ComplaintsforLaw Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.

• Initial Complaint

  05/30/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  The attorney failed to show up at my arraignment resulting in a warrant for my arrest.

  Business response

  05/30/2024

  This complaint is inaccurate. We did not miss any Court dates. We showed up at the original Court date that was scheduled and this case was not filed. Later the ** decided to file the case and when the case was filed the Court later sent a new court date directly to the client that we were not notified about. We are continuing to the handle the case and represent the client at this time now that we have been notified of the new Court date and now that we know the cade has been filed. 

  Customer response

  06/03/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, The business has had the warrant withdrawn and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

• Initial Complaint

  07/14/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I'm experiencing trouble with the lawyer I hired from the office of David chesley. ******************* is the name of the lawyer, and I only met him once. On the court date that he was to appear for the first time he was late. After the hearing of my son we converstated outside and Mr. ******** told me that he would keep in touch with me while he looked over the discovery materials that were given to him on may 5, 2023 by this date i had already made a total payment of $3,500 Through the upcoming weeks before the next court he was supposed to talk about the discovery, I tried to get in touch with him to find out what was going on. He told me, to my surprise, that he hadn't even looked over the materials yet. I called the person in charge of our case, *************************, to complain about his lack of professionalism. ****************, on the other hand, was not helpful. She was rude and always never knew about how the case was going.As the second court date got closer, I expected Mr. ******** to have looked over the evidence and talked to my son about it or make a visit. But he didn't show up to the hearing, and I was never informed that this will occur. Even though I tried to talk to the lawyer and the other people in charge, I couldn't get any answers. By this date i had already made another payment of $1,200.00 total amount of $4,700.00. Because of these problems I decided on July 5 to hire a different lawyer. I went to David Chesley's office in person to try to discuss this matter with the assigned staff and hoping to get my money back. But the people at their office claimed they were not available like always making it hard to get in touch with them. I sent the assigned staff a text on the same day that I no longer needed their help. Even though I had already terminated their services, they insisted on getting another payment. I asked them to give me back the money I had paid them. they refuse and continue to waste resources that should not be used because i have terminated them.

  Business response

  10/20/2023

  Services were completed and we disagree with many characterizations made here although as the client mentioned they changed counsel during the course of the case. The value of the work performed by the law firm and time spent handling the case far exceeded the amount paid. Although no refund was owed, a refund was processed as a gesture of goodwill and courtesy to the client. 

  Customer response

  10/23/2023

   
  Complaint: 20320178
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  I am rejecting this response because it does not accurately represent what happened. To the best of my recollection, the only reason I received a full refund from the business was due to my pursuit of alternative methods. Their initial response did not involve refunding my money, and they continued to attend court meetings even after they were discharged, potentially with the intention of charging more fees. The refund they provided was not a courtesy but rather a return of the initial deposit I made. This law firm did not allow me to communicate with the person responsible for my case, and the employees were consistently rude. I strongly advise anyone considering hiring this firm, especially the one in Laurel ******* **, to think twice before doing so.
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************************

• Initial Complaint

  06/06/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On 3/22/23 I was wrongfully cited for Battery. I agreed to appear in court without admitting guilt. I went to ***************** on 4/4/23 to request my report, and it was denied. I was told they would release it only to my lawyer. I retained David **********'s ********** I paid a $1,000 deposit, and $1,500 were to be paid in five $300/mo payments. ******************************* texted me on 4/6/23, stating she was my Case Manager, and I should contact only her. My case was given to attorney ***********************. I emailed her all the pertinent information so she could send it to *************. The case was not listed on the Court's 4/25/23 calendar. Nobody representing me was there. On 4/28, I asked ****** for status on my case. She replied on May 1, stating no court case had been filed, asking me to wait for an email from the court with a new appearance date, and notify her so they could put it on calendar. On 5/17 I texted ******, saying it had been three weeks and I hadn't heard from the court. I asked if I could get an update from the attorney. We texted back and forth, and after saying they couldn't "do anything, but keep checking," she actually called the DA's office, and texted that my case was a "DA reject."I then asked for a letter from ****************** to that effect, and a copy of my police report. She didn't respond. On 5/19, I texted her again, requesting official proof that my case had been dismissed. I wanted to file a Small Claims case against my accuser to recover the fees I had paid. She said they didn't have the police report and that the judge had not provided the attorney with an official letter. I asked her whether I needed to write to ***************** himself to ask what my attorney was doing for $2,500. She said "I already emailed attorney." On 5/23 I again asked for status. ************* called me. He said I could go get a letter myself from DA's office.I have emailed two managers at ******************. They just withdrew another payment. Can you help me, please? Thank you kindly.

