Driving Under Influence
Also referred to as driving while intoxicated (DWI), driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is a serious criminal charge that we can defend you against.
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At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we provide skilled representation to clients facing criminal charges throughout California. Our team includes more than 25 highly rated Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys with over 50 years of combined courtroom experience.
As former judges, prosecutors, and police officers who previously worked for the State of California, we understand both sides of the system. We have helped many clients achieve dismissals and favorable resolutions.
95% of our DUI clients have received no jail time.
This is a firm-reported past-result figure. Outcomes depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each case and do not predict your outcome. No results are guaranteed.
We believe our results speak for themselves. See our Recent Case Results page for further details.
Our attorneys appear regularly in courts across California. Each attorney is typically assigned to one or two courthouses, so judges and prosecutors in those courts work with our firm frequently and know our attorneys well. This ongoing presence is one reason we have received the Clients’ Choice Award for the last 16 years (2011–2026).
We defend clients against a wide range of charges, including violent offenses, theft crimes, drug charges, DUI, murder cases, and sex crimes. Thorough and vigorous defense is critical in every case. Information about specific charges is available in the sections above.
The right attorney can make a meaningful difference in how a case is resolved. Criminal charges can have lasting consequences, which is why careful preparation and experienced advocacy matter. Defendants are frequently referred to us by past clients, court personnel, and other criminal defense attorneys who are familiar with the outcomes we have obtained.


Avvo · Superb Rated Attorney
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers · Top 100
National College of DUI DefenseRecognition and membership artwork from the firm’s existing website. Select an image to view the original. David S. Chesley · California State Bar #236611 (official record, opens in a new tab)
Call our experienced California criminal defense attorneys so we can immediately begin helping you or your loved one defend against a conviction.
Whether you’re facing a life sentence, a serious felony, DUI charges, or misdemeanor allegations, we put our background and experience to work for you. We are available day and night.
All initial consultations are free and confidential. Our lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including weekends and holidays. If you cannot come to us, we will come to the hospital, jail, your home, or office.
Also referred to as driving while intoxicated (DWI), driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is a serious criminal charge that we can defend you against.
View DetailsWe often win cases where clients are charged with violent assault and battery, domestic violence, kidnapping, gang-related offences, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and firearm offenses.
View DetailsWe have gotten many theft charges dismissed or reduced, including grand theft, petty theft, fraud, carjacking, commercial and residential burglary, robbery, extortion, and embezzlement.
View DetailsPossession or possession for sale, distribution or manufacture of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, marijuana, or ecstasy and these charges may involve illegal search or seizure and can be disputed.
View DetailsPeople can be falsely accused of prostitution, lewd acts with a minor, child molestation, indecent exposure, sex trafficking, and rape. We are successful in defending these cases.
View DetailsFirst degree murder, second degree murder, voluntary or involuntary manslaughter can involve mistaken or misunderstood identity and can be defended with proper defenses or alibis when supported by the facts.
View DetailsAny case results or testimonials on this page are firm-published accounts. Each result portrayed depended on the facts of that case. Results will differ if based on different facts. No outcome is guaranteed.
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 was resolved quickly. Thank you!
Rodrigo L.Firm-reported case result. The result portrayed depended on the facts of that case. Results will differ if based on different facts. No outcome is guaranteed.
Very satisfied being a client with the Law Offices of David Chesley. Negin represented both my husband and I and got both our cases dismissed. Negin was on top of our cases, she really cares and did everything she said she would do!!! Thanks a lot Negin!
Rita K.Firm-reported case result. The result portrayed depended on the facts of that case. Results will differ if based on different facts. No outcome is guaranteed.
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 charge, check them out; they are awesome.
Santiago L.Firm-reported case result. The result portrayed depended on the facts of that case. Results will differ if based on different facts. No outcome is guaranteed.
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, and 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.Firm-reported case result. The result portrayed depended on the facts of that case. Results will differ if based on different facts. No outcome is guaranteed.
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 of the situation. I’m very grateful to have found him.
Leon HanleyFirm-reported case result. The result portrayed depended on the facts of that case. Results will differ if based on different facts. No outcome is guaranteed.
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.Firm-reported case result. The result portrayed depended on the facts of that case. Results will differ if based on different facts. No outcome is guaranteed.
An old felony charge came up, so I hired David and his team in June, and he got me a release on my own recognizance 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 with, and handled everything for me. He did an excellent job. I highly recommend David Chesley for any criminal defense.
Jason CoronaFirm-reported case result. The result portrayed depended on the facts of that case. Results will differ if based on different facts. No outcome is guaranteed.
Testimonials shared on the firm’s existing website. Individual experiences vary.
Explore the review collection linked from the firm’s existing website.
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