I help those unfairly harmed by others.
At The Chong Firm, we understand that being charged with a crime is one of the most stressful and life-altering experiences a person can face. A criminal conviction can lead to jail time, loss of employment, professional licensing consequences, immigration issues, and lasting damage to your reputation.
We provide aggressive and strategic defense across a wide range of criminal charges—handling everything from negotiation to trial with one goal: to protect your freedom and your future.
Drug-Related Crimes
California law still punishes drug crimes aggressively, especially when sales, manufacturing, or trafficking are involved. Charges can include:
Possession of a controlled substance
Possession for sale
Drug trafficking or transportation
Operating a drug house or grow operation
Many of these offenses are charged under the California Health and Safety Code and can result in felony convictions, lengthy probation terms, or incarceration. Drug charges also often involve illegal searches and questionable police tactics. At The Chong Firm, we challenge every aspect, from probable cause to lab results, to seek dismissal, diversion, or reduced penalties wherever possible. We also pursue alternative sentencing such as diversion programs and treatment over incarceration.
Assault and Battery
Assault and battery are serious charges that can lead to jail time, restraining orders, and a permanent criminal record. Assault refers to the attempt or threat of violence, while battery involves actual physical contact. If the alleged victim suffered injury, or if a weapon was involved, the charge may be elevated to a felony.
We understand how quickly a verbal argument can spiral into a criminal allegation, and how often these cases are based on exaggerated or false claims. We investigate the facts, uncover inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case, and fight to expose self-defense, defense of others, or mutual combat where appropriate.
Domestic Violence
A domestic violence allegation can destroy your life. In California, domestic violence doesn’t require visible injuries, just a claim of force or fear by someone you live with or have a past relationship with. These cases often result in emergency protective orders, mandatory jail time, and a loss of firearm rights, even before a conviction.
We know these cases are often complex, emotionally charged, and sometimes manipulated by a partner for leverage in custody or divorce disputes. At The Chong Firm, we aggressively defend your side of the story, fight against restraining orders, and push for dismissals when the facts don’t support the charge.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
A DUI charge is one of the most common yet most devastating criminal offenses in California. A conviction can result in:
License suspension
Jail time
Thousands in fines and court fees
Mandatory DUI classes and ignition interlock installation
Severe insurance rate increases
Whether this is your first offense or you’ve been charged before, you need an experienced attorney who knows how to scrutinize every detail, police procedures, breathalyzer calibration, and rights violations. At The Chong Firm, we fight to protect your license and minimize or eliminate criminal penalties.
Hit & Run
Leaving the scene of an accident, even if there’s only minor damage, is a criminal offense in California. If someone is injured or killed, the charge may be filed as a felony. A hit and run conviction can result in:
Jail time
License suspension
Civil liability for damages
Skyrocketing insurance rates
In many cases, drivers didn’t realize damage occurred or left the scene out of panic. We work to humanize your case, present mitigating factors, and negotiate for reduced or alternative resolutions that avoid a criminal conviction.
Evading a Peace Officer
Evading police in a vehicle (Vehicle Code §2800.1 or §2800.2) is a serious offense, especially if the pursuit involves reckless driving or danger to others. Misdemeanor charges can escalate to felonies with prison time, vehicle forfeiture, and long-term license revocation.
Prosecutors often overcharge these cases, and the facts may not support a finding of “willful intent to evade.” The Chong Firm challenges the pursuit justification, your state of mind, and the circumstances to seek dismissal or downgrade of the charges.
Forgery
Forgery (Penal Code §470) includes signing another person’s name, altering legal documents, or producing fake checks, IDs, or contracts. It is a “wobbler” crime, meaning it can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, and can result in jail, fines, and restitution.
A conviction can destroy professional careers and immigration status. We build strong defenses around intent, authorization, and mistaken identity, and work to reduce the charge or pursue diversion where possible.
Fraud
Fraud charges cover a wide range of conduct, from insurance fraud and welfare fraud to credit card fraud, unemployment fraud, and real estate scams. Prosecutors often stack charges and pursue these as felonies with heavy restitution demands and long prison exposure.
