(424) 901-3131

David Chianello

Associate Attorney

At the age of 17, David enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and joined the infantry. He turned 18 in Boot Camp, 19 in Subic Bay Philippines, 20 in Camp Pendleton, and 21 in Saudi Arabia.

David fought in combat, Desert Shield/Storm, as part of Task Force Ripper and under the leadership of then Lt. Colonel James Mattis, his Battalion Commander. After an unexpectedly swift victory, David returned home after combat, where he served out his enlistment in 29 Palms, CA with an Honorable Discharge, Combat Action Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal, National Defense Medal/Ribbon, and Sea Service Deployment (2nd Award), just to name a few.

David attended San Diego State University with a degree in Business/Marketing. In 2007 he graduated Law School with a concentration in Criminal Law. David worked in the Riverside District Attorney’s Office as a Criminal Trial Prosecutor for over 14 years with the bulk of those years spent in the Domestic Violence Unit, General Felonies (including serious and violent felonies such as Attempted Murders, Robberies, Burglaries, Assault with Deadly Weapons and Great Bodily Injury, Carjackings, Controlled Substances for Sale or Transportation, and Felony Fraud) , Mental Health Court (including Mentally Disordered Offenders and Sexually Violent Predators), Veteran’s Court, Grand Theft Auto and misdemeanors (including DUI’s, Simple Assault, Shoplifting, Prostitution and Solicitation of, Simple Drug Possession and Disturbing the Peace).

David’s extensive experience as a prosecutor has made him a vital asset for anyone facing criminal charges. He adds tremendous value to the Law Offices of Mariya Melkonyan and any clients.

Education

  • 2004-2007 Whittier Law School
    Juris Doctor
  • Awards and Activities:
    Dean’s Merit Scholarship (2004-2005), Moot Court Honors Board, Member (2004-2007); Trial Advocacy Honors Board, Member (2006-2007); Member of Moot Court Competition Team, Wechsler Moot Court Criminal Law Competition, State Univ. at Buffalo, NY (2007); Trial Advocacy Honors Board Team (Alternate), National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) Competition, San Diego, CA (2006); Certificate of Achievement/Moot Court (2007); Certificate of Appreciation/Public Interest Law Foundation (2004)
  • 1997-1999 San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
    Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Marketing

Experience

2008-2022 Deputy District Attorney, County of Riverside, Riverside, CA

  • Prepared and prosecuted felony cases; negotiated with defense attorneys regarding the disposition and/or modification of charges; conducted research, meet with and interview victims and witnesses; analyzed and argued complex legal issues, prepared and conducted preliminary hearings and motions.
  • Felony Jury Trials ranging from DUIs with Injury, ID Theft/Fraud, Grand Theft Auto, Child Endangerment, Guilty but Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity, Mentally Disordered Offenders, Domestic Violence, Burglaries, Robberies, Assaults (with firearms), Felony Evading, Kidnap, Kidnap for the Purpose of Robbery, Carjacking, Drug Sales with Weapons, Sexually Violent Predators, and homicides.
  • Juvenile Bench Trials ranging from Attempt Murder with Gang Enhancements; Grand Theft, Robbery
  • Misdemeanor Jury Trials ranging from DUIs, Solicitation for Prostitution, Driving without a Valid or Suspended License, Public Intoxication, Simple Assault, Domestic Violence, ID Theft/Fraud.