  Business response

  10/20/2023

  As client mentioned this case was a DA reject. Client received a full refund.

• Initial Complaint

  02/10/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I hired David Chesley law on Nov 2021 for a a case. They were so polite when I explained my case. They said that they treat clients as family but thats not true. I was not able to write a review earlier because court delay my case almost 12 months. They assigned an attorney who never gave me any update on my case. Call the office many times and no answers. One day when I was required to be present in court. I got arrested in front of the attorney and she did not so anything. This firm never show any remorse on what they do. They promised me that I will never step in the jail. They just make promises to get clients after they get, they just ignore them. I had to research and look for information on the website and bring it to court for her. It look like that I pay someone just to stand up and listen what the judge says. I would not recommend none to do business with David Chesley law firm. Stay away from this law firm. They promised to lower my case or get dismiss but they did not do anything and I have to stay one night detain.

  Business response

  02/13/2023

  When San Bernardino County sets the next court date its usually 60+ days or even longer in some instances. We always try resolve each case in a timely manner unless other options need to be explored. This particular case was not filed at the initial appearance and was filed at a later date.
  
  The client was ordered to be present due to a violation of the court terms on more than one occasion. In these instances the court does not take them lightly. We tried everything we could but ultimately couldnt change the outcome due to the multiple offenses on separate dates. As attorneys we never promise any outcome but do however advise the clients on what outcomes the attorney will pursue. We are still the attorney of record on this case.  

• Initial Complaint

  10/21/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  ************************* ********************************************************************************** RE: The People of the ******************* vs. ************************* Case Number: FVI21002212 My payment was made complete for the amount of a felony defense fee the Offices of David chesley charges. On my first court dated 09/28/2021 the office Failed to show up and represent as hired . A warrant was issue and I was arrested . Had a total 5 lawyers which every time the lawyers are not updo fate on my case . On the preminary hearing the lawyer did not have my complete file and wasn't prepared to provide enough evidence to drop my case . Therefore my case will go to trial and lawyer services needs to be paid moving forward for trial. Lawyers have never put any time into my case or read any information I've provided .. what they recommended me was to accept a plea deal .When I'm not guilty and I provided with enough evidence to back it up.

  Business response

  02/10/2023

  At the first court date the case was not filed. Meaning, the district attorney did not have the file ready. The ** has up to one year of the arrest date to file charges if its a misdemeanor. If the case was filed as a Felony the ** does not give you a court date, instead its immediately filed as a WARRANT in order for the defendant to turn themselves in and post bail. This is the general practice of the district attorney. The case was worked by one attorney for 99 percent of the case. We had an associate of the firm stand in at the first court date and the last court date after the preliminary hearing to handle the file over to the new attorney. The firm is never not prepared for a PRELIMINARY HEARING as the judge would not allow it. If the attorney instructed the client to take a plea deal that is because she felt that it would be in his best interest to do so after exhausting all options.

• Initial Complaint

  09/16/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Scam scam scam. Took my retainer NEVER DID ANYTHING! I WOULD CALL AND CALL EITHER PUT ON HOLD OR HUNG UP ON. ****** is the worst!! She is unskilled unprofessional and unpleasant. She laughed at everything I would say and never followed up. I would call **** at first he seemed nice but after I ask for my money back ********* ***** the receptionist is rude as wrll!well!! I want my 1 500 dollars back!!!

