History of Chesa Boudin in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 23, 2024

Chesa Boudin is a former American lawyer who held the position of the 29th District Attorney of San Francisco for a short period, from January 8, 2020, to July 8, 2022. His political affiliation is with the Democratic Party.

August 21, 1980: Birth of Chesa Boudin

Chesa Boudin was born on August 21, 1980.

1981: Brink's Robbery and Related Murders

In 1981, Chesa Boudin's parents, David Gilbert and Kathy Boudin, were involved in the Brink's robbery that resulted in three murders. This event had a significant impact on Chesa Boudin's life.

1981: Boudin's Parents Convicted of Murder

In 1981, Chesa Boudin's parents, Kathy Boudin and David Gilbert, were convicted of murder for their involvement in the Brink's robbery.

2003: Chesa Boudin Attends Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar

Chesa Boudin began his studies at St Antony's College, Oxford, as a Rhodes Scholar in 2003.

2003: Kathy Boudin Released on Parole

Chesa Boudin's mother, Kathy Boudin, was released on parole in 2003 after serving 22 years of her sentence.

2004: Boudin Earns Master's Degree in Forced Migration

Chesa Boudin received his Master of Science in forced migration from Oxford University in 2004.

April 2009: Publication of "Gringo: A Coming of Age in Latin America"

Chesa Boudin's book, "Gringo: A Coming of Age in Latin America," was published in April 2009 by Charles Scribner's Sons.

2011: Chesa Boudin Graduates from Yale Law School and Begins Clerkship

Chesa Boudin graduated from Yale Law School in 2011 and subsequently served as a law clerk for M. Margaret McKeown on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

2011: Chesa Boudin Graduates from Yale Law School

Chesa Boudin graduated with his Juris Doctor from Yale Law School in 2011.

2011: Boudin Begins Clerkship for M. Margaret McKeown

Chesa Boudin served as a law clerk for M. Margaret McKeown on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 2011 to 2012.

2012: Boudin Becomes Liman Fellow at San Francisco Public Defender's Office

Chesa Boudin became a Liman Fellow at the San Francisco Public Defender's Office from 2012 to 2013.

2012: Boudin Begins Work at San Francisco Public Defender's Office

Chesa Boudin started working at the San Francisco Public Defender's Office as a Liman fellow in 2012.

2012: Boudin Works as Post-Doctoral Fellow at San Francisco Public Defender's Office

In 2012, Chesa Boudin took on a role as a post-doctoral fellow at the San Francisco Public Defender's Office.

2013: Chesa Boudin Clerks for Charles Breyer

Chesa Boudin began working as a clerk for Charles Breyer on the United States District Court for the Northern District of California in 2013.

2014: Study on Progressive Prosecutors and Crime Rates Begins

A study examining the impact of progressive prosecutors on violent crime rates in several cities, including Brooklyn, Chicago, St. Louis, and Philadelphia, commenced in 2014.

2014: Boudin Continues Clerkship with Charles Breyer

Chesa Boudin continued his clerkship with Charles Breyer on the United States District Court for the Northern District of California in 2014.

2015: Boudin Joins San Francisco Public Defender's Office as Deputy Public Defender

Chesa Boudin started working full-time as a deputy public defender at the San Francisco Public Defender's Office in 2015.

2015: Troy Ramon McAlister's Criminal History Begins

Troy Ramon McAlister, a repeat offender, had accumulated three federal felony convictions by 2015.

2018: Study on Progressive Prosecutors Concludes

The study investigating the link between progressive prosecutors and violent crime rates concluded in 2018. The findings suggested that the policies of these prosecutors did not lead to an increase in violence.

October 2019: Implementation of Diversion Program for Primary Caregivers

In October 2019, Chesa Boudin, as the newly elected district attorney, implemented a diversion program for primary caregivers facing misdemeanor or non-violent felony charges. The program, based on SB394, aimed to reduce the trauma on children by offering an alternative to incarceration for their parents, involving classes, training, and potential dismissal of charges upon completion.

