He previously served as a United States magistrate judge of the same court from 2024 to 2025.

From 2013 to 2024, he was a criminal defense lawyer in private practice at the Law Offices of Benjamin J. Cheeks, A.P.C.

[2] On July 19, 2024, he was sworn in as a United States magistrate judge of the Southern District of California.

President Biden nominated Cheeks to the seat vacated by Judge Gonzalo P. Curiel, who assumed senior status on September 7, 2023.

[8] On December 20, 2024, the United States Senate invoked cloture on his nomination by a 49–47 vote.