💻

Find a Lawyer in Mountain View

Free Legal Resources for Santa Clara County Residents

💻 Google HQ
🚀 NASA Ames
🌳 Tech Campus
Sergei Tokmakov, Esq. · Updated February 2026
👥
82K
Population
⚖️
900+
Attorneys
🏛️
1
Courthouses
🏆
#91
CA City Size

Not Sure If You Need a Lawyer?

Take our free 2-minute assessment to find out if your legal issue requires professional representation.

What's Your Legal Issue?

🏠 Landlord-Tenant Assessment 🚗 Car Accident Assessment 💰 Unpaid Wages Assessment 💼 Employment Dispute Assessment 🏗️ Workers Compensation Assessment
📄

Business Law

Business formation, contract disputes, and commercial litigation in Mountain View. From startups to established firms in tech (Google, get legal guidance for your business needs.

💼

Employment Law

Wrongful termination, wage theft, and workplace discrimination claims in Mountain View's tech (Google sector and beyond. California labor protections are among the strongest in the nation.

🚗

Personal Injury

Car accidents on US-101, SR-85, slip-and-fall incidents at local businesses, and pedestrian injuries in Mountain View. If you've been hurt near Googleplex, know your rights.

💔

Family Law

Divorce, child custody, and support cases in Mountain View. Navigating family court can be complex — get help understanding your rights and options in this community.

🏠

Real Estate & Landlord-Tenant

Landlord-tenant disputes, security deposit claims, and real estate transactions in Mountain View. Local rent control applies. Use our free demand letter generator for deposit disputes.

📝 Generate a Free Demand Letter

Create a professional legal demand letter for common Mountain View legal issues.

🏛️ Mountain View Courthouses

Santa Clara Courthouse

191 N First St, San Jose 95113

Civil Criminal

Santa Clara County Court Filing Quick Reference

Small Claims Filing Fee
$30 - $75
$30 (up to $1,500) / $50 ($1,500-$5,000) / $75 ($5,001-$12,500)
Small Claims Limit
$12,500
Individual limit · $6,250 for businesses
Civil Filing Fee
$435
Unlimited civil (over $35K) / Fee waivers available
Court Hours
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday – Friday · Closed state holidays
Self-Help Center
Free Walk-In

Local Court Tips for Mountain View

Self-Help Center Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Busiest Days: Monday mornings and first week of month

Project Sentinel and SCBA ADR programs available. Free mediation for tenant disputes.

Local Rule: Santa Clara County requires ADR completion before trial setting in most civil cases

Free Legal Resources

📊 Mountain View Legal Landscape

💻 Tech & Innovation

Growing Hub tech and innovation companies drive Mountain View's economy. Employment disputes, IP protection, and startup formation are top legal needs.

🚗 Traffic & Commuting

US-101 corridors including US-101, SR-85 serve Mountain View. Car accidents, commuter injuries, and road-rage incidents generate significant personal injury claims.

🏠 Housing & Rent Control

Local Ordinance Mountain View has local rent control (Community Stabilization and Fair Rent Act (CSFRA)) plus statewide AB 1482. Tenant rights, eviction defense, and rent disputes are major practice areas.

👥 Community Growth

Active Mountain View continues to grow and diversify. Family law, consumer protection, and neighborhood disputes are common legal needs.

📜 Mountain View Local Laws & Ordinances

City-specific regulations beyond California state law that affect Mountain View residents.

Mountain View Tenant Protection Ordinance

Mountain View provides just-cause eviction protections and relocation assistance beyond state AB 1482 minimums. Applies to most residential rental units.

Mountain View Employee Non-Compete Enforcement

California law voids non-compete agreements (Business & Professions Code 16600). Mountain View tech workers frequently face employers attempting enforcement through NDAs and trade secret claims.

Mountain View Cannabis Business Regulation

Mountain View regulates cannabis businesses with specific zoning restrictions, buffer zones from schools, and local licensing requirements beyond state mandates. Some business types may be prohibited.

Mountain View Noise and Nuisance Ordinance

Residential noise limits enforced during quiet hours (typically 10 PM - 7 AM). Construction restricted to daytime hours. Violations can result in fines and abatement orders.

📋 Common Mountain View Legal Cases

Real-world legal scenarios frequently seen in the Mountain View area.

Mountain View Intersection Accident

A driver ran a red light at a busy Mountain View intersection, causing a T-bone collision. The victim suffered neck and back injuries requiring months of physical therapy. Insurance initially offered a lowball settlement.

Typical outcome: $50,000-$250,000 range

Mountain View Illegal Rent Increase

A Mountain View landlord raised rent by 25% on a long-term tenant, exceeding the allowable increase under local and state rent control. The tenant filed a complaint and sought damages for the overcharge.

Typical outcome: $5,000-$25,000 range

Tech Worker Misclassification

A Mountain View tech company classified software developers as independent contractors to avoid paying overtime, benefits, and payroll taxes. The workers filed claims under California's ABC test for misclassification.

Typical outcome: $30,000-$150,000 range

Consumer Protection Violation

A Mountain View auto dealership added undisclosed fees and aftermarket products to a purchase contract. The buyer discovered over $4,000 in charges not agreed upon, violating California's auto buyer protections.

Typical outcome: $5,000-$25,000 range

🗺️ Mountain View Neighborhoods & Legal Issues

Different areas of Mountain View face distinct legal challenges.

