Ensuring Safety and Peace:
Understanding Restraining Orders
California’s judicial system is the intersection of justice and protection when it comes to restraining orders.
These are often one of two types: Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVRO) and Civil Harassment Restraining Orders (CHRO).
Dignity
Law
Group
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs) require a domestic (or familial relationship) relationship between the parties and serve as a protection for individuals facing domestic violence within the confines of their intimate relationships. The gravity of such situations cannot be overstated. Common instances include physical abuse, threats, intimidation, and emotional coercion. These orders become a crucial tool for victims to escape harm. Specific Venue for Petitions: In California, the courts designated to hear DVRO petitions are tailored to protect the privacy and security of victims. They are fast-paced proceedings, recognizing the urgency of safeguarding those in imminent danger.
It’s essential to note that DVROs are distinct from criminal cases (domestic violence) or criminal protective orders issued in such cases. Criminal charges are initiated by City or District Attorneys, often as a result of police reports or arrests, whereas DVROs are sought by individuals against other individuals. These orders do not require the commission of a crime but instead require a petitioner to demonstrate a pattern of conduct aimed at harassing, harming, or annoying the domestic victim without legal defense or justification.
Civil Harassment Restraining Orders (CHROs)
CHROs are the other shield against individual harassment and threats, when one is in a non-domestic relationship. These cases often involve neighbors, acquaintances, or strangers. CHROs are sought when individuals find themselves subjected to unwanted advances, stalking, or menacing behavior. Just like DVROs, CHRO petitions are heard in courts that understand the urgency of protection. The fast-paced nature of these proceedings reflects the need to swiftly address the harm faced by the petitioner.
The purpose of a Restraining Order is to ensure the safety and well-being of those who seek protection. When granted these orders often disallow contact, restrict proximity, and allow for the police or law enforcement to make arrests when they are violated.
Whether it’s a Domestic Violence Restraining Order born from intimate relationships or a Civil Harassment Restraining Order arising from non-domestic situations, we at Dignity Law Group, APC are here to ensure that the law serves as a shield for those in distress.
All You Need To Know About
Rental Properties In LA
Written by Joe Kellener and David Greene based on their insight into the new age court system of rental properties and how it impacts you. This crash course in how rental properties are treated legally, both in court and out of court, and what is and what is not acceptable under the law. Whether you are a brand new property owner/landlord or renter, or you’re someone who’s been in the business for a while, you will find this guide includes the most recent changes to the laws (post-Covid19), and how the laws are adapting on the ground.
What Los Angeles Renters Say About Us
I had a contentious issue with my management company and Dignity Law helped me navigate it! They were great to work with, and I would highly recommend them.
-Thomas Mastro
Joe helped me win my civil case against a former business partner. He stuck by me for 7 years. Thank Goodness its over and justice was served. If it weren’t for Joe showing me what evidence I needed to present, I could have lost my savings.
Geoffrey L.
My family hired Dignity Law Group to evict our tenant who had not paid rent in a very long time and was causing major financial issues for our family. Working with the firm was great, they got the job done. They answered our questions and helped guide through court. Highly recommend!
-Lacie Leslie
My mother and I were pleased how generous, attentive, communicative Joseph was in regards to our case. Thanks to him we had our case settled, sealed & we were highly compensated.
-Candy R.
A year ago, my family and I were in a nasty situation with our apartment complex. I had to talk to a lawyer, and this is when I found Joseph. I told him our problem and he was very honest with what could happen. A year later, it finally got done. Joseph gets back to you. I am happy with his services.
-Michael Lopez
David Greene is super knowledgeable about tenants rights, and more. Very easy to work with. Listens to what you need and gives honest straightforward advice that really helps you make the right decisions. I would recommend him as an attorney.
-Dean B.
It has been a month since we reached out to this firm for assistance. The legal assistant took our intake of the situation we are facing, but no attorney from this firm has reached out to us. We followed up about 1 week and a half ago, but still no luck with speaking with one of the attorneys at this firm.
-Baby Yoda
Our Attorneys
Dignity Law Group
Joseph W. Kellener
PARTNER
Jessica
PARTNER
David R. Greene
FOUNDING PARTNER
Joseph W. Kellener
FOUNDING PARTNER
Jessica
PARTNER
David R. Greene
FOUNDING PARTNER
Frequently Asked Question
Ans: Security deposits have very specific rules and regulations, and very well may be grounds for a lawsuit, but often the amount in controversy is below that of the courts our firm practice in. In Los Angeles, any dispute for $10,000 or less is brought in small claims court, and lawyers can not represent individuals in small claims court. Matters for $10,000-$24,999 are in the limited civil courts, and only some firms litigate in those courts. Matters for over $25,000 are brought in the unlimited civil courts, and the litigation is often more expensive than the amount in dispute. If you have a security deposit claim in excess of $25,000 you can contact our firm to discuss our rates and representation options.
Ans: No. A 3-day notice to perform or quit is not a lawsuit, it is not something that our law firm can take action against, as it is not a legal pleading before the court. It is also constitutionally protected speech, so unless it violates the debt collection laws (if for debt) it is often protected from any action against it. A 3-day performance or quit is a premise that an eviction (unlawful detainer) is then brought to court upon. If you perform, it is no longer viable. If the request is illegal, or untenable, then the lawsuit may fail, but in any event, our firm can not assist you if all you have received is a 3-day notice.
Ans: No. While a lawsuit may be prohibited or against a statute, the covid-protections are not magic wands. The lawsuit does not just go away, instead, the protections act as defenses that still must be presented to the court in defense of the unlawful detainer complaint. For example, if a tenant claims that he/she did not pay rent because of the impacts of covid, the truth of that defense is a question of fact for a jury or judge to decide.
Ans: Most likely no. We do not represent any tenant v tenant or neighbor v neighbor actions, however, in very rare circumstances a landlord/owner may be found liable for the criminal conduct of 3rd parties when the landlord knows of the danger and fails to take any steps to mitigate. These cases are very challenging and holding a landlord responsible for the acts pf a totally unrelated person is challenging and often not realistic.