Use Extra Caution When Driving or Walking During December.

More than 700 people nationally are expected to be injured or killed each DAY during December in drunken driving crashes alone, a rate two to three times higher than the rest of the year, according to the centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

If you could turn back the clock you would not have had that extra drink.  You would not have crossed the street while looking at your cell phone.  You would have taken an extra second to look both ways before turning into traffic.

Regardless of whom is at fault in these holiday season catastrophes you need the best representation possible if you are accused in any type of accident where you are deemed at fault.  It can literally be the difference between freedom and incarceration in 2015 and beyond.

You may rely on the Law Office of William Chestnut for aggressive representation against any criminal charge of which you may be accused.  This is already a stressful and difficult time.  Put your trust in William Chestnut and give him a call at (408) 298-6990 to handle your case anywhere in the San Jose California area.

Has Police Brutality Reached New Heights?

With all of the news we have been reading lately you might begin to believe that we are living in a society ruled by a heartless group of law enforcers.  The truth is we are an expanding and divergent society and these problems come to the forefront with an increase in population and our access to information 24/7. 

There will always be a need for law enforcement, but not brutality.  Sometimes there is a fine line between the two.  In larger urban areas such as San Jose there is a melting pot of diverse races, creeds, and colors.  Regardless of the way each member of society believes in the way the law is enforced there will be certain guidelines that MUST be followed to ensure order. 

Interpretation of the way law enforcement is handled is the job of the courts.  You absolutely need the best possible representation in a court of law now more than ever.  Your case may be examined in a variety of ways and only the very best attorney can advise you on how it should be properly handled. 

For the very best criminal legal representation in the San Jose area contact the law office William Chestnut at 1010 West Taylor St. in San Jose…or call him now at (408) 298-6990.  Your future freedom is too important to leave to chance.

A Competent San Jose Juvenile Attorney

If your son or daughter is facing the juvenile criminal justice system, you should know of the severe ramifications a criminal conviction can have on your child's future. Attorney William Chestnut has experience on all sides of the law. His intimate knowledge of your case and you as a person is what sets him aside from other attorneys who just want to move your case along.

If your child is facing the criminal justice system, don't gamble with his or her future. Call Attorney William Chestnut for a consultation. Preserving your child's future is a phone call away.

Don't Let The Holidays Get You Down

The holiday season is around the corner, and with that comes an excess of DUI's. A combination of celebration and seasonal depression can lead to the spike around the holidays, but the result is the same if you find yourself facing a DUI charge.

Did you know that in San Jose, if you are arrested for a criminal DUI, there are certain steps you can take to help avoid a conviction?

The first step is consulting with an experienced San Jose Criminal Defense Attorney, William Chestnut. He knows that no two cases are alike and he has an excellent understanding of the law, the local rules and regularly works against the attorneys at the District Attorney's office. His extensive legal experience and familiarity with the process with be vital to your criminal defense.
You shouldn't have to face it alone. 

Give Attorney William Chestnut a call today. Your future is worth preserving. 

An Attorney In San Jose Who Will Fight For You

The Halloween season begins the Holiday Season. As we all know, DUI arrests tend to rise during the holidays. There are numerous reasons why, but the greatest is stress.




When we are kids, the holidays are pretty stress free. Nobody is expecting anything from us and we know we are going to be getting a bunch of goodies.




But, then we grow up and the responsibilities and rigors of adulthood seem to quell those love of the holidays because they remind us of how expensive and stressful they can be.




Add to that, the office work parties, the neighborhood parties and all of the travel. The short of it? The Holidays are stressful. Whether your rich or poor, the holidays seem to offer up problems for people in all walks of life.




Whether you were arrested for DUI or something even more serious, you have a friend during the holidays and beyond. William Chestnut, Attorney. For more than 30 years, Attorney Chestnut has a distinguished record on both sides of the law and has a complete understanding of both and how they affect you.




Don't let the holidays get you in a rut. If you go to that office party, carpool with a designated driver, or take a taxi, or uber. But, if you do happen to find yourself on the wrong end of the law, you know who to call.

An Attorney Who Listens...

When dealing with the police, be respectful and also be aware of your rights. Don't try and plea your case to the arresting officer, it won't help. In fact, it can, and often times does hurt to do so. The right to remain silent is indeed a right and should be embraced by anyone facing the law. Be compliant and respectful, but as they say: "Tell it to the judge"... Instead, tell it to us.

