Ortega & Ortega, PLLC Ortega & Ortega, PLLC2026-02-27T21:05:12Zhttps://www.ortegalawyers.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1603983/2020/12/cropped-3490717_Favicon-Site-Identity-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Ortega & Ortega, PLLC<![CDATA[What are the consequences for a first shoplifting offense?]]>https://www.ortegalawyers.com/?p=2364222022-09-19T18:19:28Z2022-09-19T18:19:28ZIs shoplifting a felony?
The Arizona legal statutes regarding shoplifting define a theft valuing less than $1,000 as a misdemeanor. Shoplifting goods exceeding $1,000 in value is a felony. Stealing property valued at less than $2,000 is a class 6 felony, while any amount above $2,000 constitutes a class 5 felony. The severity of a crime might change, however, if the theft involves firearms or organized criminal activity.
Will you go to prison for shoplifting?
Committing a class 1 misdemeanor in Arizona entails up to 6 months in prison and up to $2,500 in fines. A first-time class 6 felony offense may come with a maximum of 2 years in jail, while a class 5 felony can imply up to 2.5 years in jail. Felony offenses may also imply hefty fines, which vary based on the value of goods stolen and other factors.
Shoplifting may be a relatively minor crime that is often punishable as a misdemeanor, but the consequences can still affect you greatly. Keep in mind that repeat offenses may come with much steeper penalties as well.]]>On Behalf of Ortega & Ortega, PLLC<![CDATA[What does the law say about disorderly conduct?]]>https://www.ortegalawyers.com/?p=2364202022-09-13T15:55:26Z2022-09-13T15:55:26ZWhat is disorderly conduct?
Under the Arizona State Statutes, disorderly conduct stems from behavior in a public setting, such as a restaurant or parking lot. You may face charges if any or all of the following conditions occur:
You are loud and disruptive
You disrupt the peace, start fighting or threaten to do so
You use vulgar or offensive gestures to attempt to incite anger
You do not stop such behavior upon request of others
You threaten the safety of others
What kind of penalty does a disorderly conduct charge carry?
A disorderly conduct charge typically remains a misdemeanor when it remains the only offense. However, it may rise to a felony if you brandish a weapon or anything that the police believe could become one. Depending on your criminal record, you may need to pay a fine, or if waving a weapon, you may face jail time.
Is alcohol a factor?
You may face a disorderly charge without having consumed a drop of alcohol. Some states do not consider it a disorderly charge unless you are also intoxicated, but not so under Arizona law. However, the police may charge you with an additional charge if you do not pass a sobriety test, especially if they suspect you of driving a vehicle.]]>On Behalf of Ortega & Ortega, PLLC<![CDATA[How can you effectively coparent with your ex?]]>https://www.ortegalawyers.com/?p=2364182022-08-26T20:14:13Z2022-08-26T20:14:13Zdivorced or annulled their marriages, and many of these couples likely entered into shared parenting arrangements. While coparenting can be beneficial for your children, there are strategies you should use to make the arrangement work.
Work on your communication
After your divorce, you may still feel resentful, disappointed and angry. But do not let these emotions overtake your coparenting relationship. Treat sharing custody like a business agreement and speak to your spouse concisely and respectfully.
Refrain from criticism in front of your children
If you feel frustrated at your former spouse, do not vent and criticize your ex in front of your children or in areas where your children can hear you. Instead, talk to a close friend, family member or a counselor about your frustrations.
Maintain expectations at both homes
Talk to your ex and establish a set of rules your children must follow at both households to maintain consistency. These rules may apply to discipline, homework, bedtimes and other normal daily routines.
It may take time for you, your former spouse and your children to get used to this new coparenting arrangement. Try to stay on the same page as your ex and put the needs of your children first when making parenting decisions.]]>On Behalf of Ortega & Ortega, PLLC<![CDATA[How can other people’s road rage affect you?]]>https://www.ortegalawyers.com/?p=2364162022-08-17T18:08:53Z2022-08-17T18:08:53ZIncrease in speeding
According to NBC News, a car driven by someone who is angry can often pick up speed faster because the driver is less concerned about following road rules. This person could fail to use the brakes in time to avoid a crash or may even purposefully go over the speed limit to chase another vehicle.