November 2019: Ahn Lê Assaulted in San Francisco

In November 2019, a 69-year-old man named Ahn Lê was brutally assaulted in San Francisco. Lê was attacked with a glass bottle and a baseball bat by a man and his son, who also threatened to kill him.

2019: Boudin Resides in San Francisco with His Wife

As of 2019, Chesa Boudin was residing in San Francisco's Outer Sunset neighborhood with his wife, Valerie Block, a post-doctoral researcher at the University of California, San Francisco.

2019: Chesa Boudin Elected as San Francisco District Attorney

Chesa Boudin was elected as San Francisco District Attorney in 2019, campaigning on a platform of criminal justice reform.

2019: Boudin Elected San Francisco District Attorney Amidst Controversy

In 2019, Chesa Boudin was elected San Francisco District Attorney, facing opposition from law enforcement groups and criticism from then-Attorney General William Barr regarding his reformist policies.

January 8, 2020: Chesa Boudin Becomes San Francisco's 29th District Attorney

On January 8, 2020, Chesa Boudin was sworn in as the 29th District Attorney of San Francisco.

January 2020: Elimination of Cash Bail and Introduction of Risk-Based System

In January 2020, Boudin replaced the cash bail system with a risk-based assessment for pretrial release. The new system aimed to evaluate a defendant's threat to public safety rather than their financial capacity. This decision drew praise from human rights advocates but faced strong opposition from law enforcement officials concerned about public safety.

January 2020: High Turnover Rate at the District Attorney's Office Raises Concerns

Since Chesa Boudin assumed office in January 2020, the District Attorney's Office experienced a significant turnover rate, with approximately one-third of the lawyers leaving or being dismissed. This high attrition rate drew criticism and sparked concerns about understaffing.

February 2020: Jonathan Amerson Charged with Elder Abuse and Robbery

Jonathan Amerson was charged with elder abuse and robbery in February 2020 for assaulting an elderly Asian man and stealing from him. This incident, which was filmed, sparked public outrage.

March 2020: Reduction of San Francisco Jail Population Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, Boudin took steps to reduce the San Francisco jail population by 25%, prioritizing the release of older inmates and those with medical conditions to mitigate the spread of the virus.

March 2020: Boudin Charges Dwayne Grayson with Elder Abuse

Chesa Boudin filed charges against 20-year-old Dwayne Grayson for elder abuse in March 2020, following an incident where Grayson filmed a man attacking an elderly Asian man.

March 2020: Shelter-in-Place Orders and Their Potential Impact on Crime Rates

The shelter-in-place orders implemented in San Francisco in March 2020, while necessary for public health, had unintended consequences, potentially contributing to a rise in burglaries as routines were disrupted and more people remained at home.

April 9, 2020: Boudin Secures Housing for Domestic Violence Survivors During Pandemic

On April 9, 2020, Chesa Boudin, in collaboration with Mayor London Breed and San Francisco's Human Services Agency, secured temporary housing units for domestic violence survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 10, 2020: Troy McAlister Released on Parole

Troy McAlister was released on parole from state prison on April 10, 2020, following a plea appeal involving Chesa Boudin's office.

April 2020: Boudin Launches Economic Crimes Against Workers Unit

In April 2020, Chesa Boudin's office established the Economic Crimes Against Workers Unit, signaling a commitment to addressing labor exploitation.

April 2020: Further Reduction of San Francisco Jail Population

In April 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic continued, Boudin further reduced the jail population, bringing the total reduction to 40%. This decision reflected ongoing efforts to address the health risks associated with overcrowded jails during the pandemic.

June 1, 2020: Call for Ban on Campaign Contributions from Police Unions

On June 1, 2020, Boudin joined a group of California district attorneys in advocating for a ban on campaign contributions to elected prosecutors from police unions. They cited potential conflicts of interest as the reason for this call to action, sparking debate about the influence of police unions in prosecutor elections.

