Moheb Legal Defense, PLLCLawyer Roanoke Virginia | Moheb Legal Defense, PLLC | Roanoke County2024-02-26T20:39:57Zhttps://www.moheblegal.com/feed/atom/WordPressOn Behalf of Moheb Legal Defense, PLLChttps://www.moheblegal.com/?p=474642024-02-15T18:06:30Z2024-02-15T18:06:30ZSet clear expectations
Establishing clear expectations is key to a harmonious co-parenting relationship. Sit down with your ex-partner and discuss important matters, such as visitation schedules, holidays and decision-making processes regarding the children.
Communicate openly and respectfully
Poor communication may have contributed to the 989,518 divorces in 2022. However, effective communication is important for successful co-parenting. Keep conversations focused on the children and their well-being. Be open to discussing concerns and be flexible when making arrangements. Respect each other's opinions. Use text messages, emails or co-parenting apps to stay connected.
Prioritize consistency
Consistency provides stability for children amidst the changes that come with divorce. Stick to the agreed-upon schedules and routines as much as possible. This includes bedtime routines, meal times and disciplinary measures.
Show support for each other
Supporting each other as co-parents sets a positive example for the children. Acknowledge your ex-partner's efforts in parenting and show appreciation for their involvement. Be willing to help with childcare or logistical arrangements.
Keep conflict away from the children
Never place children in the middle of parental conflicts. Keep disagreements private and away from the children's ears. Refrain from speaking negatively about your ex-partner in front of the kids, as this can cause emotional harm. Focus on fostering a healthy co-parenting dynamic built on respect and cooperation.
Seek professional help if needed
Consider seeking the guidance of a family therapist or counselor to navigate complex issues and improve communication. Therapy can provide valuable tools and strategies for overcoming obstacles and strengthening the co-parenting relationship.
Remember, your children's well-being should always be the top priority.]]>On Behalf of Moheb Legal Defense, PLLChttps://www.moheblegal.com/?p=474452023-11-14T01:32:42Z2023-11-14T01:32:42ZPreserve the lines of communication
Maintain open communication and ensure that your children feel heard and understood. You can do this by letting them express their feelings without judgment.
Interestingly, a research study by BMC found that open family communication promotes a better body image, boosts self-esteem and improves a child’s psychological well-being. By creating a safe space for your children to share their thoughts and concerns, you foster an environment of trust and emotional support.
Provide a stable routine
Consistency is vital for kids. Amidst the changes, strive to establish a routine that provides them with stability. Consistent schedules for meals, bedtime and other daily activities can provide a sense of normalcy during a tumultuous time.
Avoid villainizing others
Avoid placing blame and not just on your ex. While it might be tempting to vent frustrations, doing so in front of your children can create unnecessary stress.
Focus on constructive communication and emphasize that the divorce is not your children's fault. Additionally, encourage a healthy relationship with the other parent. Regardless of personal differences, fostering a positive co-parenting dynamic supports your child’s well-being.
Treat the experience as a learning lesson
Introduce the idea of change as a natural part of life. Help your children understand that while things may be different, their needs and well-being are your top priority. While relationships can change, your love for them remains constant.
Reframing the process as a teachable experience can be particularly helpful as studies find that children of divorced parents tend to have lower educational attainment. Be honest about the changes they can expect and reassure them that you remain committed to ensuring their happiness.
Navigating a divorce with children requires a thoughtful and compassionate approach. By doing so, you can make the process easier for your children and get them through this challenging time with resilience and strength.]]>On Behalf of Moheb Legal Defense, PLLChttps://www.moheblegal.com/?p=472032023-08-11T19:46:28Z2023-08-11T19:46:28Zprescription drug misuse and fraud.
What is individual prescription drug fraud?
Prescription drug fraud occurs when individuals misuse or distribute prescribed drugs that fall outside the prescriber’s intention. In addition, those who either legally or illegally obtain these medications for resale have committed fraud. Illegal internet pharmacies or stealing them from others, pharmacies, doctors, etc. is fraud.
Individuals cannot shop for doctors, to find one to write them a prescription or go to multiple doctors to get multiple prescriptions. In some cases, people steal doctors’ prescription pads or forge or change their prescriptions.
What is prescription drug fraud by medical professionals?
