Keep Your Teens Safe on Spring Break
The time for a break from school has come, but do you know what your teenagers have planned?
The time for a break from school has come, but do you know what your teenagers have planned?
Whether it is a vacation to the beach or a party at a friend's house, there are many opportunities to find trouble.
If your teen is underage it is imperative they understand the impact of underage drinking. Carrying a fake i.d, purchasing alcohol, or driving after drinking all carry heavy consequences. And if they decide to travel to Mexico or to a country where they can legally consume alcohol, make sure you know their plans, destinations, and have contact information for everyone they will be traveling with before they leave the country.
Drinking for those 21 and over is just as serious when it comes to buying alcohol for minors, hosting a party with underage drinkers, and driving under the influence. Any offense can have serious legal repercussions and it's vital to let them know police have every right to arrest and charge them.
Make sure they make smart choices but if their vacation finds them behind bars and facing DUI charges, contact us immediately to ensure their rights are met and let us work to give them the best possible outcome.
Self-Defense to Assault
We recently had to defend a young man with no criminal record who had been charged with Felonious Assault.
We recently had to defend a young man with no criminal record who had been charged with Felonious Assault.
This young man had to defense himself (albeit with a kitchen knife) in his own yard from a violent man who lived next door and who had been harassing our client and all of the neighbors in the area.
This man even attacked our client with gas and fire after our client had defended himself. Suffice to say, given all of the circumstances, once our client was allowed to plea to a misdemeanor, the judge did not give him any time in jail and no probation.
We were very happy for this client.
Avoid an Arrest on St. Patrick's Day
Don't rely on the luck of the Irish to keep you out of jail.
Don't rely on the luck of the Irish to keep you out of jail.
Everyone loves to get into the Irish spirit on St. Patrick's Day, but there will be additional police on patrol looking to make arrests.
We caution everyone to avoid driving while under the influence of alcohol. It is important to note that with the St. Patrick's Day parade being held on a Saturday, there will be an even greater police presence due to the large crowd.
Public intoxication and disorderly conduct can result in arrest, fines and license suspension. Serious consequences also come if a minor is caught drinking underage.
If you or your teenager find yourself facing DUI charges, we advise you to contact us immediately, and our office will be available 24/7 to help you.
What to Do When Your Valentine Files for Divorce
If the season of love has ended in your marriage, it's vital to obtain experienced legal counsel.
If the season of love has ended in your marriage, it's vital to obtain experienced legal counsel.
In fact, data compiled by Avvo.com, a site that offers free ratings and profiles for lawyers, found that divorce filings skyrocket about 40 percent this time of year.
A study published in the Journal of Population Economics found those who marry on February 14 are 37 percent more likely to split. They are also 45 percent less likely to make it to their third wedding anniversary.
Oftentimes divorce can be unexpected and a spouse can be caught by surprise. Ensuring your legal, financial and custody rights is our priority.
We have decades of experience working to help partners obtain all they are entitled to. Whether you are considering a divorce, or your spouse has already filed, time is of the essence in securing your assets and all you hope to retain after the divorce.
Contact us today and let us represent you. We have the knowledge and dedication to work with you every step of the way.
Will Cleveland Children be Protected from Lead Exposure?
As reported in the Plain Dealer, more than 500,000 older homes in Cuyahoga County are potential lead hazards.
As reported in the Plain Dealer, more than 500,000 older homes in Cuyahoga County are potential lead hazards.
Without significant funding Cuyahoga County will be unable to eradicate lead from these homes that pose the greatest threat to children.
The Plain Dealer found that, "in some Cleveland neighborhoods, as many as 1 in 3 children are exposed to lead as their young brains are developing, before they ever start school."
With a new "Pay for Success" model, the city aims to work much quicker in helping families who face lead poisoning risks on a daily basis.
The Plain Dealer states this new program is still in the planning phase, but would "concentrate the work in Cleveland's Glenville, St. Clair-Superior and Broadway-Slavic Village neighborhoods, as well as in East Cleveland, as these areas have consistently had some of the highest rates of lead poisoning among children who are screened for the toxin."
We have dedicated our practice to protecting children and families and are ready to fight for your legal rights.
If you live in Cleveland or East Cleveland, or believe your home contains lead, contact us immediately.
Father Custody Battle
We recently had success in getting a hard working father full custody of his toddler son.
We recently had success in getting a hard working father full custody of his toddler son.
Even though it is 2018, it is still not easy to convince a court that awarding full custody to a dad may in fact be in the child’s best interests.