June 2, 2020: Resolution Prohibiting Hiring of Law Enforcement Officers with Misconduct Records

On June 2, 2020, Boudin, alongside Supervisor Shamann Walton, introduced a resolution to prevent the hiring of law enforcement officers with a history of misconduct, aiming to enhance accountability and public trust in law enforcement.

June 2020: Boudin Files Motion Against DoorDash Over Worker Classification

Chesa Boudin and the Economic Crimes Against Workers Unit filed a motion against DoorDash in June 2020, alleging the company misclassified its delivery workers as independent contractors rather than employees.

June 2020: Implementation of New Policies for Police Accountability

During the George Floyd protests in June 2020, which brought police accountability into sharp focus, Boudin joined other prosecutors nationwide in implementing new policies aimed at addressing this critical issue.

June 2020: New Policy for Enhanced Scrutiny of Cases Involving Allegations Against Police Officers

In June 2020, Boudin announced a new policy requiring thorough evidence review before charging cases involving allegations of resisting, obstructing, or assaulting police officers. The policy aimed to increase scrutiny of such cases, particularly those involving officers with prior misconduct records.

October 2020: Crime Victim Survey and Response to Feedback

In October 2020, Boudin's office conducted a survey to gather feedback from crime victims about their experiences. The survey, while intended to improve services, received mixed responses, with some victims expressing concerns about the sensitivity of the questions.

November 2020: Chesa Boudin Lobbies for Father's Release

In November 2020, Chesa Boudin, along with several supporters, began lobbying for the release of his father, David Gilbert, from prison. Gilbert was serving a 75-year-to-life sentence for his role in the 1981 Brink's robbery and related murders.

December 2020: Recall Campaigns Against Boudin Emerge

By December 2020, Chesa Boudin had become the target of two recall campaigns. These efforts gained momentum following a high-profile case involving a repeat offender who was released on bail and subsequently caused a fatal hit-and-run accident on New Year's Eve.

December 2020: Jerry Lyons Arrested for DUI While on Probation

Jerry Lyons, who had a lengthy arrest history, was apprehended in December 2020 for driving under the influence while on probation in both San Francisco and San Mateo County.

December 2020: Rise in Burglaries and Boudin's Response

San Francisco experienced a significant increase in burglaries in December 2020, which Police Chief William Scott partly attributed to the pandemic's impact and the release of some individuals from custody. Boudin's office stated that they had filed charges in a majority of the cases and attributed the rise to economic hardship resulting from the pandemic.

December 20, 2020: Troy McAlister Arrested for Vehicle and Drug Crimes

Troy McAlister was arrested in December 2020 for vehicle and drug-related offenses. Notably, he was apprehended twice that month, on December 20th, and once earlier in December.

December 31, 2020: Troy McAlister Involved in Fatal Hit-and-Run

On December 31, 2020, Troy McAlister was involved in a fatal hit-and-run incident. He struck and killed pedestrians Hanako Abe and Elizabeth Platt while operating a stolen vehicle. This tragic event sparked public outcry and intensified scrutiny of Boudin's policies.

January 2021: Boudin's Handling of the Vicha Ratanapakdee Killing and Public Outcry

Following the killing of Vicha Ratanapakdee in January 2021, Boudin's comments about the crime sparked public outrage. While he condemned the act, his characterization of the attack as a "temper tantrum" and his subsequent absence from a vigil drew criticism from the victim's family and the community.

January 2021: Jerry Lyons Ordered to Report to Police

In January 2021, after a toxicology report confirmed his intoxication during a prior arrest, Jerry Lyons was instructed to report back to the police.

February 2021: Jerry Lyons Involved in Fatal Car Crash While Out on Probation

In a devastating incident in February 2021, Jerry Lyons, while out on probation, ran a red light in a stolen vehicle and collided with multiple cars, tragically killing pedestrian Sheria Musyoka. This event ignited further controversy surrounding Boudin's handling of repeat offenders and fueled calls for his resignation.

