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Probation Officer Convicted for Indecent Liberties with a Minor
A former Virginia probation officer was recently sentenced to five years in prison when he was convicted of taking indecent liberties with a minor in his care. He was charged with the crime and confessed to having sex with the minor, who was a juvenile probationer he was responsible for. At the sentencing, the judge noted that in making his decision, he considered mitigating factors, including evidence that the defendant had undergone therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression, as well as his solid employment history.
On the other hand, the judge also said he considered the defendant’s admission that he had sex with the young girl. He also considered evidence that the defendant had been grooming her, had sex with her even though she expressed reservations, and had done so in the course of his time as her probation officer.
The defendant pled guilty to the felony as part of a plea agreement. He no longer works for the Department of Corrections. If you have been charged with the crime of taking indecent liberties with a minor in Virginia, an experienced criminal defense attorney can explain the charges and craft the best defense for your case.
What Does a Parenting Coordinator Do in a Custody Dispute?
As one of the most emotional aspects of divorce, child custody is prone to causing parental disputes. Parents can disagree on custody schedules, medical decisions for the child, the child’s religious upbringing, and more. Decisions about these important issues are, therefore, usually set out in a parenting plan, an enforceable document that outlines how both parties plan to co-parent their child.
Parents who want to get divorced are required to submit a parenting plan to the court but sometimes do not agree to its provisions, particularly in high-conflict divorces. In some cases, even parents who agree on a parenting plan at first might have second thoughts after the divorce. In either situation, the parents might benefit from a parenting coordinator, a neutral third party who is trained in conflict resolution and family mediation. Parenting coordination is often part of the court process during custody disputes, so find out more information by consulting a Maryland family law attorney.
How Do I Prove Persecution for an Asylum Claim?
Many people come to the United States each year seeking safety and refuge from oppression in their home countries. The U.S. government offers an option called asylum, which allows such people to live and work in the United States while granting them a path to a green card. Asylum is a lifeline for many around the world who are persecuted for their beliefs, religions, races, nationalities, or affiliations. However, the application process for asylum is not an easy one, and it requires the applicant to prove that he or she would be oppressed back home. The best way to ensure a smooth and successful application process is to consult a Maryland immigration attorney who will guide you through each step.
How Does the Asylum Process Work?
In general, a person has one year from the date of his or her arrival to the United States to apply for asylum. The application requires the asylee to provide supporting documents verifying his or her identity, circumstances, and persecution claims. The United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) reviews the application and, if everything is in order, schedules an interview. At the interview, a USCIS officer questions the applicant about the information in the application. If the officer is satisfied with the application and interview, the USCIS is likely to grant asylum.
Can I Be Charged With Prostitution if No Money Was Exchanged?
When most people think about prostitution, they think about money being exchanged for sexual services. While this is a form of prostitution, Maryland law’s definition of the term is much broader and includes exchanges that do not necessarily involve money.
A transaction in which anything of value is bartered for sexual services is considered prostitution, a serious sex crime that carries lengthy prison time, heavy fines, and a spot on the sex offender registry in Maryland. If you are facing prostitution charges, reach out to a Maryland criminal defense attorney right away to safeguard your rights and your future.
How Does Maryland Law Define Prostitution?
Under Maryland law, prostitution means any sexual act or contact that is exchanged for something of value. Common examples of non-monetary payments include:
When Can I Claim Emotional Distress in a Personal Injury Case?
A person who suffers an injury because of someone else’s negligence can sometimes collect compensation for the damages. Usually, these damages are financial: lost wages from an inability to work, medical expenses, and property damage all fall under the category of economic damages.
In some cases, however, a person may seek compensation for non-economic damages. These are not financial or quantifiable, so it is harder to assess the amount of compensation owed to the victim. Emotional distress falls under the category of non-economic damages and in some cases can fetch significant sums. Non-economic damages are harder to prove, so make sure you consult an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney who can represent you.
What Is Emotional Distress?
Emotional distress, which is sometimes referred to as pain and suffering, refers to the emotional hardship a person may experience as a result of an injury. A person who suffers emotional distress might experience:
What Are the Most Common Types of Business Litigation?
