Christopher Chaney is a California attorney whose practice focuses on restraining orders, criminal defense, and complex civil litigation. Since beginning his legal career, Chris has represented clients throughout California in both state and federal courts, with a particular emphasis on protective order proceedings, including Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs), Civil Harassment Restraining Orders (CHROs), Elder Abuse Restraining Orders (EAROs), Workplace Violence Restraining Orders (WVROs), and Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs).
A Southern California native, Chris earned his bachelor’s degree in Archaeological and Anthropological Studies before obtaining a master’s degree from Boston University and his Juris Doctor from Mitchell Hamline School of Law. During his studies, he pursued advanced negotiation training through programs at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he had the opportunity to study conflict resolution and negotiation strategies in complex, high-pressure environments.
While in law school, Chris served as a Certified Law Clerk with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. There, he gained valuable courtroom experience working on criminal prosecutions, grand jury investigations, and preliminary hearings. His assignments included the Airport Courthouse serving West Los Angeles and later the Major Crimes Division at the Hall of Justice in Downtown Los Angeles, where he assisted prosecutors handling serious and complex criminal matters.
Chris’s experience in both prosecution and defense has provided him with a practical understanding of how allegations are investigated, presented, and challenged in court. That experience has proven particularly valuable in restraining order litigation, where cases often involve competing narratives, credibility determinations, digital evidence, and parallel criminal or family law proceedings.
Over the years, Chris has represented both petitioners and respondents in hundreds of restraining order matters throughout California. He has worked with clients from all walks of life, including business owners, healthcare professionals, educators, law enforcement personnel, and public figures. His approach focuses on careful preparation, practical problem-solving, and developing case strategies tailored to the unique circumstances of each client.
In addition to his restraining order practice, Chris handles criminal defense matters ranging from misdemeanors to serious felony allegations in both state and federal court. His background in negotiation, litigation, and case strategy allows him to help clients navigate difficult legal situations while remaining focused on achieving practical and effective results.
Chris is an active member of the State Bar of California and multiple federal court jurisdictions. He is also a member of the California Lawyers Association Criminal Law Section, the Beverly Hills Bar Association, the American Immigration Lawyers Association, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.