You could struggle to avoid this car since its driver could keep trying to pull up beside you or behind you on the road.
Increase in conflict
In some cases, a person may corner you and try to get you to step out of your car. When this happens, they could then try to harm you or attack you.
While this type of scenario may not be common, the mentality behind the intense anger this person feels is a sign that road rage can create extreme conflict between people.
Increase in risky behaviors
Some angry drivers may completely ignore red lights or stop signs in order to pursue another vehicle. They could also drive off the road or on sidewalks to reach their destination faster. Tailgating is another tactic that people with road rage may use to intimidate you.
Being aware of how this phenomenon affects you and other drivers can help you identify and avoid dangerous behaviors that could lead to an accident.]]>On Behalf of Ortega & Ortega, PLLC<![CDATA[Underage DUI charges in Arizona]]>https://www.ortegalawyers.com/?p=2364142022-07-29T17:31:16Z2022-07-29T17:31:16ZArizona has a zero-tolerance DUI policy for drivers under 21
The Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety reports that for drivers under 21, it is against the law to operate a motor vehicle with any alcohol in one's system. Therefore, you could face drunk driving charges if you have a minute amount of alcohol. For young drivers, this means that even a single drink can lead to serious charges. Some young drivers do not realize that minute amounts of alcohol remain in their system after having a drink, and some are wrongly accused of driving after consuming alcohol altogether.
The consequences of underage DUI charges
For starters, an underage DUI could result in the suspension of your driver's license. Aside from the loss of your driving privileges, the court could impose other penalties, and you could struggle with high levels of anxiety due to the accusations. Later on, you could face difficulties while trying to apply for a job because of your record. DUI charges can also shatter your reputation and shatter relationships with friends and loved ones.
If you face underage DUI charges, make sure you immediately assess your options and do what you can to secure a more favorable outcome.]]>On Behalf of Ortega & Ortega, PLLC<![CDATA[Can a child tell the judge which parent to live with in a divorce?]]>https://www.ortegalawyers.com/?p=2364122022-07-24T00:37:39Z2022-07-24T00:37:39Zestablishes paternity, the court then looks at many factors to determine custody. While a child does not have the right to speak in court, the court will sometimes listen to the child's wishes.
Factors that allow a child's testimony
A court might listen to what the child wants, based on the following factors:
If the child is old enough, typically 12 years or older
If the court's decision will affect the child's psychological and emotional state
If the child wants to speak in court
If the child's testimony is trustworthy
Courts will protect the children if they testify
Divorce proceedings are stressful for any child and can even cause health issues. Speaking in court in front of parents can be even more difficult. A judge will sometimes listen to the child away from the parents.
That way, neither parent can influence what the child says. While a court reporter will be with them in the judge's chambers, the judge may choose to seal the interview.
A judge may decide to appoint an attorney to represent the child. The lawyer then becomes the child's advocate. In other cases, the judge may choose instead to assign a custody evaluator to interview the child.
If the divorce is contentious enough, the judge may even assign a guardian ad litem. This person will protect the child's interests during the divorce.]]>On Behalf of Ortega & Ortega, PLLC<![CDATA[You may not know the effects of a car crash until days later]]>https://www.ortegalawyers.com/?p=2364102022-07-16T21:23:31Z2022-07-16T21:23:31ZWhiplash and its effects
Someone who is in a serious crash knows to get medical treatment right away. However, seeking treatment is not as common for those in minor and moderate crashes. According to the Mayo Clinic, whiplash is one of the most common injuries sustained in a car wreck, especially in rear-ended accidents. It occurs when the force of the impact causes the neck to move rapidly back and forth.
This action results in injury to the muscles, nerves and other soft tissues of the neck. Accompanying symptoms may include:
Headaches
Neck pain and stiffness
Limited range of motion in neck
Tingling in hands and fingers
Dizziness
Tenderness in shoulders and upper back
Unlike some symptoms after a crash, whiplash symptoms generally show up the next day or even a couple of days after the accident. Delaying or forgoing treatment can result in chronic pain and injuries.