Doctors can get into trouble for illicit prescribing as well. Some doctors have also prescribed pills to individuals who sold these drugs but used Medicaid to pay for them. Pharmacists have access to a wide variety of drugs and can mix compounds, and some have minimal education for these positions.
What are fraud prevention methods?
First, clinicians should keep accurate records of the prescriptions they write. They should become more aware of layering these drugs and beware of the patients who request this. Clinicians also need to keep their prescription pads secured. They should also write carefully and clearly on these pads so patients cannot change them easily. Electronic prescriptions also improve security.
Those involved in prescription drug fraud face federal and state charges, so they should understand the conditions that lead to fraudulent actions.]]>On Behalf of Moheb Legal Defense, PLLChttps://www.moheblegal.com/?p=472012023-05-12T19:42:20Z2023-05-12T19:42:20ZUnderstanding your legal rights
The fourth amendment protects you from being unreasonably searched by the police. However, some exceptions may allow law enforcement to legally search your car without a warrant even if you do not consent to them performing a search.
An especially important exception you should remember is that police can search your car without a warrant if they have probable cause. Having probable cause means the police can reasonably assume criminal activity is occurring. Examples include smelling or seeing an illegal substance from outside of the car.
What to do if the police pull you over
If you find yourself pulled over by the police you should keep a few things in mind. Firstly, you should comply with instructions given to you, such as showing the officer your license when asked and signing a ticket if necessary. However, you need not incriminate yourself by admitting guilt or consenting to the police searching your vehicle. You can say that you wish to remain silent when questioned.
If police ask to search your vehicle it is generally advisable to say no. While they may search it anyways, this may help you later in court. Remain as calm as possible and do not fight with the officer even if you feel your rights are being infringed on. It is better to challenge the situation later in court than escalate the situation with the police.]]>On Behalf of Moheb Legal Defense, PLLChttps://www.moheblegal.com/?p=472002023-02-14T02:10:00Z2023-02-14T02:10:00ZAsking for rehab when facing charges
If you are under arrest on drug charges, this is an ideal opportunity to get the help that you need. Negotiate a plea that will get you placed into rehab so that you can get the treatment and therapy that you need to kick the habit.
Going to the hospital for treatment
When you have reason to suspect an overdose or you are having a bad reaction, go to the emergency room right away. As part of your medical care, you can seek rehab treatment.
Talking with your local clergy
Seeking help before your addiction becomes a medical emergency is a better plan. When possible, reach out to a local clergy member or spiritual advisor for support. They often have plans in place to get community members the recovery services that they need. Remember that most churches host Alcohol and Narcotics Anonymous meetings, so they can provide you with resources for help.
These are some of the best places to turn for help with a prescription drug addiction. Beat the addiction before it lands you in court or use your criminal charges as a chance to get clean.]]>On Behalf of Moheb Legal Defense, PLLChttps://www.moheblegal.com/?p=471992022-11-14T21:22:54Z2022-11-14T21:22:54ZDrugs are visible in your vehicle or on your person
The Code of Virginia states that "it is unlawful for any person knowingly or intentionally to possess a controlled substance" without a valid prescription. But how do the police find you in possession of a controlled substance? If they see drugs in your car or in your hand, this is probable cause.
You talk about drugs as if you have some
Officers may also claim probable cause if they believe you are aware of the presence of an illegal drug. This is why your right to remain silent is so important. The prosecutors can use against you anything you say during the course of the investigation.
The officer can articulate his belief that you had drugs
Officers need more than a hunch or a feeling in order to conduct a search. In Virginia, they have to be able to explain to a judge why they believed that you possess drugs. Their reasoning can be circumstantial, but it must include observable details from the five senses. Whatever they hear, smell, taste, touch or see can create probable cause enough for search, seizure and arrest. If they cannot articulate details and facts about how they established probable cause, the case could be thrown out.]]>On Behalf of Moheb Legal Defense, PLLChttps://www.moheblegal.com/?p=471972022-08-12T19:11:16Z2022-08-12T19:11:16ZIs DUI a serious crime in Virginia?
Virginia takes DUI very seriously. A first-time DUI carries a $250 and a one-year license suspension, in addition to a mandatory Alcohol Safety Action Program. A second offense carries jail time. Other penalties can include:
Probation
Mandatory ignition interlock device
Alcohol rehabilitation
Can a DUI affect my college opportunities and scholarships?
A collateral consequence in Virginia of a DUI can be the negative impact it has on college opportunities.
