| The Legal Aid Society of Santa Clara County handles domestic violence cases through representation, advice, and counseling on: |
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| What you’ll need to do next |
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1. Call (408) 998-5200 for your intake interview.
2. Bring document showing income is $10.00 an hour or less. For example,
22Cal Works, SSI benefits, Food Stamps, W-2 Forms, Tax Returns.
3. Bring the address of the other party.
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Begin gathering evidence for your case:
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Start by keeping a calendar or journal of events. For example, record dates and details.
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For example:
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7-7-01
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On 07-07-01 Husband was waiting for me at my car when I got off of work today. He wanted to talk about getting back together. When I said I didn’t want to talk about it, he would not let me in my car.
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7-11-01
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On 07-11-01 Husband did not return children from visit as we agreed. When I called him to ask when the children were coming home, he said never. He then said he’d make sure the kids would never see me again our divorce was over.
Doesn’t make sense!
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Begin writing a letter in your own words which describes the violence in your relationship.
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| Follow this format: |
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Paragraph 1: Background of you relationship with partner. (When you were married, how long have you been married/dating? Names and ages of children. Current living situation).
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Paragraph 2: Describe the most recent incident of violence. When, where, and why were you arguing. How were you injured? Were the police called? What did the police do?
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Paragraph 3: Describe in detail the past history of violence, threats, and/or Harassing behavior. Use dates, time frames, and injuries.
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Obtain copies of existing police reports regarding the violence at:
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San Jose Police Department, Records Division
201 W. Mission Street
San Jose, CA
(Located at the Corner of Guadalupe Parkway and Mission Street)
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Records Counter (Hours of Operation)
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from Noon to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday & Friday from 8:00 to Noon
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Drop Box in Lobby, processed daily and will be mailed to you.
Cost: Name to Domestic Violence Victim, otherwise .25 cents a page.
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Obtain certified copies of criminal records at:
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| Misdemeanor Records |
Hall of Justice (Misdemeanor Records)
190 West Hedding Street
San Jose, CA
(408) 299-2230
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| Felony Records |
Hall of Justice (Felony Reords)
200 West Hedding Street
(408) 299-2230
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| Hours Parking: |
8:30 to 4:00 p.m.
Garage across street for fee
Metered parking
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| Cost for Records: |
No cost to look up $1.00 per page |
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ABSTRACT JUDGEMENT (if went to jail)
SENTECING MINUTE ORDER OR
REGULAR MINUTES ORDER.
This will tell what the final disposition of
The charges were and what were the terms,
For example, probation or prison terms.
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Obtain letters or records from your counselors
Bring in copies of any parenting, drug, or alcohol classes you Participated in.
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IF YOU ARE AFRAID OF YOUR PARTNER BECAUSE OF PAST VIOLENCE or THREATS, OR SERVERE HARRASSMENT
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We can help obtain:
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Domestic Violence Restraining Orders and/or |
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Visitation orders with safe exchanges |
Examples of Violence, Threats, or Severe Harassment are: |
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• Pushing
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Shoving
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Slapping (front and backhand)
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Hitting
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Grabbing
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Spitting
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Punching with Fist
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Pulling Hair
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Biting
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Pinching
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• Clawing
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Scratching
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Kicking
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Kneeing
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Head Shaking
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Head Banging
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Choking
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Throwing Against Wall
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Throwing Access Room
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Throwing on Floor or Ground
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• Throwing Against Other Objects
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Pinning Against Other Objects
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Pinning Against Wall or Ground
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Sitting or Standing on
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Hanging by Neck, Arms or Feet
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Wrestling
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Twisting Arms, Legs, Fingers
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Handcuffing
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Tying with Rope or other Material
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Throwing Objects
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If there has been Violence, Threats, or Sever Harassment you should do the following:
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Unwanted Sexual Advances
Unwanted Sexual Gestures
Unwanted or Rough Touching of Specific Genital Areas
Any Sexual Touching of Minors
Forcing Vaginal Intercourse with or without Orgasm
Forcing Oral Sex
Forcing Anal Sex
Inserting Objects into Genitals
Forcing Masturbation
Rough Sex Causing Genital Bruises or Mutilation
Forcing Prostitution
Forcing Pornography
Forcing Sex with Other People
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Breaking windows, breaking into or Vandalizing partner’s home
Taking partner’s mail
Watching partner from a distance
Hung up calls on the telephone
Unwanted flowers on doorstep or at work
Notes on car windshield
Following partner on foot
Hiding in bushes oer other surveillance of partner’s home or workplace
Surveillance of partner at work
Other trespassing
Vandalizing partner’s property
Destroying property to scare or intimidate partner
Stealing things from partner
Breaking into partner’s house or car
Filing numerous pleadings in court cases
Filing for custody of children regardless of their needs
Not respecting visitation limitations
Harassing telephone calls, notes, paging or e-mail
Violation of restraining orders
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