Help Me…My Kid’s in Trouble!

These are words that no parent ever wants to utter.  It happens every day in this country…a good kid goes astray and is accused of running afoul with the law.  Even worse, a juvenile hangs out with the wrong people in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Suddenly his or her life and the lives of their loved ones are turned upside down.

What constitutes juvenile crime?  These are some offenses specifically related to one's status as a minor, such as truancy; possession and consumption of alcohol; the purchase of tobacco products; and curfew violations.  There is (and should be) a huge difference in how juvenile delinquents and adult criminal offenders are treated.

When your child is accused of doing something outside of the law there is no time for hesitation.  If it occurs in our area, you immediately call Attorney William Chestnut.  He has had four decades of experience as a San Jose, CA juvenile crime defender.  At this point it is merely an accusation.  Do not let it go any further!  Call Bill at (408) 298-6990.

Protect your Kid.

Sometimes the unthinkable happens and your child is arrested for a juvenile crime.  Your lives have been turned upside down.  It is so important to keep a level head and NEVER trust the authorities to treat him or her with respect.  You must act immediately if your child has been arrested and held in juvenile hall. 

The prospect of juvenile court is looming.  So that you understand, this is a special department of a trial court for under-age defendants who are charged with crimes.  By under-age we mean under the age of 18 in the State of California.  Serious and repeat crimes can land a young person in prison!

This is NO small matter.  Your kid’s entire future is on the line.  At a time such as this the first thing to do is pick up the phone and call San Jose CA juvenile crime defense attorney William Chestnut.  For over 40 years he has defended the rights of those under 18 accused of every imaginable crime.  Call him immediately at (408) 298-6990.

Juvenile Crime in the San Jose Valley.

Crime involving kids under 18 is certainly not unique to our area.  Unfortunately, juvenile crime rates run higher than average in the Bay area.  By county - Monterey, San Francisco, San Joaquin, and Alameda Counties rank one, two, three, and four in statewide rates for homicide for young people 10-24.

What are some of the most common juvenile charges?

1.  Larceny or theft.  Shoplifting, personal property…whatever it may be.

2.  Vandalism.  Kids seem to love altering the look of things and “showing the man”.

3.  Disorderly conduct.  Often time this happens at school.

4.  Alcohol.  They can’t wait to turn 21 and teenagers (just like adults) make bad decisions when drinking is involved.

Juvenile crime in the state of California is no joke.  The courts will not just give your kids a slap on the wrist.  One thing is certain…a conviction could affect your child for the rest of his or her life.  When a loved one is accused in this area turn immediately to San Jose juvenile crime defense attorney William Chestnut.  Put his four decades of experience to work for your family by calling (480) 298-6990.

Three Strikes Cases in California.

The “three strike law” has been an important deterrent to crime in our state.  It was originally enacted just over 20 years ago.  By definition it gives the judge latitude to impose a much harsher sentence on anyone who has been previously convicted of two prior serious criminal offenses.  This is where things become a bit fuzzy in defining prior “serious” criminal convictions.

For example, in one case an individual was accused of stealing $153 worth of video tapes from Kmart stores.  Because he had a distant past of drug abuse and had committed residential burglaries those video tapes might have cost him serious prison time.  As a result, this individual had “the book thrown at him” and was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole for 50 years!

Whoa Nellie, does something seem excessive and unfair here?  We strongly urge you to call Attorney William Chestnut.  He is an experienced California three strikes defense lawyer in San Jose. He will bring nearly 40 years of experience and success to defend you against the possibility of an unduly harsh sentence.  Call Bill today for the help you need at (408) 298-6990.

The Effects of Juvenile Crime in California.

Juvenile crime tears apart families.  If someone in your family is under the age of 18 and breaks the law, they can be charged with a juvenile crime.  Your case will be handled by the Juvenile System, including Juvenile Corrections and Juvenile Court.  This is true even if you are emancipated so don’t think for a second that changes the scenario.

There are different outcomes that a court may order in the state of California including…

1.  Your child may live with you under court supervision.

2.  Your child may be get probation. He or she may have to live with a relative, in a foster home or group home, or perhaps some other type of institution.

