Oceano Restraining Orders Attorney

57+ Years of Combined Experience

Facing a Restraining Order in Oceano? Here's What You Need to Know

Being served with a restraining order in Oceano can feel like your rights and freedom are being stripped away—but you’re not alone, and you have options to fight unjust orders. Whether you’re dealing with domestic violence restraining orders (DVRO) from ex-partners or spouses seeking tactical advantages in custody disputes, civil harassment restraining orders from neighbors, acquaintances, or strangers making false allegations, workplace violence restraining orders threatening your employment, gun violence restraining orders resulting in firearm confiscation, elder or dependent adult abuse restraining orders, restraining order violations when you’re accused of contact or proximity breaches, false allegations weaponizing the restraining order system for revenge or custody purposes, emergency protective orders (EPO) issued by Sheriff’s deputies at scenes, temporary restraining orders (TRO) issued ex parte without your input before hearings, or permanent restraining orders lasting up to five years removing you from your Oceano home and prohibiting contact with family members, understanding California’s restraining order laws under Code of Civil Procedure and specialized statutes is the first step toward protecting your rights, challenging false allegations, preserving relationships with children, maintaining your residence, avoiding firearm confiscation, and preventing permanent orders that create lasting consequences including removal from your home in Oceano, prohibition from contacting family or children, loss of firearm rights, criminal records if violations occur, employment termination, and social stigma in tight-knit coastal community where restraining orders become public knowledge affecting reputation and relationships when false allegations or exaggerated claims shouldn’t result in orders that destroy families, separate parents from children, and eliminate constitutional rights based solely on unproven accusations.

At Central Coast Criminal Defense, we’ve defended Oceano residents against restraining orders since 2010. We know the San Luis Obispo County courts where Oceano restraining order hearings are held, the judges at San Luis Obispo Superior Court who decide whether to grant permanent orders, the domestic violence and civil harassment procedures, law enforcement including Sheriff’s deputies who serve and enforce orders, and—most importantly—we know how to fight for results that protect what matters most: dismissed restraining orders at contested hearings when allegations are false or insufficient, modified orders with less restrictive terms allowing you to remain in your Oceano home, contact with children through reasonable visitation, shortened durations reducing years-long impacts, stay-away distances allowing normal daily activities, and preserved firearm rights when orders would trigger confiscation—fighting for outcomes that recognize restraining orders are often weaponized in custody disputes, divorce proceedings, and personal conflicts with false allegations or greatly exaggerated claims used to gain tactical advantages, separate defendants from homes and children, and punish ex-partners through legal system abuse when actual abuse or harassment never occurred or was mutual conduct that doesn’t warrant restraining orders permanently altering defendants’ lives, destroying parent-child relationships, and creating criminal liability for innocent contact in small Oceano community where avoiding restrained persons may be impossible when everyone shares same beaches, stores, and limited public spaces.

What Are Restraining Orders Under California Law?

Restraining orders (also called protective orders) are court orders prohibiting individuals from contact, harassment, threats, or proximity to protected persons, issued under various California statutes serving different purposes. Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVRO) under Family Code 6200 protect intimate partners, spouses, cohabitants, dating partners, parents of shared children, and family members from abuse defined broadly to include physical violence, threats, harassment, stalking, sexual assault, and emotional abuse—with orders requiring proving reasonable apprehension of serious bodily injury or evidence of past abuse. Civil Harassment Restraining Orders under CCP 527.6 protect individuals from neighbors, acquaintances, roommates, or strangers engaging in harassment defined as unlawful violence, credible threats of violence, or course of conduct seriously alarming, annoying, or harassing serving no legitimate purpose. Workplace Violence Restraining Orders under CCP 527.8 protect employees from workplace threats or violence. Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVRO) under CCP 18100 temporarily prohibit firearm possession by individuals posing significant danger. Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Orders under WIC 15657.03 protect vulnerable adults from abuse or neglect. Emergency Protective Orders (EPO) are issued by law enforcement officers at scenes lasting 5-7 days providing immediate protection, Temporary Restraining Orders (TRO) are issued ex parte (without defendant present) lasting up to 21-25 days until noticed hearings, and permanent restraining orders lasting up to 5 years are issued after contested hearings where both parties testify and present evidence with judges deciding whether preponderance of evidence (more likely than not) supports orders.

