If a parent is fighting for custody, he or she wants to exude confidence and capability. If the judge thinks a parent is not taking the proceedings seriously or doesn’t have the children’s best interests in mind, he or she might lose the case. This is why clothing choices are important.
The following list shows several dos and don’ts to keep in mind when choosing attire for child custody proceedings:
The overall style should be business casual.
Wearing a ball cap or crop top or clothing with profane words on it may compel the judge to order a parent out of the courtroom. Along with the exit goes any chance of winning the child custody case. Remember that the goal is to convince the court that the children are better off in with one parent over the other. Choose clothing wisely.
]]>It is always best to remain calm and cooperate with police during a traffic stop or subsequent arrest. You may exercise your rights, such as not consenting to a search without a warrant or refusing to take a roadside breath test or field sobriety test. Some cases are more complex than others, such as facing charges for items confiscated from a car you do not own.
Being arrested and charged with drug crimes is a frightening experience, especially if it is the first time you’ve ever been taken into police custody. Pennsylvania law lists mandatory sentencing requirements for drug convictions, which can be quite severe. There may be several defense options available to help mitigate your circumstances.
By requesting a meeting with Leeth & Gaglione, in Pennsylvania, you can access legal support to help navigate the criminal justice system. Whether charges for drug crimes include possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of illegal controlled substance or suspected possession with intent to distribute, etc., the sooner you start planning a strong defense, the better. An experienced legal team can help you protect your rights and achieve the best outcome possible in court.
]]>Police claim the accused man fled when they attempted to pull him over for driving over the posted speed limit. Investigators say a chase ensued for approximately 30 miles. They also stated that the man’s car nearly plunged into a lake but stopped just in time.
The man is facing DUI charges after police claim to have found several types of alcohol in his vehicle. He is also charged with reckless driving and fleeing police. In addition to these charges, police issued numerous traffic citations against him as well.
There was another person in the man’s car when these events unfolded. She was also arrested. When two or more people are taken into Pennsylvania police custody in connection with the same incident, the charges must be proved against each individual. It is possible for those facing similar charges to have different outcomes in court. The best outcomes typically occur when an individual asks an experienced DUI attorney for support. Even in cases where a conviction is handed down, an experienced defense attorney can often help mitigate circumstances by requesting a lighter sentence than the maximum allowed by state law.
]]>There are two main types of custody: physical and legal. The latter refers to a parent’s or guardian’s authority to make decisions on behalf of a minor. The former is relevant to permanent residence, meaning where your kids live after you finalize your divorce. Requesting sole child custody means you want your children to live with you full time, and you want full decision-making authority.
If you’re seeking sole custody on the basis that your ex is an unfit parent, you must provide evidence to convince the court. The family court judge overseeing your case will want to know why you think your ex is unfit. The following list includes numerous issues that constitute justifiable cause for seeking sole custody based on the other parent’s unfitness:
If you demonstrate evidence that substantiates your allegations, the court may decide to grant you sole physical and legal custody of your children. Under the court’s discretion, this type of situation may be temporary or permanent.
No two child custody cases are the same. The court will review your case and make decisions with your children’s best interests in mind. Just remember that, if you request sole custody, you must be prepared to show justifiable cause -- that is, a legitimate reason why you believe your ex is an unfit parent.
Once the court has handed down a decision and executed a child custody order, you and your ex must adhere to its terms. For example, if the court order states that your ex is not to have any unsupervised visits with your children, but then tries to pick them up at school, you can report the incident and ask the court to enforce its orders.
]]>Police say they confiscated multiple firearms and more than $2,800 in cash during their searches. They also claim to have seized numerous baggies of substances they believe are illegal drugs. The three people who were arrested following the recent drug raids were from another state.
Penalties for conviction of drug charges can be severe in Pennsylvania. When an individual facing charges is detained in another state, extradition may be requested if the arrest occurs in the home state. Three people from Michigan who were arrested in this case are currently being held in a Lawrence County jail.
While a group of people may be taken into police custody regarding the same investigation, each one must be tried separately in court. The results of one person’s proceedings may be different from another. Each person facing charges after a drug raid is entitled to secure criminal defense support before heading to court. An experienced attorney is often able to help an accused individual mitigate his or her circumstances, either by challenging the prosecution’s case or, if a conviction occurs, by convincing the judge to order a lighter sentence than the maximum allowed by state law.
]]>If a Pennsylvania police officer suspects someone of drunk driving, a traffic stop may occur, and the driver is instructed to step out of the vehicle. At some point, the officer might ask the individual to take one or more roadside DUI tests, such as a breath test or field sobriety test. Many people have been told that a police officer can arrest them if they refuse to take these tests.
Police must establish probable cause to make a DUI arrest. If a person takes a breath test or field sobriety test during a traffic stop and fails, this constitutes probable cause. No one is obligated to take these tests, however. There are no administrative or legal penalties for refusing. If a police officer takes someone into custody based on their refusal to take a roadside DUI test, it is unlawful arrest.
Remember that refusing a roadside DUI test is not the same as refusing a post-arrest chemical Breathalyzer, blood or urine test. These tests fall under implied consent rules and refusing to take them incurs an automatic driver’s license suspension. Seeking criminal defense support is the best step to take when facing DUI charges in Pennsylvania or questioning whether a traffic stop or arrest was lawful.
]]>Under the Pennsylvania and U.S. Constitutions, DUI checkpoints are lawful if police fulfill certain requirements. As with any traffic stop, a driver has certain legal rights when police officers have set up a sobriety roadblock. There are several things to keep in mind to avoid legal problems.
Many people try to avoid a DUI checkpoint by trying to take an alternative route before reaching the roadblock. This is a bad idea for several reasons. Trying to abruptly change course may raise suspicion among the officers who are conducting the checkpoint. Also, U-turns are illegal in many places, which could result in an individual traffic stop and citation.
A Pennsylvania driver does not have to answer questions at a DUI checkpoint other than confirming identity if asked to do so by a police officer. If an officer asks where an individual has been or if he or she has consumed alcohol, a driver may invoke the right to remain silent under the protection of the Fifth Amendment. A driver also is not required to consent to a vehicle search. If a DUI arrest takes place, it is best to seek immediate legal support.
]]>Juveniles often have more than just a home life. Typically, they also have school, sports activities, and perhaps even employment. When the adults in these areas join efforts, they may be able to spot high-risk behavior and help prevent misconduct. If a child is already in trouble with the law, adults, mentors and other authority figures may be able to help prevent the juvenile from re-offending.
Studies show that kids who are prone to misconduct usually demonstrate undesirable behaviors either early in childhood or later, in their teen years. In both cases, risk factors may be present that suggest a particular juvenile is in a high-risk category. Kids in this category have a greater likelihood of facing criminal charges before their 18th birthday than children in low-risk categories.
Early intervention is a key to preventing recidivism. Mentoring programs, behavior management programs and things like after-school organized activities can also help prevent juveniles from becoming repeat offenders in the criminal justice system. Concerted efforts from parents, teachers, coaches, employers and other adults can help high-risk juveniles achieve their full potential and avoid legal trouble. If a minor is facing criminal charges in Pennsylvania, his or her parents will want to seek legal counsel from an attorney who understands the juvenile justice system in this state.
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