Modern Arizona

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Let’s face it – legal help is expensive. But a new legal clinic has started providing low cost family law help to Arizonans. In this episode of the Modern Arizona Podcast, family law attorney and host Billie Tarascio sits down with Laura Chapman, the director of the Modern Law Clinic. Laura, who has nearly a decade of family law experience, shares the new developments and success stories from the clinic, dedicated to offering affordable legal help to those who need it most. An added bonus is that the clinic gives enthusiastic law students experience and training while under the guidance of seasoned attorneys. The clinic assists clients with tasks like drafting petitions, preparing pre-trial statements, and coaching them for court appearances.

Laura dives into the impact of the learning experiences the clinic provides for law students, who get the rare chance to represent real clients and handle actual cases. This hands-on approach not only benefits the students but also serves the community by making legal services more accessible. Laura recounts some impressive student victories, including winning attorney fee awards and negotiating settlements at the last minute, showcasing the incredible impact and growth the students achieve through their work at the clinic.

The conversation highlights Modern Law's mission to bridge the gap in legal services for those who can't afford traditional representation. By running a clinic staffed by eager law students, Modern Law ensures that more people can get the legal support they need without breaking the bank. Laura shares how this innovative approach not only helps clients navigate their legal issues but also prepares the next generation of attorneys with the confidence and skills they need to succeed.

To schedule a consult or learn more about the clinic, visit 
www.mymodernlaw.com/clinic  

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In this episode of The Modern Arizona Podcast, host Billie Tarascio welcomes Tracy Wood, the newest addition to the Modern Law team. Tracy brings a rich and diverse background to her role as a family law attorney in Tucson. Her journey includes serving as a police officer in Seattle, a public defender, and a personal injury attorney, as well as being a stay-at-home mom to her stepchildren and a certified life coach.

Tracy is also a passionate LGBTQ+ advocate with extensive experience representing clients in same-sex divorces. Her commitment to inclusive representation and support for the LGBTQ+ community is a vital part of her practice.

Tracy shares her passion for the dynamic nature of family law and emphasizes the importance of building a strong support network during a divorce. Billie and Tracy discuss how having friends, family, attorneys, and other resources can make a significant difference in navigating the emotional and practical challenges of divorce. They highlight the crucial message: Ask for help!

The conversation also touches on the mental health impacts of divorce and the potential for poor decision-making under stress. Tracy and Billie advocate for seeing divorce not as a failure but as an opportunity for growth and new beginnings. Tracy's enthusiasm for joining Modern Law shines through as she expresses her excitement about being part of a supportive and dynamic legal team dedicated to providing top-notch services to Tucson residents.

If you're in Tucson and need a family law attorney ready to fight for you, schedule a consultation with Tracy Wood today. 
https://mymodernlaw.com/our-team/tracy-wood/ 

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Ever had neighbor kids turn into total jerks?

Imagine that, but way worse! In this episode of  The Modern Arizona Podcast, host Attorney Billie Tarascio chats with three Gilbert moms who've been through the wringer. Jennifer, LeeAnn, and Stephanie open up about how their daughters became targets of some troublemaking teenage boys, known around Morrison Ranch.  

It started small but got crazy fast - ending with Jenny's barn going up in flames due to arson! These moms spill all the details about the bullying, harassment, stalking, and threats, and what the police didn't do to help. 

But get this - these moms didn't just sit around feeling helpless. They fought back! They talk about dealing with schools that didn't get it and cops who didn't do much. It's a real-life story about standing up for your kids when things get scary. 

Want to know how everyday moms turned into community heroes? Tune in and find out! You'll hear how they're using their wild experience with these teenagers and social media to make some big changes in Arizona. Don't miss this one - it's an eye-opener!

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In this insightful episode of The Modern Arizona Podcast, host Billie Tarascio welcomes Joel Coen, a candidate for State Representative for Legislative District 14. Joel brings extensive experience in strategic leadership, having worked with C-level executives and boards, and currently serves as a key advisor at TruNorth Advisors. His discussion covers a wide range of topics crucial to Arizona voters, including future planning, border security, and education reform. 

Joel also shares his dedication to improving the state of Arizona, highlighting his service as President of a major non-profit and his role on the board of trustees at the Phoenix Art Museum. This episode provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of Joel Coen's platform, vision for Arizona, and commitment to community and efficiency.

Learn more about Joel at www.coenforaz.com 
Or reaching out to him directly 
Phone: 720-474-5723
Email: [email protected]

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Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell sits down with attorney Billie Tarascio to discuss the Gilbert Goons, sentencing guidelines, why the Goons are NOT charged as gang members, and why they are getting probation. Rachel addresses why charges were declined with regards to some youth alleged to have been involved in assaults, why kidnapping is the theory for the Preston Lord Murder but not other assaults, and more.

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Is youth entitlement driving the outbreak of criminal youth behavior? In this special edition of the Modern Arizona Podcast, host and family law attorney Billie Tarascio interviews Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, who has been front and center when it comes to criminal charges related to youth violence across Arizona’s largest population base. The two attorneys delve into pressing issues such as gang violence, the changing dynamics of gang activities, and the significant impact of video and social media on these trends. 

Rachel shares her three decades of experience as a prosecutor, shedding light on how gangs have evolved from geographically and racially homogenous groups to more diverse, social media-connected entities. She also highlights the disturbing rise in violence among youth who seemingly have all they need materially but lack empathy and possess a strong sense of entitlement.