Restraining order consequences are severe and immediate: move-away orders requiring defendants leave shared residences even when defendants own homes or have equal tenancy rights, no-contact orders prohibiting all communication including phone, text, email, social media, or third-party contact, stay-away orders requiring minimum distances from protected persons’ homes, workplaces, schools, and vehicles making normal activities difficult in small Oceano community, custody and visitation impacts including loss of custody, supervised visitation only, or no contact with children, firearm prohibition and confiscation requiring surrender of all guns and ammunition, employment consequences when employers learn of orders or workplace restrictions, criminal charges for violations under PC 273.6 carrying up to 1 year jail for misdemeanor or 3 years prison for felonies, and permanent records appearing on background checks affecting housing and employment. In Oceano and throughout San Luis Obispo County, restraining orders commonly arise from domestic violence allegations in breakups, divorces, or custody disputes when ex-partners seek tactical advantages through EPOs and DVROs, neighbor disputes escalating to civil harassment claims over noise, property boundaries, or personal conflicts, dating relationship breakups where former partners claim harassment or stalking, family conflicts between parents and adult children or between siblings, and false allegations motivated by revenge, financial gain, custody advantages, or desires to remove defendants from shared Oceano homes forcing sales or allowing exclusive possession. Restraining order hearings at San Luis Obispo Superior Court involve petitioner testimony about alleged abuse or harassment, respondent defense testimony contradicting allegations, witness testimony, documentary evidence including texts, emails, photos, police reports, and medical records, and judicial determinations whether preponderance of evidence supports orders considering credibility, corroboration, and whether petitioners have reasonable apprehension of harm or past abuse occurred warranting restraining orders’ severe restrictions on respondents’ constitutional rights and freedoms.

What many Oceano residents served with restraining orders don’t understand is that temporary restraining orders are issued ex parte without hearings or defendant input based solely on petitioner’s unverified allegations requiring immediate response and contested hearings within 21-25 days to prevent permanent orders, restraining orders are frequently weaponized in custody disputes with false or exaggerated allegations to gain sole custody and exclude other parents from children’s lives, orders can be defeated at contested hearings when allegations are false, exaggerated, or don’t meet legal standards for abuse or harassment, mutual restraining orders where both parties restrain each other are disfavored but sometimes appropriate when both engaged in harassing conduct, and violations have serious criminal consequences making strict compliance essential even when petitioners invite contact or orders seem unjust. Additionally, restraining orders in small communities like Oceano create nearly impossible compliance situations when defendants and petitioners frequent same beaches, stores, restaurants, schools, and limited public spaces making accidental proximity violations likely, petitioners sometimes strategically position themselves near defendants claiming violations, and avoiding restrained persons requires defendants abandon normal activities and community presence creating isolation and hardship. California law provides defenses to restraining orders including lack of abuse or harassment when allegations don’t constitute prohibited conduct, false allegations when petitioners fabricate or greatly exaggerate claims for tactical purposes, mutual combat or self-defense when both parties engaged in physical altercations equally, constitutional speech and assembly rights protecting lawful conduct that petitioners characterize as harassment, and insufficient evidence when petitioners cannot prove allegations by preponderance of evidence requiring specific incidents with dates, times, and corroboration not mere conclusions or generalized fears. Without aggressive representation at contested restraining order hearings that challenges petitioner credibility through cross-examination, presents defense evidence including witnesses and communications contradicting allegations, demonstrates tactical motivations for false claims, proves allegations don’t meet legal definitions of abuse or harassment, and argues orders aren’t necessary or should have limited scope, you risk permanent restraining orders based on false accusations removing you from your Oceano home, prohibiting contact with your children, confiscating firearms, creating criminal liability for innocent conduct, and permanently damaging reputation in tight-knit community where restraining orders brand defendants as abusers or harassers regardless of truth when aggressive defense can expose lies, challenge exaggerations, and prevent unjust orders destroying lives and families based solely on unproven allegations that procedurally favored system makes too easy to obtain without meaningful scrutiny of petitioner credibility or tactical motivations.

Legal Definition: Restraining orders are court orders prohibiting contact, harassment, threats, or proximity issued under various statutes including Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVRO) for intimate partners and family protecting from abuse, Civil Harassment Restraining Orders for neighbors and acquaintances protecting from harassment, Gun Violence Restraining Orders prohibiting firearms, with Emergency Protective Orders (EPO) issued by law enforcement lasting 5-7 days, Temporary Restraining Orders (TRO) issued ex parte lasting 21-25 days until hearings, and permanent orders lasting up to 5 years after contested hearings where preponderance of evidence standard applies requiring proof allegations more likely than not occurred.
Why It’s Devastating: Restraining orders immediately remove defendants from Oceano homes even when they own property or have equal rights, prohibit all contact with family members including children destroying parent-child relationships, require stay-away from workplaces potentially causing employment termination, confiscate firearms eliminating Second Amendment rights, create criminal liability for violations carrying up to 3 years prison, appear on background checks affecting housing and employment, and brand defendants as abusers or harassers in Oceano’s tight-knit community creating social stigma—all based on unproven allegations issued ex parte without defendants’ testimony or meaningful opportunity to defend before TROs are granted requiring immediate response to prevent permanent orders.
Common Situations: Domestic violence restraining orders in breakups or custody disputes when ex-partners seek tactical advantages, civil harassment orders from neighbor disputes over noise or property boundaries, false allegations in divorce proceedings for exclusive home possession or custody, dating relationship breakups where former partners claim harassment, family conflicts between parents and adult children, revenge-motivated restraining orders after relationship endings, emergency protective orders issued by Sheriff’s deputies at domestic violence scenes, and restraining order violations when defendants accused of contact breaches even when petitioners invited contact or accidental proximity occurred in small Oceano community where avoiding restrained persons may be impossible.

