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.

Sticks and Stones.

The old adage says that sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me.  However, as it pertains to a criminal trial, what the jury perceives may make all the difference in the verdict that they render.  All human beings have preferences for one thing or prejudices against another.

Both conscious and unconscious biases influence juries in criminal trials.  We know that a trial should be decided on the facts, how people see one another and how they interpret the facts can differ dramatically based on their individual biases.  Jurors who have seen the exact same evidence often disagree about the appropriate verdict.

Knowing that is one of areas of expertise that San Jose Criminal Defense Attorney William Chestnut brings to the table.  Having practiced in the Big Bear State for more than four decades he knows a great deal about the perceived biases of California jurors.  Call Bill today for vigorous criminal defense at (408) 298-6990.

Reasons to Hire a Smaller Law Firm.

Are you tired of tuning in to Judge Judy or the local news and seeing attorney ads?  I think everybody (except maybe “the stars”) are tired of them.  Would you hire a huge law firm that may pass you off to an associate that has months of experience in the legal profession?  Many people around San Jose have done that much to their chagrin.

I am William Chestnut and here is what I pledge to you –

1.  I listen carefully

2.  Always keep what you say confidential

3.  I will take your calls and return your emails

4.  A thorough investigation of your case will be done by ME

Just one more thing, I will fight like a bulldog to defend your side and win your case.  I take each and every client very personally.  That is what you get with William Chestnut.  I am a criminal defense attorney serving the area around Santa Clara County and I was born in San Jose California.  Let’s meet for a free consultation.  Give me a call anytime at (408) 298-6990.

Your Professional License may be Hanging in the Balance.

In the State of California if you are convicted, or even under investigation for a crime, then your professional license may be affected on a number of different levels.  Of course, a felony conviction would have a far greater impact on your future than would a misdemeanor, but either could be catastrophic!

Some vocations have stricter rules than others, but here are some of the careers that can be derailed in the Big Bear State.  Among others they are…accountants, attorneys (not surprisingly), people in the medical profession such as dentists, chiropractors, nurses, etc.  Even pharmacists may be affected by an investigation or conviction.

In the professional world you are always exposed even by the suspicion of a spurious deed.  Please call William Chestnut if you are under investigation for a felony or even a misdemeanor.  The stakes are way too high!  San Jose criminal defense attorney Bill Chestnut is ready to help in any way that he can.  Just call (408) 298-6990.