Rothman, Haber & Mancuso, P.C. Rothman, Haber & Mancuso, P.C. 2026-03-19T15:18:20Z https://www.drhlawyers.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1504960/2020/04/cropped-favicon-32x32.png On Behalf of Rothman, Haber & Mancuso, P.C. <![CDATA[False statements to government could lead to criminal charges]]> https://www.drhlawyers.com/?p=49264 2023-10-12T05:32:29Z 2021-01-04T19:16:11Z false statement. "Knowingly and willfully" lying to investigators is a critical element. Making a false statement that someone believes to be true might not meet the standard. What if an individual told investigators that a person of interest is in Pennsylvania, but the suspect left for New York? If the suspect lied to their friend about being in Pennsylvania, the person authorities questioned did not "knowingly" make a false statement. The person made a statement that he or she believed to be true. Also, if someone lies because a suspect threatened him or her, the false statement might not be willful. Also, lying to "government agents" does not exclusively refer to law enforcement personnel. The statute notes that the lie may involve the "executive, legislative or judicial branch of the United States." Hence, lying to a federal bureaucrat might get someone into criminal trouble. For example, lying to an Environmental Protection Agency official or falsifying documents would probably land someone in legal trouble. People who assume that "little white lies" won't come with severe penalties may discover their beliefs lead them into a courtroom and serious charges. Think of the people who make false deductions on income tax returns. Such individuals might find themselves in the middle of a criminal investigation and subsequent charges. When dealing with a federal investigation, it is beneficial to retain an attorney. An attorney may help keep a client from making statements that prove more harmful than helpful.]]> On Behalf of Rothman, Haber & Mancuso, P.C. <![CDATA[What to know about embezzlement]]> https://www.drhlawyers.com/?p=49267 2023-10-12T05:34:18Z 2021-01-04T19:11:47Z What embezzlement means Embezzlement involves the lawful handling of goods without the intention of giving them back. For example, a sales clerk has a legal right to handle products for the business. However, if they take products from the store and resell them at a higher price, that is considered embezzlement. Embezzlement may also include giving goods away, using them personally, not returning goods or damaging merchandise. In some cases, transferring goods a short distance or slightly using them a short time doesn't give enough evidence for embezzlement.

Other types of embezzlement

Embezzlement can involve money without property in large or small amounts. For example, Ponzi schemes are a type of embezzlement that causes clients to lose money. Ponzi schemes promise clients large profits from nonexistent property. In the corporate world, embezzlement may come in the form of falsifying payroll reports, falsifying receipts or forging checks.

Proof needed for an embezzlement case

Though laws vary by state, most cases require several basic factors. The defendant should have a fiduciary relationship with the owner. The property has to belong to the owner via that relationship. The defendant must have transferred goods or property to another owner, and the actions have to be intentional. An embezzlement charge usually has serious legal repercussions, and a false charge could damage a person's reputation. However, criminal law allows accused individuals to present a defense. An attorney can help an individual fight the charges or negotiate for reduced charges.]]> On Behalf of Rothman, Haber & Mancuso, P.C. <![CDATA[What is shaken baby syndrome?]]> https://www.drhlawyers.com/?p=49278 2023-10-12T05:34:07Z 2020-11-12T23:28:37Z shaken baby syndrome can result in serious cognitive impairments or even death. Some of the most common signs of shaken baby syndrome include:
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty staying awake
  • Pale skin
  • Poor diet and eating habits
  • Seizures
  • Paralysis
If you’re under investigation for child abuse, with the authorities suspecting shaken baby syndrome, they’re sure to focus on these symptoms.

Why does it happen?

If an adult’s head is shook violently back and forth, it’ll most likely result in a muscle strain or sprain. However, due to the fact that babies have weak neck muscles, they’re unable to properly support their head. So, if a baby is shaken, their brain forcefully moves around inside the skull. The end result can be bleeding on the brain, swelling and bruising.

Why do people shake babies?