We did it – and we were very pleased for this father.
Is Your Business at Risk?
We are poised to help small business owners ensure their company thrives.
We are poised to help small business owners ensure their company thrives.
With so many faulty lawsuits, false employee claims and clients who refuse to pay outstanding debts, it can become overwhelming trying to keep your business afloat.
We have years of experience representing small and medium sized businesses with their litigation needs including:
- Lease disputes
- Real property sale disputes
- Collection on unpaid invoices
- Contract disputes
- Broker disputes
- Promissory note disputes
- Personnel and employee disputes
Don't let the daunting fees from larger firms intimidate you. Our office is ready to give you the legal counsel and expertise you need without hidden costs.
If you find yourself facing litigation or want to ensure your company stays protected, contact us today.
Protect Your Teen from a DUI
Underage drinking is rampant for college and high school students.
Underage drinking is rampant for college and high school students.
Whether they are at a bar or a party, anytime your child drinks under the legal drinking age they are at risk for severe legal consequences. It is important to educate your teen on the ramifications of underage drinking.
Ohio law states that if anyone under the age of 21 possesses or consumes alcohol, they could face a $1,000 fine and a maximum of six months in jail.
Protect your teen and educate them on the consequences of drinking before turning 21.
If your family is facing DUI charges or your minor was caught in possession of drugs or alcohol, contact us. We are available 24/7 and are prepared to help.
Lead Poisoning Prevalent in Cleveland
Lead poisoning still poses a real threat to children living in Cleveland.
Lead poisoning still poses a real threat to children living in Cleveland.
Almost 90% of homes in the Cleveland area were built before 1978, making the risk of exposure to lead extremely high.
Children are the most at-risk and as reported in The New York Times, Dr. Dorr Dearborn, a retired pediatrician and chairman emeritus of Case Western Reserve University’s department of environmental health sciences, said widely elevated lead levels “give these children an abnormal base to which all the other determinants of school failure and aggressive behavior are added.”
The Plain Dealer stated, "In addition to problems preventing lead exposure, our region has also been very bad at finding children who have already been poisoned by lead. Only about a third of children who are at risk for lead poisoning in the Cleveland area are screened for the toxin, according to an analysis completed by Ohio State University's Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity."
When it comes to this toxic threat, don't take any chances. We have dedicated our practice to representing families facing lead poisoning and helping them gain the financial support and medical assistance they need. Don't wait another day.
Protect your children from lead poisoning and contact us today.
Bullying Lawsuit
We recently had to file suit for a young boy and his family regarding a long series of acts of bullying the boy had to endure at school – something the school district involved just simply refused to address.
We recently had to file suit for a young boy and his family regarding a long series of acts of bullying the boy had to endure at school – something the school district involved just simply refused to address.
The suit made some television news. We had to sue the school district, the bullies and the bullies’ parents (Ohio law holds the parents responsible for intentional acts of their minor children).
Stay tuned as this case develops. Ironically, one of the main offenders has hired a lawyer who seeks only to be a bully in the litigation.
What to Consider Before Filing for Divorce
As holiday stresses and financial pressures increase, many spouses will begin to consider a divorce.
As holiday stresses and financial pressures increase, many spouses will begin to consider a divorce.
Before filing any paperwork, it is essential to meet with a qualified legal expert to discuss pertinent issues.
- If children are involved, will you be seeking full custody?
- Do you own multiple properties and are you hoping to retain them after the divorce?
- Will you need continued financial support for yourself or your children?
- Do you have joint investments that need to de divided?
These are just a few questions to consider as you take the steps to file for divorce.
It is our goal to help you acquire and keep all that you are entitled to, and we have the experience to ensure your divorce is successful. Contact us today.
Don't Ring in the New Year with DUI
Make staying out of jail a resolution, and avoid driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Make staying out of jail a resolution, and avoid driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
This past Thanksgiving brought an increase of traffic fatalities and arrests. The Ohio State Highway Patrol arrested 542 drivers for operating a vehicle while impaired.
Troopers also made 294 drug arrests and reported that 16 people were killed in fatal crashes.
You can be sure this same police presence will be looking to make more DUI arrests during the holiday season.
We are available 24/7 and ready to represent you.
Impulsive Act but Only a Misdemeanor Trespass
We recently defended a client who had been charged with a felony crime called Breaking and Entering.
We recently defended a client who had been charged with a felony crime called Breaking and Entering.
Breaking and Entering is when a suspect breaks into a business to steal something (vs. a suspect who breaks into a home).
