William Chestnut | South Bay Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

(408) 298-6990

Recently, California has increased its efforts to curb domestic violence. These efforts have centered on requiring arrests, increased prosecution, and tougher sentences.

Though well intentioned, some of these "get tough" policies create incentives that can lead to overcharging and unfair convictions. Many people are caught in this dragnet when the best solution is not criminal punishment but honest, constructive work within the family and a commitment to change.

If you have been charged with domestic violence or assault, it is essential to hire a defense attorney who will listen to your side of the story and make sure your rights are protected. San Jose criminal defense lawyer William Chestnut has been protecting the rights of the accused for 30 years and has defended thousands of clients. Contact him now through this Web site or call (408) 298-6990 ext 13, for a free initial consultation.

Attorney Chestnut provides powerful criminal defense representation for clients throughout Santa Clara County, San Mateo County, Alameda County, Silicon Valley and the South Bay Area who are facing charges of domestic violence, such as:

• Excessive force: This is the charge in most domestic assault cases, defined as using force to cause a traumatic condition or inflict a corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant.
• Assault: Any act of physical violence against a family member is considered assault or assault with a deadly weapon.
• Kidnapping: Although most people assume kidnapping must involve a child, holding someone against his or her will, such as forcing him or her into a car and driving off, is considered kidnapping.
• Creating a traumatic condition for a child: Child abuse—or family violence in front of a child—can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.
• Making terrorist threats: Making a credible threat of violence or death against a spouse, former spouse, or cohabitant is considered a "terrorist threat" or "terroristic threat."
• Attempting to sway the witness: This includes any attempt to prevent a witness or victim of domestic violence from contacting the police or pressing charges.

Although there are very few diversion programs and alternative sentencing options in domestic violence cases Attorney Chestnut can assist you in minimizing your criminal sentence. He also represents defendants in protective order ("restraining orders") hearings, where it is determined whether a no-contact order or peaceful contact order will be issued. 

Contact Attorney William Chestnut for a Free Initial Consultation

When you are charged under California's strict domestic violence laws, you need to hire an attorney you can rely on to protect your rights from your protective order hearing through trial. Attorney William Chestnut is committed to helping you obtain the most positive outcome possible in your situation. Contact his San Jose law offices today for a free initial consultation.

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Law Offices of William Chestnut

1625 The Alameda, Suite 705
San Jose, CA 95126-2207
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Phone: (408) 298-6990 | Fax: (408) 292-6363

From law offices in San Jose, criminal defense attorney William Chestnut represents clients throughout Silicon Valley and the South Bay Area, in communities including San Jose, Campbell, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Milpitas, Gilroy, Morgan Hill,Los Gatos, Saratoga, Monte Sereno, Los Altos, Fremont, Hayward, Oakland, Alameda, Pleasanton, Palo Alto, Redwood City, South San Francisco and San Mateo, California.

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