Criminal Defense and DUI Lawyers & Attorneys Bakersfield, CA

FREE CONSULTATION

Please fill out the form and someone will be in touch with you shortly.

Affordable Rates

Payment Plans

Home » Locations » Bakersfield

Bakersfield

Our Bakersfield Office is located at:

Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Bakersfield Criminal Defense Attorneys and DUI Lawyers

1430 Truxtun Avenue, Suite 500
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 473-0422

Bakersfield Criminal Defense Lawyers

Criminal Defense Attorneys in Bakersfield Standing Up for the Rights of the Accused

Bakersfield, California, was founded in 1869, and as of 2019, 377,917 people call this city home. It’s well-known for its oil and agricultural industries as well as its arts, cultures, and sports arenas. “Bakersfield Sound,” a genre of country music made known by Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, and several others was born here. Since 1986 the city has hosted an annual Jazz Festival. Bakersfield, CA, directly inspired chain restaurants located in several major cities across the U.S.

Helpful city resources:
Bakersfield Police Department
1601 Truxtun Ave
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 327-7111

Bakersfield City Hall
1600 Truxtun Ave
Bakersfield, CA 93306
(661) 326-3767

Beale Memorial Library
701 Truxtun Ave
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-0701

Arrests and Crimes Occurring in Bakersfield, California

Crime rates in Bakersfield are 66 percent higher than the California average. Property crimes such as theft, vehicle theft, and burglary are much higher here than in all cities throughout the U.S. Assault is also a common crime in Bakersfield.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Bakersfield include:

Lakeview
East Bakersfield
Rio Bravo
Southgate
Amberton
Quailwood
Homaker Park
Benton Park
Eastridge Estates
Downtown
Tyner Homes
Spice Tract

Keep in mind that even after being arrested and charged with a crime, those charged are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Have Extensive Experience in Local Bakersfield Criminal Courts
In addition to general experience appearing in a courtroom, it’s also helpful to have an attorney who has a rapport with the judges who would likely preside over your case. A Bakersfield criminal defense attorney who knows the local prosecutors will also have a better idea of what to expect from them and how to shape your defense around their potential actions. When you hire a Bakersfield criminal defense attorney from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you and your family can rest easy knowing you are in good hands.

Local Criminal Court:
Metro Division
Criminal Misdemeanor
1415 Truxtun Ave
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-5393

Metro Justice Building
Criminal Felony
1215 Truxtun Ave
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-5393

Traffic
3131 Arrow St
Bakersfield, CA 93308
Get Directions
(661) 335-7100

When Should You Contact a Bakersfield Criminal Defense Attorney?
There are many situations in which you may need a criminal defense lawyer’s help more than you initially thought. Consider these scenarios:

Police officers “just want to ask you questions.” If you witnessed an event but had nothing to do with it, then it’s probably safe to talk with the police. Still, you should be wary about what you say. If police officers didn’t witness what took place, you could be falsely accused. If officers want your statement, request an appointment with the officer. This should give you the time and opportunity to call an attorney and discuss what you witnessed and how you were involved.
The police ask you to sign something. Always remember one crucial fact about law enforcement officers— they can’t force you to do anything unless they have a reasonable suspicion that you committed a crime. The Fourth Amendment protects your right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure. If the police observe you breaking the law or have credible evidence to believe that you committed a crime, only then can they obtain warrants to search you or your property or demand that you provide access to your personal records or health information.
Suppose police officers request that you sign a release that will provide them with access to sensitive records. In that case, the best thing to do is politely refuse and hire an attorney as soon as possible. The police may not have a legitimate reason to get to your records. By voluntarily allowing them access, they can use it against you without penalty.
The police arrest you for a crime. The most obvious reason you would need to contact a Bakersfield criminal defense lawyer is any time that you are detained by the police or under arrest. If this is the case, immediately stop answering questions and talking. Politely assert your right to not speak any further without an attorney present on your behalf.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry and contact a criminal defense attorney any time you feel like you could be in legal trouble for any reason. The sooner, the better.

What Happens After You’re Arrested?
Usually, after someone is arrested, they are brought to the police station or sheriff’s office, where they are “booked.” Booked means law enforcement officers will obtain your personal, historical and biographical information. Then they will use this information to determine if you have any outstanding warrants or a criminal history. With this information, they will evaluate whether you should be released from custody or if the payment of a bail/bond will be required.

Depending upon the jurisdiction, if the authorities intend to detain someone, the detainee may have the right to have their detention reviewed by a judicial official. Typically, the police will file a criminal complaint in the appropriate court. The detained individual will need to appear before that court. Keep in mind that police officers also have the right to seize property, records, and other materials as evidence during the arrest process. If obtained properly, this evidence can be used against you in court.

Attractions in Bakersfield

California Living Museum
10500 Alfred Harrell Hwy
Bakersfield, CA 93306
(661) 872-2256

Kern County Museum
3801 Chester Ave
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 437-3330

The Park at River Walk
11298 Stockdale Hwy
Bakersfield, CA 93311
(661) 326-3866

Buena Vista Museum of Natural History and Science
2018 Chester Ave
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 324-6350

Fox Theater
2001 H St
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 324-1369

McMurtrey Aquatic Center
1325 Q St Suite 200
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 852-7430

Secure the Reliable Representation of Our Bakersfield Criminal Defense Attorneys Today
At Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we can offer you the criminal defense representation you need to make the most of this overwhelming situation. Our attorneys are waiting to help you. The sooner you reach out, the more they can do to help. Our vast and unique career experience and knowledge give us an advantageous angle to go to bat for you. Don’t wait any longer to get the legal representation you need. Call us anytime at (661) 473-0422. We know that legal problems can arise day or not, and we are here for you and your family should that time come.