Businesses from small to large often find themselves engaged in disputes. Whether it is a company accusing an employee of breach of contract or a customer accusing a company of fraud, such disputes can affect the bottom line of a business. It is therefore vital to hire an aggressive and experienced business litigation attorney who will represent the business in disputes and protect the company’s interests.
What Are the Most Common Types of Business Litigation in Maryland?
Businesses in Maryland may be party to several types of disputes that can lead to litigation. The most common ones include:
- Breach of contract: When business partners, vendors, or employees violate their contractual obligations, it can have a serious impact on a business. Breach of contract disputes are a common cause of business litigation.
How Can a Protective Order Help Me Against a Violent Ex?
There are various forms of domestic violence, all of which can be terrifying experiences. Couples who get divorced are especially prone to domestic abuse when feelings of anger, betrayal, resentment, and jealousy spiral out of control. A violent ex-spouse can pose a danger not just to you but to your children and other family members. Maryland law provides certain protections against domestic violence, one of which is a protective order.
Understanding what a protective order is and when it is granted is a crucial first step toward maintaining your and your family’s safety. Speak with an experienced Maryland family law attorney about whether you are eligible for a protective order and what an order entails.
What Is a Protective Order?
A protective order, also referred to as a restraining order, is a court directive that prohibits a person from engaging in certain behaviors against someone else. It is issued specifically when both parties are in a close relationship, and one presents an immediate threat of abuse or harassment to the other.
What Happens if I Violate Red Flag Gun Laws in Maryland?
Maryland law allows the state to confiscate a firearm if its owner is deemed a threat to others or his or her own physical safety. Under this statute — commonly referred to as a "red flag law" — certain people can report "red flags" about a gun owner to a court. The judge may then issue an extreme risk protective order (ERPO) which requires the gun owner to surrender his or her firearms and bars him or her from owning a gun.
This article will discuss how an ERPO works, the penalties for violating it, and how to fight it. If you are facing ERPO proceedings or if you are being charged with violating an ERPO, consult an experienced Maryland criminal defense attorney.
How Does an ERPO Work?
The ERPO process begins when a petition is filed with the court requesting that a protective order be issued against the gun owner, also referred to as the respondent. There are several types of people who are authorized to file such a petition:
How Should I Prepare for a USCIS Interview?
Whether you are applying for a green card or naturalization, you will be asked to complete certain forms and submit several documents. You will also likely be required to participate in an interview with a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer who will conduct an assessment to see if you are eligible for a green card or citizenship.
These interviews are an important part of the application process because they can result in an approval or rejection of the immigration application. If the interviewer feels like the applicant is being untruthful, insincere, combative, or failing to meet certain conditions, he or she may deny the applicant’s request. It is therefore important to consult with a Maryland immigration attorney who can tell you what to expect in a USCIS interview and help you prepare.
What Should I Expect in a USCIS Interview?
You will be required to bring certain documents with you to the interview. The USCIS officer will review them and give you a chance to explain or revise what you wrote on your application. He or she will also ask you questions to determine if you are telling the truth and being consistent. For example, a common question USCIS interviewers ask those applying for K-1 fiancé(e) green cards is which side of the bed they sleep on. If the future husband and wife give different answers or appear not to know, it may raise questions about the legitimacy of the relationship.
What Can Happen If I Do Not Sign a Prenuptial Agreement?
Like marriage, divorce can be a major life-changing event. It not only affects your marital status, but it can also affect your debts and finances, including any businesses or assets you own. If you are not properly prepared, the divorce process can leave you feeling blindsided by the changes. That is why many couples who want to get married sign prenuptial agreements.
In this article, we will explore what a prenuptial agreement is and the potential legal pitfalls that can happen without one. Contact a Maryland family law attorney for help drafting a prenuptial agreement or any other legal assistance.
What Is a Prenuptial Agreement?
A prenuptial agreement is a document signed by both spouses before marriage that outlines what will happen in the event of a divorce. It may contain details concerning:
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