Posts Tagged ‘Health’

« Older Entries

20 Golden Rules from Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program

January 11th, 2013

20GoldenRules

1. Behave yourself.

2. Answer the phone.

3. Return your phone calls.

4. Pay your bills.

5. Keep your hands off your clients’ money.

6. Tell the truth.

7. Admit ignorance.

8. Be honorable.

9. Defend the honor of your fellow attorneys.

10. Be gracious and thoughtful.

11. Value the time of your fellow attorneys.

12. Give straight answers.

13. Avoid the need to go to court.

14. Think first.

15. Remember: You are first a professional and then a businessman. If you seek riches, become a businessman and hire an attorney.

16. Remember: There is no such thing as billing 3,000 hours a year.

17. Tell your clients how to behave. If they can’t they don’t deserve you as their attorney.

18. Solve problems – don’t become one.

19. Have ideals you believe in

20. Don’t do anything you wouldn’t be proud to tell your mother about.

The Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping Ohio’s judges, attorneys, and law students obtain treatment for substance abuse, chemical dependency, addiction, and mental health issues. OLAP has existed since 1991 and is active across the state of Ohio.  You can find this clever list, and information on substance abuse treatment for lawyers at www.OhioLAP.org.  The list is attributed to Richard S. Masington, Esq. Miami.

1 comment »

Posted in Alcohol & Drug Treatment

Tags:

DUI Science: Are Gastric Bypass Patients More Susceptible to a DUI?

July 24th, 2012

English: Courtesy of Ethicon Endosurgery, Inc....

According to the results of a new study in the February issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, the dramatic changes that occur as a result of gastric bypass surgery can cause some people to overindulge when using alcohol thereby increasing their risk for a DUI. As cited at by Science Daily (linked HERE):

Studies have shown that gastric bypass patients often find it difficult adjusting to physical and psychological changes after the procedure. An increased risk of depression, alcoholism, and other substance abuse issues for this patient population led researchers to take a more in-depth look at how these patients metabolize alcohol after the procedure.  The results of this unique demonstration of alcohol metabolism changes in gastric bypass patients showed that patients who underwent a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) operation had considerably higher breath alcohol content (BAC) and took significantly more time to return to a sober state after drinking, compared with BAC levels tested prior to having their procedure.

The studies demonstrated that peak BAC after drinking five ounces of alcohol were greatly increased after the operation. “BAC was 0.024 percent at pre-operation and 0.059 percent (p = 0.0003) at three months. Tested again at six months post-operation, the patients’ BAC was 0.088 percent (p = 0.0008) which is more than the legal driving limit of .08 percent.” Id. Obviously, if a person who has had gastric bypass (also called bariatric surgery) decides to drink they should take their body changes into account prior to finding themselves in a position where they drive an automobile.

Understanding the science implicated by bariatric surgery in a DUI case would make for a challenging and interesting case involving forensic toxicology, retrograde extrapolation and other potential scientific defenses.  Charles M. Rowland II is Ohio’s only Forensic Sobriety Assessment certified attorney and has experience trying cases involving forensic issues.  Ohio DUI attorney Charles M. Rowland II dedicates his practice to defending the accused drunk driver.  He has the credentials and the experience to win your case and has made himself Dayton’s choice for DUI defense.  Contact Charles Rowland by phone at 937-318-1DUI (937-318-1384), 937-879-9542, or toll-free at 1-888-ROWLAND (888-769-5263).  For after-hours help contact our 24/7 DUI HOTLINE at 937-776-2671.  For information about Dayton DUI sent directly to your mobile device, text DaytonDUI (one word) to 50500.  Follow DaytonDUI on Twitter @DaytonDUI or Get Twitter updates via SMS by texting DaytonDUI to 40404. DaytonDUI is also available on Facebook, www.facebook.com/daytondui.  You can also email Charles Rowland at: CharlesRowland@CharlesRowland.com or write to us at 2190 Gateway Dr., Fairborn, Ohio 45324.

