More is More.

It seems like a simple statement, but in California if you are found in possession of certain dangerous drugs, you may face criminal charges.  However, if you are found in possession of larger quantities of those drugs, packaged drugs to sell, or other signs that the drugs are intended for distribution, you could face higher penalties, including felony drug charges.

The penalties for possession with intent to sell depend on a number of factors, including how much you have in your possession, type of substance, and whether any other criminal activity may have been taking place.  Possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell is not limited to illegal narcotics, it can also include pharmaceutical drugs.

Drugs whether they be prescribed or illegal throughout the Big Bear State must never be trafficked!  That is a given.  Maybe you or a loved one have been arrested for the possession of an amount of drugs that have been deemed intended for distribution.  If so, fight back with the steady hand of San Jose criminal attorney William Chestnut.  Call Bill 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.

Heroin use is on the Rise in California.

Unless you have been in a cave you have probably heard about rising heroin overdoses and arrests around the country.  Let’s focus on the millennials for a moment.  This segment of our society between 18 and 35 years of age is shaping the future of America.  Their use of heroin is growing at an alarming rate at least in the Big Bear State. 

Here is a statistic that may shock you.  Between 2012 and 2016 millennials checking into California ER rooms with heroin overdoses has increased by OVER 100%!  Just in the latest reporting year of 2015 our state’s 20 somethings had over 1500 emergency hospital visits because of this drug which is 50% more than 2012.

You may know or even BE a millennial caught in the middle of all this and suddenly your life is turned upside down with an arrest for possession.  That is when you act immediately and call San Jose CA heroin possession defense attorney William Chestnut.  In his many years he has just about seen it all and will act quickly to rally to your defense.  Call him at (408) 298-6990.

It’s a Brave New World.

So here we go.  It’s a brave new world out there my friends.  We head into 2017 with new leadership in this great country, but one thing is certain - we are all Americans and we all need the same protection under the law that we have needed for decades past.  None of that will change with the passing of the torch…it never does.

Did you pay attention to the election?  California did some amazing things at the poles that captured the national spotlight.  One of those things was the referendum on the legalization of the recreational use of marijuana.  Look it up.  Whatever side of the issue you may fall on it may affect you in the year to come.  To be sure, we hope that you do not need the assistance of a great criminal attorney in 2017.

BUT…if you do, it is comforting to know that through the past eight presidential administrations Attorney William Chestnut has been protecting the citizens of the San Jose California area against criminal prosecution.  They come and go…the Republicans and the Democrats, but there is Bill.  If you need a great criminal attorney in the San Jose Valley give him a call at (408) 298-6990.

The Summer Increase in Drug Crimes.

Happy 4th of July to all of our friends in the San Jose area.  This is a time to celebrate life in the greatest country in the world and in one of its greatest areas to live.  Unfortunately, warm summers bring out the worst in some people while others are innocent victims of a false charge.  This is particularly true in the gray area of drug crime.

When someone is accused of said crime the question becomes are they being charged as a user, a trafficker, or something in between.  That gray area may the difference in the future freedom of you or someone that you love.  And know this…the police have stepped up their enforcement of drug crimes in the San Jose area and throughout California.

Attorney William Chestnut brings nearly 4 decades of dealing with people accused of any and all related charges.  Attorney Chestnut is a San Jose California drug possession defense attorney fluent in Spanish and English.  If you are arrested DO NOT deal with the police!  Call Bill today for aggressive help with your drug crime case at (408) 298-6990.

California State Law on Marijuana.

Just because some surrounding western states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana does not mean anything has changed in the state of California.  Many forms of possession, use, and sale of marijuana could get you arrested and land you in jail.  Here is a brief overview of the current California law on the subject.

Unless you are a qualified marijuana patient, possession of 28.5 grams or less for personal use is considered an infraction with a maximum penalty of a $100 fine.  If there is an intent to distribute ANY amount of the drug, that is a felony subject to between 16 months and 3 years of incarceration!  Even if you cultivate any amount of marijuana the penalty once again could be up to 3 years in prison.

If you or someone you care about has been arrested for any marijuana infraction you must not hesitate.  Maybe someday soon the laws of the Big Bear state will change, but for now you must call Attorney William Chestnut a top criminal attorney for more than 3 decades at (408) 298-6990.  Tomorrow’s accepted lifestyle may be today’s prison sentence!

How are San Jose Residents Effected by The Controlled Substances Act?

In the San Jose area, thousands of people are charged with drug crimes every year.  The U.S. Controlled Substances Act sets the criteria for what constitutes criminal offenses in the manufacturing, possession, sale and abuse of drugs. 

