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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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“I appreciated her absolute professionalism & integrity throughout the divorce process.”
- Jennifer C.I have had the pleasure of retaining Donna Santo as my divorce attorney. Obviously, no one wants to retain a divorce attorney but sometimes life leads you to things you thought you'd never have to do. Donna came highly recommended by contacts, friends, and colleagues. She has been practicing law for over 40 years. I appreciated her absolute professionalism & integrity throughout the divorce process - something that was not mirrored from opposing counsel. I wanted as little drama as possible with the negotiations and proceedings and that is the way she conducted herself and my case. Her staff was truly wonderful to work with. I'm happy to speak with or provide a professional reference for her.
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“Donna fought for me and she will fight for you.”
I have a pretty complicated case that needed a lot of things done quickly and Donna was able to not only get them done but she knocked it out of the park and I am very happy with the outcome. She is also great at communicating things throughout the process in a way that I could understand.- Wayne -
“5 stars is not enough.”
5 stars is not enough. Mr. Mehas and Ms. Santo are the A team of attorneys. They are comprehensive, strategic, one step ahead, and a powerful team! When you hire the Santo Mehas firm to manage your case, you have hired a team of legal advocates who care, who will keep you informed, who will fight for you, and be the voice you need to represent you. Without the help of the entire firm, I know that I would not have had the successful outcomes I have had. They took on an extremely difficult case and encountered issues that no one expected and few had ever seen. They worked tirelessly to make sure that the truth was told and presented it perfectly. They stood by every one of my requests and guided me through the entire lengthy process. Though there were challenges, they strategically and diligently with compassion met them head on and never faltered. Their expertise and thoroughness provided us the pathway we needed to rise to victory. I am proud to be a client and will continue to retain them for all legal matters that may arise as I know I am in the best hands.- Christy B. -
“A+ lawyer!”
- JessIt's been a constant struggle with my son's father, before acquiring Ms. Donna Santo as my attorney, I had no chance to show the courts the stress my ex was causing for me and my son. Ms. Santo and her team have helped me exercise my rights as a mother and legally they have put me in a position to ultimately give my son the best life possible. Her staff was extremely professional and helpful. I was very satisfied with the services I received and I would highly recommend her. She is a good listener and she gave me great advice. Ms. Santo went above and beyond to make sure I fully understood the process and responded quickly to emails and voicemails. She is the greatest lawyer ever.
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“I have the highest recommendations for this office”
- Chris L.Concern for my personal well being through the divorce process was present from our initial meeting. The process was thoroughly described and projections on the length of time to achieve the outcome made clear. The financial projection was painful but provided me time I needed to arrange my assets. I have the highest recommendations for this office.
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“Donna and Michael are outstanding”
Donna and Michael are outstanding, I was referred to their office and as soon as I retained their services the legal nightmare I was in was over and the tone changed from the other party immediately. Donna will not lead you into a false sense in pursuing an unrealistic outcome. Donna achieved a very fair ruling and straightened out lots of dishonesty in my case against the other party which was much needed.- John H. -
“Donna Santo is a no nonsense, highly professional family attorne”
- ScottDonna Santo is a no nonsense, highly professional family attorney. She has many years of experience which I found to be critical when it came to working in the family court system. She has had experience with all the judges and therefore quickly formulates a plan that is realistic, and has the best chance of success. You could not make a better choice to help you through this incredibly difficult situation.
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“If 10 stars had been a choice I would have given them 10 STARS.”
“If 10 stars had been a choice I would have given them 10 STARS.”- Paul R.