Related articles

24 comments »

Posted in Alcohol & Drug Treatment, DUI & Nursing

Tags:

Ohio Controlled Substances Act, Drug Schedules

January 31st, 2012
Ritalin

If you get arrested for possession of a controlled substance, it feels like your world is falling apart.  If you are unfamiliar with the judicial system you are likely scared to death and wondering what will happen.  The first and most important decision you can make at this point is to hire an experienced and competent defender.  Charles M. Rowland II will file a motion to suppress, aggressively prepare for trial and present your best case to the prosecutor.  Preparation leads to better results including dismissal, a reduction in your charge, treatments in lieu of conviction, or an acquittal at trial.  CONTACT him here!

Some of your questions may stem from charges which reference “drug schedules” and “bulk amounts.”  The United States government classifies drugs by “schedule”. This classification system is used to determine the seriousness of your offense and the potential sentence you may be facing. Ohio adopted these schedules in O.R.C. 2925.11.

Schedule I drugs include those that are the most dangerous and have a high risk of addiction or dependency and no legitimate medical use. Drugs included under this heading include LSD, marijuana, heroin, GHB, and ecstasy.

Schedule II substances still have a high risk of abuse but may have legitimate medical uses. These include things like opium, cocaine, methadone, methamphetamines, and amphetamines.

Schedule III drugs are slightly less dangerous than Schedule II substances, but still have a moderate risk of abuse. Schedule III substances include hydrocodone, codeine, anabolic steroids, testosterone, ketamine, and some depressants.

Schedule IV drugs have a slight risk of dependency and have very acceptable medical uses. Some Schedule IV drugs are clonazepam, some tranquilizers, and sedatives.

Schedule V substances have a very low risk of dependency and include things like over the counter medication with Codeine.

How you are charged depends mostly on what controlled substance the government is alleged you possessed.  Ohio drug laws are amazingly complex and you should consult with an attorney about the facts of your case and the specifics of the allegations against you. CAVEAT: Drug laws are complex and change frequently, please talk to an attorney about your case.

Ciminal Defense Attorney Charles M. Rowland II dedicates his practice to defending the accused in Fairborn, Dayton, Springfield, Kettering, Vandalia, Xenia, Miamisburg, Springboro, Huber Heights, Oakwood, Beavercreek, Centerville and throughout Ohio.  He has the credentials and the experience to win your case and has made himself the Miami Valley’s choice for DUI defense.  Contact Charles Rowland by phone at 937-318-1DUI (937-318-1384), 937-879-9542, or toll-free at 1-888-ROWLAND (888-769-5263).  For after-hours help contact our 24/7 DUI HOTLINE at 937-776-2671.  For information about Dayton DUI sent directly to your mobile device, text DaytonDUI (one word) to 50500.  Follow DaytonDUI on Twitter @DaytonDUI or Get Twitter updates via SMS by texting DaytonDUI to 40404. DaytonDUI is also available on Facebook and on the DaytonDUI channel on YouTube.  You can also email Charles Rowland at: CharlesRowland@DaytonDUI.com or write to us at 2190 Gateway Dr., Fairborn, Ohio 45324. “All I do is DUI.”

Related articles

3 comments »

Posted in DUI, Drugs & Driving, Ohio Criminal Law

Tags:

Alcohol Treatment Resources on the Internet

October 18th, 2011

The Journal of the American Medical Association defines alcoholism as a chronic disease that is influenced by genetic predisposition, issues of environment, and mental wellness. Over time and without treatment, alcoholism gets worse, creating fatal health consequences and psychological preoccupation with alcohol that distorts the thinking.

The World Health Organization estimates that about 140 million people throughout the world suffer from alcohol dependence.  In the United States and Western Europe, 10 to 20 percent of men and 5 to 10 percent of women at some point in their lives will meet the criteria for alcoholism. That equates to approximately 12% of American adults having had or will have an alcohol dependence problem at some time in their life.  Alcoholism takes the lives of more than 37,500 Americans each year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Up until the 1970s, alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction were classified as criminal acts.  According to a study published in American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 1995 Nov;21(4):549-63, patients were often arrested for nothing more than being under the influence and held in the “drunk tanks” of county jails until they sobered up.  Today suffers have a wealth of resources unheard of in earlier generations and a supportive and understanding treatment community.  Treatment usually begins with the process of Alcohol Detoxification.