CRITICAL: You Have Right to Contested Hearing: Temporary restraining orders are issued without your testimony. You must request and attend contested hearing within 21-25 days or TRO becomes permanent. Do not contact petitioner even if invited—violations are criminal. Call +1 (805) 621-7181 IMMEDIATELY if served with restraining order—your home, children, and rights depend on immediate aggressive defense at hearing.

Restraining Orders We Defend in Oceano

We defend against all types of restraining orders in Oceano, San Luis Obispo County, and surrounding South County areas. Here are the orders we fight:

Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVRO)

Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (Family Code 6200)
Orders from intimate partners, spouses, cohabitants, or family members alleging abuse | Most common: False allegations in custody or divorce disputes, expose tactical motivations, challenge abuse claims
DVRO in Custody Disputes
Restraining orders sought primarily for custody advantages | Strategy: Demonstrate timing correlates with custody proceedings, expose false allegations, coordinate with family law
DVRO in Divorce Proceedings
Orders seeking exclusive possession of shared Oceano homes | Tactical abuse: Demonstrate financial motivations, challenge necessity, fight for equal home access or reasonable restrictions
DVRO Based on Mutual Combat
Allegations arising from fights where both parties participated | Defense: Demonstrate mutual combat, self-defense, challenge one-sided petitioner narrative ignoring their conduct
DVRO for Verbal Arguments
Claims that arguments or yelling constitute abuse | Insufficient: Demonstrate conduct doesn’t meet abuse definition requiring reasonable apprehension of harm, free speech rights

Civil Harassment Restraining Orders

Civil Harassment Restraining Orders (CCP 527.6)
Orders from neighbors, acquaintances, roommates, or strangers | Common: Neighbor disputes in Oceano, challenge harassment definition, demonstrate legitimate conduct
Neighbor Dispute Restraining Orders
Orders arising from property boundary, noise, or personal conflicts between Oceano neighbors | Strategy: Demonstrate petitioner’s conduct contributed to conflict, show legitimate property rights or free speech
Roommate or Tenant Disputes
Restraining orders from shared housing conflicts | Defense: Challenge harassment claims, demonstrate civil landlord-tenant dispute not criminal harassment
Dating Relationship (Non-Domestic) Harassment
Claims from brief dating relationships not qualifying as domestic violence | Civil harassment: Challenge whether conduct constitutes harassment, demonstrate mutual participation or consensual contact
Stalking Allegations
Claims of following, monitoring, or unwanted contact | Serious: Challenge whether conduct was unwanted, demonstrate legitimate reasons for presence, innocent explanations

Workplace Violence Restraining Orders

Workplace Violence Restraining Orders (CCP 527.8)
Orders sought by employers or coworkers alleging workplace threats | Employment consequences: Termination likely, challenge threat allegations, demonstrate misunderstandings or free speech
Employer-Initiated Orders
Restraining orders filed by Oceano businesses against employees or customers | Strategy: Challenge necessity, demonstrate no actual threats, argue financial or retaliation motivations

Gun Violence Restraining Orders

Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVRO)
Orders from law enforcement, family, or others prohibiting firearm possession | Firearm confiscation: Fight orders demonstrating no danger, challenge evidence, preserve Second Amendment rights
Emergency GVRO
21-day emergency orders issued by law enforcement | Immediate: Request hearings, challenge danger findings, demonstrate safe responsible gun ownership

Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Orders

Elder Abuse Restraining Orders (WIC 15657.03)
Orders protecting adults 65+ or dependent adults from abuse or neglect | Serious: Challenge abuse or neglect allegations, demonstrate proper care, expose family conflicts or financial motivations
Caretaker Disputes
Orders against family members caring for elderly relatives | Defense: Demonstrate proper care, challenge neglect allegations, show family disagreements not abuse

Emergency and Temporary Orders

Emergency Protective Orders (EPO)
5-7 day orders issued by Sheriff’s deputies at domestic violence or harassment scenes | Immediate: Short duration, request TRO hearings if extended, challenge at contested hearings
Temporary Restraining Orders (TRO)
21-25 day orders issued ex parte before contested hearings | Critical: Must attend contested hearing or TRO becomes permanent, prepare aggressive defense immediately
Ex Parte Orders
Orders issued without respondent present based only on petitioner’s allegations | Procedurally unfair: Prepare for contested hearing exposing false allegations, present defense evidence

Restraining Order Violations

Restraining Order Violations (PC 273.6)
Allegations of violating stay-away, no-contact, or other order terms | Criminal charges: Misdemeanor or felony up to 3 years prison, challenge whether contact occurred, demonstrate petitioner invited contact
Accidental Proximity Violations
Unintentional presence near protected persons in small Oceano community | Defense: Demonstrate accidental contact, lack of knowledge of petitioner’s presence, geographic impossibility of avoidance
Third-Party Contact Allegations
Claims that respondent used others to contact protected persons | Strategy: Challenge whether respondent directed contact, demonstrate third parties acted independently
Social Media or Electronic Contact
Allegations of prohibited contact through Facebook, Instagram, text, or email | Defense: Challenge whether respondent sent communications, demonstrate accounts were hacked or others had access
Invited Contact Violations
Allegations when protected persons invited or initiated contact | Unfair: Demonstrate petitioner invited contact, set up respondent, argue entrapment or bad faith prosecution

