Domestic Violence Lawyers in Santa Cruz County, California

File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) at Santa Cruz County Superior Court. You can get emergency forms at the courthouse self-help center. RightsReach can help you prepare the required Judicial Council forms (DV-100) for free.

Where is the Santa Cruz County court that handles domestic violence cases? ↓

Santa Cruz County Superior Court handles DV cases. Address: 701 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Phone: (831) 454-2000.

Does Santa Cruz County have a self-help center for DV cases? ↓

Contact Santa Cruz County Superior Court directly to ask about self-help services for domestic violence matters.

What is the National Domestic Violence Hotline? ↓

Call 1-800-799-7233 (1-800-799-SAFE), available 24/7. You can also text START to 88788 or chat at thehotline.org. For California-specific resources, call the CA Partnership to End DV at 916-444-7163.

Can I find a free domestic violence lawyer in Santa Cruz County? ↓

Yes. Many attorneys in Santa Cruz County offer free consultations for DV survivors, and some take cases pro bono or on a reduced-fee basis. You can also contact your local legal aid organization or the State Bar of California Lawyer Referral Service at 1-866-442-2529. RightsReach lists 50 attorneys who serve Santa Cruz County — browse the listings above.

What are my rights as a domestic violence survivor under California law? ↓

California law provides strong protections: you have the right to emergency protective orders (EPO) available immediately through police; the right to a DVRO hearing within 21 days; the right to request leave from work under the California Labor Code; the right to break a lease if you need to relocate for safety; and the right to victim compensation through the California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) for out-of-pocket losses. Marsy's Law (Article I, § 28 of the California Constitution) also gives crime victims the right to be heard, to be informed, and to be protected throughout the criminal justice process.

What is Marsy's Law and how does it protect victims in Santa Cruz County? ↓

Marsy's Law (California Constitution, Article I, § 28) is a constitutional amendment that guarantees crime victims 17 specific rights, including: the right to be notified of court proceedings; the right to be heard at sentencing; the right to restitution; the right to be protected from the defendant; and the right to refuse interviews with the defense. These rights apply to all crime victims in Santa Cruz County and across California. Ask the Santa Cruz County Superior Court victim advocate or your attorney to help you enforce these rights.

Know Your Rights in Santa Cruz County

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Emergency Protective Orders

Police can issue an Emergency Protective Order (EPO) on the spot — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — even before you go to court. An EPO is valid for up to 7 days and orders the abuser to leave your home and stay away from you and your children.

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Domestic Violence Restraining Orders

You can file for a DVRO at Santa Cruz County Superior Court without an attorney. A temporary restraining order (TRO) can be granted the same day. A full hearing must be held within 21 days. RightsReach can prepare your DV-100 forms for free.

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Marsy's Law Rights

As a crime victim in Santa Cruz County, you have constitutional rights under Marsy's Law: the right to be heard at sentencing, the right to restitution, the right to be notified of all proceedings, and the right to be protected from the defendant throughout the case.

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Work & Housing Protections

California law entitles you to take time off work for court appearances, medical attention, or safety planning — without losing your job. You also have the right to break your lease and relocate if your safety requires it, with written notice to your landlord.

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Victim Compensation

The California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) can reimburse you for medical bills, mental health counseling, lost wages, moving expenses, and other costs related to the abuse. You do not need a criminal conviction to apply. Call 1-800-777-9229 or visit victims.ca.gov.

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Privacy & Address Confidentiality

California's Safe at Home program (Secretary of State) provides a confidential substitute address so abusers cannot find you through public records, mail, or legal filings. Enrollment is free. Contact the Santa Cruz County DA's victim services unit or call 1-877-322-5227.

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Practice Areas in Santa Cruz County

Domestic Violence Marsy's Law Child Civil Rights Family Law Criminal Defense Restraining Orders Child Custody

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Nearby Counties

San Luis Obispo San Mateo Santa Barbara Santa Clara Shasta Sierra Siskiyou Solano

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🚨 Emergency Resources

National DV Hotline

1-800-799-7233

24/7 · Free · Confidential · Also text START to 88788

CA Partnership to End DV

916-444-7163

California-specific resources and referrals

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741

Free 24/7 text support

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Santa Cruz County — Domestic Violence Legal Resources

50 Attorneys in Santa Cruz County

Frequently Asked Questions