  Business response

  02/10/2023

  This was a big misunderstanding and all issues have been resolved. 

• Initial Complaint

  09/02/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I was shopping around for a **************** attorney and ended up calling law offices of David Chesley and spoke with a lady named *****. I was only worried about having them get my police report and I told her this and she told me once I give the down payment $1500 they would start working on my case immediately, so now it's been a month a nothing so I called ***** and asked her what's going on here, my attorney doesn't want to get the police report she said she will wait for court so I told ***** this is not what you promised , so then she tells me that she can get it and she asked for information about the location of the police report and then I never heard from her again and no replies or anything.

• Initial Complaint

  05/11/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I hired this company for representation for two of my court cases in December 2021 and decided to not use them immediately after my first court appearance. I paid cash deposits at their office for two separate cases. At my first court appearance the assigned lawyer for my case showed up several hours late with no knowledge on my case whatsoever. I was told my lawyer would be scheduling a jail visit this same week to catch up on my case information but two weeks went by and I never heard from them Or got a proper response for when the jail visit will take place. I decided to release them as my representation and was stated I would be receiving refund forms by email and only be charged for the first appearance they made. I received a refund form for only one of my cases with a bill of $*** for the only court Appearance they once made and asked for a continuation on my case. I responded to the email and let them know I paid for two separate cases so I was missing a refund form for the second case, It took their lead employee in billing several weeks to email me a correct updated refund form with both of my cases. I signed my refund form and emailed back in January and never received a response by email or phone. I called and emailed several times and talked to several supervisors regarding my refund and was told every time that I would be getting a call back which I never got. It is now several months later and the only update I've got from this company is that the person who was in charge of my billing at the time is no longer working for them. I have forwarded them proof of email between me and the person I was speaking with regarding my refund but I have still not received a response from them. This company has been a nightmare to work with, It has been a six month process trying to receive my refund and they are still sticking me with a $*** bill for one court appearance where they simply asked for a continuance because they were not prepared.

  Business response

  06/24/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/05/17) */ This issue has been resolved. Business Response /* (-10, 7, 2022/05/18) */ This is resolved. A refund was issued. The client and his family were advised that on the first court date the attorney needs to enter his name as the attorney of record and request a copy of the police report. At that point another court date will be scheduled allowing the assigned attorney time to review the file and meet with the client. This was explained to the client and his family. The attorney was very attentive in all aspects of this case. These claims are false and a refund was issued in good faith. Consumer Response /* (3000, 8, 2022/05/19) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) The company has still not reached out to me I have sent them several emails even after my complaint with you guys and I still have no response from them. I have told them several times I would like confirmation for my refund and I still have no response from them. I have asked for a supervisor to call me back several times with no call back. Business Response /* (4000, 10, 2022/05/19) */ The supervisor is calling you now to provide confirmation the refund has been issued. Now that the refund has been processed this situation should be considered resolved. Thank you! Consumer Response /* (-5, 14, 2022/05/26) */ It's been a week since the company stated I would be getting a call receiving confirmation. I have not got any confirmation yet only their word the check has been sent and I still have not received anything either by email or mail

