Modern Arizona

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What if your teen got into a group fight that caused someone’s death resulting in a murder charge? In Arizona, says criminal defense attorney Mark Mendoza, a conviction on murder charges is a minimum sentence of life in prison. One of the teens charged with murder by a Grand Jury in Maricopa County was included because he recorded the incident on his phone.

That should strike fear into any parent whose kiddo hangs out with the wrong crowd or gets involved in the type of fight clubs that spawned the so-called Gilbert Goons. Charges also have been filed against parents of one of those charged, similar to the now-jailed parents of a teen who was found guilty in a school shooting.

Today’s episode is from the March 7 2023 live stream with host Billie Tarascio and Mark Mendoza, a former Maricopa County prosecutor, who answer parents' questions and talk about the arrests and murder charges against 7 teenagers in Gilbert Arizona who are being charged with the tragic murder of 16 year old Preston Lord who died after a beating at a Halloween Party in 2023. The Gilbert Goons story, and the murder charges are a cautionary tale that parents need to hear, and they need to share with their teens. 

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In the wake of harrowing incidents of teen violence that have shaken an Arizona suburb, the Modern Divorce Podcast presents a powerful narrative of redemption and advocacy. Host Billie Tarascio sits down with Eric Hebert, a man whose turbulent past led him down a path of incarceration and unexpected fatherhood at just 14. Now, armed with hard-earned wisdom and a fervent desire to make a difference, Eric shares his journey from youthful missteps to community activism.

As the details of the tragic event unfold – seven arrests, potential life sentences, and the loss of a 16-year-old – Eric's story offers an honest and unique perspective on the consequences of impulsive decision-making. With candor and courage, he reflects on the circumstances that led to his own imprisonment and the profound impact it had on his life and those around him.

But Eric's narrative is not one of despair; it's a testament to the power of second chances. Through his transformation from inmate to advocate, he is speaking out to keep teens from going down the same path. Ultimately, he says, the key to safeguard kids is in the hands of parents.  Eric offers practical advice to parents grappling with the fear of their children being caught up in the same cycle of violence. 

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Join Family Law Attorney Billie Tarascio on the latest episode of the Modern Divorce Podcast as she delves deep into the heart of Maricopa County's criminal justice system alongside guest Gina Godbehere, candidate for Maricopa County District Attorney. With a surge in teen violence and recent headlines dominated by the tragic murder of 16-year-old Preston Lord, families are questioning public safety officials about how they’re doing their jobs. Gina doesn't shy away from tough questions about the state of Arizona's criminal justice system. From concerns about downgraded cases to the need for firmer accountability measures, she lays out a compelling case for change. 

Gina brings a wealth of experience to the table, drawing from her 25-year tenure with the Maricopa County Attorney's office. Her insights shed light on pressing issues such as the rise of the Gilbert Goons and the challenges posed by an increasingly porous border. Through her nonprofit, 'Speak up! Stand up! Save a Life', Gina champions proactive community engagement as a vital tool in crime prevention, urging listeners to confront the root causes of violence head-on.

Gina can be found at http://www.ginaforjustice.com. You can also reach her by email at [email protected].

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Interest rates are high, affordable rents are hard to find. What happens when your divorce means having to sell your home?

In today's Modern Divorce Podcast, host Billie Tarascio is joined by Arizona real estate agent Zach Nuetzman who specializes in dealing with divorcing couples who find themselves needing to sell their home. In some cases, one party will keep the home, and buy out the other by getting a new loan when it's feasible.

The situation can be fraught with disagreement, but knowing what you can and can't do may help smoothe the path for a reasonably quick homesale. Zach talks about situations he's dealt with and the current market influences that can mean a lot to your bottom line.

To connect with Zach and decide what's right for you, go to ZachSellsAZ.com.

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In the gripping new episode of the Modern Divorce Podcast, Billie Tarascio sits down with Amanda Diacos, whose divorce turned into a nightmare when her ex waged a war to alienate her from their daughter, falsely claiming Amanda had no desire to communicate or be with her child. Trapped in this heart-wrenching situation for three years, Amanda finally gathered the resources to fight back legally. Her story culminates in a landmark court decision that has set tongues wagging nationwide.