Emotional trauma can also occur
Biomedical Health and News reports that emotional symptoms can also show up after a crash. Although it is not uncommon to have some reservations about driving again after an accident, it becomes concerning when symptoms get worse and last a long time. Post-traumatic stress disorder occurs in almost 40% of car accident survivors, and diagnosis occurs months after a crash. Common symptoms include anxiety, depression, paranoia, recurring nightmares and avoidance behaviors. Fortunately, there are various effective treatments for PTSD.]]>On Behalf of Ortega & Ortega, PLLC<![CDATA[How do you establish paternity in Arizona?]]>https://www.ortegalawyers.com/?p=2360202022-07-06T15:27:14Z2022-07-06T15:27:14ZVoluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity
The Arizona Department of Economic Security advises that the easiest way to establish paternity is for you and the child’s mother to fill out and sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity. You can obtain this free form at the following places:
The hospital or birthing center where your child’s birth occurs
Any local Department of Child Support Services office
Any Vital Records office
Once properly signed by both of you, an official at the place of your signing can help process your Acknowledgment and file it. This establishes your paternity, after which your child can have a new or updated birth certificate as needed.
Court procedure
If your child’s mother disputes your paternity, you can apply to the Arizona Assistant Attorney General’s Office for help in obtaining a paternity hearing in court. In all likelihood, you, the child’s mother and the child himself or herself will need to undergo genetic testing before the court will issue its ruling.
The DCSS will pay the upfront costs of these tests, which are $51 for each person tested. If the test results prove your paternity, you will then need to reimburse the DCSS for these costs.]]>On Behalf of Ortega & Ortega, PLLC<![CDATA[How can you talk to your children about divorce?]]>https://www.ortegalawyers.com/?p=2359972022-06-20T19:22:33Z2022-06-20T19:22:33ZBe direct and honest
According to Psychology Today, trying to keep the divorce a secret from one or more of your children can ultimately lead to more stress and frustration. When you only tell the older children because you assume they can handle it better, you risk having the younger ones feel confused about what is going on.
Instead, find a quiet time to sit down and talk plainly about what will happen. Do not try to use metaphors or vague ideas, but be direct about how this will affect your children's lives.
Let them express emotions
Many children will react in a variety of ways, including getting angry or feeling extremely upset. Rushing to try to end the conversation will only leave them with more worry and anxiety over this life change.
Taking the time to hear what they say and letting them express messy or negative emotions is important. They may also ask about where they will stay in the future or what their daily lives will be like with two divorced parents.
Support them
Reassuring your children that you love them and describing what life will look like in the near future can help soothe some worries. While you should reassure them, make sure to not make promises about schools or activities you may not be able to keep in the future.
Spending extra time with your children after talking about divorce can also help them feel closer to you and more relaxed.]]>On Behalf of Ortega & Ortega, PLLC<![CDATA[The three most common car crash injuries and why they happen]]>https://www.ortegalawyers.com/?p=2359922022-06-08T22:06:42Z2022-06-08T22:06:42Z1. Neck injuries
The violent impact from a car crash, even a minor rear-end collision, may cause the head to jerk forward and backward with enough force to cause a neck injury or even a cervical spine injury. In response, the body releases adrenaline, which can mask pain and injury temporarily. The victim might not experience symptoms for hours if not days after the crash.
2. Shoulder injuries
The shoulder is a complex joint and fractures can occur in more than one area. A shoulder injury is common in a T-bone crash where another car strikes the side of the victim’s vehicle. A severe fracture often requires surgery. A reduction in shoulder mobility may follow.
3. Head injuries
During a vehicle crash, the driver’s head may hit the steering wheel while a passenger’s head may hit the dashboard. The impact of a crash can cause the brain to move against the inside of the skull, causing damage to brain cells. Other than fleeting pain, symptoms of a concussion or more severe brain injury may not appear right away. Treatment may include surgery and a rehabilitation program. The effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may last a lifetime.
Compensation concerns
Prompt medical attention is always advisable even after a minor crash since there could be underlying injuries. The victim of a crash has the right to expect insurance compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages and more.]]>