Not Guilty of Domestic Violence
We recently had our client found not guilty after a domestic violence trial.
We recently had our client found not guilty after a domestic violence trial.
This was a case where our client’s version of the facts was much different that the alleged victim’s version.
We even think the police officers involved had “reasonable doubt,” and made that very argument to the Court.
There was much at stake for this client, so the client was very pleased with the outcome.
DUI Arrests Increase During the Summer Months
The National Crime Victimization Survey reported that crime will increase up to 12% during the summer months. Here are a few items that exacerbate summer DUI arrests:
The longer days of summer in our region mean more time celebrating with friends and family.
With this summer fun comes no only an inevitable uptick of driving under the influence (DUI) arrests, but an increase all criminal offenses. The National Crime Victimization Survey reported that crime will increase up to 12% during the summer months.
Here are a few items that exacerbate summer DUI arrests:
Festivals and events: Northeast Ohio is known for hosting numerous festivals, concerts, and events during the summer. These gatherings often involve alcohol consumption, leading to a higher risk of individuals driving under the influence.
Outdoor activities: The summer season in Northeast Ohio offers various outdoor recreational opportunities, such as boating, camping, and hiking. People engaging in these activities may consume alcohol and then choose to drive under the influence, increasing the likelihood of DUI incidents.
Tourism and travel: Northeast Ohio is home to several tourist destinations, including amusement parks, vineyards, and scenic attractions. Visitors, as well as local residents, may indulge in alcohol-related activities while exploring these destinations, contributing to an increased number of DUI cases.
College break and graduation parties: Northeast Ohio is home to several universities and colleges. When summer arrives, students often celebrate the end of the academic year with parties and gatherings that involve alcohol. These festivities can lead to an uptick in DUI arrests.
Increased law enforcement efforts: Law enforcement agencies in Northeast Ohio may allocate additional resources to address traffic safety concerns during the summer months. This heightened enforcement can lead to more DUI arrests as officers actively target impaired drivers.
If you do find yourself under arrest, we are available 24/7 so contact us immediately.
Summer May Present Domestic Law Issues
The summer months often bring changes in routines and increased family time due to vacations and school breaks. These changes can sometimes exacerbate existing tensions within relationships or highlight underlying issues.
It is a common belief that domestic relations issues, such as conflicts and breakups, may increase during the summer months.
The idea behind this belief is that summer months often bring changes in routines and increased family time due to vacations and school breaks. These changes can sometimes exacerbate existing tensions within relationships or highlight underlying issues.
Additionally, the added stress of planning and managing family activities during the summer can potentially contribute to conflicts.
However, it's important to recognize that every relationship and family dynamic is unique, and general trends might not apply to everyone. The causes of domestic relations issues are multifaceted and can arise at any time of the year. Factors such as communication problems, financial stress, and personal differences can influence relationship dynamics and contribute to conflicts.
If you're facing domestic relations issues or seeking advice, please consult with a family law attorneys who can provide guidance tailored to your specific circumstances. Lipson O’Shea is here to help.
Awareness is the Key to Safety During the Summer Months
During the summer months, several issues related to personal injury law become more prominent.
During the summer months, several issues related to personal injury law become more prominent.
It's important to be aware of the following potential risks:
Motor Vehicle Accidents: With increased travel and road trips, motor vehicle accidents tend to rise during the summer. Drivers should be cautious of speeding, distracted driving, and drunk driving. Additionally, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians are more prevalent, so drivers should be mindful of sharing the road safely.
Recreational Accidents: Outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, biking, boating, and amusement park visits become more common in the summer. Accidents related to water sports, diving, boating collisions, theme park ride malfunctions, and injuries on playgrounds or sports fields can occur. Knowing and adhering to safety guidelines and regulations is crucial.
Slip and Fall Accidents: Summer brings increased foot traffic in public places like shopping centers, parks, and recreational areas. Slip and fall accidents can result from wet surfaces, uneven pavements, inadequate maintenance, or insufficient warnings. Property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises and address potential hazards.
Dog Bites: More people and pets are outdoors during the summer, increasing the likelihood of dog-related incidents. Dog owners are responsible for controlling their pets and preventing them from causing harm. If you're bitten or attacked by a dog, you may have a legal claim for compensation.
Heat-Related Injuries: Excessive heat during the summer can lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, or other heat-related illnesses. Employers should provide a safe working environment and take measures to prevent heat-related injuries. In certain cases, individuals may have a claim if they suffer injuries due to negligence or inadequate precautions.
Social Host Liability: Summer is a popular time for social gatherings, parties, and barbecues. If a host serves alcohol to an intoxicated guest who then causes harm to themselves or others (such as drunk driving accidents), the host may be held liable for their negligence.
If you're involved in an accident or injured during the summer months, it's important to consult with a personal injury attorney. Lipson O’Shea Legal Group can provide guidance and help determine if you have a valid legal claim.
