Former Judges and Senior District Attorneys - Criminal Defense Attorneys - Chesley David

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Highly-Skilled Team of Attorneys - Criminal Defense Attorneys - Chesley David

Orange Criminal Defense Attorneys and DUI Lawyers

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Los Angeles County(213) 341-4427
Sacramento / Sonoma(916) 248-4717
Orange County(714) 442-2601
Alameda / San Joaquin(510) 403-8809
San Bern / Riverside(909) 748-5272
Ventura County(805) 248-7408
San Diego County(619) 752-2235
Fresno / Santa Clara(559) 365-7055
Kern / Santa Barbara(661) 473-0422
Northern California(530) 427-4167

Affordable Rates

Payment Plans

Orange, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers

Our Orange Office is located at:

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

500 North State College Blvd., Suite 1100
Orange, CA 92868
(714) 442-2601

Orange, CA Criminal Defense Attorney

When you hire an Orange criminal defense attorney from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you gain a team of experienced, aggressive trial lawyers who have successfully defended thousands of clients across Southern California. Our attorneys know the Orange County courts, judges, and prosecutors inside and out—and we use that knowledge to fight for your best possible outcome.

Whether you’ve been arrested in Orange, detained at the Orange Police Department Jail, or transferred to the Central Men’s or Women’s Jail in Santa Ana, the steps you take next can determine the rest of your case.

Case types our Orange, CA criminal defense lawyers include:

DUIs
Domestic Violence
Violent Crimes
Sex Crimes
Drug Crimes
Theft Crimes

What to Do If You’re Arrested in Orange, CA

Most Orange arrests begin with a traffic stop or domestic disturbance call—and escalate quickly. Once you’re booked, it’s vital to act fast to protect your rights. Here’s what to do immediately after an arrest in Orange:

1. Stay calm and invoke your rights.
Don’t argue or resist. Anything you say can be used against you. Politely tell officers you are invoking your right to remain silent and want to speak with an attorney before answering any questions.
2. Do not consent to searches.
Unless police have a warrant, you are not required to let them search your car, home, or phone. In DUI cases, chemical testing is mandatory only after arrest—not before. Ask to speak with a lawyer before consenting to any additional searches or questioning.
3. Contact a defense lawyer immediately.
Early legal intervention can make all the difference. Our Orange criminal defense attorneys can contact investigators or the Orange County District Attorney’s Office before charges are filed—sometimes preventing a case altogether.
4. Handle bail strategically.
After booking, bail is typically based on the Orange County Bail Schedule. Our firm can file a motion for bail reduction at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana to lower your bail and get you released faster.
5. Preserve all evidence.
Write down everything you remember—officer names, badge numbers, times, and witnesses. Save any texts, videos, or call logs. Early evidence preservation can be the key to beating your case.
6. Appear with an attorney.
Within 48 hours, you’ll appear at your first court hearing (arraignment) at the Central Justice Center. Having a lawyer with you from day one can impact bail, plea discussions, and how seriously prosecutors treat your case.

Bail and Pre-Trial Release in Orange, CA

After an arrest in Orange, your release depends on the charges, your record, and local court practices. The Central Justice Center handles nearly all Orange-area criminal cases. Judges there follow the county bail schedule but have wide discretion to modify bail based on individual circumstances.

Posting Bail: Misdemeanor defendants can often post bail directly through the Orange Police Department Jail. Felony defendants are usually transferred to the Central Jail in Santa Ana, where bail must be posted through the Sheriff’s cashier or a licensed bondsman.
Bail Reduction Hearings: Within days of arrest, we can request a bail review hearing to argue for lower bail or release on recognizance (O.R.).
O.R. Release: First-time or low-risk defendants may qualify for O.R. release—no bail required if you promise to appear in court.
Pre-Trial Conditions: Courts may impose travel restrictions, no-contact orders, or monitoring. Violations can lead to immediate re-arrest.

Our Orange criminal defense team acts fast to secure your release and begin building your case before prosecutors gain the upper hand.

Common Criminal Charges We Defend in Orange, CA

From DUIs to violent felonies, our attorneys defend clients in every type of criminal case prosecuted at the Central Justice Center. Common charges include:

DUI and Drunk Driving: Challenging chemical tests, field sobriety errors, and unlawful stops.
Domestic Violence: Allegations of abuse, corporal injury, or threats against family members or partners.
Violent Crimes: Including homicide, manslaughter, and assault with a deadly weapon.
Sex Crimes: Defense against charges like sexual battery, lewd conduct, or statutory rape.
Drug Crimes: Possession, sales, trafficking, and prescription-related offenses.
Assault and Battery: Self-defense arguments, mistaken identity, or lack of intent defenses.
Weapons Charges: Illegal possession, concealed carry, or firearm use enhancements.
Theft, Burglary, and Robbery: Property-related crimes from shoplifting to armed robbery.

Consequences of Criminal Convictions in Orange, CA

A conviction in Orange can lead to jail, fines, and lifelong repercussions. Beyond incarceration and financial penalties, criminal convictions can cause loss of professional licenses, damage to your reputation, and limitations on housing and employment.

How Our Orange Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help

Our legal team includes former judges and prosecutors who know how the Orange County DA’s Office builds cases—and how to dismantle them. Whether negotiating a plea or fighting at trial, we tailor a defense strategy designed to minimize charges, reduce penalties, and protect your record.

Over 50 Years of Combined Experience
Former Prosecutors and Judges on Staff
24/7 Availability for Emergency Calls
Proven Results in Orange County Courts
Personalized, Strategic Defense in Every Case

Don’t wait until charges are filed. Contact the Law Offices of David S. Chesley today at (714) 422-6766 or reach out online to schedule a confidential case review. We represent clients in Orange and throughout all Orange County criminal courts.

Helpful Orange, CA Criminal Defense Resources

Orange Police Department
1107 North Batavia Street, Orange, CA 92867
(714) 744-7444

Orange City Hall
300 E Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92866
(714) 744-2225

Central Justice Center (Criminal Court)
700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701
(657) 622-6878

Orange Public Library
407 E Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92866
(714) 288-2400

Crime in Orange
The most common arrests in Orange involve DUI, theft, and assault. Neighborhoods near major intersections such as Chapman Ave & Glassell St and Katella Ave & Main St see higher police activity. Use the Orange Police Department crime map for current reports and trends.

Areas We Serve

Los Angeles County(213) 341-4427
Orange County(714) 442-2601
San Diego County(619) 752-2235
Ventura County(805) 248-7408
San Bernardino County(909) 748-5272
Riverside County(951) 329-9499
Alameda / San Joaquin(510) 403-8809
Santa Barbara(805) 791-2162
Sacramento / Sonoma(916) 248-4717
South L.A. / Long Beach(562) 786-8383
City of L.A. / East L.A.(310) 882-6466
Fresno / Santa Clara(559) 365-7055
San Fernando Valley(818) 614-9567
OC Coastal Cities(949) 891-0102
Bakersfield / Kern(661) 473-0422
San Francisco(510) 403-8809

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!

Awards and Certifications

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.