We will listen to all aspects of your case. Attorney Chestnut has over 30 years experience in both sides of the law. Don't settle for an attorney who doesn't listen--just tells you what he or she wants you to do. Get someone who will listen. There are so many mistakes made by police, lawyers, judges, etc. Attorney Chestnut will work to uncover all of these mistakes and help you get back to life.

For more information, call the Offices of William Chestnut at  (408) 298-6990

The Need For Sentence Reform

When coming out of prison, people need many things, but the critical ones are safe housing, drug treatment and jobs. Theoretically, $2 billion dollars allocated to prison inmate reduction and sentence reform is ironically being given to county jails, which have seen their own overcrowding only get worse as they have absorbed thousands of inmates from state prisons. So far, counties have allocated an average of just 12 percent of their realignment funds to re-entry programs.

Where does this leave someone who has to reenter society? If there are no jobs, no treatment facilities and no proper reentry programs, the revolving door of California's
prison system perpetuates.

Until major sentencing reform is even discussed, a competent attorney who understands ALL aspects of the law from both sides; is your best defense when facing the justice system. Your best chance to preserve your future is to act in the present. Call the Law Offices of William Chestnut for a consultation. We are here to fight vigorously for you.

San Jose Criminal Attorney

When someone is charged with criminal spousal abuse charges relating to an argument involving domestic violence in the State of California, there are two common charges that they face in a criminal court. Those charges are corporal injury to a spouse, which is charged a felony crime or spousal battery which is generally charged as a misdemeanor crime. In this blog, we will discuss those two possible charges and will focus on certain issues that I have seen arise in various criminal cases that the Law Offices Of William H. Chestnut have handled involving criminal charges stemming from domestic violence.
Understand however, that every case is unique and that only an experienced criminal lawyer who is familiar with the facts of your case can properly advise you regarding your criminal matter. That is why if you or someone you love is facing criminal charges, the best thing that you can do for that person is to hire a San Jose Criminal Attorney to handle the criminal case. Going it alone can and will leave you at the mercy of the justice system which isn't very merciful when dealing with an accused domestic abuser.
Don't let the courts stigmatize you. We will fight for your freedom and good name. Call us today for a consultation.

A San Jose Defense Attorney Who Will Fight For You.

William Chestnut has over 35 years of experience in dealing with the law from both sides. Once a probation officer, this opened his eyes to the injustices he saw. Having felt the legal system was treating folks unfair based on biased reasoning, he decided to become a Criminal Defense Trial Attorney.


Since then, he has fought aggressively to ensure the rights of all of his clients are protected. We as a nation are a minuscule part of the world's population yet we imprison far more persons per capita than any other industrialized nation. That is a terrifying thought. It really makes you pause and think about the line: "land of the free...". Maybe land of the mostly free would be more apropos.


This isn't an effort to smear our justice system, it can only be improved when awareness is made and reform is pursued.
Until then, if you or someone you know are facing criminal charges, don't go it alone. Seek the counsel of a competent attorney who knows the law inside and out. The Law Offices Of William Chestnut are standing by and ready to fight for you.

Find A Criminal Defense Attorney In San Jose

Don't gamble with your freedom.

Society is becoming less tolerant. The legal system continues to get tougher on individual civil liberties. As a result, more people are being convicted of crimes every year-people who might not have faced such harsh penalties in the past. Tougher sentences, mandated by sentencing guidelines, mean that more people are serving longer sentences than ever before-sentences that may not fit the crime.

If you have been charged with a crime in California, you shouldn't gamble with the justice system. You value your freedom. You need to take action to protect it.

San Jose criminal defense attorney William Chestnut has 30 years of experience defending the rights of the accused in California, and he has defended thousands of clients. Contact him now at (408) 298 - 6990 for a free initial consultation.

Is San Jose The Safest Big City In America?

There is a crime spike in San Jose right now that has taken the title "Safest Big City" away. Is there a rise in crime? Or is it lack of police or even inefficient policing?

There are a laundry list of reasons one can come up with, but the fact is crimes are committed in every city. Ours happens to have had a spike in burglaries and theft but are far short of the violent crimes that bigger cities such as San Francisco and Oakland have.

So what is the answer? More Police Officers? That costs an extraordinary amount of money to the tax payers. Unfortunately, harsh convictions seem to be the only answer to the problem. Harsh convictions can disenfranchise and even create criminals.

If you are facing criminal charges in San Jose, be warned that harsh sentences are being handed down in an effort to offset the rising crime rate. Again, this rise in crime is in burglary and theft. If you are facing these charges or any other criminal charges in San Jose, call us for a consultation. Don't let prosecutors balance the numbers by padding yours.