The list includes some of the most insidious drugs such as heroine, crack cocaine and meth, while there are some that when taken in moderation are actually beneficial.  For example, prescription drugs that have been abused because an individual has taken more than prescribed and they were purchased or sold illegally.

If you have sold or purchased some of the less dangerous drugs such as marijuana, prescription drugs or barbiturates you are just as guilty and you require strong representation in the San Jose area.  Contact The Law Offices of William Chestnut at (408) 298-6990 right away for aggressive help with your drug crime accusation.

Use Extra Caution When Driving or Walking During December.

More than 700 people nationally are expected to be injured or killed each DAY during December in drunken driving crashes alone, a rate two to three times higher than the rest of the year, according to the centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

If you could turn back the clock you would not have had that extra drink.  You would not have crossed the street while looking at your cell phone.  You would have taken an extra second to look both ways before turning into traffic.

Regardless of whom is at fault in these holiday season catastrophes you need the best representation possible if you are accused in any type of accident where you are deemed at fault.  It can literally be the difference between freedom and incarceration in 2015 and beyond.

You may rely on the Law Office of William Chestnut for aggressive representation against any criminal charge of which you may be accused.  This is already a stressful and difficult time.  Put your trust in William Chestnut and give him a call at (408) 298-6990 to handle your case anywhere in the San Jose California area.

Has Police Brutality Reached New Heights?

With all of the news we have been reading lately you might begin to believe that we are living in a society ruled by a heartless group of law enforcers.  The truth is we are an expanding and divergent society and these problems come to the forefront with an increase in population and our access to information 24/7. 

There will always be a need for law enforcement, but not brutality.  Sometimes there is a fine line between the two.  In larger urban areas such as San Jose there is a melting pot of diverse races, creeds, and colors.  Regardless of the way each member of society believes in the way the law is enforced there will be certain guidelines that MUST be followed to ensure order. 

Interpretation of the way law enforcement is handled is the job of the courts.  You absolutely need the best possible representation in a court of law now more than ever.  Your case may be examined in a variety of ways and only the very best attorney can advise you on how it should be properly handled. 

For the very best criminal legal representation in the San Jose area contact the law office William Chestnut at 1010 West Taylor St. in San Jose…or call him now at (408) 298-6990.  Your future freedom is too important to leave to chance.

Your Decorum In The Courtroom May Be Critical To Your Case

The state of Florida v George Zimmerman case is currently in the national spotlight. As the case gets underway, the prosecution's star witness is proving to be somewhat of a detriment to the prosecution's case--even though she's the prosecution's witness.

Why reference this current case? Let it be a lesson to anyone who finds themselves in court, facing either side of the judicial system. Whether you are the accused or the state's witness, it is imperative that you present yourself as well as possible.

Especially as a defendant, a jury not only considers your testimony, but they take into account your demeanor, your perceived sincerity, the way you respond to the judge and litigators. It is paramount that you dress appropriately and speak clearly and affirmatively. Many factors go in to deciding one's punishment. If the Judge finds you to be sincere and worth giving a second chance, you may find that to be as a result of proper courtroom etiquette (and a competent attorney).

If you have been charged with a crime, Contact San Jose Criminal Defense Attorney William Chestnut at 408-298-6990.

Information Regarding My California Drug Possession Case

When facing drug possession charges it is important to know how the law will regard you. Everything depends on how much you were caught with and how it was packaged. Unfortunately for the arrestee, this can be an overly broad assessment of what your intent was. For example, if you were arrested with an ounce of marijuana in one bag, the charges would be far less severe if the same amount were split into three bags. With individual bags, you're facing possession on top of intent to distribute. Now, the law regards you as a drug dealer, even though you broke it up into three bags to keep in three different places for your own personal use. 

The California Health and Safety Code also separates offenses related to controlled substances formerly classified under state law as narcotics or "restricted dangerous drugs" from offenses related to marijuana. California laws also establish separate offenses related to phencyclidine (PCP) and methamphetamine.

A prosecutor can charge a defendant with simple possession when the defendant possessed one of the substances listed under the Health and Safety Code. The state has the authority to punish drug-related offenses according to Section 1170 of the California Penal Code, a prosecutor may charge a defendant with "possession for sale" or "purchase for the purpose of sale" if the state believes that the defendant intended to engage in drug dealing. In addition, California law criminalizes the possession of specified ingredients that can be used to manufacture illegal substances such as PCP or methamphetamine.

Drug charges are very serious. Don't face it alone. Competent legal counsel can be the difference between community service and San Quentin. Contact San Jose Criminal Defense Attorney William Chestnut at 408-298-6990 for more detailed information pertaining to your California drug possession case.