simply stated, Jonah is a true asset to this profession and more importantly his clients in his relentless pursuit of justice for them. I unequivocally endorse Jonah Chew."
"I opposed Jonah for a number of years as a DA, and worked with him most recently as a defense attorney. He is knowledgable, thoughful, experienced in criminal matters, and definately know what he is doing. He is able to spot small issues in big cases and bring those to the forefront to work for the benefit of his client. I look forward to working with him in the future, and endorse him fully."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jonah Chew is a highly respected aggressive criminal defense and DUI advocate in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area. I am happy to endorse his work as he works tirelessly to achieve the best possible results for his clients and is not afraid to stand up to the government. He is one trial attorney you should consult with if charged with a crime in San Francisco."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have seen Mr. Chew in action for a number of years and always found him to be an effective and forceful advocate for his clients. I know he gets excellent results for his clients."
"Jonah Chew is an excellent trial attorney. He is bright, honest, personable, and has the experience to provide his clients with unparalleled results. Most importantly, he is an aggressive defender and has a solid reputation here in the bay area. If you are looking for an outstanding lawyer, I would not hesitate to suggest hiring Jonah."
"Jonah is one of the finest, most prepared, and smart criminal defense lawyers practicing in the Bay Area. He is very well respected by Judges, Prosecutors, and fellow lawyers. I highly recommend him for any criminal matter."
"Jonah is a nice guy but don't let that fool you. He is extremely aggressive in defending your rights. I have seen Jonah at work and am currently in an ongoing legal seminar with him. Jonah is very experienced and knowledgeable. He is the ultimate fighter for his clients. If you need a criminal defense or DUI lawyer to defend you or your loved ones, Jonah is that person for you. He is one of the best, if not the best, in the San Francisco Bay Area."
"Jonah Chew will get the job done. Jonah is a hard working, thorough and knowledgeable. He fights for his clients' rights and is respected in the legal community. Do not hesitate to contact and hire Jonah to represent you."
"I endorse this lawyer's work because I personally have seen him fight for his clients. Many lawyers look for the easiest way to settle a case, but Jonah looks for the best way to settle the case for his client whether it is easy or not. And, when it isn't easy he will take a case to trial to fight for his clients; that is something else a lot of lawyers won't do. That is why it is important the you investigate the lawyer you are hiring, and if you are in Mr. Jonah Chew's office you need not look any further. Hire Jonah and then let him do the great work he does for others for you. Donald Drewry"
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Jonah knows the San Francisco courts as well as anyone and will work to get you the best possible results. I recommend Jonah for any San Francisco case."
"I endorse this lawyer's work without reservation. I have been opposing counsel against Jonah and worked with him. He is one of the most knowledgeable attorneys that I have ever had a pleasure to work with. His calm and friendly demeanor allows him to have a great working relationship with clients."
"Jonah and I have worked on cases together for two years now. Jonah is an excellent criminal defense/DUI lawyer. He knows the law, he knows how to argue the law, he knows how to pitch a deal, and he knows how to win."
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Experience
Honors
2020
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2012
CENTRAL VALLEY TOXICOLOGY BLOOD ALCOHOL METHOD REVIEW, Certification of Attendance, Dr. Rose
2011
INTERMEDIATE - INSPECTING BLOOD ETHANOL CHROMATOGRAMS, Certificate of attendance, Dr. Rose
2011
INTRODUCTION TO BLOOD ALCOHOL GAS CHROMATOGRAMS, Certificate of Attendance, Dr. Rose
2009
DWI Detection & Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)Student Course by La Pier & Associates
Work Experience
2006 - Present
Owner, Law Office of Jonah Chew
2001 - 2006
Deputy Public Defender, San Francisco Public Defender
Associations
2015 - Present
Minority Bar ExchangeCriminal Defense Attorney Representative
2014 - Present
Asian American Criminal Trial Lawyer's AssociationTreasurer/Founding Member
2014 - Present
Asian Pacific Islander Joint Bar Association Judiciary Coalition of Northern CaliforniaAACTLA Representative
2010 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
2008 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationMember
2006 - Present
Filipino Bar Association of Northern CaliforniaMember
2000 - Present
Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Bay AreaMember
1998 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. E.C.
Not Guilty All Counts, five week jury trial
People v. M.T.
Non-strike plea, local jail time only
People v. Anonymous
No Jail.
People v. Nicolais N.
motion granted
People v. Johnnie W.
Jury Trial Not Guilty
DMV hearing
set aside of suspension, license reinstated
People v. GC
low term, non strike
People v. KO
Case Dismissed.
People v. ANONYMOUS
No Jail. Probation with community service.
People v. Rucks
Dismissed
Juvenile charged as an adult, faces deportation
Our office was able to get the case reassigned to juvenile court, allowing the client to avoid a “strike†and to stay in the country
Education
1998
University of San Francisco School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
N/A
Univ of California San Diego
Undergraduate
Speaking Engagements
2018
Race and the Jury Box
Voir Dire Training
2017
USF Intensive Advocacy Program
Direct and Cross Examination
2016
USF Intensive Advocacy Program
Direct and Cross Examination
2016
National Asian Pacific American Bar Association
How to Do It All When You're Solo or Small Firm
2014
National Asian Pacific American Bar Association
Dynamic Cross Examination
2003
MCLE
How to Defend A Misdemeanor Case
Publications
2011
Chew Law Offices Journal
NOT GUILTY: Man Wrongfully Accused In Beating Acquitted After Four Year Legal Saga
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
If my girlfriend is 16 about to 17 and I’m 18 will I get in trouble if shes pregnant
18 Aug 2020
Q&A
The police came to my home through an open garage door without permission. Why isn't the case being thrown out?
24 May 2015
Q&A
I just got done with my pretrial diversion program in SF, CA for a misdemeanor battery charge. Can I get my record expunged?
08 Apr 2010