The facts of this case were very unique – and the client had no criminal record. We negotiated a plea where the defendant only had to plea to a low level misdemeanor called criminal trespass.
The client served no jail. Given the prison time he was facing for the charged felony, the client was very happy with the outcome.
Signs Your Home Contains Lead
Our goal is to protect every family and child from lead poisoning.
Our goal is to protect every family and child from lead poisoning.
The greatest risk for lead exposure is found in homes built before 1978. If your home was built before 1940, there is an 87% chance lead exists in your house.
Between 1940-1959, 69% of homes contain lead, and from 1960-1977, 24% of homes pose a threat for lead poisoning.
The EPA has identified many areas lead can be found in a home, including windowsills, fences, even pipes and playgrounds. Don't let your children fall victim to lead poisoning.
If you suspect your family is at risk for lead poisoning, contact us today.
Is Your Workplace Safe?
A dangerous work environment can often go overlooked.
A dangerous work environment can often go overlooked.
Don't let a workplace injury cost you time and money. We have the background and knowledge to understand all that you are entitled to after facing an injury on the job.
Many employers are quick to place fault on the employee, making you responsible for costly medical bills and lost wages. Don't become a victim of an unsafe, and illegal workplace.
Let us work for you and ensure your employers provide the safest work environment to avoid any and all injuries. Contact us today.
Legal Malpractice
We just recently resolved a long and protracted legal malpractice case.
We just recently resolved a long and protracted legal malpractice case.
The defendant lawyer had given our client some very bad legal advice which resulted in the client resolving a divorce motion on some very bad monetary terms.
We had to go all the way to the court of appeals and back to help this client.
Clients need to know that when a lawyer makes a mistake (it happens – they are just human), there is a legal and monetary remedy.
New Efforts Seek to Eradicate Lead in Cleveland Homes
The Plain Dealer has exposed countless errors and statistics of citizens going unassisted while living in homes with lead.
The Plain Dealer has exposed countless errors and statistics of citizens going unassisted while living in homes with lead.
A recent article cites Improvements to Cleveland's lead problem and reported that, "the city now has a rental inspection program, launched this summer. After studying approaches used by other cities, Mayor Frank Jackson's administration opted to start interior and exterior inspections of all registered rentals for a list of health and safety issues, including peeling paint in older homes. To do so, it dedicated millions from a voter-approved tax increase to start hiring 33 new employees in the Building & Housing department -- including 13 to staff the rental property inspection unit."
While still in its infancy, steps taken by city officials show long overdue attention and resources are now being directed to prevent more families and children from being exposed to toxic amounts of lead.
If you live in a house built before 1978, the owner is legally required to maintain a safe, lead-free home for you and your family.
Contact us today to ensure no one in your home is at risk for lead poisoning.
Night Before Thanksgiving Brings DUI Arrests
With college kids home for the holidays comes the opportunity for them to party with their friends.
With college kids home for the holidays comes the opportunity for them to party with their friends.
It is widely known that the night before Thanksgiving is one of the most popular nights to go out and drink. Police officers are patrolling the streets in an even greater effort to keep drunk drivers off the road.
Make sure your legally aged sons and daughters are aware of their increased risk of a DUI arrest and avoid driving while intoxicated.
Don't start the holiday season with a night behind bars. Contact us 24/7, even on holidays if you find yourself facing charges.
New Law Would Protect Families from Lead Exposure
City Councilman Jeff Johnson is pushing for new legislation to help eradicate the lead found in Cleveland homes.
City Councilman Jeff Johnson is pushing for new legislation to help eradicate the lead found in Cleveland homes.
As part of the Lead Safe Cleveland Initiative, the Plain Dealer reported that, "Johnson, along with Cleveland Lead Safe Network would first tackle lead paint hazards in homes and then go after reducing the risk from the toxin in soil and water."
Countless homes in the Cleveland area were built before 1978, and are at a greater risk of having lead paint that causes permanent and life threatening damage to young children.
If you suspect your home has not undergone a lead inspection, or fear your family has been exposed to lead, contact us today.
Don't Wear Your Halloween Costume Behind Bars
Fall has officially begun and many are already planning their Halloween parties.
Fall has officially begun and many are already planning their Halloween parties.
It is no secret that police officers will have an increased presence and will be out looking for anyone drinking and driving.
For underage teenagers looking to celebrate, it is imperative for parents to make them aware of the ramifications if they are caught drinking, or if other adults are supplying them with alcohol at a party. It only takes one drunken crash to change their life, and yours, forever.