Admitted June 2, 2005
About David S. Chesley
David Steven Chesley is the founder, president, and supervising attorney of the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. For more than two decades, he has focused exclusively on criminal defense, representing clients facing the full range of felony and misdemeanor charges throughout California.
He began his legal career as a Superior Court clerk and later worked at the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. That dual experience—inside the court system and on the prosecution side—gives him practical insight into how cases are built, charged, and negotiated. Since founding his firm, he has used that background to defend clients against DUI, violent crimes, sex offenses, theft, drug charges, homicide, and other serious matters.
Education and Early Career
- Juris Doctor, Southwestern Law School (2004)
- Recognized as Amjur-rated #1 in Legislation.
- Undergraduate degree, University of California, Santa Barbara (2002).
After law school, Mr. Chesley gained courtroom experience as a clerk in the Los Angeles Superior Court. He then joined the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, where he conducted preliminary hearings, performed legal research, drafted motions, and observed prosecutorial strategy firsthand. He left the DA’s office to devote his practice entirely to criminal defense.
Leadership of the Firm
Since establishing the Law Offices of David S. Chesley in 2006, Mr. Chesley has built a statewide practice. He serves as President and Managing Attorney, overseeing a team of more than 25 criminal defense attorneys that includes former judges, former prosecutors, and former law enforcement officers. The firm maintains a broad presence across California and regularly appears in courts throughout Southern, Central, and Northern California.
The firm emphasizes early investigation, strategic motion practice, and negotiation aimed at dismissals or reduced charges. It reports that 95% of its DUI clients have received no jail time. (This is a firm-reported past result; every case is different and no outcome is guaranteed.)
Practice Areas
Attorney Chesley handles both misdemeanor and felony matters, including:
- DUI / DWI (criminal court and DMV administrative hearings)
- Violent crimes (assault, battery, domestic violence, robbery, gang-related offenses)
- Sex crimes
- Theft, burglary, fraud, and related property crimes
- Drug offenses
- Homicide and murder cases
- Three-strikes and other serious felony matters
- Immigration consequences of criminal convictions and deportation defense
He is fluent in Spanish and works with Spanish-speaking clients and staff.
Media Recognition
Attorney David Chesley has been interviewed, featured, or appeared on major national and local outlets, including CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, Univision, the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, Time, and People Magazine, as well as other major media and publications.
Awards and Recognition
- AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating (Martindale-Hubbell)
- Clients’ Choice Award (Avvo) — multiple years
- Client Champion Award (Martindale-Hubbell)
- Recognized among California’s top DUI lawyers by America’s Top 50 Lawyers
- Professional memberships include the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National College of DUI Defense
Approach
Mr. Chesley focuses on personal attention, thorough case investigation, and clear communication with clients. Drawing on his prosecutorial background, he looks for weaknesses in the evidence, procedural issues, and opportunities for early resolution or trial defense. He and the attorneys he supervises appear regularly in California courts, giving the firm ongoing familiarity with local practices while remaining independent advocates for their clients.
The firm offers free initial consultations, flexible payment plans, and 24/7 availability for new matters.
Contact
Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Phone: (800) 755-5174
Website: chesleylawyers.com
California State Bar #236611 (Admitted June 2, 2005)
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