Resources

Helpful Information on ACD

An ACD, or Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal, is an option that may be offered to a defendant who has been charged with a minor offense in the State of New York. States other than New York offer similar programs such as pretrial diversion, deferred prosecution and court supervision.

Helpful Information on Paternity and Child Support

Establish Paternity: If the father denies paternity you have two options. You may get a private DNA test and if he is proven to be the father, have him sign a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity. The second option is to have the court order him to take a paternity test.

Information on the Prevention of Animal Cruelty

For more information on the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals visit: www.aspca.org

Learn How to Protect Yourself Online

For more information on how to protect yourself online go to the following links:

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission: How to Protect Yourself Online:
http://www.sec.gov/

Federal Trade Commission Social Networking Sites: Safety Tips for Tweens and Teens
http://www.ftc.gov/

Federal Trade Commission Social Networking Sites: A Parent's Guide
http://www.ftc.gov/

Information on Tape-Recording Law

You have heard the terms "one-party state" and "two-party state" in Judge Pirro's courtroom. What these terms generally refer to are the requirements that have been imposed by law for tape-recording a conversation in that particular state. Generally, in one-party states, only one party to the conversation needs to consent to it being recorded. However, in two-party states, generally all parties to the conversation need to consent to it being recorded.

Information on Helmet Law in Illinois

On today's show, a young man from Illinois was injured when he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle. It is possible that some or all of his injuries could have been prevented had the young man been wearing a helmet.

What to Do If You Suspect Child Abuse

Here are the steps that you should take if you suspect a child is in danger:

• Call 911 if the danger is immediate.



• If the danger is not immediate, call the Child Protective Agency in your area. As citizens we have an obligation to report child abuse if we suspect it. You don't have to be right about the situation, as long as you are acting in good faith.



• If you need advice call the Child Help National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD. This hotline offers counseling and referrals to emergency, social service and support resources. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Engagement Ring Disputes

Most states hold that an engagement ring is a conditional gift given in contemplation of marriage and that marriage is an implied condition of the transfer of ownership of the ring. However, most of these states will not require return of the engagement ring unless the recipient of the ring was at fault in causing the engagement to terminate. California and Missouri are such states.