• Initial Complaint

  04/05/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I spoke with them on 2/28/22.I told them needed a criminal defense attorney for my fiancé ****. They assured me that their attorneys where competent experienced & qualified to represent us. I spoke to the attorney. He was informative & told me the steps he would take & I felt good about it. Attorney went to court, ****** attended via video. Attorney suggested a time waive to be more prepared. Prelim was rescheduled for 3/29/22. Communication slowed, he did not respond in a timely manner, when he did respond, he would answer 1 maybe 2 times, then stop responding. It happened more & more as if he was avoiding me, ****** wanted to know when he was going to meet the attorney. ****** tried to call him several times, I explained to the attorney that he must have a spam blocker. He never did fix it. Every time I told him ****** wanted to see him he told me he was trying & that was really hard because they only have so many slots for attorneys. He told me he would try for early next week. After a few days I emailed him, he didn't answer. Finally on 3/26/22 told him I felt ignored. He responded to me right away with unnecessary rudeness. After a bit of defending myself he responded with a time to visit with ****** the next day.1 day before court. At the visit he told ****** he was rude to me and not answering for personal reasons.Then told ****** it was because his own brother was in jail. The jail failed to transport ****** to court & Prelim was continued again. I called the attorney, he talked a bit then urgently said he would call me back & then never did .I've emailed him & the firm. I have not heard from the firm since. I called the case manager, she couldn't offer any background on him. She only offered a 3 way call. So after some digging I found no history of criminal defense for Attorney. he was a tax attorney at another firm till 2019. The score & experience the firm claims is not all around. It is solely for davidchesleys ratings score. I feel foolish & Violated.

  Business response

  05/19/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 11, 2022/05/18) */ By conservative estimates the attorney spent over 8-10 hours on this matter therefore making these claims false. The issues at hand were caused by the department of corrections which the attorney had no control over. For example, if the client was not transported to court due to the facility or another unforeseen circumstance the attorney was not at fault. Please close this matter as the attorney spent much time on this case. Consumer Response /* (3000, 13, 2022/05/18) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) While that was not a favorable outcome it Is not the complaint submitted. My complaint is that we were assigned an attorney whose legal profession up UNTIL JUST 2 YEARS AGO WAS A TAX ATTORNEY. HE WAS INEXPERIENCED IN OUR TYPEOF CASE. HE WAS ALSO UNPROFESSIONAL AND DID NOT COMUNICATE WITH ANY KIND OF RESPECT. WE WERE LED TO Falsely believe by the company that we had paid for an appropriate to our case attorney. Ratings and AVVO SCORE ADVERTISED ON THE WEBSITE ARE FALSE. In addition to his inexperience. All of the information the attorney did have that pertained to the case was solely provided by myself. Business Response /* (4000, 15, 2022/05/19) */ We appreciate this client's feedback. This attorney was very experienced in criminal defense, so we highly disagree with the characterizations being made. Since we have already responded twice, we have no further information to provide at this time.

• Initial Complaint

  03/28/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I contacted this office on 2/11/22 for help with a restraining order and they responded immediately and told me I need to pay $***** in full payment upfront to retain them and that's the only way they'll represent me. So I paid $***** in full with a contract for a restraining order. I was assigned a lawyer and only got a few brief emails from him then I didn't hear from my lawyer in weeks and he wouldn't respond to me. No one would respond to me and I contacted the person who took my payment, my case manager and paralegal. I posted negative reviews about them and asked for a refund, only then they finally responded. The office made me take down my reviews or they won't continue with my case. I was transferred to another lawyer and she was even worst. She wouldn't pick up my phone calls or respond to my voicemails for weeks. I haven't heard from her since. No one would respond to me on a refund when they made me paid in full for work they didn't do. I feel like I was scammed out of thousands of dollars and received nothing from it. I have seen no work done and had no progress with the restraining order.

  Business response

  05/19/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 10, 2022/05/18) */ This matter has been resolved. The office prepared the paperwork and was ready to go. The next step needed was a wet signature from the petitioner/client. That did not happen. Instead a refund was submitted and the client received all of her money back even though the office could bill for the work performed. This was done in good faith. Consumer Response /* (3000, 12, 2022/05/18) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) The office ignored all my attempts of communication for weeks and only claimed the paperwork was ready and needed a signature when I posted a negative review about their office on an online page. I asked to see the alleged paperwork and was told it would be sent to me but I still have not seen any proof of paperwork. The office bribed me with all my refund back only if I took down my review. My refund was not done is good faith, it was a bribe. Business Response /* (4000, 14, 2022/05/19) */ We appreciate this client's feedback, and have no further information to provide at this time.

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