New Year’s Eve DUIs

Did you or someone you care about really mess up on New Year’s Eve?  Last year the California Highway Patrol reported that traffic deaths and drunk driving arrests were up statewide compared to the previous year.  As a matter of fact, DUI arrests were up approximately 33% from 2013 to 2014.  You would think that everyone has learned their lesson by now.

But enough of the preaching.  If you have not exercised caution during the holiday season then you must exercise common sense in the New Year.  It may be you or a loved one, but whomever it is they will need aggressive representation when they go to court to defend themselves against that holiday DUI or other criminal charge.

Society has become less tolerant of DUI drivers, so if you need representation call someone who has 38 years of experience defending the rights of the accused in California.  So whether it was a drunk driving charge or some other criminal charge during the holiday season call San Jose area criminal attorney William Chestnut today.  Attorney Chestnut is dedicated to personal service, trust, and hard work.  Give him a call at (408) 298-6990 and make an appointment to consult with him at his new office at 4020 Moorpark Avenue, #214 in San Jose.

The Ramifications of a DUI

What are the financial, lifestyle, and legal ramifications of a DUI?  Assuming it is a first–time offense and there are no additional charges or aggravating circumstances, you should prepare for the following:

1. Your driver’s license will be suspended for 30 days and you will be faced with administrative fees to the DMV to have it reinstated.

2. You will be ordered to pay a fine up to $1000 plus court costs and administrative fees.

3. You will receive a jail sentence of two days to six months, or community service if you are lucky.

4. You will be ordered to attend DUI School which you would have to pay for.

This is just part of the nightmare of getting a DUI.  Good people sometimes make bad decisions.  You have put yourself and others in jeopardy, but you should be able to get on with your life.  To make sure of that outcome, please call San Jose DUI attorney William Chestnut at (408) 298-6990.  Bill has defended thousands of clients for over 30 years.  Trust him to handle your case efficiently and aggressively.  

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.

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.

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.

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.