March 9, 2021: Recall Campaign Led by Richie Greenberg Cleared

On March 9, 2021, the San Francisco Department of Elections officially cleared a recall campaign spearheaded by former mayoral candidate Richie Greenberg. To trigger a recall vote, organizers needed to gather over 51,000 signatures by August 2021.

April 29, 2021: Chesa Boudin Charges Jamaica Hampton with Assault

On April 29, 2021, Chesa Boudin's office filed charges against Jamaica Hampton for assault with a deadly weapon and other felonies related to an altercation with police.

May 2021: Boudin Faces Mounting Pressure from Recall Efforts

By May 2021, Chesa Boudin found himself facing mounting pressure as two recall campaigns actively sought to remove him from office. His critics, who often labeled him as "soft on crime," intensified their efforts.

August 2021: Deadline for Recall Petition Signatures

The deadline for organizers to collect the necessary signatures to initiate a recall vote against Chesa Boudin was in August 2021. Despite garnering over 50,000 signatures, the first campaign fell short of the required number.

September 2021: Boudin and Block Welcome Their First Child

In September 2021, Chesa Boudin and his wife, Valerie Block, celebrated a significant personal milestone with the birth of their first child.

September 2021: Judge Criticizes Boudin's Management of District Attorney's Office

In September 2021, San Francisco County Superior Court Judge Bruce Chan publicly criticized Chesa Boudin's management of the District Attorney's office. Chan characterized the office as disorganized and criticized Boudin for prioritizing criminal justice reform over "competent, professional prosecution."

October 26, 2021: David Gilbert Granted Parole

On October 26, 2021, Chesa Boudin's father, David Gilbert, was granted parole after his sentence was commuted by former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

November 4, 2021: David Gilbert Released from Prison

On November 4, 2021, David Gilbert, Chesa Boudin's father, was released from prison after serving over 40 years for his role in the 1981 Brink's robbery and related murders.

2021: David Gilbert Released from Prison

Chesa Boudin's father, David Gilbert, was released from prison in 2021.

2021: San Francisco Homicide Rates See a Spike

San Francisco experienced a 36% surge in homicides in 2021, coinciding with a nationwide increase in murder rates during the pandemic. However, it's worth noting that many other regions witnessed even greater increases.

2021: Criticism of Boudin's Approach to Drug-Related Crimes

Throughout 2021, Boudin faced mounting criticism for his approach to drug-related crimes, particularly his low prosecution rate for fentanyl dealing. He defended his stance by citing concerns about deportation for dealers from Honduras, further fueling the debate about his policies.

January 24, 2022: Lawsuit Filed Against District Attorney's Office

On January 24, 2022, the Alliance of Asian American Justice filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the San Francisco District Attorney's office on behalf of Ahn Lê, who had been severely assaulted in 2019. The lawsuit alleged that Lê's rights as a victim were violated when the District Attorney's office offered a plea deal to his attackers without consulting him, as mandated by Marsy's Law.

May 2022: Public Opinion Poll on Boudin's Job Performance

A public opinion poll conducted in May 2022 revealed that a majority of San Franciscans (53%) strongly disapproved of Boudin's job performance, highlighting a significant level of public dissatisfaction with his tenure as district attorney.

June 7, 2022: Recall Election for Chesa Boudin

A recall election was held for Chesa Boudin on June 7, 2022, resulting in 55% of voters choosing to remove him from office.

July 8, 2022: Chesa Boudin Removed from Office

On July 8, 2022, Chesa Boudin was removed from office as San Francisco's District Attorney after a recall election.

June 2023: Boudin Joins UC Berkeley Law Faculty

In June 2023, Chesa Boudin embarked on a new chapter in his career by joining the faculty of the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law. He assumed the role of founding executive director of the Criminal Law & Justice Center.