Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP offers full-service representation across four core practice areas, each grounded in decades of courtroom success and a thorough understanding of local Santa Barbara County courts, including proceedings in Santa Maria.

• Criminal Defense: We defend clients against the full spectrum of state and federal charges, from misdemeanors such as DUI and domestic violence to serious felonies including drug offenses, assault, theft, and white-collar crimes. Our attorneys meticulously investigate every case, challenge unlawful evidence, and negotiate favorable resolutions or fight aggressively at trial to protect your freedom, reputation, and record.
• Mental Health Law: Recognizing the intersection of mental health and the justice system, we provide specialized advocacy in 5150/5250 holds, sanity hearings, and mental health court proceedings. Our team works to secure treatment-focused outcomes rather than incarceration whenever appropriate, ensuring clients with mental health conditions receive compassionate, knowledgeable representation that prioritizes long-term stability and legal protection.
• Personal Injury: If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a car accident, slip-and-fall incident, or other negligent conduct, we pursue maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future damages. Our experienced litigators handle insurance companies head-on to secure fair settlements or verdicts that restore your quality of life.
• Civil Rights: We hold law enforcement and government entities accountable for violations, including wrongful arrest, excessive force, discrimination, and jail mistreatment. With a track record of multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts, we fight relentlessly to uphold constitutional protections and deliver meaningful justice for those whose rights have been infringed.

Clients throughout Santa Maria select our firm because we combine unmatched local insight with statewide trial experience. Our attorneys bring more than 50 years of combined courtroom expertise and have successfully resolved thousands of cases; many involving high-stakes felonies, complex mental health matters, catastrophic injuries, and significant civil rights claims. We maintain a client-first philosophy: immediate accessibility, transparent communication, and personalized strategies designed to achieve the best possible result in every matter.

What sets us apart is our relentless preparation and willingness to take cases to trial when necessary. We do not simply process claims; we build powerful, evidence-driven defenses and demands that deliver results. Santa Maria clients also benefit from our established relationships within the Santa Barbara County legal system, allowing us to navigate local procedures efficiently while maintaining an aggressive stance against opposing parties.

When your freedom, health, financial security, or civil liberties are on the line, partner with attorneys who have the skill, dedication, and proven outcomes to protect what matters most. Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP delivers the authoritative advocacy Santa Maria deserves.