TRISTAN G. PELAYES
Attorney & Investigator
Tristan G. Pelayes is a distinguished trial attorney and investigator with a career spanning approximately 30 years of combined law enforcement and legal experience. His background as a former deputy sheriff, homicide detective, and civil litigator provides a unique and extensive foundation for his current work.
Today, Mr. Pelayes serves as legal counsel and neutral fact-finder for California municipalities, conducting thorough and impartial administrative investigations for police departments, school districts, and other public agencies. He possesses proven expertise in civil rights litigation, employment law, and complex internal affairs matters.
Professional Experience
Mr. Pelayes is the Partner and Owner of the Law Offices of Pelayes & Bolander, APC, a litigation firm he co-founded in November 2019 that represents public entities, employers, and law enforcement officers.
His career includes 15 years as a prior owner-partner at a private firm that acted as outside counsel for the County of San Bernardino and other Southern California public entities. Prior to that, he served as a Deputy County Counsel for the County of San Bernardino, leveraging his law enforcement background to represent the Sheriff’s Department in all aspects of civil litigation. In that role, he defended cases involving excessive force, officer-involved shootings, and wrongful arrest claims. A seasoned trial attorney, he has tried over 30 jury trials to verdict.
Law Enforcement Background
Mr. Pelayes’ legal practice is built upon a significant career with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. He served for over 14 years as a regular full time Deputy/Detective in key assignments including corrections, patrol, narcotics, SWAT, and homicide, and also served as a District Attorney Investigator for the San Bernardino County DA’s Office. He concluded his law enforcement service as a Designated Level 1 Reserve Deputy, a role he held for 16 years.
Education & Credentials
- Juris Doctor – California Southern Law School, Riverside, CA
- Bachelor of Science in Laws – California Southern Law School, Riverside, CA
- Associate of Science, Pre-Law – Crafton Hills College, Yucaipa, CA
Mr. Pelayes is admitted to practice before the California State Bar, the District of Columbia Bar, and the US Supreme Court.
Honors & Additional Information
In recognition of his work, Mr. Pelayes was named the 2001 Latino Lawyer of the Year by the Inland Empire Latino Lawyers Association. He is also a two-time recipient of the Wiley Manuel Award from the California State Bar for his pro bono legal services.
Additionally, Mr. Pelayes is a United States Army Veteran and a licensed helicopter and fixed-wing pilot.
SNAPSHOT
TRISTAN PELAYES
- Practicing law for 20+ years
- 31 Years as a peace officer
- Three degrees
- Speaks Spanish
TRISTAN G. PELAYES
ATTORNEY & INVESTIGATOR
Tristan G. Pelayes is a distinguished trial attorney and investigator with a career spanning approximately 30 years of combined law enforcement and legal experience. His background as a former deputy sheriff, homicide detective, and civil litigator provides a unique and extensive foundation for his current work.
Today, Mr. Pelayes serves as legal counsel and neutral fact-finder for California municipalities, conducting thorough and impartial administrative investigations for police departments, school districts, and other public agencies. He possesses proven expertise in civil rights litigation, employment law, and complex internal affairs matters.
Professional Experience
Mr. Pelayes is the Partner and Owner of the Law Offices of Pelayes & Bolander, APC, a litigation firm he co-founded in November 2019 that represents public entities, employers, and law enforcement officers.
His career includes 15 years as a prior owner-partner at a private firm that acted as outside counsel for the County of San Bernardino and other Southern California public entities. Prior to that, he served as a Deputy County Counsel for the County of San Bernardino, leveraging his law enforcement background to represent the Sheriff’s Department in all aspects of civil litigation. In that role, he defended cases involving excessive force, officer-involved shootings, and wrongful arrest claims. A seasoned trial attorney, he has tried over 30 jury trials to verdict.
Law Enforcement Background
Mr. Pelayes’ legal practice is built upon a significant career with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. He served for over 14 years as a regular full time Deputy/Detective in key assignments including corrections, patrol, narcotics, SWAT, and homicide, and also served as a District Attorney Investigator for the San Bernardino County DA’s Office. He concluded his law enforcement service as a Designated Level 1 Reserve Deputy, a role he held for 16 years.
Education & Credentials
- Juris Doctor – California Southern Law School, Riverside, CA
- Bachelor of Science in Laws – California Southern Law School, Riverside, CA
- Associate of Science, Pre-Law – Crafton Hills College, Yucaipa, CA
Mr. Pelayes is admitted to practice before the California State Bar, the District of Columbia Bar, and the US Supreme Court.
Honors & Additional Information
In recognition of his work, Mr. Pelayes was named the 2001 Latino Lawyer of the Year by the Inland Empire Latino Lawyers Association. He is also a two-time recipient of the Wiley Manuel Award from the California State Bar for his pro bono legal services.
Additionally, Mr. Pelayes is a United States Army Veteran and a licensed helicopter and fixed-wing pilot.