There’s Good News and Bad News.

Generally speaking, that is usually the way things are.  In the latest reporting year of 2017 did you know that violent crime in California was up 1.5%, BUT the levels are comparable to the late 1960’s?  The violent crime rate in the Big Bear State has decreased substantially in the last 30 years and that’s good news!

The Public Policy Institute of California puts it into perspective.  Through 2017 59% of reported violent crimes in California were aggravated assaults, 32% were robberies, 8% were rapes, and 1% were homicides.  Perhaps none of this means much to you…unless you or a loved one has been detained on one of these charges in 2020.

Now, it gets really personal!  If you or anyone you care about is accused of a violent crime in the greater San Jose area please call on me.  I am San Jose criminal defense attorney William Chestnut.  You can call me Bill, but just call me.  Personally, I thought it was a crime that The Sharks let Joe Pavelski get away!  My number is (408) 298-6990.

Proposition 47 and 57.

That may not mean much to you, but let us explain.  Proposition 57 allows nonviolent inmates to petition for earlier release and participate in rehabilitation programs.  All releases still need approval from the parole board.  Proposition 47, meanwhile, reduced some crimes from felonies to misdemeanors.  They were passed in 2016 and 2014 respectively.

A new ballot measure which will be voted on in 2020 would shorten the list of who can seek earlier parole and reclassify some theft crimes from misdemeanors to felonies.  It would also expand the number of crimes where DNA is collected, a list that was limited when some crimes went from felonies to misdemeanors.

Of course, we hope that none of this will affect you or your family this upcoming year, but it is good to be aware of it early.  If you or a loved one is arrested on a criminal charge keep your vision 2020 this new year and immediately contact San Jose Ca criminal defense attorney William Chestnut.  Prosecutors know…you can’t crack this chestnut!  Call (480) 298-6990.