- Divorce
- Child AbuseAssociate Attorney Ron Zonen joined McCarthy and Kroes in 2018 after a distinguished 39 year career as a prosecutor. Ron was Santa Barbara County’s Chief Deputy District Attorney in charge of the Vulnerable Victim’s Unit, responsible for prosecuting sex crimes, crimes against children, elder abuse and domestic violence. Ron has tried over one hundred jury trials as a prosecutor including the murder trials of Ryan Hoyt (currently on death row for the killing of 15 year old Nicholas Markowitz), Corey Lyons (the murder of his brother and sister in law), Nicholas Holzer (the murder of his parents and two children) and many other high profile cases in Santa Barbara. He has lectured frequently on the subjects of Child Abuse and Rape prosecutions, Insanity as a defense, cross-examining Psychiatrists, and using DNA evidence in criminal prosecutions. Ron was three times selected Attorney of the Year as a prosecutor and is the recipient of the Thomas H. Guerry Award for professionalism. In addition to his responsibilities as a litigator at McCarthy and Kroes he also teaches Trial Advocacy at Santa Barbara College of Law.
- DUI/DWI
- Wrongful DeathAccidents involving construction vehicles can happen anywhere, from a building site to the streets and highways. Because they involve heavy machinery, construction vehicle accidents often result in severe injuries or the wrongful death of bystanders. At McCarthy & Kroes, a seasoned lawyer can provide the medical and legal knowledge, professional skills and litigation experience to help you recover just compensation after a construction vehicle accident.
- Traffic ViolationsWith speeding vehicles of all sizes, traffic congestion and sudden stops, California highways and roads are already dangerous places. Unfortunately, negligence by government agencies and their employees, as well as engineers and construction workers, can result in deadly highway defects, greatly increasing the risk of an accident.
- Sex CrimesSexual abuse: Sexual abuse includes sexual assault, rape, molestation, showing pornographic material, forcing the elderly person to watch sex acts or forcing the elder to undress.
- Fraud
- EmbezzlementWe help resolve disputes involving a broad range of business torts, such as fraud, embezzlement and deceptive or unfair business practices, including the use of trade secrets.
- Assault
- Murder
- Identity Theft
- Prostitution
- Hit and RunAfter any car crash, it is important to stop your vehicle or you may be charged with a hit-and-run. If you or anyone else was injured in the accident, take the following steps...
- Corporate LawThe formation of a new business requires a number of important contracts that enumerate how a business does everything from operating to dissolving. Our attorneys help you negotiate and draft all types of business formation agreements, including operating agreements, shareholder agreements, employment agreements, partnership agreements, joint venture agreements and much more. We also assist with buy-sell agreements and dissolution agreements.
- Business FormationAlthough a partnership is formed without filing with the secretary of state — making it easier to form than an LLC, a corporation or other business entities — negotiating and drafting sound partnership agreements is still an essential part of business formation. Partnership agreements should address all aspects of the business arrangement.
- Business DisputesUsing our well-honed skills, each practiced lawyer guides you through your case with straightforward, accessible service to achieve a just resolution. As a civil litigation, business law and auto accident law firm, we are driven to obtaining favorable results for our clients. Our past and current clients include...
- Business TransactionsWhen your business is involved in commercial activities such as selling goods or services, all types of issues and disputes are likely to arise. At McCarthy & Kroes, we have 25 years of experience representing small businesses in Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. We use the knowledge and skills we have gained over this time to help your business succeed in commercial transactions. Our commercial business lawyers help you protect your business and negotiate for a beneficial agreement in all types of commercial transactions. Whether you are bargaining for a contract with a vendor or supplier, licensing your intellectual property for sale in commerce, or negotiating a fair commercial lease, our attorneys have the experience to guide you through your commercial business transaction to a beneficial result.
- Limited Liability Companies
- Trade SecretsWhen trade secret disputes arise, such as when a competitor, former employee, vendor or other party uses your confidential information without authorization, our attorneys help you protect your intellectual property. Trade secrets may be protected by a variety of lawsuits...
