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SANTO MEHAS A Professional Law Corporation SANTO MEHAS A Professional Law Corporation
A Team of Compassionate Legal Advocates 805-222-7818
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Domestic Violence / Restraining Orders Guiding You Through Difficult Times

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ATTORNEY IN VENTURA

Understanding Domestic Violence Laws in California

Domestic violence is a serious offense, and, unfortunately, very common within close intimate relationships and families. Domestic violence allegations have a major impact on how child custody and visitation orders are determined. In the event you (and/or your child) were a victim of such abuse, you will want to ensure that you are awarded sole custody of your child. We are here to help you make this happen.

Child abuse:

  • Under California Penal Code Section 273d, this is defined as, the infliction of cruel or inhuman corporal punishment or injury on a child.

Battery on a spouse or cohabitant:

  • You commit the crime of domestic battery if you inflict force or violence on your current or former spouse or current or former cohabitant on purpose.

Corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant:

  • A corporal injury is an injury that could result in a traumatic condition.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, we understand that you are going through a hard time. Let our attorneys provide you with the legal support and advice you need during this time. Contact us today for immediate assistance!

What to Do if You Are a Victim of Domestic Abuse

You do not have to live with abuse. If you or your child needs protection from your spouse or domestic partner, contact a domestic violence shelter in Ventura, California and get in touch with our experienced lawyers today. We will provide you with compassionate counsel and promise to walk you through every step of the process.

What to Do If You Were Wrongly Accused of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence allegations are taken very seriously. If your spouse or partner has wrongly accused you of this type of abuse, you need to hire a lawyer as soon as possible. Without this support, you could lose custody of your child. Our attorneys have extensive experience working through false allegation cases and are happy to get started on your case.

What Happens if My Spouse Is Convicted of Domestic Violence?

Your spouse may face criminal penalties if he/she is convicted of domestic violence. These penalties might include jail time, fees, probation, mandatory domestic violence counseling, and the issuance of a protective order. The judge will look to see if your spouse committed abuse against you or your child in the last five years before determining custody and visitation rights.

The court will base this decision on the following criteria:

  • If it is proven that it is in the child’s best interests for the perpetrator to have custody
  • If the perpetrator has completed the necessary parenting classes and domestic violence counseling
  • Whether the perpetrator is on probation or parole and if he/she has been compliant
  • Whether the perpetrator has committed additional acts of domestic violence
  • Whether the perpetrator is restrained by a protective order

Support Resources for Domestic Violence Victims in Ventura County

  • Ventura County Crisis Team: 1-866-998-2243 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
  • Law Enforcement and Medical Emergencies: 911
  • Interface Children & Family Services: 1-800-636-6738 (services include a family violence response team, a safe haven emergency shelter, a safe journey transitional shelter, and a women’s support group)
  • 2-1-1 Ventura County Information & Referral: Call 2-1-1
  • Project Connecting with my Peers: Educating women about the early signs of depression, Oxnard: (805) 483-1166; Santa Paula / Fillmore: (818) 427-5444
  • The National Domestic Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Protecting Against Family Violence in Oxnard & Surrounding Areas

Domestic violence usually occurs after a pattern of inappropriate and disrespectful behavior. Protect you and your family members today by contacting an attorney at our firm. No one should have to endure abuse, and we want to help make sure you do not have to any longer.

Get in touch online or give us a call at (805) 222-7818 to learn more about how we can help you with your domestic violence case. 

An Emphasis on Strong Family Values

Our firm places a strong emphasis on the importance of family values. The balance between maintaining these family values and generating a better future for you and your family is one we strive to achieve with each case. Our values consist of:
  • Holistic Approach

    We aim to resolve conflict so you and your family can move on peacefully. We approach all aspects of a case, including the emotional, financial, and mental components, and advocate with you throughout.

  • Collaboration

    Collaborative divorce can be a great option for spouses looking to share joint custody of their child/children and the court looks favorably on this decision. When possible, we strive to come to a resolution that will benefit both spouses.

  • Children Come First

    We respect the fact that our clients trust us with important life-decisions. We strive to be as understanding and empathetic as we can with you and treat you like we would treat a close family member.

  • Compassionate Legal Services

    We respect the fact that our clients trust us with important life-decisions. We strive to be as understanding and empathetic as we can with you and treat you like we would treat a close family member.

Our Satisfied Clients

Real Stories from Real People
  • “Donna guided me through at a comfortable pace on both a personal and professional level.”

    I was going through a difficult divorce, one which was stressful to both my wife and myself, so I needed to find solutions which would be fair and just and to relieve the tension. I was living in the Bay Area at the time and did much of the work on the phone, on my computer and at the Santo Mehas office in Ventura. I had heard of the reputation of the Santo Mehas law firm and trusted Donna as a person of integrity and sensitivity which is who I needed to get through this difficult process. I was not looking forward to working with the personal sensitive issues or the introspection necessary to get through this difficult process. Donna guided me through at a comfortable pace on both a personal and professional level. The case ended in a fair and respectable settlement for both parties and my ex and I are still friends years later. I am much happier for knowing that this is from a previous life and I have moved on. I still keep in contact with the family law lawyers at Santo Mehas as well as my ex.

    - Phillip M.
  • “Donna did a great job on my divorce.”
    “They kept the case on track, knew which options were optimal, and responded well to my preferences for proceeding.They kept legal bills to a minimum as they worked expertly on my behalf.”
    - David
  • “If you think you need help, you do and I recommend this firm.”
    If you think you need help, you do and I recommend this firm. After a very sticky situation in court, Donna and Michael came in and saved the day on short notice. Not only are they a very knowledgeable firm but truly care about their clients. They take the time to listen and in turn explain the legal side to bridge the gap in feelings vs law.
    - Bonnie V.
  • “I recommend them”
    Never fun needing to hire a lawyer but Michael and Donna were great to work with and helped to make the process go smoothly. They were both easy to reach, offered clear advice, and were honest in all of their interactions. I recommend them if you find yourself in need of solid legal help.
    - Brian L.
  • “Donna and Michael handled my case with care”
    “Donna and Michael handled my case with care”
    - Laura Q.
  • “I was able to be a part of my child’s life which is priceless.”

    I had a divorce and child custody case and Santo Mehas represented me. Michael Mehas traveled from his Ventura office to Fresno to appear on my behalf and was diligent in fighting for my rights as a parent. We had a positive outcome with agreeable visitation rights. I was able to be a part of my child’s life which is priceless.

    - Matthew A.
  • “She and her staff are professional with decades of experience.”

    I recommend Donna Santo and her staff. She and her staff are professional with decades of experience. They understand the law and how family law cases are heard in the courts. I had an extremely complex custody case with dozens of health professionals, collateral contacts, and opinions floating around. There were so many accusations, crisis, and charges; and every one of them felt extremely important to me. My concerns were serious, and the innumerable quantity along with counter accusations overwhelmed the courts. Donna's office was able to sift through and make sense of things to help get things on track. Donna's office took the time to relate this to the courts in a logical digestible manner for the best possible outcome. It took time. I needed to trust. She knows her stuff, and is strong at the right times.

    - Jason
  • “Michael & Donna EXCEEDED my expectations”
    “Michael & Donna ! Where do I begin! ?? You two are VERY SPECIAL HUMAN BEINGS ? I Can't thank you enough for the UNBELIEVABLE support & services I have received from your office. I was in a VERY tough place in the situation I was unfortunately, unex”
    - Alyssa S.