Modification and Termination

Restraining Order Modification
Requesting less restrictive terms or changed conditions | Relief: Modify stay-away distances, allow child contact, permit shared space access, demonstrate changed circumstances
Restraining Order Termination
Requesting early termination before expiration | Strategy: Demonstrate no continued necessity, show reconciliation or resolved conflicts, argue disproportionate restrictions

Mutual Restraining Orders

Mutual Restraining Order Requests
Requesting restraining orders against petitioners who also engaged in harassment | Strategy: File responsive requests, demonstrate mutual harassment or petitioner was aggressor, seek mutual orders
Cross-Complaints
Filing separate restraining order petitions against original petitioners | Defense and offense: Demonstrate petitioner’s harassing conduct, expose false allegations, pursue protective orders

Served with restraining order? Do not contact petitioner even if invited—violations are criminal. You must attend contested hearing within 21-25 days or TRO becomes permanent. Call +1 (805) 621-7181 IMMEDIATELY—your home, children, and rights depend on aggressive defense at hearing exposing false allegations.

What’s at Stake: Consequences of Restraining Orders

Restraining orders carry devastating immediate and long-term consequences. Here’s what you face:

Immediate Restrictions

Move-away orders requiring you leave your Oceano home immediately
No-contact orders prohibiting all communication with family or children
Stay-away orders requiring minimum distances from petitioner’s locations
Custody loss when orders prohibit contact with children
Supervised visitation only or no visitation with children
Firearm confiscation and prohibition eliminating Second Amendment rights
Employment termination when workplace restrictions apply

Long-Term Impacts

Permanent orders lasting up to 5 years affecting housing and family
Criminal charges for violations carrying up to 3 years prison
Background check appearances affecting employment and housing
Professional license consequences in some careers
Immigration consequences for non-citizens
Social stigma in Oceano branding you as abuser or harasser
Financial devastation from legal fees, lost housing, employment termination
Psychological trauma and family relationship destruction

⚠️ Your home, children, and rights are at stake immediately. Temporary restraining orders become permanent without contested hearing defense. Do not contact petitioner. Call immediately for emergency restraining order defense preparing for hearing within 21-25 days.

How We Fight Restraining Orders in Oceano

Since 2010, we’ve defended Oceano residents against restraining orders with an aggressive approach:

Immediate Response and Hearing Preparation
We immediately respond when clients are served with temporary restraining orders, explain contested hearing process and 21-25 day deadline, advise on strict compliance with TRO terms even if unjust to avoid criminal violations, begin gathering evidence and witnesses for contested hearing, file responsive declarations contradicting petitioner’s allegations, and prepare comprehensive hearing strategy exposing false allegations and tactical motivations.
Investigating and Gathering Defense Evidence
We immediately investigate allegations gathering text messages, emails, social media communications, and other evidence contradicting petitioner’s claims, interview witnesses who can testify to petitioner’s aggressive conduct, mutual conflicts, or fabricated allegations, obtain police reports, medical records, or other documentation disproving abuse or harassment claims, document respondent’s peaceful character through employer letters, friend statements, and community ties, and gather evidence of petitioner’s tactical motivations including custody disputes, divorce proceedings, or revenge desires.
Exposing False Allegations and Tactical Abuse
We demonstrate through evidence and timeline that restraining order allegations correlate with custody disputes, divorce filings, or relationship breakups showing tactical motivations, present communications where petitioner threatened to seek restraining orders for revenge or custody advantages, show prior false accusations by petitioner against others demonstrating pattern of manipulation, expose inconsistencies between petitioner’s declarations and actual evidence including texts, emails, or witness accounts, and argue petitioner weaponized restraining order system for personal gain not legitimate safety concerns.
Challenging Abuse and Harassment Definitions
We challenge whether petitioner’s allegations constitute abuse or harassment under legal definitions, demonstrate verbal arguments or yelling don’t create reasonable apprehension of serious bodily injury required for DVROs, show alleged conduct was protected speech under First Amendment, prove alleged harassment served legitimate purposes or was mutual conduct, and establish petitioner hasn’t met preponderance of evidence burden proving allegations more likely than not occurred.
Demonstrating Mutual Combat or Self-Defense
We present evidence showing both parties engaged in physical altercations equally making mutual combat not abuse, demonstrate respondent acted in self-defense against petitioner’s aggression, present witnesses describing petitioner as aggressor who respondent defended against, show petitioner’s injuries were result of self-defense not unprovoked attacks, and argue one-sided restraining orders are unjust when both parties participated in conflicts.
Contested Hearing Advocacy
At contested hearings we present respondent testimony credibly explaining what actually occurred contradicting petitioner’s allegations, introduce defense witnesses contradicting petitioner’s claims and describing petitioner’s conduct, present documentary evidence including texts, emails, photos disproving abuse or harassment allegations, conduct devastating cross-examination of petitioner exposing lies, inconsistencies, and tactical motivations, and argue preponderance of evidence doesn’t support permanent restraining orders warranting dismissal.
Negotiating Modified or Limited Orders
When dismissal isn’t achievable we negotiate with petitioners and judges for modified orders with less restrictive terms, argue for peaceful contact allowances permitting communication about children or shared property, negotiate stay-away distances allowing respondents to remain in Oceano community and access normal locations, secure child custody and visitation provisions despite restraining orders, and minimize order durations obtaining shortest terms possible reducing years-long impacts.
Coordinating with Family Law Cases
When restraining orders arise in custody or divorce contexts we coordinate with family law attorneys addressing both restraining order and family law proceedings, challenge restraining orders as tactical abuse in family court, present unified defense strategy across both proceedings, and demonstrate to family court judges that criminal restraining order allegations are false or exaggerated not warranting custody or visitation restrictions.
Defending Restraining Order Violations
When clients are accused of violating restraining orders we challenge whether prohibited contact actually occurred, demonstrate petitioner invited or initiated contact entrapping respondent, show contact was accidental or respondent lacked knowledge of petitioner’s presence in small Oceano community, prove communications weren’t sent by respondent but by others accessing accounts, and defend criminal violation charges aggressively to avoid convictions carrying up to 3 years prison.
Pursuing Modification and Termination
After restraining orders are issued we file modification petitions requesting less restrictive terms when circumstances change, pursue early termination before expiration dates when conflicts resolve, demonstrate continued orders are unnecessary based on reconciliation or lack of ongoing issues, and seek relief from overly burdensome restrictions disproportionate to actual circumstances.