Downtown Mountain View

Commercial lease disputes, small business licensing, pedestrian accidents, parking violations

North Mountain View

Residential property disputes, homeowner association conflicts, neighbor noise complaints

South Mountain View

Rental housing conditions, workplace safety issues, auto accidents on commercial corridors

West Mountain View

Residential development disputes, traffic accidents, commercial landlord-tenant matters

📅 Seasonal Legal Issues in Mountain View

Legal issues in Mountain View that follow seasonal patterns.

Tax Season (Jan-Apr)

Mountain View residents face deadlines for property tax appeals, business tax filings, and income tax disputes. IRS and FTB audit notices commonly arrive during this period.

📊 Mountain View Area Typical Legal Outcomes

Approximate ranges based on Santa Clara County court data. Every case is unique.

Auto Accident (PI)
$25,000-$250,000
Common Mountain View area collisions
Security Deposit Recovery
$1,500-$7,500
Including statutory penalties
Unpaid Wages Claim
$10,000-$75,000
Overtime and misclassification cases
Trade Secret / Non-Compete
$50,000-$500,000
Tech industry employment disputes
Small Claims Judgment
$2,500-$12,500
Mountain View area median recovery

Disclaimer: These ranges are illustrative estimates. Actual outcomes depend on case specifics. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

🆓 Free Legal Help in Mountain View

Several organizations provide free legal services to Mountain View residents who meet income requirements.

Law Foundation of Silicon Valley

200% FPL Provides free legal services and advocacy to achieve justice for low-income individuals and families in Santa Clara County, with expertise in housing, health, and children's rights.

Bay Area Legal Aid

125% FPL Serves low-income residents of Santa Clara County with free civil legal assistance in housing, public benefits, and consumer protection matters.

2026 Federal Poverty Level: $33,000 for family of 4. 125% FPL = $41,250 · 200% FPL = $66,000. Fee waiver forms available for court filing costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Personal injury: Contingency (25-40% of settlement) — you pay nothing upfront.
Family law: $400-$800/hour. Uncontested divorce: $5,000-$15,000.
Criminal defense: Misdemeanor: $5,000-$15,000. Felony: $15,000-$75,000.
Business law: $400-$800/hour.
Real estate: $350-$700/hour for transactions.

Mountain View rates are typical for the Bay Area market. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations.
Google HQ, Silicon Valley core: Mountain View's character as google hq, silicon valley core shapes the types of legal issues residents face.

Key industries (tech (Google, etc.), AI): These sectors generate employment disputes, business litigation, and regulatory compliance issues.

Major corridors (US-101, SR-85): High traffic volume on these routes leads to frequent car accident and personal injury claims.

Local landmarks: Areas near Googleplex see premises liability, commercial disputes, and visitor-related legal issues.
Handle yourself:
• Small claims under $12,500
• Security deposit disputes (use our demand letter generator)
• Simple consumer refund demands
• Traffic tickets
• Uncontested divorce with no kids or major assets

Hire a lawyer:
• Any criminal charges
• Serious injuries (medical bills over $5,000)
• Child custody battles
• Employment discrimination or wrongful termination
• Complex tech employment matters
• Real estate transactions over $500K

Take our free assessment to find out if you need an attorney.
1. Bar referral: Santa Clara County Bar Association Referral Service for vetted attorney matches.

2. Verify license: California State Bar website to check discipline history.

3. Legal aid: Law Foundation of Silicon Valley for income-qualified residents.

4. Interview attorneys: Most Mountain View lawyers offer free initial consultations. Meet 2-3 before deciding.

5. Check reviews: Look at Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and Google reviews for Mountain View-area attorneys.
Yes — Mountain View has local rent control.

Community Stabilization and Fair Rent Act (CSFRA): Covers apartments built before 2/1/1995.

Additionally, California's statewide AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act) applies to qualifying properties not covered by the local ordinance:
• Covers buildings 15+ years old with 2+ units
• Rent increases capped at 5% + local CPI (max 10%) per year
• Requires just cause for eviction

For security deposit disputes, use our demand letter generator.
Santa Clara Courthouse (191 N First St, San Jose 95113) handles Civil, Criminal. Phone: (408) 882-2100.

Use the Court Self-Help Center for filing guidance and forms.

🤔 DIY or Hire a Lawyer?

Use this quick guide to decide whether you can handle your Mountain View legal issue yourself or need professional representation.

Handle It Yourself

  • Small claims under $12,500
  • Security deposit demands
  • Simple consumer refund disputes
  • Traffic tickets
  • Uncontested divorce (no kids or major assets)
  • Basic contract disagreements
  • Rent increase disputes under AB 1482
  • Filing wage claims with the Labor Commissioner

Hire a Lawyer

  • Any criminal charges
  • Serious injuries (medical bills over $5,000)
  • Child custody battles
  • Employment discrimination or wrongful termination
  • Real estate transactions over $500K
  • Complex business disputes
  • Intellectual property disputes
  • Contested divorce with significant assets

Not sure? Take our free 2-minute assessment →

📚 Legal Resources for Mountain View Residents

More free tools and guides from Terms.Law for Mountain View residents.

Free Legal Calculators

Free tools relevant to common Mountain View legal issues:

💼

1099 vs W-2

Tax comparison calculator

Statute of Limitations

Filing deadline by case type

🏠

Security Deposit

Interest & penalty calculator

📅

Eviction Timeline

How long will it take?

Other California Cities

Ready to Take Action?

Get started with a free assessment or book a consultation with a California attorney.

📝 Create Your Demand Letter

Generate a professional demand letter, CA court complaint, or arbitration demand