Practice Areas: Legal Services Centered around You
We are privileged to represent our clients in court.
Civil Rights
The purpose of 42 U.S.C. §1983, the federal statute under which civil rights actions arise, is to deter persons who act on behalf of state and local agencies from using the badge of their authority to deprive individuals of their federally granted rights.
There is generally a two-year statute of limitations (deadline) to file a federal civil rights lawsuit. There is a six-month deadline for any state law claims (such as intentional infliction of emotional distress or battery). Do not calculate the deadline to file yourself – there are many factors that go into when your final deadline is. A lawyer should evaluate your circumstances and advise the deadline by which you should file your lawsuit.
Criminal Defense
We handle misdemeanor and felony cases across the Bay Area. Our office accepts calls from the Santa Clara County Jail, and an attorney can visit an individual in jail immediately. Do not speak to anyone other than an attorney about the facts of your case. Jail phone calls are recorded and you should assume that the recordings will be used against you or your loved one who is in custody, no matter how vague you may think you are being.
Our attorneys have handled cases including domestic violence, child abuse/endangerment, drug offenses, gang enhancements, weapons offenses, sex offenses, resisting arrest, theft, burglary, robbery, evasion, battery, assault, embezzlement, conspiracy, trespassing, animal abuse, identity theft, vandalism, fish and game violations, hit-and-run, reckless driving, DUI, and so-called “strikes.”
If you are a non-citizen, there may be immigration consequences of a criminal conviction. We will advise you of any collateral consequences, as well as any immigration-safe resolutions to your case.
Family Law
We understand that dealing with matters involving family can be extremely difficult and emotional. We can provide you with the support and guidance that you need to get through such stressful times.
Our office has a full-service family law practice, including dissolution (divorce), legal separation, child support, spousal support, custody and visitation. We can also help you obtain or defend against a domestic violence restraining order. Mr. Powell has been practicing family law for over 20 years across the Bay Area.
Juvenile Dependency
We represent parents whose children have been removed by CPS or are otherwise facing family interference from the juvenile dependency system.
Speak to an attorney before you return a call from a social worker. You should know your rights prior to ever speaking with a social worker, as well as the risks associated with voluntarily letting CPS into your life.