- Intellectual Property
- Unfair CompetitionA lawyer can help businesses and individuals that have intellectual property and trade secrets safeguard them by developing a non-compete agreement providing reasonable restrictions and consideration to employees. A non-compete can help prevent disputes, such as employees using trade secrets at a new company or when starting their own businesses. Through use of a non-compete, our attorneys can help you sue for breach of contract and violations of the Uniform Trade Secret Act or unfair competition law.
- Wrongful TerminationUnlawful discrimination is not the only basis upon which an employee may bring a claim of wrongful termination. An employee may believe that their termination was based on retaliation for exercising free speech opinions with which the employer disagreed, or for reporting violations of health and safety laws or illegal activity to the authorities, known as whistleblowing.
- Employment DiscriminationEmployees are protected against disparate treatment in every aspect of employment due to race, sex (gender), national origin (ethnicity), religion, disability and pregnancy. Depending upon the particular locality, other classes, such as marital status or sexual orientation, may also be protected and grounds for an employment discrimination claim.
- Employment ContractWorking or doing business in the entertainment industry can be a complicated nightmare or a profitable undertaking. It depends on whether you have the knowledge and experience to protect your rights and negotiate fair arrangements. At McCarthy & Kroes, a well-qualified entertainment law attorney can provide the legal guidance you need to protect — and profit from — your intellectual property or employment or business arrangement. Through the careful negotiating, drafting and reviewing of contracts — from employment contracts to licensing agreements — our attorneys strive to relieve the stress and confusion you or your company may face and make your entertainment business dealings highly beneficial.
- Employment LitigationOur attorneys never hesitate to take a case to trial when it is in your best interest. We represent both plaintiffs and defendants in all types of civil litigation matters, including employment disputes.
- Non-compete AgreementNon-compete agreements, also known as covenants not to compete, are contracts signed by employees promising not to compete or solicit customers for a limited time after employment and in a limited geographic area. While many states enforce non-compete agreements, California typically does not, even when the agreement is sufficiently limited. However, California courts have allowed enforcement of these agreements to protect trade secrets from employees.
- Sexual HarassmentUnwelcome conduct of a sexual nature can create a hostile work environment, which may provide the basis for a lawsuit. A hostile environment can be created by offensive comments and jokes, inappropriate touching, or obscene graffiti and printed materials. It can be perpetrated by a supervisor or by peers.
- Real Estate LitigationOver decades of representing a diverse clientele in all types of cases, our lawyers have developed substantial skills and accrued an in-depth knowledge base in our respective fields. Using a hands-on approach, our personable, reliable attorneys provide high-quality representation in real estate matters, elder law including nursing home abuse and neglect, sexual abuse cases and general civil litigation. To learn about the full scope of our practice, please see our practice areas overview.
- Premises LiabilitySince 1988, each premises liability attorney at McCarthy & Kroes has been dedicated to helping victims obtain compensation from insurance companies and liable parties for the harm they suffered. To learn more about the claims process, proof of liability and how we can assist in your case, contact us online or call 805.564.2085 for a free initial consultation today.
- Construction LitigationReal estate disputes arise in all types of transactions, and our attorneys have the skills and experience to help you seek an efficient resolution through decisive litigation. Our law firm assists with litigation between joint tenants, landlords and tenants, buyers and sellers, construction litigation, zoning and land use, and suits for quiet title. We help sue for specific performance of contract terms, including buy-sell agreements and breach of real estate contracts. In addition, we help with all types of property disputes, including those over property lines, boundaries and easements.
- Real Estate TransactionsWhether you are a buyer, seller, agent or other party to a transaction involving any type of real estate transaction, the law office of McCarthy & Kroes has the experience and skill to represent your interests in litigation and dispute resolution. To discuss your case and obtain professional representation, contact the Santa Barbara lawyers of McCarthy & Kroes online or call 805.564.2085 today.