Dive deep into Amanda's harrowing journey as she recounts the battle against her ex's attempts at parental alienation—a battle that led to an Arizona judge's groundbreaking ruling, denouncing such alienation as a form of domestic violence. Amanda lays bare the strategies she employed to turn the tide in her favor and offers invaluable insights for others facing similar ordeals, emphasizing how critical it is to convincingly present your case to the court.

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In today's episode, Modern Divorce Host Billie Tarascio, mom to teens in Gilbert, brings in Richard Lyons, a trial attorney who is the first to file civil charges against the Gilbert Goons, their parents, and the schools for not taking appropriate actions to stop the violent bullying that hurt so many, and caused Preston Lord's death. 

The so-called Gilbert Goons have been entertaining themselves by randomly beating up local teens in Phoenix's East Valley . While some criminal charges have been filed, law enforcement and prosecutors have not done nearly enough to satisfy parents and residents in the local communities. 

It's the first long interview by Lyons, who explains the drivers behind the civil lawsuits against parents of the Goons, and the Chandler School District. The $6 million lawsuit goes after a host of players who are being asked to damages for not keeping kids safe or removing known violent bullies from the classroom. 

For anyone who is sick of rampant bullying that goes unchecked in schools, and those who have been following the Goons case, this is a must listen with plenty of legal sauce and behind the scenes insight.

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Can we actually stop violence in schools that authorities have not been able to shut down? Host Billie Tarascio, in another special edition podcast, is back to talk more about the Gilbert Goons situation in Gilbert, Arizona. Mayoral candidate for the City of Gilbert, Shane Krauser joins the program to talk about how to rebuild the community's trust in the wake of the Goons mess, and the death of teen Preston Lord.

The city, and other cities in the Phoenix area, are dealing with angry citizens who demand to know why authorities have not more responsive in shutting down teen violence that led to Preston's death. Several other teens have been victims of the Goons who have entertained themselves with seemingly random beatings, intimidation and threats. Shane, who has experience prosecuting gang violence as an attorney, talks about how he'd approach the problem and how to clean up the city.

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Wouldn't you like your child to have the "cheat code" to success for the rest of their life?

Heck, yeah! Today's kids are growing up connected more to their devices than to each other, creating an unprecedented change in children leaving them vulnerable to isolation, with an extra helping of helplessness. For listeners of the Modern Divorce Podcast, it may be a child suffering the emotional issues of a newly split family. But that can change, with real relationships that develop emotional intelligence and self confidence.

But how do we get there? In today's episode of the Modern Divorce Podcast, Host Billie Tarascio talks with Jilli P and Mary Fran, the founders of Girls Mentorship, a program to help girls from 9 and up to find new connections with real depth and meaning with not only their peers, but others from different age groups.

 Jilli P and Mary Fran talk about what it takes to get both girls (and, coming soon, boys) to a position of strength and confidence. You can find out more about the program at GirlsMentorship.com

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In the wake of a criminal case that found a mother guilty for manslaughter in the school shooting committed by her teenage son, the stakes for a child acting out are high. While most situations are far less explosive, there are nevertheless situations where kids acting out inappropriately can put a parent in legal jeopardy, and threaten to tear a family apart.

What to do? In this episode of the Modern Divorce podcast, host Billie Tarascio talks with Modern Law Attorney Maleah Woodward, who brings her perspective on mental health and parental responsibility in the courtroom. 

Maleah, who started as a licensed family and marriage therapist, found herself working with families with juveniles who had committed a sex offense. It was in the courtroom that she discovered her help might be more strongly delivered as an attorney. She also adds her insights as a single mom taking on foster children who she later adopted.

This is a must-listen for anyone struggling with the behavior of their kids, particularly in a household split by divorce.

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When you're investing in a top-tier attorney to handle your divorce, you want confidence that they're meeting your needs. But how can you be sure?

Discover some little known methods to unveil the truth and track your legal progress. The good news is, there are proven ways to maximize your attorney's value and keep a close eye on their performance. Join the Modern Divorce Podcast as host Billie Tarascio, a family law expert, sits down with Brian King, a seasoned South Carolina family attorney. They share their insights on assessing your attorney and deciding if it's time for a change, drawing from their experience managing legal teams.