There’s no excuse for this, but shaken baby syndrome is typically a result of anger of frustration. For example, if a child won’t fall asleep or stop crying, shaking them out of frustration could occur. Some of the risk factors associated with shaken baby syndrome include:
  • Stress as a result of parenting
  • Immaturity
  • Substance abuse, such as alcohol or illegal drugs
  • Single parenthood
  • Unrealistic expectations, such as assuming a baby will sleep through the night
  • Depression
  • Unstable family life
  • Domestic violence
  • History of abuse
In addition to death, shaken baby syndrome can result in lifelong conditions such as blindness, seizures, learning problems and behavioral issues. If you’re arrested for child abuse stemming from shaken baby syndrome, it’s critical that you take the time to learn more about your charges. This has the potential to change your life forever, with a conviction potentially landing you in prison. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to defending against child abuse charges. Your approach depends largely on the circumstances of your case. It’s critical to understand your legal rights, possible defense strategies and how you’ll move through the legal system.]]> On Behalf of Rothman, Haber & Mancuso, P.C. <![CDATA[Controversy surrounds shaken baby syndrome]]> https://www.drhlawyers.com/?p=49185 2023-10-12T05:32:19Z 2020-05-06T13:06:24Z Accidental falls or undetected disease Young children who are crawling or taking their first steps can have accidents. Their falls might cause head trauma that physicians could assume was caused by shaking. At times, caregivers do not detect the injuries immediately because the symptoms might not become apparent until later. Infections also have the potential to affect a baby's brain and result in deadly blood clots and strokes.

Time of injury unclear

If your baby first exhibited serious symptoms of injury while in your care, authorities will likely assume that you assaulted the child. Such an assumption ignores the possibility that symptoms might take a while to become evident. Just as time may need to pass before the serious effects of an accidental fall become apparent, mistreatment by a different caregiver might be overlooked. Undetected birth injuries could even be the source of symptoms that you are now blamed with having caused.

Cases of child harm require a skilled defense

Allegations of violence against children will understandably arouse the emotions of prosecutors and jurors. Under such circumstances, you will need to develop a defense strategy with the help of an experienced attorney. Attorneys who handle these types of serious cases often have the resources to consult with independent physicians and possibly gain testimony that may counteract a prosecutor's assumptions.]]> On Behalf of Rothman, Haber & Mancuso, P.C. <![CDATA[Options when faced with a charge of health care fraud]]> https://www.drhlawyers.com/?p=48620 2023-10-12T05:34:37Z 2020-04-15T16:36:36Z Health care fraud is a serious federal felony, but an accused physician may counteract the charges with a resilient legal defense. When a prosecutor alleges that an individual engaged in fraudulent practices, medical records may disprove the purported incriminating evidence.  Because of the prescription pill epidemic, more doctors may find their practices scrutinized over the slightest suspicion of fraud. Allegations of providing a false or unnecessary script may result in an investigation by law enforcement officials.  While individuals may prepare to defend themselves while under investigation, a prosecutor may have compiled evidence from a variety of sources. The habit of keeping accurate and meticulous patient reports, however, may provide assertive legal protection during a questioning procedure.  When a plea deal presents a workable option  Ongoing changes creating loopholes in billing requirements may tempt a medical professional to bend the rules or cut corners. When a defendant cannot counter a prosecutor's assertion, a plea deal may reduce the severity of penalties that could otherwise include imprisonment.  In one such case, a federal prosecutor filed a fraud charge against a Pennsylvania physician alleging that he wrote a prescription for his wife, but instead took the pills himself. The evidence presented to the court showed the doctor also submitted several false claims for the pills to his wife's insurance company.  By admitting guilt to one count of health care fraud, his sentence resulted in six months of home confinement and five years of probation, according to the Department of Justice. The judge also ordered him to pay restitution to the insurance company and a $5,000 fine. The most significant end result of the plea deal was the avoidance of jail time.  Early intervention and evaluating long-term effects  A preemptive approach may help dissuade investigators from continuing and pressing charges. An individual under investigation may present evidence that effectively counteracts suspicions of wrongdoing.  When a conviction appears likely, a plea bargain may serve to lessen the punishment. Before entering into a plea deal, an individual may benefit from considering the long-term effects. The outcome could include license suspension, community service and other requirements to regain professional standing. ]]>