Don't Drink And Drive This Fourth Of July

The Fourth of July is upon us again. In San Jose, outdoor activities are at their apex and so are the alcoholic beverages consumed by the patriotic revelers.

Unfortunately, the holidays are a deadly time to be on the road. Every year, hundreds of Americans die as a result of alcohol-related car crashes. The Fourth of July has repeatedly ranked as the deadliest holiday of the year -- even deadlier than New Year's Day.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been tracking car crash statistics for a quarter of a century. Fourth of July almost always tops the list. Statistics gathered over the past 25 years show that, on average, nearly 51 percent of all deadly traffic crashes on July 4 are related to alcohol - although that percentage varies from year to year. Other holidays on the list include Labor Day, New Year's, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

The NHTSA research has consistently shown that more people are killed in crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver on the weekends and at night. In 2008 alone, 58 percent of drivers and motorcycle riders were killed in alcohol-related crashes that took place over the weekend and at night. But no matter what day it is, most crash fatalities occur on two-lane roads. Also, more people die while driving in rain compared to snow or sleet.

So now that we have your attention, think twice before you engage in such activities. But, if you or someone you know happens to get a DUI this Independence Day, be fully aware that you will be facing severe penalties that will make you wish you heeded the warning. If you have been arrested for a DUI, contact San Jose Criminal Defense Attorney William Chestnut at 408-298-6990 for assistance with your San Jose DUI matter.

The Distinction Between a Career Criminal and a Drug Addict

Drug use in America has skyrocketed. Some attribute it to the drug companies reintroducing the public to opioids and other horribly addictive drugs that will make the most pious person turn into a full blown addict.
Along with an addiction comes a physical and psychological need to get more... By any means necessary. Often, crime is the choice. When deep enough in the throws of addiction, one may or may not be able to decipher right from wrong. Crime then becomes not an option but an only resort.


There are repercussions for breaking the law, but theres also a distinction between a career criminal and a drug addict. The law unfortunately doesn't make that distinction. Which is why sentence reform is needed. The war on drugs was about as successful as the Vietnam War. A lot of people have died and no progress has been made.
If you or someone you know has been charged with drug possession, use, abuse, sales, etc. Give us a call today. The justice system doesn't care about your reasoning for committing crime, but we do.

Hire a San Jose Criminal Attorney to Handle a Criminal Case.

When someone is charged with criminal spousal abuse charges relating to an argument involving domestic violence in the State of California, there are two common charges that they face in a criminal court. Those charges are corporal injury to a spouse, which is charged a felony crime or spousal battery which is generally charged as a misdemeanor crime. In this blog, we will discuss those two possible charges and will focus on certain issues that I have seen arise in various criminal cases that the Law Offices Of William H. Chestnut have handled involving criminal charges stemming from domestic violence.
Understand however, that every case is unique and that only an experienced criminal lawyer who is familiar with the facts of your case can properly advise you regarding your criminal matter. That is why if you or someone you love is facing criminal charges, the best thing that you can do for that person is to hire a San Jose Criminal Attorney to handle the criminal case. Going it alone can and will leave you at the mercy of the justice system which isn't very merciful when dealing with an accused domestic abuser.
Don't let the courts stigmatize you. We will fight for your freedom and good name. Call us today for a consultation.

A Theft Charge Can Range From Petty To Grand Larceny.

A theft charge can range from petty to grand larceny. Both of those and everything in between can carry with them stiff penalties. Whether it was accidental or intentional, the law doesn't show much regard for an "accused thief".

We don't regard you as "thief", we regard you as a human being with liberties bestowed upon you the day you were born. Protecting those liberties and rights is our primary concern. We will not let you be labeled an unfair "Scarlett A" applied to one who is charged with theft. Sometimes it's a misunderstanding, sometimes it's just a bad decision made. Whatever it is, we don't judge. We defend.

If you or someone you know is facing charges of theft--be it petty to grand larceny, we are here to fight for you. Giving us a call today could be the difference between freedom and imprisonment.

Someone Willing To Fight For Me On A Sex Offense Charge.

A sex offense charge can carry with it not only a harsh penalty, but an unshakable stigma. Unfortunately, our laws make anyone who has had a sex offense register as a "sex offender". When people hear: "sex offender" they are inclined to place all sex charges under the same umbrella. This can not only inhibit your ability to gain or maintain employment for the rest of your life. It will also inhibit or render impossible the ability to obtain a residence.

