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.

The Distinction Between a Career Criminal and a Drug Addict

Drug use in America has skyrocketed. Some attribute it to the drug companies reintroducing the public to opioids and other horribly addictive drugs that will make the most pious person turn into a full blown addict.
Along with an addiction comes a physical and psychological need to get more... By any means necessary. Often, crime is the choice. When deep enough in the throws of addiction, one may or may not be able to decipher right from wrong. Crime then becomes not an option but an only resort.


There are repercussions for breaking the law, but theres also a distinction between a career criminal and a drug addict. The law unfortunately doesn't make that distinction. Which is why sentence reform is needed. The war on drugs was about as successful as the Vietnam War. A lot of people have died and no progress has been made.
If you or someone you know has been charged with drug possession, use, abuse, sales, etc. Give us a call today. The justice system doesn't care about your reasoning for committing crime, but we do.

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.

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.

Someone Willing To Fight For Me On A Sex Offense Charge.

A sex offense charge can carry with it not only a harsh penalty, but an unshakable stigma. Unfortunately, our laws make anyone who has had a sex offense register as a "sex offender". When people hear: "sex offender" they are inclined to place all sex charges under the same umbrella. This can not only inhibit your ability to gain or maintain employment for the rest of your life. It will also inhibit or render impossible the ability to obtain a residence.

Whatever your sex offense charge may be, The Law Offices of William Chestnut are willing to fight for you. Don't let a stigma ruin your future. Going it alone will guarantee a bleak future. We aren't here to judge, we're hear to ensure that ALL of your rights are protected. Our attorney's will fight for you and your future.

If you or someone you know is facing sex offense charges, give us a call NOW. Time is of dire importance. Don't let the legal system chew you up, spit you out and then stigmatize you.

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.

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.