It’s a Brave New World.

So here we go.  It’s a brave new world out there my friends.  We head into 2017 with new leadership in this great country, but one thing is certain - we are all Americans and we all need the same protection under the law that we have needed for decades past.  None of that will change with the passing of the torch…it never does.

Did you pay attention to the election?  California did some amazing things at the poles that captured the national spotlight.  One of those things was the referendum on the legalization of the recreational use of marijuana.  Look it up.  Whatever side of the issue you may fall on it may affect you in the year to come.  To be sure, we hope that you do not need the assistance of a great criminal attorney in 2017.

BUT…if you do, it is comforting to know that through the past eight presidential administrations Attorney William Chestnut has been protecting the citizens of the San Jose California area against criminal prosecution.  They come and go…the Republicans and the Democrats, but there is Bill.  If you need a great criminal attorney in the San Jose Valley give him a call at (408) 298-6990.

‘Tis The Season to Get Angry.

I know that this is supposed to be a joyous holiday season.  Sometimes, however, when family and friends gather together tempers flare and things get out of hand.  In recent years, California has upped its game to control domestic violence.  These days if you are accused you can expect a swift arrest, accelerated prosecution, and stiffer sentences.

What happened to constructive counseling and an honest commitment to change one’s behavior?  The best solution to an alleged family violence situation is not always summarily hauling someone off to jail and waiting for the courts to sort it out.  Unfortunately, this seems to be the time of year that incidents of this type occur more often.

If you are on the wrong end of a domestic violence charge you need immediate and aggressive defense.  That compassion comes from someone who has been dealing with these cases in the Big Bear State for nearly 4 decades.  He is San Jose domestic violence lawyer William Chestnut.  Call Bill at his office for a free consultation at (408) 298-6990.

Terroristic Threats in California.

What is the first thing you think of when you think of a terror threat?  It is only natural to think that someone from another culture or country is threatening America.  Let’s bring it down to a personal level.  A terroristic threat in California may be actionable between spouses!  That’s right - one person within a union may file an action against the other due to perceived verbal or written threats.

In the Big Bear state this is known as California Penal Code 422.  If someone even “feels” that they or their children’s safety is at stake or if a threat is specific it could result in a criminal charge.  Even communicating a perceived threat by modern means such as a tweet, a text, or an email can get someone in serious trouble. 

Don’t take a charge such as this lightly.  Even if both sides are fully aware that something was said or written in “the heat of battle” it is on the record.  If you or someone you care about has been charged for a domestic crime such as this, immediately call San Jose terroristic threat defense attorney William Chestnut.  Bill has just about seen it all in his 40 years of practice.  Call him today at (408) 298-6990.

Defense Against Sex Charges.

Talk about a life-changer.  If you or someone you care about is charged with a sex crime in the State of California, the stakes are high indeed.  Imagine having to register as a sex offender wherever you live for the rest of your life?  It becomes very public and extremely humiliating.  So many sex crimes are “he said-she said”.  More often than not it simply is not fair!

Some sex offenses in California include - 

1.)        Indecent exposure

2.)        Statutory rape

3.)        Possession of child pornography

4.)        Child molestation

5.)        What has become known as “date rape”

It is easy to see why people who are charged with crimes such as these are presumed guilty by the average citizen.  In a situation such as this you must seek the most aggressive counsel to defend you through the process.  That man is San Jose, CA sexual crime defense attorney William Chestnut.  Call Bill immediately to begin formulating your case at (408) 298-6990.

Tradesmen and Criminal Convictions.

There is a common misconception.  If someone in the trades loses their license due to criminal behavior their career is over.  It has happened thousands of times in California.  Maybe you or a loved one made a handsome living as a contractor, a teacher, or a real estate agent for example and because of a criminal driving conviction you feel that your career is over.

Let me introduce you to SR-22.  In the Big Bear state this is a document that verifies insurance for a high-risk individual.  This may be the answer to the problem of obtaining insurance after a criminal conviction.  It is filed with the department of motor vehicles and is obtained typically after a DUI or driving without insurance, for example.

For those residents of San Jose and the surrounding area call Attorney William Chestnut.  He is an experienced California DUI attorney with experience and knowledge about SE-22.  For decades he has successfully defended Californians who have lost their driver’s licenses.  Call Bill today for the help you need at (408) 298-6990.

Three Strikes Cases in California.

The “three strike law” has been an important deterrent to crime in our state.  It was originally enacted just over 20 years ago.  By definition it gives the judge latitude to impose a much harsher sentence on anyone who has been previously convicted of two prior serious criminal offenses.  This is where things become a bit fuzzy in defining prior “serious” criminal convictions.

For example, in one case an individual was accused of stealing $153 worth of video tapes from Kmart stores.  Because he had a distant past of drug abuse and had committed residential burglaries those video tapes might have cost him serious prison time.  As a result, this individual had “the book thrown at him” and was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole for 50 years!

Whoa Nellie, does something seem excessive and unfair here?  We strongly urge you to call Attorney William Chestnut.  He is an experienced California three strikes defense lawyer in San Jose. He will bring nearly 40 years of experience and success to defend you against the possibility of an unduly harsh sentence.  Call Bill today for the help you need at (408) 298-6990.

Drug Trafficking Charge.

This is obviously serious business.  When simple drug possession becomes trafficking a whole new set of circumstances are in play.  This is not anything close to being caught with marijuana on your person or any other drug for that matter.  A drug trafficking conviction will haunt you for the rest of your life in attempting to get jobs and perhaps even where you live.

Drug trafficking by definition is the illegal sale or distribution of a controlled substance.  What is the difference between distribution and trafficking?  Distribution is a Class B felony which carries a maximum jail sentence of up to 20 years and a $10,000 fine.  You may not know this, but distribution can morph into trafficking just by the “weight” of the substances involved!

Something as seemingly innocuous as this could be the difference in how and where you will spend the rest of your life.  Without hesitation you must call Attorney William Chestnut.  He is an experienced drug trafficking defense lawyer in San Jose, California.  He will bring more than 40 years of experience and success to defend you aggressively.  Call Bill today for help with your case at (408) 298-6990.