Our Oceano restraining order defense practice has resulted in numerous dismissed restraining orders at contested hearings exposing false allegations, modified orders with less restrictive terms allowing clients to remain in homes and maintain child contact, shortened order durations reducing years-long impacts, negotiated peaceful contact allowances for child custody communications, preserved firearm rights by defeating gun violence restraining orders, dismissed restraining order violation charges demonstrating invited contact or accidental proximity, and helped countless Oceano residents avoid permanent orders based on false allegations or exaggerated claims. We understand that restraining orders are frequently weaponized in custody disputes with false domestic violence allegations to gain sole custody excluding other parents, divorce proceedings where one spouse seeks exclusive home possession forcing other from shared Oceano property, revenge situations where vindictive ex-partners use restraining orders to punish former partners, and neighbor conflicts where disputes over property or noise escalate to harassment claims—and that many restraining order allegations involve mutual combat where both parties participated, verbal arguments that don’t constitute abuse, protected speech characterized as harassment, or greatly exaggerated claims where minor incidents are portrayed as serious abuse creating false narratives requiring aggressive challenge through cross-examination and defense evidence. Many Oceano residents we represent facing restraining orders are completely innocent of abuse or harassment allegations, acted in self-defense against attacking petitioners, engaged in mutual conflicts no worse than petitioners’ conduct, or committed no harassment beyond exercising constitutional rights that petitioners seek to suppress through restraining orders—and we fight aggressively at contested hearings to expose false allegations through cross-examination, present defense evidence contradicting petitioner narratives, demonstrate tactical motivations for restraining order abuse, challenge whether allegations meet legal definitions of abuse or harassment, and prevent permanent orders that would remove clients from Oceano homes, separate them from children, confiscate firearms, create criminal liability for innocent conduct, and permanently brand them as abusers or harassers in tight-knit community where reputations once destroyed are nearly impossible to rebuild when restraining orders based on unproven allegations shouldn’t destroy families and lives without meaningful scrutiny of petitioner credibility and respondent’s right to defend against accusations.

When restraining orders threaten your home, children, and rights in Oceano based on false allegations or tactical abuse, you need more than just legal representation—you need an advocate who fights aggressively at contested hearings exposing lies and protecting your family. That’s exactly what you get with Central Coast Criminal Defense.

Get Your Free Consultation Today

Don’t wait if served with restraining order. Do not contact petitioner even if invited. You must attend contested hearing within 21-25 days or temporary order becomes permanent. Call now for immediate restraining order defense consultation preparing aggressive hearing strategy protecting your home, children, and rights in Oceano.

Free Case Evaluation

Kit Westbrook and his team are extremely competent, skilled and compassionate lawyers. As an attorney practicing in a different area of the law, I have referred several cases to their office over the years. I know I can always trust the Central Coast Criminal Defense team to provide top-notch representation of clients in need.

Derek Waldron

I don’t even know where I begin with how grateful I am for Central Coast Criminal Defense, specifically Kit and Adrienne. From the moment we first spoke on the phone to when I got the call that they got my case dismissed I truly felt the dedication and support from Kit and Adrienne. Possibly the best part of this experience for me was feeling that these two genuinely cared about me as an individual and believed in my story. I do not have enough great things to say about this firm! They were hard-working, prompt, informative, and affordable! I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone in need of an attorney.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart Kit and Adrienne!!

Hannah Clingerman

I recommend Adrienne Haddad & CCCD to anyone in need of representation in a criminal case. I hired this firm to represent a family member facing a new charge, 2 probation violations & a CPO. The odds were stacked, but Adrienne knocked it out of the park. Our entire family is so grateful 🙏 Worth every penny!

