Fayetteville Law Blog

As a parent, you know that it is tough to navigate your way through the teenage years. It's a roller coaster. You do the best you can, but you worry constantly about what could go wrong.

One thing you worry about is getting that call saying that your son or daughter has gotten arrested. For many parents, it comes out of nowhere and really takes them by surprise. Why do teens get into trouble with the law? Here are seven main reasons:

1. The use of alcohol and drugs. Not only is this use itself illegal, but drugs and alcohol can alter a person's mental state. Your teen may become more impulsive and may do things that later, from a sober perspective, they can't believe they actually did.
2. Peer pressure. Teens desperately want to fit in, and the peer group they spend time with has a massive influence on their decisions. Just a little pressure at the right time may make your teen do something they never wanted to do, something they regret forever.
3. Low income. Teens without jobs, especially when they feel like their potential income situation will never change, may be more likely to commit crimes. They may do this to get money or other items that they want, seeing no other way to obtain them. This can lead to everything from petty theft to armed robbery.
4. Isolation from peers. Unfortunately, some teens become social outcasts. This can lead to depression and emotional instability, which may in turn lead to criminal activity.
5. Mental disorders. Many mental disorders do not get diagnosed for months or even years. They are not always as obvious as other types of sickness and disease. Without proper care and a good support system, teens may commit crimes and make poor decisions.
6. No supervision. You cannot watch your teen all of the time, but teens that feel like they have absolutely no supervision are often most likely to break the law. The reason could be that they simply see this behavior as something they need to hide from their parents -- which they can do easily -- rather than something that is illegal. It is crucial for parents to stay involved in teens' lives.
7. Trouble at home. Do not underestimate the ways that your behavior can impact a child's home life and his or her behavior. Always strive to give your teen a safe place where they feel welcomed and loved.

Physicians' assistants complete a long educational process in the hopes of helping other people. Ironically, these caring and devoted professionals are often at increased risk of injury when they go to work.

While many people know that construction and manufacturing are dangerous careers, few consider that hospital workers actually have a higher rate of injury than those working in the construction or manufacturing industries. Being aware of the common causes of injuries can help keep hospital workers safer so that they can keep performing the jobs they love.

A mild brain injury can occur many ways, from car accidents to simple work accidents that involve a blow to the head. These injuries are often tough to identify and diagnose, and may seem insignificant because they do not present visible symptoms. They are, however, serious injuries that may end a victim's career in short order if he or she does not properly address the matter.

A mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) is especially concerning for those who work in professional settings or must perform detailed tasks in their job, such as factory workers or medical care providers. Mild TBIs affect each victim differently, but some of the most common symptoms make it very difficult to remain focused and communicate clearly, jeopardizing the employment of the victim if his or her employer and colleagues do not know about the injury and understand its effects.

Whenever you see the blue lights flashing behind you, you may also experience a moment of panic as you worry about how to minimize whatever damage is potentially on the way. This a normal fear, but it is important to remain calm and understand your rights so you can keep them protected throughout the interaction.

If you do receive a ticket or criminal charges during the traffic stop, then you should make sure that you understand your legal rights and build a defense as soon as you can. Your prosecution is already building its case against you, and the longer you wait to build your defense, the fewer options you may have.