Allegations of child abuse or neglect are high-stakes legal matters that carry serious consequences for those accused. Because Child Protective Services (CPS) takes these cases seriously, those making accusations must have a reasonable suspicion of possible harm done...
Stop The Dominoes From Falling Now
Year: 2017
The tangled web a Halloween costume titan weaved
Brian Blatherwick may not be a name that seems familiar, but those who love to dress up for Halloween has likely donned the costumes and accoutrements his company has manufactured. Blatherwick launched Seasons from his living room with the help of his wife Barbara....
A new approach to investigating campus sexual assault cases
Assistant Education Secretary Candice Jackson and Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Wheeler announced the possibility of rescinding the Obama administration's infamous Dear Colleague Letter. Jackson is also a survivor of sexual assault. The U.S. Department of...
The long journey of Eric Byrnes comes to an end
In spite of his fame or infamy, depending on who you talk to, Eric Byrnes was able to keep a pretty low profile. He was driving through Meridian Township when he saw a car in his rearview mirror. The vehicle had no discernible markings. However, he suspected that it...
Are tax crimes going unnoticed by the IRS?
According to their 2016 Annual Report, the Internal Revenue Service is conducting fewer criminal investigations, citing a lack of resources necessary to pursue suspected illegal activity. From 2013 through 2016, criminal investigations by the IRS CI dropped 36...
What is causing the growth in cybercrimes?
The WannaCry cyber attack that infected more than 300,000 computers caused worldwide disruptions in hospitals, banks and schools. The mass ransomware hacking also put a bright spotlight on the growing problem of cybercrimes. In the first quarter of 2017 alone, attacks...
The consequences of taking time off to protest
On February 16, thousands of people throughout the country took part in the "Day Without Immigrants" protests. Participants stayed home from work, skipped school, and closed their businesses to show their significant value in the community.While some protesters had...
An interesting twist in criminal activity involving license plates
The common stereotype of a prisoner's day-to-day life involved the creation of license plates. Over time, the unique vocation became more rare as costs rose and manufacturing technology advanced beyond the physical pressing.A few states continue the practice with the...
Parental alienation can bring out the worst in anyone
Frustration among divorcing parents over ongoing acts of parental alienation is all too common. Being denied time with children presents challenges that often reach the boiling point where parents at odds are not always at their best.However, a judge losing her temper...
What you need to know about parental gatekeeping
Parental gatekeeping is a necessary strategy to protect children from parents suffering from alcohol or drug above or committing violent or neglectful acts. In those scenarios, the other parents have the right to restrict contact.Another more sinister definition of...