Criminal Defense and DUI Lawyers & Attorneys Chula Vista, CA

FREE CONSULTATION

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

Affordable Rates

Payment Plans

Home » Locations » Chula Vista

Chula Vista

Our Chula Vista Office is located at:

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

601 E Palomar St
Chula Vista, CA 91911
(619) 600-5147

Chula Vista Criminal Defense Attorney

Chula Vista is well known for its incredible variety of landscapes. In fact, its name means “beautiful view” in Spanish. Chula Vista is also known as the lemon capital of the world. This city was founded on November 28, 1911, and as of 2010, it had a population of 243,916. Top employers here are Sweetwater Union High School District, Chula Vista Elementary School District, Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, and Rohr Inc./Goodrich Aerospace.

Helpful city resources:
Chula Vista Police Department
315 4th Ave,
Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 691-5151

Chula Vista City Hall
276 4th Ave,
Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 691-5044

Chula Vista Public Library
365 F St,
Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 691-5069

Attractions Around Chula Vista, CA

Living Coast Discovery Center
1000 Gunpowder Point Dr,
Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 409-5900

Bayside Park
999 Bayside Pkwy,
Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 725-6001

Otay Ranch Town Center
2015 Birch Rd,
Chula Vista, CA 91915
(619) 656-1393

Elite Athlete Training Center
2800 Olympic Pkwy,
Chula Vista, CA 91915
(619) 656-1500

Discovery Park
700 Buena Vista Way,
Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 409-5979

Mountain Hawk Park
1475 Lake Crest Dr,
Chula Vista, CA 91915
(619) 409-5979

Crime in Chula Vista
Chula Vista’s highest crime rates are seen in the west and some of the south end. Theft and assault arrests are exceptionally high in the locations of:

E. St./Broadway
3rd Ave./J St.
N. 2nd Ave./Bayview Way
Palomar St./N. Ave.

Local Criminal Courts:

Central Courthouse
1100 Union Street
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 844-2700

East County
250 East Main Street
El Cajon, CA 92020
(619) 456-4100

North County
325 South Melrose Dr.
Vista, CA 92081
(760) 201-8600

South County
500 3rd Avenue
Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 746-6200

Going to court and being in front of a judge, prosecutor, or even jury can be a daunting experience. No matter which court has jurisdiction in your criminal charges, our Chula Vista criminal defense lawyers can help. We’ve helped numerous clients fight charges in these courts, in part because we are well-versed in each court, its judges, and prosecutors.

What if Law Enforcement Officers Call Me?

If law enforcement officers either in person, on the phone, or electronically by email, text, or social media, it’s never in your best legal interest to respond to their inquiry. Instead, it’s best to be courteous polite, requesting that the officer speaks with your Chula Vista criminal defense lawyer.

Likewise, suppose an individual reaches out to you who insists that you’ve committed a wrongful or criminal act. In that case, it’s crucial to understand that the contact might have been made at the request of law enforcement officers or investigators. Whatever you say could be recorded. The best response is no response, even if you really feel the need to defend yourself or question the person’s motives. Seek legal advice instead.

Can I Hire a Chula Vista Criminal Defense Lawyer if I Haven’t Been Charged with a Crime Yet?

If you think you might need the help of a Chula Vista criminal defense attorney, it’s always a good idea to schedule a consultation with one. You don’t have to be charged with a crime to obtain legal counsel. Many people hire legal help if they suspect they are under investigation or that they might be charged with a crime. The sooner you can have an attorney on your side; the more successful your case might be. If there is a warrant for your arrest, a Chula Vista criminal defense attorney can help by arranging for you to turn yourself in and not face the humiliation, shock, and inconvenience of being arrested.

Is there a Difference Between a Felony Crime and a Misdemeanor?
If a crime is not a felony, it is usually classified as a misdemeanor or a petty offense. These criminal charges aren’t as serious as felonies, but they can still carry substantial penalties that beg a solid defense. We provide reliable representation for a wide range of crimes in California, including both felony charges and misdemeanors.

Typically, misdemeanor penalties can include less than a year in jail, fines, community service, rehabilitation, and/or probation. In comparison, felonies come with at least a year, sometimes decades, or a lifetime in prison.

It’s important to note that legal proceedings also differ between felony and misdemeanor charges. With a misdemeanor, you typically appear in court before the judge, but not a jury. With a felony, you will be required to appear at an indictment or preliminary trial and then possibly face a jury trial.

What Rights Do I Stand to Lose if Convicted of a Felony?
In addition to prison sentences, fines, fees, and reputation issues, felony convictions often trigger the loss of fundamental citizenship rights, which depending on your case, might include:

The right to vote
The right to possess firearms
The right to serve on a jury
The right to travel to a foreign country
Certain parental rights or benefits
Eligibility for certain governmental assistance/supplements
Eligibility for certain types of employment

This is not necessarily a comprehensive list. Felony convictions will be added to your permanent record. They might affect your access to education, employment, and many other opportunities or resources for the remainder of your life.

When you hire one of our Chula Vista criminal defense attorneys, they work with you to carefully analyze all of the evidence in your case, including critical mitigating factors. Then they can begin an effective defense to minimize the consequences you might otherwise face.

Reach Out to a Chula Vista Criminal Defense Attorney for Legal Help Today

Our Chula Vista criminal defense attorneys handle a wide range of criminal cases, including white-collar crimes and murders. We don’t shy away from helping people who face misdemeanor charges either. Our entire legal team at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley can provide you with honest and direct representation. We can give you a clear understanding of your case and what your legal options are. We aren’t afraid to aggressively represent our clients, and we work hard to ensure their legal rights are defended. To schedule your case consultation, call our Chula Vista office at (619) 600-5147 today.

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.