So you want 50/50 Custody I think the most common phrase I hear when a parent comes into my office to talk about child custody is the phrase 50/50 custody. And when I am representing my client before the court, I try to always warn them to not use this phrase unless they want to hear a somewhat...
Best Interests of the Parents vs. Best Interests of the Child This article has to do with parents taking care of themselves in order to place themselves in the best position to take good care of their kids. We hear the phrase “best interest of the child” virtually every time we walk into family ...
Do you have an upcoming court appearance? Regardless of if you are going to court for a felony charge or a traffic citation, it is critical to present the best, most polished version of yourself. From what to wear to when to show up, knowing what is expected of you beforehand can help you prepare...
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has become notorious in certain regions of the state in recent years for cracking down on reckless drivers. While it is clearly best if no one do anything that harms or could harm another person, it is not in anyone's best interest to have a police force that i...
DUI is the acronym for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. As it states right in the name, the crime involves actually operating a motor vehicle while drunk, something only the driver can do. Passengers should be completely safe from any legal repercussions if they encounter law enfo...
Being accused of a crime can be one of the most frightening experiences you can endure during your lifetime. As your character, reputation, and future comes into question, it is imperative you make sure you have a powerful attorney in your corner who can defend you against your charges. But who d...
According to an article recently published in the New York Times, the number of exonerations in the United States reached an all-time high in 2015. Last year, 149 people who had been falsely convicted of crimes were exonerated, with nearly four out of every ten people being exonerated of murder. ...
The first year after a divorce can be a difficult time. However, with the New Year having just started, there is no better time than the present to make some New Year's resolutions towards helping you start fresh towards a new beginning. To help you get back on track towards a happy and healthy f...
Nothing can ruin the holiday season quicker than an untimely arrest for driving under the influence (DUI). This time of year typically brings about a higher concentration of impaired drivers on the roads, as holiday festivities oftentimes involve drinking. Modesto law enforcement knows this, and ...
Following a divorce, the holiday season can be an emotionally distressing time for children to cope with. The instability and tumultuous change of separation can create an intense burden on your children, creating a bittersweet feeling during the holidays. If you have recently separated from your...
For many Americans, Labor Day weekend is a fun time to relax with family and friends. Since more Americans are off work and traveling during holiday weekends, the unfortunate side effect is that an increase in drunk driving occurs. To combat this, law enforcement will typically up their presence ...
In today's economy, rap sheets are increasingly problematic since employers frequently run criminal background checks before hiring applicants. A “rap sheet” refers to the list of your arrests and convictions; it is your criminal record history. Your criminal record includes any arrests or convi...
They're a part of our Christmas cards, they get the best scraps from our dinners, and we can't imagine life without them-our pets. Yet for some reason, California divorce laws put pets in the same category as physical property and expect spouses to just choose between pets or between properties d...
With a new year comes new laws. Many of those passed in California have a direct impact on motorists. Two of the most recent pieces of legislature concern limousine drivers and their passengers, as well as undocumented U.S. residents who want to drive. It is important to be aware of these laws an...
Going into debt can unfortunately impact every area of your life, even the money you make at work. Creditors will do whatever they can to get their money back and often enforce wage garnishments on those with unpaid debt. There are, however, both federal and state laws that creditors are expecte...
As the days tick down toward the battle between the Seahawks and the Patriots, people across America are planning equally exciting Super Bowl parties. Unfortunately, these parties often become an excuse to load up on alcohol and most fans fail to make any plans for getting home after the festivit...
Whether you have a new job or are experiencing financial hardship, it is possible to adjust your child support order and fortunately, the court displays a reasonable level of flexibility when it comes to support modifications. The following tips may give you a better idea of how to make your chan...
After you're involved in an accident that occurred due to someone else's negligence, it only makes sense that the insurance company will approve your claim, right? Not so fast. Denied claims are all too common and for individuals floundering in medical bills, the lack of financial compensation ca...
Bankruptcy has long held negative connotations in the minds of many indebted consumers - meekly standing by while the government demands, "Hand over the keys to your house!" and your bank accounts are drained of everything you've ever worked to obtain. Fortunately, these frightening myths are ju...
Those convicted of nonviolent felony crimes in California had some great news this year. Proposition 47, "Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act," was passed with nearly 60% of the vote and is already changing the lives of many of those facing harsh penalties for theft, fraud, and some drug crimes. ...
You had a drink or two at your best friend's party and are now heading home. You're pretty certain you aren't over the legal limit, but what if you happen to swerve over the line and get pulled over? Will the officer automatically suspect that you're driving while intoxicated? The National Highw...
Each day, numerous commercial vehicles travel to and through Modesto, Stockton, and the Central Valley. Roadways in this region of California serve as arteries by which large trucks and 18-wheelers transport goods throughout the state and country. With a large commercial vehicle presence, local r...
The New Year is a time for self-reflection and positive change. For many, this may mean getting in shape, eating healthier, and ending unhealthy habits. For others, it can be an excellent time to make concerted efforts to gain control of one's finances. Just as your physical health is important, ...
Being injured in a car accident can be a frightening and emotional experience. While a difficult experience, car accidents – particularly the immediate aftermath of a car accident – are crucially important times for victims who are not at fault. Should you or your loved one be involved in an acci...
Although foreclosure rates have recently begun to decline, homeowners throughout the country are still struggling with underwater mortgages, financial uncertainty, and the threat of foreclosure. Unforeseen tragedy, including the loss of a loved one, injury or illness, and job loss can also contri...
Here at Scott Mitchell Law Incorporated, when it comes to fees and payments, we strive to be flexible with clients who are seeking legal representation. We offer payment arrangements, flat fee contracts, and traditional retainer agreements. We understand legal representation is necessary for all, and yet difficult for most to pay the fees all at once. Although we cannot guarantee that everyone will be able to hire us, we do promise to do what we can to make it possible for you to hire one of our attorneys to represent you.