Robbery vs. Burglary.

We have certainly heard both terms, but how do they differ?  There is a significant difference between robbery and burglary.  Robbery in contrast to theft is the taking of property during one-on-one interaction using force, coercion, or intimidation.  Burglary applies when someone enters a home or building with the intention of committing a crime.

Theft, burglary, and robbery are each governed by their own provisions under the California Penal Code and have their own sets of possible penalties. 

Theft itself has three categories –

1.  Theft…the simple taking of property

2.  Petty theft…less than $50 of merchandise was stolen and there are no priors

3.  Grand theft…it could be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances

Theft and its related charges come in different varieties with various penalties attached to them if you are convicted in a California Criminal Court.  San Jose criminal attorney William Chestnut wants to help you make sure that does not happen.  He has defended theft, burglary, and robbery in this state for decades.  Call him at (408) 298-6990.

Why Does Summertime Bring out the Worst in Some People?

Maybe it’s the heat, maybe it’s too much time on some people’s hands, whatever it is there is evidence that violent crime is on the rise in the Summer.  Remember this…always, always contact a lawyer if you are suspected of or have been arrested on the suspicion of having committed a violent crime in California!

It may be a charge of assault with or without a weapon.  Perhaps the charge is rape which has received heightened awareness these days.  There are weapons charges of different types carrying a variety of penalties.  Then there is always theft and robbery and all of the different machinations that those two charges entail.

For well over 40 years William Chestnut, a San Jose Criminal Defense Attorney has defended those accused of a violent crime throughout California.  He has handled just about every type of criminal case during that time.  Call Bill immediately if you or a loved one has been accused of a violent crime at (408) 298-6990.

Fentanyl and Cocaine…A Deadly Combination.

So many California residents have died in recent years because of the introduction of fentanyl.  Combined with cocaine it has become a national crisis.  In 2017, for example, cocaine-fentanyl mixtures killed more people than heroin and fentanyl together.  This deadly cocaine-fentanyl continues and shows no signs of letting up soon.

Fentanyl (an opiate) is not a natural, adulterant for cocaine which is considered a stimulant.  Fentanyl usage in addition to the cocaine supply is occurring here in the San Jose, at the level of local dealers, street dealers and even users.  Make no mistake about it…The Golden Bear State has a fentanyl problem.

That DOES NOT mean that you are automatically guilty if you have been arrested on a charge of possessing or distributing cocaine or fentanyl!  I am here to make sure that you are aggressively represented in California Criminal Court.  My name is William Chestnut a California criminal lawyer.  At the toughest times, call me Bill Chestnut at (408) 298-6990.