The conversation takes a deep dive into the relationship between law enforcement and the prosecutor's office. Rachel explains the collaborative efforts between police and prosecutors from the outset of investigations, particularly in serious cases like homicides. She provides insights into the investigative grand jury process used to gather testimony and evidence, which played a crucial role in the case of Preston Lord's homicide. Despite the challenges, including the lack of video evidence, this method helped indict seven individuals, demonstrating the critical importance of thorough investigations and legal processes.

Rachel also addresses the frustration many feel regarding the prosecution of youth involved in violent acts, particularly the discrepancies in charges and sentencing. She explains the complexities behind prosecuting cases involving social media videos and the legal limitations that sometimes result in lesser charges. Rachel candidly discusses the challenges of securing harsher penalties within the current legal framework and her plans to propose legislative changes to better address group assaults and increase penalties for such violent acts.

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When an order of protection threatened to keep a parent from seeing his children for two years, how did his attorney resolve the situation?

In this episode of the Modern Arizona Podcast, host and family law attorney Billie Tarascio is joined by Kylie Bigelow, Managing Attorney at Modern Law, to discuss a highly controversial case that garnered significant online attention involving a custody situation and the order of protection that had been put in place by the mother. Kylie shares her experience navigating this challenging case where her client, the father, faced the prospect of not seeing his children for two years due to an order of protection upheld by a city court.

The podcast provides an in-depth look into the legal intricacies involved in transferring the case to Superior Court, allowing for a more nuanced consideration of custody and visitation rights. Kylie explains how they filed for temporary orders, which enabled the Superior Court judge to address the overlapping issues of the protection order and the father's right to see his children. This strategic move highlighted the importance of understanding jurisdictional authority in family law cases and leveraging it effectively to protect clients' rights.

The discussion also touches on the broader implications of such legal battles, particularly the polarized views surrounding domestic violence allegations and parental rights. Billie and Kylie explore the delicate balance courts must maintain between protecting abuse victims and ensuring that children maintain healthy relationships with both parents. Kylie emphasizes that judges are equipped to make these complex decisions, often recognizing that someone can be a flawed spouse yet still a good parent.

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In this episode of the Modern Arizona Podcast, host Billie Tarascio welcomes back Matson Browning, a certified gang expert and former police detective, to discuss the alarming case of the Gilbert Goons and its progress. Browning and Tarascio dive into the police report on the Connor Jarnagan attack, revealing significant implications for the ongoing investigations into gang activities and the response from the Gilbert Police Department. Browning praises the detailed police report but criticizes the lack of proactive investigation by the police, stressing the need for officers to engage in community policing and thorough investigations rather than relying on victims and their families to solve crimes.

The conversation highlights the disturbing trend of parents like the Jarnagans having to conduct their own investigations due to inadequate police response. Browning emphasizes the importance of trained law enforcement officers taking the lead in such cases, sharing his experiences and the necessity for police to be proactive and vigilant. He also points out the failures in handling the juvenile attacker, Tyler Freeman, who had a history of similar violent incidents, suggesting a systemic issue in how repeat offenders are managed.

Browning discusses the struggle of maintaining motivation and integrity within the police force amid bureaucratic and political obstacles. He also addresses the importance of community trust and the need for better communication between the police and the public.

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It’s an election year, and so important to get involved in the local scene affecting your family life. In this episode of the Modern Arizona Podcast, host Billie Tarascio sits down with Aaron Accurso, a candidate for Gilbert City Council, to discuss his vision for the town. Accurso emphasizes his commitment to serving the community, highlighting his family's long-term residence in Gilbert and his desire to represent family-oriented values. Gilbert’s identity has long had to live up to its reputation for being one of the safest towns in the United States, but a spate of teen violence has rocked that.

Accurso delves into his perspective on the role of a council member, advocating for a government that protects citizens' freedoms and stays within its defined limits. He discusses the importance of community input and transparency, stressing that regulations should be flexible enough to support residents' needs without being overly restrictive. His stance on maintaining a balance between individual rights and public safety is a key theme throughout the conversation.

The discussion also touches on the controversial issues of mask mandates and vaccine requirements, where Accurso shares his belief in personal choice and the need for government to respect individual decisions. He reflects on the current dysfunction within the town council, attributing it to personal animosities and a lack of professionalism. Accurso also promises to bring respect and decency back to the council, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.

Finally, Accurso addresses the recent challenges faced by Gilbert, including issues with teen violence and gang activity. He criticizes the local police department's handling of these situations and calls for a plan to rebuild trust with the community. By advocating for increased community policing and better communication between the government and residents, Accurso aims to restore a sense of safety and unity in Gilbert. Tune in to hear his thoughtful insights and plans for a brighter future for the town.

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How does a victim win in court in a domestic violence situation? By having an  attorney-tested strategy and using the law to prove your case. In this episode of the Modern Divorce Podcast, host Billie Tarascio sits down with Riverside County California litigation attorney Rachel King as they take on the intricacies of crafting a winning litigation strategy for domestic violence victims. 

Rachel shares expert tips on how to approach these complex cases, noting the importance of setting clear goals and thoroughly – yes, thoroughly - documenting all instances of abuse to build a strong case.

Recent changes in California law now recognize coercive control and financial abuse as forms of domestic violence. Rachel breaks down the challenges of proving these types of abuse and offers instrumental advice on presenting your case effectively in court. Whether you're representing yourself or working with an attorney, Rachel's insights on organizing your strategy and evidence can make all the difference.

This episode also explores the critical differences between California's and Arizona's handling of domestic violence cases, especially in terms of restraining orders and their impact on custody and support. Learn how securing a permanent restraining order in California can significantly alter custody arrangements, ensuring the safety and well-being of the victim and their children.