Whatever your sex offense charge may be, The Law Offices of William Chestnut are willing to fight for you. Don't let a stigma ruin your future. Going it alone will guarantee a bleak future. We aren't here to judge, we're hear to ensure that ALL of your rights are protected. Our attorney's will fight for you and your future.

If you or someone you know is facing sex offense charges, give us a call NOW. Time is of dire importance. Don't let the legal system chew you up, spit you out and then stigmatize you.

Whom To Call If You Are Arrested In San Jose For A Dui.

Spring is here and Californians are migrating to the beach to cool off. A tradition as old as the Santa Ana winds. With that also comes an increase of drunk driving.

You spent the day at the beach drinking a few beers and soaking up some rays. A couple of hours go by and you think you’re fine to drive. The breathalyzer you are given on PCH begs to differ. You just won a 10,000 dollar debt and jail time... How do you feel?
Probably pretty scared. Luckily, our competent attorneys are well versed in California’s strict DUI laws and will comb through your case to find any and every discrepancy from law enforcement, jailers, judges, prosecutors, et al.

The law isn’t perfect. Neither are those who enforce it--which is why we try to be. If you have recently been arrested for a DUI, give us a call yesterday. Time is paramount. Don’t let the legal system treat you like a bingo ball. Bouncing around an encasement hoping your number gets called so you can get out. Don’t take your chances. Give us a call. We’ll pull your number and get you out so you can get back to the business of living.

Is Your Child Facing Serious Drug Charges?

“Boys will be boys” people often say when a youth engages in mischief. But what if it goes beyond toilet papering a house (which, by the way is an arrestable offense).
But what if it’s worse than that? What if your child is facing serious drug charges? Vandalism? Or the most serious; murder.

When facing the justice system as a juvenile, a few things should be taken into account.
Did the said youth know that what he/she was doing was wrong? Illegal?
The juvenile justice system should seek to rehabilitate and curb behavior rather than punish.
There is a disproportionate amount of minority youths being tried and sentenced for juvenile crimes that when their white counterparts face the same charges, the repercussions are far less.
As is the adult justice system is often imbalanced and flawed, so is the juvenile justice system.

These are scary realities your child will be facing. In some cases they may even be tried as an adult depending on the severity of the circumstances. Don’t let your child go it alone and don’t think because he or she is “just a kid” that they will be treated as such.

Curbing and rehabilitating a youth before he or she reaches the adult prison system is far more successful then trying to do so after they’ve entered the adult prison system. Sometimes a little guidance and patience is what’s needed to turn a youth around. Call us today so we can help steer you on that path. Go it alone and you may see the juvenile justice system is more concerned with moving cases along than rehabilitating your young one.

Contact A Defense Attorney For California Sex Crimes Defense

Conviction for a sexual offense carries a lifelong stigma. Required registry as a sex offender can make that conviction very, very public. Unfortunately, increasing reliance on black-and-white rules and society's impatience for quick, easy solutions have subjected hundreds of thousands of people subject to these public badges of shame. Far too often, people—including juveniles—who are convicted of relatively minor, one-time offenses face years of harassment.

Unfortunately, if you have been charged with a sex offense in California, you stand a strong chance of becoming one of them. It is essential to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer who is committed to protecting your rights and relentlessly defending you in court.

San Jose criminal defense attorney William Chestnut has been protecting the accused in the Bay Area for 30 years and is dedicated to providing those accused of sex crimes a powerful defense. Contact him now through this Web site or call (408) 298-6990 for a free initial consultation.

Do not talk to the police without an attorney. What you say in a police interview may determine whether you are charged with indecent exposure, statutory rape or a major felony. Many sex crimes can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the facts and circumstances. Some convictions require mandatory sex offender registration, while others do not. A knowledgeable defense lawyer may be able to advocate for less serious charges—and help you minimize the potential consequences.

Attorney William Chestnut has handled thousands of criminal cases during his 30 years of criminal defense. He protects the rights of people throughout Santa Clara County, San Mateo County, Alameda County, Silicon Valley and the South Bay Area who are charged with sex offenses including:

• Indecent exposure 
• Prostitution or solicitation of prostitution 
• Rape or sexual assault, including "date rape" and forcible rape 
• Statutory rape 
• Possession or production of Internet child pornography 
• 647(a) crimes: misdemeanor sexual contact with a child 
• 288 crimes: child molestation not including sexual intercourse 
• Felony child molestation 
• Life-sentence rape (substantial sexual contact over time with a child) 
• Failure to register as a sex offender or failure to update the sex offender registry 

Contact Attorney William Chestnut for a Free Initial ConsultationA sex offense conviction can be extraordinarily and permanently destructive. Do not give up. You have options, and a thorough, aggressive criminal defense can help. Contact the Law Offices of William Chestnut today for a free initial consultation.