These cases require a detailed, strategic defense. At The Chong Firm, we break down the financial records, uncover gaps in evidence, and push back on intent allegations. Our goal is to keep you out of jail and protect your financial future.
Identity Theft
Identity theft (Penal Code §530.5) involves using another person’s personal information to obtain credit, goods, services, or anything of value. It is a felony in most cases and can lead to state prison time, immigration consequences, and lasting reputational damage.
Many identity theft charges stem from misunderstandings, mistaken identity, or third-party setups. We carefully dissect the digital trail and evidence chain to challenge the prosecution’s case. Where appropriate, we pursue charge reductions or pretrial diversion.
Burglary
Burglary (Penal Code §459) is defined as entering a structure with intent to commit theft or any felony inside. First-degree burglary (residential) is always a felony and strikes under California’s “Three Strikes Law,” carrying up to 6 years in state prison. Second-degree burglary (commercial) may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.
We attack weak or circumstantial evidence regarding intent, mistaken identity, and entry to reduce charges or negotiate alternative sentencing. Your future doesn’t have to be defined by a single accusation.
Weapons Charges
California enforces some of the strictest firearms and weapons laws in the country. Common charges include:
Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person
Carrying a concealed weapon without a permit
Assault with a deadly weapon
Use of a firearm in the commission of a crime
Convictions can result in state prison time, loss of gun rights, and lifetime registration. At The Chong Firm, we investigate whether the search or seizure was unlawful and fight to suppress illegally obtained evidence. We also pursue lesser charges or dismissal where the facts and law support it.
Sex Crimes
Sex crime allegations, such as sexual battery, statutory rape, child molestation, or possession of illegal material, are among the most stigmatizing and high-stakes charges in the legal system. Convictions may result in:
Lengthy prison sentences
Mandatory sex offender registration under Megan’s Law
Loss of custody, employment, and housing opportunities
These cases are often based on shaky evidence or uncorroborated testimony. We take an aggressive, confidential, and thorough approach to defend your rights and protect your reputation. At The Chong Firm, we treat every client with dignity and fight relentlessly to clear your name.
You Deserve a Fearless and Strategic Defense
At The Chong Firm, we don’t just represent you, we stand between you and the full power of the state. From pre-file investigation to jury trial, we fight to protect your rights, freedom, and future. Whether it’s your first offense or you’re facing serious felony charges, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer who won’t back down.
Your freedom is too important to leave to chance. Call The Chong Firm today.
PROTECT AND PRESERVE
Your lawyers at the Chong Firm fearlessly fight to protect your rights and preserve your freedom, every step of the way.
- Ready to Fight
- Driven to Serve
- Proven Results
Attorney Jason J. Chong is licensed to practice law in all state courts in California, all federal district courts for the 9th circuit court of appeals, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the District of Columbia.
Attorney Chong has successfully tried many cases as both a criminal defense attorney and prosecutor. He knows what it takes to get the best results for your individual case, from all sides.
A. It’s common for family or friends to reach out on behalf of loved ones who are confronted with criminal charges. At Jason J. Chong Law Firm, we welcome you to contact us for a free consultation to help you understand potential courses of action, and we can take the lead on building a strong case if your loved one decides to retain our services.
A. If you were injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to receive compensation for the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- And property damages
*If you have lost a loved one, you may also be eligible to receive compensation for loss of consortium. In some extreme cases, you may also be able to receive compensation for punitive damages (damages intended to punish the responsible party for gross negligence).
A. In general, an insurance adjuster will calculate the amount of compensation they believe you deserve based on the out-of-pocket expenses your injury required you to pay. They will then multiply that dollar amount by a certain number based on how extreme they believe your injuries were, in order to determine what compensation you deserve for any non-monetary damages (i.e. pain and suffering).
However, insurance companies will often try to pay you less than the amount you deserve. In order to ensure you are being offered a fair settlement, you should always consult with a professional California personal injury lawyer.
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