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.

There is a Meth to the Madness.

Let’s talk about one drug in particular.  Getting charged with the possession of methamphetamine is a serious crime.  It goes by many names, but meth is a potent stimulant that carries an exceptionally negative stigma.  If you or a loved one has been charged with possessing meth, you may face a severe uphill battle.

You should know what it takes to be convicted of meth possession.  You had actual possession of the drug at the time of the arrest.  You knew that it was methamphetamine and not something else.  You are holding more than just a trace amount.  It is known as a “usable quantity”.  That could be interpreted in different ways.

You can’t turn back the clock.  Being convicted of meth possession carries life-altering penalties.  At this time, you need aggressive representation from a California drug defense attorney.  The right person for the job may well be the 45-year practicing San Jose criminal lawyer William Chestnut.  Call Bill today and discuss your case at his office.  That number is (408) 298-6990.

Pot 101.

Is that how many joints you’ve smoked legally since the law changed in California?  No, this is a tutorial on how marijuana laws have evolved this year and where they are now.  Here is a fact.  Recreational use of marijuana became legal in California on January 1, 2018. The legalization is the result of voter passage of Proposition 64 in November 2016.

If you are over 21 as you read this, you are allowed to possess up to one ounce of dried marijuana or eight grams of concentrated cannabis.  Now, here is what you NEED to know!   Adults who exceed these amounts can be charged with a misdemeanor and punished by up to 6 months in county jail and/or a fine of up to $500.

So, it is NOT a free ride by any means.  You can still do jail time for just possessing weed.  You may have lost track of that.  If you or a loved one is facing a fine or jail time for marijuana consumption in California, then call San Jose Criminal Attorney William Chestnut.  Sit down with Bill at his office and consider your options.  That number is (408) 298-6990.

Redefining Drug Possession in California.

It is a brave new world out there Mr. Huxley.  Pot is now legal in our state.  Some are saying hallelujah while others exclaim oh no!  Proposition 64 is over 60 pages in length.  Make no mistake about it, you could still be arrested for the illegal use of marijuana in this state.  You need to know some of the facts.

Here are several…

1.  You have to be over 21.

2.  Don’t think that you can light up wherever you feel like it.

3.  You will be fined for smoking in public.

4.  If you want to sell it, you will need a state license.

5.  Selling pot without a license could easily result in fines and incarceration.

Just be careful and sensible out there.  Look at it this way…the 2nd amendment does not give us the right to fire off guns in public!  When you need aggressive drug possession or trafficking defense you call William Chestnut.  He has protected Californians for more than four decades from his office now located in San Jose.  Give Bill a call at (408) 298-6990.

Drug Possession 2017.

So, let’s get an update on what constitutes drug possession.  Our friends in Nevada say marijuana is now free to purchase and use within your home.  What about us here in the Big Bear State?  California state laws include two diverse categories for crimes of drug possession.  They are simple possession and possession with the intent to sell.

We are taking a step in the direction of marijuana.  The California Health and Safety Code now separates offenses related to controlled substances.  There are “dangerous drugs” and there is weed.  There are specific offenses related to methamphetamine as well.  If the prosecutor feels that someone had the intent to sell their stash that’s a whole new ball of wax!

Drug possession and intent to sell are very slippery slopes.  You need an experienced, aggressive San Jose drug defense attorney to represent you in any California criminal court.  Attorney William Chestnut has devoted the last 40 years of his life to defending people accused of crimes in our state.  Please call him today at (408) 298-6990.

Major California Drug Cases on the 2017 Docket.

It is always good to be informed.  California may have some landmark cases this year that will have an impact on drug law for years to come.  We thought that it would be wise to make you aware of one such case.  In particular, if you suffer from asthma or have a loved one who is so afflicted.

This case is T.H. vs Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.  This centers on product liability.  Can the asthma drug Novartis be held responsible for misrepresenting itself and failing to warn about a major side-effect that could occur.  In one particular case a pair of twins developed autism after their mother took Novartis for her asthma.

Cases such as these are many and varied.  We wanted you to be aware of one of them.  If you are faced with a criminal case as it pertains to drug possession or trafficking you have the comfort of relying on the four decades of experience of William Chestnut.  Bill is a San Jose CA drug criminal defense attorney.  Call him anytime at (480)  298-6990.

Drug Trafficking Charge.

This is obviously serious business.  When simple drug possession becomes trafficking a whole new set of circumstances are in play.  This is not anything close to being caught with marijuana on your person or any other drug for that matter.  A drug trafficking conviction will haunt you for the rest of your life in attempting to get jobs and perhaps even where you live.

Drug trafficking by definition is the illegal sale or distribution of a controlled substance.  What is the difference between distribution and trafficking?  Distribution is a Class B felony which carries a maximum jail sentence of up to 20 years and a $10,000 fine.  You may not know this, but distribution can morph into trafficking just by the “weight” of the substances involved!

Something as seemingly innocuous as this could be the difference in how and where you will spend the rest of your life.  Without hesitation you must call Attorney William Chestnut.  He is an experienced drug trafficking defense lawyer in San Jose, California.  He will bring more than 40 years of experience and success to defend you aggressively.  Call Bill today for help with your case 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.