Celebrating This Memorial Day Weekend? Read This First.
If you plan on drinking alcohol and driving on Memorial Day or any other day, it's important to prioritize safety and make responsible choices.
If you plan on drinking alcohol and driving on Memorial Day or any other day, it's important to prioritize safety and make responsible choices.
Below are general guidelines that are commonly advised by state highway patrol services. Here are five important things people should know:
Drinking and driving is illegal and dangerous: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol is against the law in most countries and poses significant risks. Alcohol impairs your judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the likelihood of accidents, injuries, or even fatalities.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limits: Each country and state has legal limits for blood alcohol concentration. Exceeding the legal limit can result in severe penalties, such as fines, license suspension, or even imprisonment. It's crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific BAC limit in your jurisdiction.
Plan ahead and designate a sober driver: If you plan on consuming alcohol, it's important to arrange alternative transportation in advance. Designate a sober driver within your group or consider using rideshare services, taxis, public transportation, or asking a sober friend or family member for a ride. This ensures that everyone arrives home safely.
Understand the effects of alcohol: Alcohol affects everyone differently, and the rate of metabolism varies from person to person. Factors like weight, tolerance, and the type and amount of alcohol consumed can influence impairment levels. It's important to recognize your limits and make responsible decisions.
Watch out for others on the road: Even if you choose not to drink and drive, it's crucial to stay vigilant and watch out for impaired drivers on the road. Be aware of erratic driving behaviors, such as excessive speeding, swerving, or sudden braking, and maintain a safe distance from potentially impaired motorists. If you suspect someone is driving under the influence, report it to the appropriate authorities.
Remember, drinking and driving jeopardizes not only your safety but also the well-being of others on the road. It is always best to find alternative transportation if you plan on consuming alcohol.
For specific guidelines and legal information, it is advisable to consult the official resources provided by your state highway patrol or local law enforcement agencies.
As always, if you should get in to trouble, contact Lipson O’Shea Legal Group right away for our expert guidance.
Valentine's Day Not So Sweet?
For many spouses, February 14 is not a day for love, but a reminder of how far apart they’ve grown.
For many spouses, February 14 is not a day for love, but a reminder of how far apart they’ve grown.
If you find yourself ready to leave your marriage, it’s important to seek legal counsel.
Our office is poised to help you navigate through a divorce while protecting all that is rightfully yours.
Contact us today and let us assist you every step of the way.
Cracking Down on Distracted Driving
The state of Ohio is getting serious with enforcing distracted driving and recently, Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 288, “which significantly strengthens laws in Ohio related to the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving.”
The state of Ohio is getting serious with enforcing distracted driving and recently, Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 288, “which significantly strengthens laws in Ohio related to the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving.”
“Signing this bill today is a great honor because this legislation will, without a doubt, prevent crashes and save lives,” said Governor DeWine. “Right now, too many people are willing to risk their lives while behind the wheel to get a look at their phones. My hope is that this legislation will prompt a cultural shift around distracted driving that normalizes the fact that distracted driving is dangerous, irresponsible, and just as deadly as driving drunk," stated DeWine.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol reports that there have been at least 73,945 distracted driving crashes in Ohio since 2017, including 2,186 fatal and serious injury crashes. Traffic fatalities overall have increased in eight of nine years from 2013 to 2021, with deaths reaching their highest point in nearly two decades in 2021 with 1,355 fatalities. Preliminary traffic data from 2022 indicates that at least 1,269 people were killed in traffic crashes last year.
We encourage everyone to drive sober and without distraction, but if you or your teen find yourself facing charges, contact us right away.
Avoid Arrest on Winter Formal
The important thing is to make sure you talk to your teens about the dangers of underage drinking and driving under the influence before the party begins.
For those Rocky River High School students and many others, winter formal is coming up on February 11.
This means tuxedos, dresses, and fun. The important thing is to make sure you talk to your teens about the dangers of underage drinking and driving under the influence before the party begins.
With may attending after-parties, it’s just as vital for parents to understand the role they play if minors are given alcohol while on their property.
Speak to your teens to make sure they celebrate safely and if they do find themselves facing trouble, our offices are open 24/7.
Divorce Case Property Win
We recently resolved a divorce case where there was a very big issue regarding what was and what was not marital property.
We recently resolved a divorce case where there was a very big issue regarding what was and what was not marital property.
Like many good folks, some clients have assets that are really marital assets held in other person’s names.
We had to work hard to present proof of the “real” ownership behind who actually had title to a piece of real estate.
This was a rather big (i.e., $25,000) benefit to our client.
Sophisticated Business Litigation Case
We just resolved a large portion of a huge business litigation case that has been pending since 2018.
We just resolved a large portion of a huge business litigation case that has been pending since 2018.
Our clients were taken advantage of by some sophisticated persons who were required to operate and monitor their small food business.