College applications require honest responses regarding criminal activity. You may find that disclosing a DUI conviction limits your enrollment opportunities. Tuition monies that are available through scholarships and grants may have conduct requirements. Additionally, current students may find a DUI violates their university's code of conduct, putting them on probation, or in line for expulsion.
Can you defend against a DUI in court?
A DUI conviction can change your entire life. You certainly should defend yourself against DUI. Common defenses employed in DUI cases include:
Questioning the legality of the traffic stop
Questioning the accuracy of a field test or the breathalyzer
Questioning the blood test
One judgment error should not cost you an education. Prepare to vigorously defend yourself against DUI allegations to protect your future.]]>On Behalf of Moheb Legal Defense, PLLChttps://www.moheblegal.com/?p=471652022-05-20T20:21:53Z2022-05-20T20:21:53Zalmost two million teens between the ages of 12 and 17 unlawfully use prescription pills. Adults also abuse them. Depending on the amount found in your possession, you may be subject to charges of distribution and possession if caught with illegal prescription medicine. Even if you only carry your prescribed medicines, you may worry that you may become involved in a conflict with the police if they find your pills during a routine check. Taking certain steps may help avoid this.
Keep evidence with you
If you must carry your medicine with you someplace, ensure you also have proof that it is your prescribed medicine. This might be the prescription, the bag it came in or the bottle. While there is no law mandating you must keep your medicine in the original bottle, doing so may help prevent a misunderstanding. If you need to carry it in a pill organizer, having some form of evidence that it is your prescription helps.
Avoid carrying more than necessary
Even if you have proof that the medicine is your prescription, police may question why you have so much with you if you have more than one day's worth. Officers may try to accuse you of intending to sell pills. Unless absolutely necessary, try not to carry any or to carry the minimal amount of medicine you need outside of the house.
Remember your rights
You have the right to remain silent. If officers begin asking invasive questions, exercise it. Anything you say may count against you later if you end up in court.
It is not illegal to have your prescribed medicine with you. However, precautions may help you avoid misunderstandings with law enforcement.]]>On Behalf of Moheb Legal Defense, PLLChttps://www.moheblegal.com/?p=471082022-02-19T22:05:42Z2022-02-19T22:05:42Zprobable cause becomes more important.
Use of facial recognition software by police
The Virginia legislature passed a restriction on police use of facial recognition technology that went into effect on July 1, 2021. This law prevents all law enforcement agencies in the state from buying or using facial recognition technology without authorization from the state legislature. However, lawmakers are already considering repealing the ban.
Facial recognition software and probable cause
The new legislation, which is currently awaiting a vote by Virginia lawmakers, would allow law enforcement to use facial recognition technology to identify suspects when there is a reasonable suspicion that the person committed a crime. However, it explicitly forbids police from using facial recognition matches as probable cause for an arrest or search warrant.
These restrictions on the use of the technology are a response to concerns that the software can misidentify suspects and is particularly unreliable when police use it to identify people with darker skin pigmentation. Additionally, the proposed legislation requires police to only use software that the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology certifies as at least 98% accurate.
Though the current ban on the use of the technology passed with widespread bipartisan support, it appears repealing the ban also has similar support.]]>On Behalf of Moheb Legal Defense, PLLChttps://www.moheblegal.com/?p=470862021-11-11T14:57:28Z2021-11-11T14:57:28Zlead to drug charges.
What prescription medications may be problematic?
The law categorizes controlled substances, including prescription medications, into schedules I through VI according to accepted medical use and potential for addiction. Common medications that could lead to drug abuse charges include:
What types of charges might prescription drugs involve?
Having or using a controlled medication without a valid prescription could lead to possession charges. Additionally, an individual may face distribution charges if he or she shares or sells a prescription drug.
Depending on the drug’s schedule, a possession conviction for a prescription medication may be a Class 1 or 2 misdemeanor, and a distribution charge may result in a felony conviction.
How might drug possession charges happen?
Even with a valid prescription, carrying a controlled medication in a container other than the original bottle may lead to arrest. While it is not illegal to transport medications in another container, the pharmacist’s label provides proof that the individual has a current, legitimate prescription.
In addition to the potential for imprisonment and steep fines, a conviction for prescription drug abuse may have a lasting impact on employment, housing and educational opportunities. Those facing charges should know that a strong defense may help to minimize the potential consequences.]]>