TREATMENT OPTIONS: I was recently contacted by Alexis Hernandez, Outreach coordinator for RehabInfo (http://www.rehabinfo.net).  Their site is dedicated to the following mission:

The goal of these pages is to educate users on an important and potentially dangerous process: detoxifying the body from drugs and alcohol. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive information about the detox process, treatment options and the path to full recovery. These pages are new and I’m putting in a lot of hard work on a larger campaign to help promote responsible information on addiction recovery.

Their site is a treasure trove of information on rehabilitation, alcohol detoxification, drug addiction and all things treatment related.  It is obvious that they are dedicated to saving lives and have created a great internet resource.

I have dedicated a large portion of my life supporting alcohol and drug addiction treatment.  I believe in it and I have seen first hand the amazing life-changing work done by the dedicated employees of TCN-BHS, Greene County’s Drug and Alcohol Addiction Services provider. Clients who choose to have me defend their DUI case also have a strong proponent of treatment.  Please use the following to consider treatment options if you suffer from alcoholism.  Call the offices of Charles M. Rowland II at (937) 879-9542 for immediate assistance locally, or check out the pages above for help outside of the Miami Valley.

 

1 comment »

Posted in Alcohol & Drug Treatment

Tags:

Driving Under the Influence of Ecstasy

July 5th, 2011

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs in Ohio

Animated picture of the chemical structure of ...

“Ecstasy,” 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is popular among recreational drug users ages 17-25 who take the drug to experience heightened responsiveness to intimate touch, increased sexual stimulation, increased energy, elevated self-esteem and euphoria.  Several recent studies have attempted to define MDMA/ecstasy impairment:

  • Nichols, “Differences Between the Mechanism of Action of MDMA, MBB and the Classic Hallucinogens, Identification of a New Therapeutic Class: Entactogens,” 18 J. Psychoactive Drugs 305 (1986);
  • Parrott & Lasky, “Ecstasy (MDMA) Effects Upon Mood and Cognition: Before, During and After a Saturday Night Dance,” 139 Psychopharmacology, 261 (1998);
  • McCann et al., “Cognitive Performance in (+3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy)) Users: A Controlled Study,” 143 Psychopharmacology 417 (1999);
  • Gauzoulis-Mayfrank, et al., “Impaired Cognitive Performance in Drug-Free Users of Recreational Ecstasy (MDMA),” 68 J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psych. 719 (2000);

Assuming your client does not take a chemical test, these types of case are defensible.  Because Ohio does not employ a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) protocol, you can use a lack of “indicators” for ecstasy with little chance that the officer can present evidence based on any specialized training to contradict you.  Employing an expert should have particular impact in these types of cases.  Often the indicators for alcohol come in conflict with the “indicators” for MDMA use.  The indicators for MDMA include:

  • Horizontal and vertical gaze not present;
  • No lack of convergence;
  • Dilated pupils with slow reaction to light;
  • Elevated pulse rate;
  • Elevated blood pressure; and
  • Elevated body temperature.

Drug Evaluation and Classification Training Program – The Drug Recognition Expert School, U.S. Department of Transportation Safety Institute, NHTSA 1999 ed, as cited in Barone, Defending Drinking Drivers, Second ed. at 1-103.  Challenging this evidence at a motion to suppress would also require the prosecution to bring in an expert witness as the typical officer would lack the scientific background to present psychopharmalogical evidence.  You should also focus your potential defenses on what the officer observed as indicators of impairment by MDMA and the typical defenses raised by creating a time line favorable to your client.

If you face a charge of driving under the influence of drugs or driving under the influence of ecstasy, contact Dayton DUI Attorney Charles M. Rowland II at 937-318-1DUI (318-1384), 1-888-ROWLAND (888-769-5263) or visit www.DaytonDUI.com.

Related articles by Zemanta

1 comment »

Posted in Blood & Urine Tests, Breath Testing, DUI, Drugs & Driving, Field Tests (SFSTs)

Tags: