Jennifer Ani's Answers

Shoplifting Caught at Nordstrom, California - No Police

You were privately "admonished" or punished by Norstrom and they are not reporting you to anyone. They are taking your info so they can see if you show up again; the next time I imagine they would prosecute. You are lucky! Go with it !

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Juvenile Dependency - Appeal Termination of Parental Rights

You should consult an attorney familiar with section 300 cases right away. In some cases you can appeal the orders from the 366.26 hearing, You may also be able to file a writ petition if the 388 is denied. But the clock runs - so get a good attorney and protect your rights.

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Are judges biased in juvenile dependency cases?

Sometimes it feels they are biased in Juvenile Dependency cases. Other times not. It's sort of how it is across the board; judges are people like anyone else and so many factors weigh in on any one case.The best thing to do is get yourself good representation, so that a clear, clean record can be made in the event you need to file a writ petition or an appeal. Protect yourself; follow good advice; do the work you need to do to get OUT of the system. !

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Should I hire a lawyer that has Avvo reviews without at least one unsatisfied client?

The best thing for you to do in this case is to interview the attorney personally. I think "fake" reviews of lawyers are not common at Avvo; my understanding is that Avvo checks on the reviewer to make sure they really did retain the lawyer they are reviewing. But, better safe than sorry, and just like buying a used car, retaining a lawyer is 'buyer beware." So do your homework :)

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Can you appeal a Judges ruling in a juvenile case when the juvenile turned 18 before the ruling?

I think I need more facts; generally the fact that a minor reaches the age of majority has no independent bearing on a finding of guilt. Unless you have facts that are not present here, I don't think an appeal would be successful. Feel free to contact me with more facts ! Sorry I can't be of more help!

Can you appeal a Judges ruling in a juvenile case when the juvenile turned 18 before the ruling?

No, you cannot appeal the ruling just because your son turned 18; in order to appeal (and be successful) you need to show that the finding was not based on substantial evidence. Without knowing more, that's about all I am able to tell you! Feel free to contact me with details, and good luck!

I have question regarding juvenile detention.

CAN you give me more facts? Basically there has to be some fear that the kids in your care will be exposed to an unreasonable risk of harm. What is that harm? Recent DV? Did the kids witness it? If so, you need to do the work to get better, and there really are no shortcuts. Good luck! You CAN do it!

If I leave my husband and take my son across state lines will this be considered kidnapping, will I get into trouble with the l

Both parties have an equal right to custody unless there is a court order stating otherwise. So while you will not "get in trouble" or get arrested for kidnapping, since you presumably may return, the court will not likely favor your approach if in fact there are no facts that would support denying the father access to his children. Tread carefully in this area as your conduct not only affects the outcome of a later child custody area, it also shapes your childrens' chances at a positive and...

Am i legally allowed to walk into a bar and video tape my daughters father bartending to prove he works at this bar?

I'm in CA and the rules are different from State to State, so you'd need to check with perhaps the City Attorney, as to whether or not video taping your daughter's father in a public place constitutes an offense within your jurisdiction. I would guess it does not, as in public areas there is no "expectation of privacy" and certainly there is no expectation of privacy within the context of a bartending position, and as long as the camera is not hidden on you I think you would not get in any...

Will the judge dismiss my charges of cruelty to a juvenile?

I do not know the law in your state however, in California, you may or may not face criminal charges based on placing your hand over her mouth and shoving her head back. Were there any injuries? Bruising? Is she still living with you or was she removed from your care? What is the factual basis the court is relying on to levy charges against you? I would need more information to give you a better assessment.