Melissa J. DuChene

Melissa DuChene is an experienced professional license defense and criminal defense attorney defending clients throughout California. She is a recognized authority in both criminal defense and administrative licensing law and their complex intersection for licensed professionals.

If your professional career or future are at risk, Melissa J. DuChene is the experienced defense lawyer you can count on to vigorously defend your rights and fight for you.

Over the years, Melissa has earned a sterling reputation as a compassionate, highly skilled lawyer for clients often facing some of life’s most challenging situations.

Ms. DuChene has an excellent track record of client wins and delivering results. Lawyer ratings agencies and client reviews consistently rank Ms. DuChene and Chudnovsky Law among the top-rated defense attorneys in the State of California.

· · ·

Professional License Defense

Melissa DuChene provides both criminal defense and professional license defense representation for all California licensed professionals and licensed businesses.

If you are facing an investigation, complaint, formal accusation, or administrative hearing, Ms. DuChene provides smart, strategic, and vigorous legal representation in front of all licensing boards and agencies, including:

– Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)

– All 40 DCA agencies, including medical, nursing, pharmacy, dental, engineer, and chiropractic boards

– Division of Investigation (DOI)

– Attorney General, Department of Justice (OAG)

– Office of Administrative Hearings

– California Nursing Boards

– Medical Board of California (MBC)

– Board of Pharmacy

– Department of Real Estate (DRE)

– Department of Insurance

– Department of Public Health

– Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)

Melissa has experience representing patient victims of medical malpractice litigation early in her career. This experience helps her analyze and formulate defenses to duty of care and professional malpractice claims.

· · ·

Criminal and DUI Defense

Ms. DuChene provides vigorous and effective legal representation at all stages of criminal prosecution, including: investigation, DMV license hearings, plea negotiation, preliminary hearing, pre-trial, and trial defense.

Over the years, Melissa DuChene and Chudnovsky Law have successfully handled thousands of criminal cases of all types, including:

– Pre-filing defense during investigations

– DUI drunk driving defense

– Misdemeanor crime defense

– Felony crime defense

– Professional licensees charged with a crime

– Foreign citizens charged with a crime

Melissa’s prior work experience in the Public Defender’s Office has given her invaluable inside knowledge of the criminal justice system, how District Attorneys build their cases, and how to develop the most successful defense strategies.

· · ·

Specialized Criminal Defense for Professionals

Law enforcement investigations, criminal charges, or even a misdemeanor DUI arrest can cause devastating consequences for professionals with a license to protect. Melissa has extensive experience balancing the unique needs of professionals with criminal and administrative license issues, such as:

– Criminal investigations

– Criminal and DUI charges

– Out of state criminal matters

– Drug diversion or substance abuse allegations

– PC 23 license suspension motions

– DEA registrant violations and investigations

– Healthcare fraud

– Medicare and insurance fraud claims

– Sexual misconduct allegations

· · ·

Melissa DuChene earned her JD from Chapman Dale E. Fowler School of Law. She was a Dean’s Scholarship recipient and received her undergraduate degree from Chapman University with Chancellor’s List Honors.

· · ·

California State Bar License #320679