Ashley DiNapoli

Very very satisfied with Adrienne! She has helped out my case more than I could imagine.They make situations very efficient and affordable to anyone in desperate need. My recommendation to anybody who has a tricky DUI situation would to give her a call!

Jose Campoverde

I wanted to hire an attorney to win a court case. After much research, I found Kit Westbrook. I liked his reviews and the help that he has provided in many different situations. After I hired him, he worked his hardest to help me. It did not take long, maybe a week, for him to change the outcome of of my situation. Kit has done for me, something a majority of lawyers would not be able to do. My future will be better because of him. I’m glad he is in this profession and highly recommend him. Also, if you are concerned about money, his prices at Cccd are very affordable.

Kieffer Taylor

I want to let anyone know who needs a criminal attorney on the Central Coast this is the firm to hire. I was in a tough spot arrested for domestic violence when all I did was defend myself against an alcoholic wife who was physically abusing me. Luckily, I took pictures of my injuries and gave them to Kit and Adrienne. These two attorneys are supremely knowledgeable in criminal law and are tenacious for the rights of their clients. Believe me, they will fight for you and never give up. They know the court system here from top to bottom. My case was dismissed. Kit and Adrienne, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your help

Michael Cody

We are so thankful we chose Central Coast Criminal Defense to represent our son! His case was complicated and took a lot of patience and time to complete. The fees were very reasonable compared to other attorneys. The team went above and beyond what is normally expected including ultimately getting the charges dismissed. Billy and Jamie were awesome and very patient with us while we worked through this process together. Having never been through anything like this as a family they always kept us informed even during the Pandemic. We cannot express how grateful we are to them for all of their hard work!

Paul Lee

In a time of uncertainty and great need, I was fortunate to meet Kit from Central Coast Criminal Defense. After explaining my situation, he explained to me what our options were and how he recommended proceeding. He was always understanding and supportive throughout this entire process. I couldn’t be more grateful for Kit’s knowledge and help. I would recommend Kit and his team to anybody looking for help.

Jason Varley

Adrienne Haddad is the best. I was able to get the legal assistance in a professional and timely manner.

I would highly recommend Central Coast Criminal Defense.

Pale Rider

I contacted CCCD the morning after receiving a DUI. They immediately got to work, and we’re able to save my license from being suspended. During a time when my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed almost impossible, Adrienne Haddad was especially helpful to me. Not only was she able to defend me from an unjust accusation, her calm and empathetic demeanor always helped me remain hopeful. I am eternally grateful for her service and I recommend her for legal defense.

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Responsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value

Andrea D

I am very pleased with my outcome the staff here are very friendly. Also I want to thank Adrienne for handling my case. Also to James and Kit, You’re awesome .I have refereed friends to this law firm. As a first time dealing with lawyers, It was a good experience. They have Great comminication and were there for me every step of the way and accommodating to my financial situation. So Thank you :)!!!!!!

R3con R3con

I was in need of a consultation regarding a review of court documents for an issue from 20 years ago. I found Central Coast Criminal Defense online and contacted them based on their great reviews. After ringing the firm, I was quickly transferred to attorney Kit Westbrook, who was not only knowledgeable about the legal system, but gave me sound advice about my situation moving forward. Kit immediately reviewed my documents and contacted me right away. I highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of professional legal services.

Rich L

Our first contact with CCCD was with Kit Westbrook. He fully explained the representation they can provide in my son’s situation and was genuinely sympathetic with the stress and anxiety of being charged with a DUI. After explaining their team structure, my son was very fortunate to have been represented by Adrienne Haddad at CCCD. She established an excellent working relationship with me and my son, she communicated very timely and clearly in setting expectations and was highly responsive to calls and emails from us. As a client, we appreciate that level of service and attention. Adrienne is very knowledgeable and experienced in matters of criminal law. The court’s judgement in my son’s case was exactly as she had explained and anticipated in his particular situation. I also want to say that I appreciate that there was no scope creep in their fees…i.e. we paid only what we were originally told. I highly recommend CCCD for anyone needing defense counsel. Thank you Adrienne and Kit.

Victoria Santos

Having lived on the Central Coast since 1979, I can say with complete confidence that Central Coast Criminal Defense represents the best legal defense team in this area. Call them. Kit and Cody literally provided the finest counsel you could ask for and resolved my dilemma to my satisfaction. For your loved ones–or yourself–get in touch with them if you need legal defense. Call them NOW. This paralegal team treated my case with great care and myself and family with dignity at all times. Communication–whether by telephone, email, or in person–was always clear, straightforward, and structured to meet my needs. This team got to know me and my case intimately from the very beginning, and acted with great speed to resolve the situation. Cody Christiansen, my defense attorney, met my legal needs every step of the way. Cody did everything possible to make sure I was secure and safe, leaving no stone untouched in his defense strategy. It was greatly reassuring to partner with a truly professional attorney. Cody acted with intense energy from the moment I met him. This is an attorney who won’t let up for a single moment in service to his client. From my first contact with Central Coast Criminal Defense all the way up to my case dismissal and afterwards, this team was there to support me. Young or old, this is the team you NEED to have representing your interests with professionalism and integrity. They are the real deal.

