Have a Safe and Happy Labor Day!

The end of summer is here and Labor Day is upon us. With Labor Day, comes barbecues and beaches and a chance for one last hoorah before we return to our seasonal routine. All too often what starts as a terrific weekend can turn terribly tragic in an instant if responsibility and vigilance isn't taken behind the wheel.

Statistics have shown that Labor Day weekend has historically had a significantly higher number of auto accidents than non-holiday weekends. This holiday alone has 15 percent more auto fatalities as well. Many motorists will opt to drive if gas prices donʼt climb. Which will reflect itself with an increase of traffic and the increase of danger.

It is encouraged for all motorists to drive responsibly by taking the following precautions this Labor Day weekend.

- DO NOT drink and drive. If you plan to consume alcohol, plan to designate a sober driver. This simple decision can, and will, save the lives of many.

- DO ensure that your automobile is fit to travel. This means along with the oil, tire pressure, and other mechanical concerns--Your registration and insurance! Make sure these documents are up to date. There are stiff penalties for not having both forms and it is highly likely your vehicle will be impounded if you fail to show proof.

- DO NOT get distracted when driving. Leave all mobile devices in an unreachable area when occupying the wheel. If you have a passenger, have them navigate the directions for you while you focus on the road.

- DO have a good time! Be safe and responsible and celebrate the smart way!

Contact Criminal Defense Attorney William Chestnut if you face legal troubles this holiday weekend.

The Law Offices of William Chestnut
1625 The Alameda, Suite 400
San Jose, CA 95126
E: williamchestnut@msn.com
P: (408) 298-6990
F: (408) 899-2269
www.lawyersanjose.info
www.williamchestnutlaw.com

DRAG inter-NET

Todayʼs detectives must utilize all of the resources available to them within the perimeter of the law. That perimeter now includes the World Wide Web. In the last 20 plus years, the internet has connected the world like a digital transcontinental railroad. And on that railroad, have sprung up social media sites similar to the rough and tumble towns that were strewn along the limitless tracks of the old rail line. Like many of those towns, social media sites are often frequented by criminals. Criminals who are all too willing to disclose information regarding deeds they had committed...in a public forum.

George Orwellʼs classic, ʻ1984ʼ, depicts a society where, “big brother is watching you”--Never has that rang more true than today. Many times, police will go to the internet to check out a lead, or perhaps confirm and identify a suspect. Like a proud parent wanting to show off their newborn, many people will take to social media (Twitter, Facebook,YouTube) to boast about their exploits; In doing so they will have admitted guilt in print or in some cases the crime itself will be in picture or video form allowing for swift prosecution.

Nearly all members of law enforcement use the internet as a tool to catch suspects. Admission of guilt and placing suspects at the scene of a crime are key components to prosecution. When the suspect is providing those key components voluntarily with digital time stamps et al; law enforcement has the upper hand. If Twitter was around during Elliot Nessʼs time--he would have had it a lot easier.

So the next time you log into your Facebook or Twitter and you decide to post a picture or a comment, remember: BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU.

If you have been arrested for a crime through posting information on the internet, contact Criminal Defense Attorney William Chestnut.

The Law Offices of William Chestnut
1625 The Alameda, Suite 400
San Jose, CA 95126
E: williamchestnut@msn.com
P: (408) 298-6990
F: (408) 899-2269
www.lawyersanjose.info
www.williamchestnutlaw.com