3.  The juvenile may be sent to a probation camp or ranch. Look up the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. If your child happens to be tried in adult court, he or she WILL be sent to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. 

If you are ever faced with a minor being arrested in the San Jose area, make sure that you take immediate action.  Your first step is to call the experienced juvenile defense attorney William Chestnut.  Attorney Chestnut has been dealing with the defense of minors for 4 decades.  Call him to discuss the proper steps to take at (408) 298-6990.

Juvenile Crimes

Juvenile crimes are a nightmare for the entire family.  Lives may be torn apart when a minor is accused of a serious crime.  If you are under 18 and break the law, you can be charged with a juvenile crime.  Your case will be handled by the Juvenile System, including Juvenile Corrections and Juvenile Court.  This is true even if you are emancipated.

There are several different events that a court may order in the state of California including…

•           Your child may live with you under court supervision.

•           Your child may be put on probation. He or she may have to live with a relative, in a foster home or group home, or in an institution.
•           Your child may be put on probation and sent to a probation camp or ranch. Your child can be sent to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. If your child is tried in adult court, he or she WILL be sent to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. 

If you are ever faced with a minor being arrested in the San Jose area make sure that you take the proper and immediate steps.  Your first step is to call the experienced juvenile defense attorney in the area, William Chestnut.  Attorney Chestnut has been dealing with the defense of minors for over 30 years.  Call him to walk through the proper steps at (408) 298-6990.

Facing Criminal Charges in San Jose CA.

In this large metropolitan area there are many innocent people who are facing criminal charges and need aggressive legal help.  You cannot do better than to hire William Chestnut whether you are English speaking or if your first language is Spanish.  Just look at this amazing list of areas where Attorney Chestnut may be your best answer…

•              Felony and Misdemeanor Criminal Defense

•              DUI/DWI/Drunk Driving

•              Traffic Violations and Speeding Tickets

•              Drug Offenses

•              Theft, Fraud, Property and White Collar Crimes

•              Violent Crimes

•              Domestic Violence

•              Sex Offenses

•              Internet Crimes

•              Environmental Crimes

•              Three Strikes Cases

•              Parole and Probation Violations

•              Juvenile Offenses

•              Record Clearances, Expungements, Certificates of Rehabilitation and Pardons

•              Administrative Hearings & Adjudication

•              Administrative Investigations

•              Licensing

•              Search & Seizure Protections

•              Criminal Fraud

•              Drug Violations

•              Felonies

•              Juvenile Crimes

•              Misdemeanor

•              Parole & Probation

•              Domestic Violence & Neglect

•              Computer Crimes

•              Identity Theft

•              State Trial Practice

•              Other Professionals Malpractice

•              Workers’ Compensation Fraud

Now add the fact that Bill has been defending Californians against these charges for nearly 40 years and realize you have made the right choice.  Call Attorney William Chestnut, an aggressive defender of your rights at (408) 298-6990.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Reduction Of Juvenile Incarceration

Can reducing juvenile incarceration decrease crime? When it comes to jailing juvenile offenders, the United States incarcerates a disproportional amount of youths compared to other industrialized nations. The juvenile crime rate is higher in the U.S., which tells us simply locking up our youth is not the answer.

There are many different types of detention facilities around the country who claim they are there to reform troubled kids. Statistics show that in most instances reform isn't exactly what is happening. Juveniles are exposed to deplorable conditions and humiliating treatment from staff and other inmates. After enduring this treatment they become conditioned.

Many other industrialized first world nations wouldn't dream of incarcerating their youth. There is still hope for a child. With the right guidance and discipline many, if not, most can be rehabilitated. Building character, trust, and getting to the root of the child's behavior with medical, psychological, and spiritual tutelage are more common practices abroad. In the United States we inhibit those possibilities by suggesting that the child is a criminal and needs to do "hard time." Some studies have revealed an increased propensity for violence among youths as a direct result of juvenile incarceration.

For more extensive information regarding the incarceration of youth, read the Annie E. Casey Foundation's report: The Case For Reducing Juvenile Incarceration: No Place For Kids.

If your child is facing legal action, you are not alone. Act quickly to preserve your child's future by contacting San Jose Juvenile Defense Attorney William Chestnut at (408)298-6990.