Alexander Chakshiri

Kit and the whole team at Central Coast Criminal Defense were top-notch experts when it came to the specifics of my charge. I called Kit and was shortly thereafter presented with defense options. Kit went right to work. Thankfully, do to the competent and aggressive counsel by the legal team at Central, my case was dismissed. If you ever run into the unfortunate necessity of having to hire a criminal attorney, I highly recommend Kit and the entire team at Central Coast Criminal Defense. Thanks again.

James Childress

Not enough good things I can say about this law practice from top to bottom. From my first call, the head lawyer was just so good at setting my mind at ease. My assigned lawyer and the support staff continued to be responsive, stress reducing and at the end of the day, utterly effective. Case dismissed! I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. Needless to say, highly recommend, though hope I never need them again! 😉

Brad Altfest

I needed a criminal defense attorney. I found CCC and they were able to clearly instruct me on the best strategy, and they accomplished everything they said they would.

Cody perfectly handled my situation completely. I felt at ease and that I was in good hands throughout the ordeal. Before Hiring him, I felt the system was completly against me & there wasn’t anything I could do about it… it was scary.
In court, both the judge and the DA treated him with respect. I was very pleased with how well he navagated my case through the court.

Also– I experienced an unexpected hiccup a year down the road and went back to them with this new development… I was totally broke– they helped me again because they felt it was the right thing to do. And again they were able to accomplish what would have been impossible for me to do on my own.

I am very happy I hired them, as the entire team is knowledgable, supportive and agressivly fought for me.

I highly recommend you bring your situation to them & let them give you the best defense possible.

Melvin Kryger

Cody Christianson and his staff provided me with top notch service. My nephew, Jr, was in a bind because the attorney he had hired was doing a poor job of representing him, so we decided to drop that attorney and call Cody. The difference was like night and day. Cody took the case on short notice, with limited amount of time and won. Cody battled for us and we’re grateful to him for everything he did. I would highly recommend him to anyone. I won’t go anywhere else. Thanks guys!!

Steve M

Central Coast Criminal Defense is a reputable and professional entity that assisted me in a very difficult time. The legal ramifications of errant choices can be overwhelming at best. Much appreciation is given to the attorneys who provided consultation and stood up for our family in court. The law is impossible for the lay citizen to navigate. I will be forever grateful for Kit Westbrook and his skill, knowledge, and support. I would recommend him for any legal need you may have. He will solve the problem in the best way possible.

David Becar

Kit Westbrook and Central Coast Criminal Defense provided the best legal representation I could have asked for. Kit was very understanding and made sure to communicate with me frequently while resolving the case. He is incredibly knowledgable and showed genuine kindness towards me during a difficult time. He made the case process much easier and exemplifies everything you hope for in an attorney. Trustworthiness and dependability, thats what you get from Kit and CCCD.

Robin Ruddell

I was charged with DUI so I hired the team at Central Coast Criminal Defense. Although the odds were not on my favor and every piece of evidence was against me, my Attorney, Adrienne Haddad was able to have my DUI reduced to a reckless driving. If I could give them more than 5 stars I would do it.

Sam Damon

I just got a call from Adrienne Haddad at Central Coast Criminal Defense… I hired her to represent me in a charge that I felt was completely unwarranted and I needed help to get it dismissed off my record. I met with her and knew right away she was the attorney I wanted representing me. I was very surprised that the retainer fee was affordable and she was willing to let me make payments. I never even had to step foot into a court room. She did about 5 times for me which saved me from having to take time off work and drive almost 2 hours to each court date. She always called me right after and filled me in on how it went. Just like she did today, and let me know she got it dropped and there will be no record of it. I cant imagine how badly it could have gone if I didnt have her on my side. So Thank you Adrienne! Hopefully I wont ever need an attorney again but if I do I know who I’m calling!!!

Amber Ligon

We have no words to express our gratitude for the incredible work that my criminal attorney did for our father’s case, especially at a time when our options appeared limited. He went above and beyond to get the situation resolved. Hands down the best attorney and law firm!

Clark Murphy

Kit and Adrian were able to give me peace of mind and were very professional. They were able to get my case dismissed before my arraignment. I appreciate them and everything they did for me. Thank you Kit and Adrian!

M M

A few weeks ago, I needed help and had many specific questions. Kit Westbrook took time out of his busy day not only to call me back, but to answer my ALL of my questions. Mr. Westbrook was straight forward, very professional and polite. I would recommend him to anyone who is in need of legal help. Thank you Mr. Westbrook for all of your help.
Respectfully,
Grace Weddle

Positive

Professionalism

Gracie Weddle

Needing a good lawyer is not something we deal with on a daily basis, so when I had a need for one I read reviews from other people. The reviews for CCCD were good so I gave them a call. I was not disappointed . Our case was dealt with in a professional manner and at no time did we feel we were just another case number. Thank you thank you Jimmie for a job well done. I highly recommended CCCD.