- Easement
- Land Use and ZoningZoning and land use disputes, including permitting issues, variances, boundary disputes rezoning, tax assessments and classification
- Landlord-Tenant Disputes
- Property DamageUnder California law, the driver who is at fault in an accident must use their auto insurance to compensate others for injuries and damages. All drivers are required to carry liability insurance with minimum limits of $15,000 for personal injury to one person, $30,000 for injuries to more than one person and $5,000 for property damage. Despite this, approximately 20 percent of drivers do not carry insurance. Insurers must offer uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to make up for this fact, which can protect you in the event the at-fault driver does not have insurance. Auto accident lawyers in Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties have the practical experience and professional reputation to help you recover compensation. By gathering evidence and witness testimony and reconstructing the accident, McCarthy & Kroes can help you determine fault. We may even be able to help you recover a portion of your damages if your negligence contributed in part to the accident.
- Citizenship and Naturalization
- Personal InjurySince 1988, the law firm of McCarthy & Kroes has been assisting clients throughout the Central Coast of California, including Santa Barbara County, from Santa Maria to Carpinteria, and Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties. Through decades of commitment to providing the highest level of service, our civil litigation, business and personal injury law firm has earned a reputation for excellent client service and results.
- Medical MalpracticeSanta Barbara law firm founder and senior partner Patrick McCarthy is a prominent civil trial attorney practicing in civil and business litigation, personal injury law, medical malpractice defense, equine-related matters and litigation, products liability, homeowners and nonprofit associations, insurance defense, disabilities, administrative law, and governmental defense.
- Auto Accidents
- Medicaid PlanningOne of the many complicated aspects of elder law and planning is how to pay for long-term health and nursing home care. Medicare provides for only limited long-term care. Because of this, Medicaid planning, known as Medi-Cal in California, is an important aspect of senior planning that can help you obtain the long-term care you may need. However, it is difficult to qualify for Medi-Cal because of strict asset requirements.
- Dog BitesDog bites and animal attacks can be extremely frightening and cause severe injuries as well as ongoing pain, suffering and emotional distress. At McCarthy & Kroes, we understand how injuries sustained in an animal attack in Santa Maria can affect all areas of your life. Each highly skilled and compassionate attorney works hard to help you recover the compensation you need for your medical bills and other harm caused by animal attacks, along with the peace of mind you deserve.
- Slip and Fall InjuryTrip or slip and fall injuries are often serious and may include broken bones, including hips fractured in a hard fall, twisted or broken ankles, broken arms, and wrists injured from trying to break your fall with your hands. Many slippery or uneven surfaces can cause you to fall hard enough to sustain a back injury such as whiplash or serious fractures, dislocation, or crush or compression injuries to the spine. In fact, falls cause more than 25 percent of all spinal cord injuries. In addition, falls are a leading cause of brain injury in the United States.
- Estate PlanningPlanning for the future and protecting your rights as you and your loved ones age is important, but many people postpone elder planning or fail to enforce their rights until it is too late. At McCarthy & Kroes, our elder law attorneys are committed to helping seniors protect themselves and their loved ones through retirement planning, estate planning, healthcare planning, and representation and planning for long-term care and nursing homes. Through skilled, aggressive representation, we also help the elderly avoid or end abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.
- WillsThrough individually tailored, tax-sensitive estate plans, our attorneys help with all your planning needs, including incapacity planning and drafting wills and trusts, advance healthcare directives and financial powers of attorney. By helping you understand your many options and how they affect your loved ones and your assets, we help you achieve your goals and protect your finances and your family.
- TrustsThrough diligent, advance asset protection and Medi-Cal planning, our attorneys help you qualify for Medi-Cal benefits or plan for other arrangements, including long-term health insurance. Through the use of such tools as irrevocable living trusts, special needs trusts and careful spending-down assets, we help you comply with Medi-Cal laws and meet requirements.
- Power of AttorneyElder financial abuse can also be committed by trusted friends or family members who use their position or relationship to exert undue influence, such as by enticing an older family member to draft a will provision they would not otherwise have drafted. This is often done in a subtle way, and proving the existence of undue influence is challenging. Through a power of attorney or other fiduciary relationship, a relative or other person may be guilty of abuse through financial mismanagement, such as borrowing money in the elder’s name, making fraudulent investments or siphoning funds from the elder’s bank accounts.
- Bankruptcy
- Tax LawOur business dispute attorney also provides steadfast and experienced assistance for businesses facing all types of tax issues, including disputes over payroll taxes, business sales tax and franchise taxes.