This case was one of the oldest cases on the docket of the assigned judge, who we assume was very happy to see that most of the case is now resolved.
Lots and lots of hours and thousands of pages of documents came into play here. Clients looking forward to closure.
DUI Case Reduction
On the same day in different courts (and with different clients), we were able to successfully get reductions on 2 DUI cases.
On the same day in different courts (and with different clients), we were able to successfully get reductions on 2 DUI cases.
In order to get that accomplished, we had to carefully and thoroughly review numerous police reports and videos to find where the protocols and procedures that bind police departments were not properly followed.
Both clients (both of whom were good full-time working folks who made a bad decision on one specific date in their entire life) were very happy. Experience was very important here.
Ring in the New Year without Arrest
New Year’s Eve can often be amateur hour with many out drinking, ready to ring in 2023.
New Year’s Eve can often be amateur hour with many out drinking, ready to ring in 2023.
With an increased police presence on the roads, make sure you don’t start the new year behind bars.
Designate a driver and if you host a New Year’s Eve party, know that you can be held legally accountable for guests leaving your home under the influence.
We advise you to warn teens about serving alcohol in your home as well and call us right away.
Celebrate Christmas Break Safely
As the college kids return home for the holidays, it’s important to share with them police officers are watching.
As the college kids return home for the holidays, it’s important to share with them they are no longer on campus, but out where police officers are watching.
Returning home for college can be exciting, especially for those freshman. Before getting together with old high school friends, make sure they know the consequences of drinking and driving, and of underage drinking.
What may have worked in their dorms will not work out at public bars. If they do find themselves under arrest, we are open 24/7 even on holidays.
New Year, New Marriage?
We are poised to help you ensure your properties, investments, and businesses stay protected even after the wedding.
As we ring in 2023 and set our list of goals, if yours is becoming husband and wife it’s important to make sure you are ready.
Saying “I do” goes beyond the wedding day. Financially, without a pre-nuptial agreement you are in essence handing over half of everything you own to your spouse that day.
We are poised to help you ensure your properties, investments, and businesses stay protected even after the wedding.
Before you plan your New Year’s engagement, contact our offices.
"Legal Malpractice” To Be Resolved
We continue to represent a family that was misled and negligently represented by a unscrupulous lawyer in a wrongful death case.
We continue to represent a family that was misled and negligently represented by a unscrupulous lawyer in a wrongful death case.
This is what is called a “legal malpractice” case. We have prosecuted a number of these over the years.
We hope to resolve this one (like all the others) in the early part of 2023.
Insurance Claim
We just resolved a personal injury case which involved what is known as an “uninsured” claim.
We just resolved a personal injury case which involved what is known as an “uninsured” claim.
An “uninsured” claim is a claim that an injured person much file against their own insurance company when the at-fault driver of the other automobile has no insurance at all. When this happens, our clients’ own insurance companies turn on them like a bad junkyard dog.
We end up having to sue our own client’s insurance company for what is called “bad faith” – which is a legal term for trying to screw over your own insured.
Just moments before what is called “mediation,” the bad faith carrier made an offer that should have been made many months before. Case resolved.
Repair Shop Makes Right
We recently resolved a big “replevin” action involving a very expensive semi-truck that was being wrongfully held by a repair shop over a dispute on how the repairs were being made.
We recently resolved a big “replevin” action involving a very expensive semi-truck that was being wrongfully held by a repair shop over a dispute on how the repairs were being made.
A “replevin” action is where one person claims ownership of a piece of property being held by another.
Just moments before the replevin hearing was to commence, the repair shop relented and agreed to turn over the truck. Good day for the client.
Sweetest Day Not so Sweet?
Saturday, October 15 we celebrate those we love most but if you find yourself in a less than celebratory mood, we are here to help.
Saturday, October 15 we celebrate those we love most but if you find yourself in a less than celebratory mood, we are here to help.
Whether you’ve been married for one year or 30, we have countless experience representing both sides.
Beginning a divorce can be overwhelming and stressful and we are prepared to guide you every step of the way.
Let us make sure your assets remain protected and you get the custody you deserve and contact us today.
Celebrate Halloween Safely
Make sure this Halloween is filled with safe, sober fun.
Make sure this Halloween is filled with safe, sober fun.
If your teens have outgrown little costumes and trick or treating, take time to explain the dangers of driving under the influence.
And as the month for costume parties kicks off, let them know the consequences of under age drinking, especially if on campus and providing alcohol to others.
If they do find themself facing charges, our office is open 24/7 so contact us immediately.
National School Bus Safety Week
School is back in session and the Ohio State Highway Patrol is taking extra precautions.
School is back in session and the Ohio State Highway Patrol is taking extra precautions.
National School Bus Safety week will begin on Monday, October 17, through Friday, October 21.
A nationally recognized safety event, this week is dedicated to ensuring all safety measures are taken for students to remain protected both to and from school.