Recent Results

Our client faced multiple serious charges in Los Angeles County, including Penal Code § 211 (Robbery), § 245(a)(1) (Assault with a Deadly Weapon), and § 245(a)(4) (Assault with Force Likely to Cause Great Bodily Injury). Unlike a co-defendant represented by another firm who pled to a felony conviction with a "strike," our legal team pursued a different strategy. Through the submission of a comprehensive mitigation package to the District Attorney, we successfully negotiated a complete dismissal of all charges.
Our client faced serious charges under Penal Code section 211 for alleged felony robbery involving force and fear in Riverside County (Murrieta Court) . The prosecution argued that probation was not appropriate due to our client’s prior felony convictions in San Bernardino County, including a previous robbery in April 2021 and grand theft in November 2019. Despite the severity of these allegations, our legal team successfully demonstrated insufficient evidence during the preliminary hearing. As a result, all charges were dismissed. This outcome allowed our client to move forward without the burden of a new conviction.
Multiple defendants each facing 7 years charged with smuggling prescription drugs into California from Mexico our client was the only defendant who received NO JAIL TIME!
Client facing 5 years for possession of deadly weapon we negotiated a plea for NO JAIL TIME!
Client facing 3 life terms for multiple felony counts of Child Molestation and Sodomy with child we proved the charges were fabricated by victims mother DISMISSAL of all charges at preliminary hearing!
Strike case: Client charged with possession of methamphetamine facing 25 years we filed a Romero Motion which was granted case REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR!
Client's estranged girlfriend alleged Client broke into her room and choked her facing 14 years in State Prison we won at trial JURY ACQUITTAL.
Police allegedly discovered 3 bags of marijuana in client's glove box faced 6 years we filed a 1538.5 motion to suppress resulting in DISMISSAL of all charges!

What our clients say Client Testimonials

I am truly pleased with my experience with the Law Offices Of David S Chesley. They answered all my questions and provided me with great advice and legal services. My case resolved quickly. Thank you!
Rodrigo L.

I left court yesterday with my last case being wrapped up. Two court appearances and that’s it. He represented me in a couple of different cases and was impressive to say the least. Always a phone call or text message away. Confident and aggressive when he needed to be. Calming and thorough when meeting with me. Attorney Chesley did exactly what he said he would and I got the results I needed. He seemed to know all the right people at the Temple Street courthouse. You can always get in contact with him quickly and he is a great lawyer. I highly recommend his legal services.
Ricardo Esteves

My brother was given a very caring attorney that was assigned to his case and we had very helpful case managers throughout the process. I strongly recommend David Chesley to anyone who is in trouble. I called in to get help on my brothers case and right away I liked their service. My brothers charges were eventually dismissed after the attorney got him into a program, now he could go on without the trouble of having anything on his record
Erica Geller

I retained Mr. Chesley and his firm and from the beginning they were extremely professional both in communicating the status of my case to me, explaining the situation as a whole, and just downright taking care of business. It was money well spent for a job well done. Thanks again to David and Melissa others that worked on my case. I recommend this firm to anyone in need of legal representation. Don’t just accept things the courts force on you, call this firm and protect yourself.
Elizabeth F.

I contacted Mr. Chesley and his firm because some unfortunate events had left me in a jam. Detectives were demanding I testify or be prosecuted for a crime I didn’t commit. (I wasn’t involved or even at the scene of the alleged crime when it supposedly took place.) Mr. Chesley explained to me that he had been through similar situations with his clients before and understood exactly what was going on. His response to what took place was nothing short of amazing. No matter how small my concern, Mr. Chesley addressed it in a timely manner. He advocated for what is right and empathized with me in dealing with the Court system. After meeting with the supervising D.A. and providing alibi evidence he was able to get me out the situation. I’m very grateful to have found him.
Leon Hanley

I hired David Chesley for my criminal defense in 2012. he was recommended to us for is success results and his low fees. David is very smart and his professional legal advice was honest & much appreciated during these stressful time. David’s knowledge, advice, and communication about what we were to expect was reassuring and beneficial to me. He charged me a reasonable flat rate and didn’t charge me any surprise fees. In my case David Chesley was able to negotiate with the prosecution attorney for the best result I could hope for. He had success at getting my criminal charges dismissed with the judges approval. You will not be disappointed if you hire The Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Britanny Givens

David is very professional, yet very casual. Although it is typically not easy to speak straight up with an attorney, he is very easy to talk to. He replied to my questions quickly and was available all hours. Not only did he get my case resolved with a dismissal, he went above and beyond and got me an expungement without me even requesting it. He never beats around the bush and tells you like it is. At the same time is willing to work overtime to get the results you request. I would use David’s services again in the future.
Andrew A.

very satisfied being a client with the Law Offices of David Chesley.. Negin represented both my husband and I and got both our cases dis issued… Negin was on top of our cases she really cares and did everything she said she would do!!! thanks a lot Negin
Rita K.

I don’t write many reviews, however this time I had to share my admiration and appreciation for this firm. Attorney Negin Akhavan is definitely a person you want representing you in any criminal legal battle. She is the clear definition of the frace “is not what you know, but who you know ” she is not only knowledgeable, she also has the relationships with the right people. I couldn’t be happier with the results she was able to provide.

Thank you Negin.
Gabriel V.

An old felony charge came up, so I hired David and his team in June, and he got me a release on my own cognition on a felony charge in July which has never happened to me, and got it dismissed in October. He was responsive when I called and always kept me updated. Got my case dismissed, was easy to work and handled everything for me. He did an excellent job. I highly recommend David Chesley for any criminal defense.
Jason Corona

They really helped me out in a timely manner. I had a drug charge from 16 years ago and they dealt with it quickly. I can’t recommend them enough. If you have a criminal charges check them out they are awesome.
Santiago L.