Don't Ever Talk To The Police Before Talking To An Attorney

 When you choose a criminal defense lawyer, choose one who:

• is committed to strict confidentiality
• will take the time to listen, return your phone calls, and give you honest, practical advice
• will perform a thorough, independent investigation of your case
• has the experience, skill, and positive professional relationships to be a strong advocate for you with police and prosecutors
• has the ability to formulate a defense that will capture the attention of jurors

Attorney Chestnut is dedicated to just this type of personal service, trust, hard work and powerful advocacy.

Located two blocks south of Taylor/Naglee near I-880, William Chestnut's law offices are open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Weekend appointments can be arranged, and attorney Chestnut is available to meet with you in jail. The firm accepts Visa, MasterCard, cash and checks as payment for its services. Contact the Law Offices of William Chestnut today to arrange for a free initial consultation.

Call for a free consultation immediately. (408) 298 - 6990 (24/7).

Choose A Defense Attorney With A Broad Range Of Criminal Defense Services Based On Experience

William Chestnut represents people throughout Santa Clara County, San Mateo County, Alameda County, Silicon Valley and the South Bay Area who are charged with any of a wide variety of California felonies or misdemeanors:

• Record clearances and expungements
• Certificates of rehabilitation
• Applications for pardon by the governor
• Domestic violence and protective order hearings
• Sex offenses, from indecent exposure to child sex offenses
• Computer crimes, cyber crimes and Internet crimes such as Internet fraud or phishing schemes and identity theft
• Environmental crimes
• Theft crimes, property offenses and fraud, including benefits fraud such as workers' comp fraud or welfare fraud
• White-collar crime
• Traffic violations, speeding tickets and traffic crimes from hit and run to vehicular homicide
• DUI, including DMV license suspension hearings
• Drug offenses from possession of marijuana to drug trafficking conspiracy
• Violent crimes, including assault and weapons charges
• Parole and probation violations
• Sex offender registration violations
• Issues involving the immigration consequences of criminal charges
• Juvenile offenses

Contact Attorney William Chestnut for a Free Initial Consultation

Located two blocks south of Taylor/Naglee near I-880, William Chestnut's law offices are open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Weekend appointments can be arranged, and attorney Chestnut is available to meet with you in jail. The firm accepts Visa, MasterCard, cash and checks as payment for its services. Contact the Law Offices of William Chestnut today to arrange for a free initial consultation.

Call for a free consultation immediately. (408) 298 - 6990 (24/7).

Questionable Forensics Means New Trial For Murder Defendant

Perhaps one of the greatest misconceptions we have today is that because forensics is called a science the information that results from the tests and analyses done by experts in that field is thought to be indisputable truth. What criminal defense attorneys in California and elsewhere know is true, though, is that forensic evidence can be, and many times is, faulty, unreliable and experts may exaggerate their significance, all of which can result in innocent defendants being convicted.

The prevalence of such miscarriages of justice is what inspires the efforts of the Innocence Project - a national group that helps those it feels have been wrongly convicted and incarcerated get the justice they are due. One of the latest such cases involves a 34-year-old Minnesota man who's been in prison for six years of a 14-year sentence for the death of an infant daughter. He was freed on bail and has been granted a new trial based on new evidence presented in court by Innocence Project attorneys.

Don't assume that if you're innocent the "truth will set you free". Anyone being accused of a crime needs aggressive representation. If you're in need of criminal defense contact San Jose Criminal Defense Attorney William Chestnut at 408-298-6990 or at williamchestnutlaw.com for assistance.

Mistrial In Molestation Case Raises Questions About Prosecutions

Local San Jose media have picked up on the fact recently that of all the child molestation cases heard so far this year in Santa Clara County, 43 percent have ended with juries either acquitting the suspect or being deadlocked on a verdict, resulting in a mistrial.

The apparent jump in mistrials is beginning to raise questions among some legal minds with expertise in dealing with sex crimes charges. There are those who say it may be due to overly aggressive prosecutors taking their cases to trial without sufficient evidence. Others suggest that juries, swayed by myriad crime shows on TV, have expectations of receiving forensic evidence that aren't being met.

If you're in need of criminal defense contact San Jose Criminal Defense Attorney William Chestnut at 408-298-6990 or at williamchestnutlaw.com for assistance.