There’s Gold in Them Thar Hills!

It was an expression used frequently in Northern California in the late 1840’s and 1850’s.  By the time it ended, California had gone from a thinly populated ex-Mexican territory, to having one of its first two U.S. Senators John C. Fremont becoming the first Republican Party candidate for President of the United States in 1856.

The effects of the Gold Rush were substantial.  Outside of California, the first to arrive were from Oregon, Hawaii, and Latin America.  Of the approximately 300,000 people who came to California during the Gold Rush, about half arrived by sea and half came overland.  The forty-niners often faced substantial hardships on the trip, but they felt it was worth it!

Today, the 49rs are mostly confined to the gridiron, but the effect that those original 49rs had on Northern California was forever impactful.  I am proud to be a part of this ever-growing valley.  My name is William (Bill) Chestnut.  For decades, I have been a criminal defense attorney out of San Jose.  To you and your family I wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season.

You’rrre Outta There!

Three strikes and you’re out on the baseball diamond AND in the California court system.  In 1994, California passed a sentencing law colloquially called the “Three Strikes and You’re Out” law.  At the time it was originally enacted, the law established a mandatory sentence of 25 years to life in prison for any defendant convicted of a third felony, or third “strike,” regardless of the nature of the felony.

Finally, in 2012 Californians voted in support of Proposition 36.  It revised the law so that mandatory life sentences would only be imposed for “violent” or “serious” felonies.  For example, if a defendant is convicted of selling or distributing cocaine, heroin, meth-making materials, or PCP to a person under the age of 18, and has two prior strikes, he or she will be subject to the Three Strikes sentencing law.

It may be more lenient than it used to be, but The Big Bear State has a very low tolerance for convicted drug dealers.  San Jose criminal defense attorney William Chestnut knows that the legalization of small amounts of marijuana does NOT clear the way for other drugs!  Call on Bill for vigorous California drug defense at (480) 298-6990.   

Eastridge Center - 12/8 - Santa Cares

Eastridge Center - 12/8 - Santa Cares

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Children within every spectrum of special needs and their families are invited to a private photo session, to experience the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa Claus during dedicated hours. Please reserve your complimentary ticket on Eventbrite - ONE TICKET per group/family, please.