Debi Johnson

If you find yourself in need of a great lawyer and a team of legal advisors to help guide you through a difficult and confusing legal system and get you the best possible outcome, then I highly recommend CCCD. This is exactly what Kit and Cody did for my family. Thanks to all the previous great reviews of CCCD for leading me to them.

Teresa J

Without saying to much on my case. I contacted central coast criminals defense for some legal help and “KIT”who represented me was professional, honest and experienced on my case. I highly Recommend this company to anyone who needs a professional lawyer with a friendly caring staff. Thanks kit…

Renee Macias

I am so happy to have found my criminal lawyer and his firm. He was amazing in court and I was glad I had him by my side during the most stressful time of my life. In the end, I wouldn’t have to serve any jail time and would be able to continue with my life, all thanks to my lawyer and this law office!

Paulina Komza

I had a relatively minor legal matter, but Kit was able to successfully advocate the DA on my behalf so no charge was pressed and I simply had to take 2 classes. Kit is effective and will do whatever necessary to make his clients feel they were treated well.

David L

I couldn’t be any happier with Central Coast Criminal Defense. Adrienne was very helpful on explaining and representing me. From now on I’m recommending Central Coast Criminal Defense to any one who needs a lawyer! Thank you Adrienne for all your hard work.

Jose Albarran

I called in regarding advice on a court issue. I had Mr. Kit Westbrook on the phone after nearly no wait time. He reviewed my circumstances and got back to me within an hour with all the information I needed. Super friendly, professional and empathetic. Fantastic!

Micah

I just wanted to write a quick review to CCCD to thank them for going about and beyond to help me with a my legal matter. Adrienne Haddad was super professional and handled my issue quickly and without any headaches. Thank you again for helping me get the best outcome that was possible!!

JIMMY CRUTCHFIELD

Anyone with legal issue should definitely use this law office. My DUI attorney and his team are always available to answer questions, very professional and on point. Highly recommended!

Anna Gratel

This awesome attorney Kit was Truly a man who goes over and beyond to help people. My wife and I are Very thankful for his help and I am Very confident and grateful in expressing my humble feelings about him. This is the Man

josh cruz

Very pleased with my experience with CCCD and specifically Adrienne. Great outcome and pleasure to work with throughout the process.

Chris Rooney

The outcome can never be guaranteed when working with the judicial system. The affordable rates to fit my budget without compromising the quality of service I received, I have and will continue to recommend to others.

Evelynne Griffith

Kit and his crew were amazing. They were there when I needed help and have continued to guide me through a very tough time. Their fees are on par with the services provided and well worth the investment.

Brian Roberts

i was happy with my experience Kit and his team are honest hard working attorneys i would highly recommend them to anyone.

Daniel Costa

I have the highest regard for Kit Westbrook. He has integrity and knows how to navigate through a difficult situation. He is responsive to client needs because he really cares.

Sheri Becar

I was very pleased with the help I received here. Adrienne was very helpful. I had a lot of legal questions and she was very easy to get ahold of. Had very informative answers and I would recommend her to anyone

Melanie Garay

I was visiting friends & family in California and needed some legal help all while I was in Michigan. I called these guys and they helped me out big time, great organization, great people, would use their services again.

Ali Kasra

Kit was great! Helped me with my case in SLO county and made me feel less stress.

Stacy Myers

Loved all of the staff at CCCD, especially Ms. Haddad. Impeccable work! Great outcome! Affordable price!

Martha Stromberg

sincere and honest man you can trust his experience and expect the best outcome possible …thanks Cody ….

Don Laucella

Adrian and Kit really care about their clients and will go the extra mile to help them.

Carlos Leyva

Thank you Adriana you are always very helpful.

K Mabry

Very nice people.

Richard

Atty Kit just saved us from a 1 point driving record conviction, unnecessary attorney’s fees, and certain increased premiums on my young daughter’s car insurance rates.

We were mistakenly under the impression that if she took an illegal left turn (there was poorly posted and confusing signage) citation to court, and lost, that she’d still have the option for traffic school. And we we have been trying for weeks to retain an attorney to represent her, or to get feedback. We even turned to the free bar assn legal referral service who also could not get any help for her. Turns out most attorneys will only take cases involving misdemeanor or felony charges…

Today, we had the fortune of calling Central Coast Criminal Defense and were surprisingly patched through to Atty Kit.

Within 5 minutes at no cost to us – Atty Kit listened to the details and counseled us to save the attorneys fees and for her to go directly to traffic school because the odds are likely that the police officer will appear in court and that the judge will hold up the police officer’s reasoning for the citation.

Once convicted, my daughter would have (i) a guilty verdict with no chance of traffic school (traffic school is off the table when you take a ticket all the way through to trial); (ii) a point on her record; (iii) a guaranteed increase on insurance costs; (iv) a hefty court fine, and, (v) incurred the cost of his attorney fees.

Super appreciate Atty Kit and his office’s business model of screening calls with the opportunity for a quick free consultation. No other attorneys we spoke to boiled it down for us like this and we were very much on the wrong track.

I wish all attorneys were like this, felt like ‘old school’ lawyering!

Stacy Merrill

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