(StatePoint) With many Americans asked to stay at home to help curb the impact of COVID-19, there’s a higher risk of potential prescription drug abuse or prescription drugs accidentally falling into the wrong hands, like those of children.

Justin E. Herdman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, announced recently that Ricardo Labrador-Ortiz, age 46, was sentenced to 31-months imprisonment after pleading guilty to one count of misuse of a social security number and one count of aggravated identity theft on January 17, 2020. Renzo Bienvenido Pimentel-Arias, age 49, was sentenced to 54-months imprisonment after pleading guilty to two counts of false claim of citizenship to obtain a federal or state benefit and two counts of aggravated identity theft on January 17, 2020.

These are uncertain, divided times for our nation. Unemployment is at mind-boggling levels, a virus we still don’t fully understand is stifling the course of ordinary life, many businesses are struggling, nationwide protests continue against systemic and deep-seated racism, and local policy makers face rising questions about policing and public safety. It’s no surprise that this is one of those rare moments of national reflection about our future course.

(BPT) When it comes to keeping your family and home safe, you're probably familiar with the most common household hazards that can occur. And chances are you have taken precautions to prevent most hazards by installing devices like smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers.

The ABA Medal, the American Bar Association’s highest honor, will be awarded to William H. Neukom, an international champion for justice who has devoted his life and career to public service, access to justice and advancing the rule of law.

A new report from the American Bar Association, “Left Out and Left Behind: The Hurdles, Hassles, and Heartaches of Achieving Long-Term Legal Careers for Women of Color,” reveals the experiences and challenges faced by women lawyers of color.

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has caused financial hardship for many Ohioans, especially those facing debt collection.

A registered sex offender was sentenced recently in U.S. District Court to 500 months in prison for crimes related to sex trafficking a 14-year-old girl.

An Ohio professor’s careerlong research about the Electoral College placed his work in the middle of recent U.S. Supreme Court oral arguments.

Beverley Laubert, State Long-Term Care Ombudsman for Ohio, was among 25 experts and advocates selected to serve on the national, independent Coronavirus Commission on Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes. The commission will review and help inform current and future responses to COVID-19 and potential infectious disease outbreaks within nursing homes.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is urging all Ohioans who have received notices regarding overpayment of unemployment compensation benefits to appeal their cases if they believe the notices were sent in error.

Justin E. Herdman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, announced that Pablo Duran Ramirez, age 52, was sentenced to 37 months imprisonment, three years supervised release and ordered to pay a $67,232 fine after pleading guilty to one count of encouraging illegal entry for financial gain on September 17, 2018. According to court documents, Ramirez encouraged the illegal entry of Guatemalan nationals, including unaccompanied minors, into the United States, knowing that the individuals had been smuggled into the United States through coercion or threat.

The Ohio Supreme Court recently sanctioned the operator of a Cuyahoga County loan modification business for the unauthorized practice of law and fined her $5,000.

Wildlife officials in Ohio and Tennessee combined in early June to apprehend a suspected poacher who reportedly took an over limit of walleye on Lake Erie, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The investigation is ongoing with multiple state agencies involved in the case; charges have yet to be filed.

The Ohio Supreme Court recently indefinitely suspended a Columbus attorney convicted in a 2019 child pornography case.

(BPT) At a time when the strength of the U.S. economy and personal finance is on most renters' minds, low down payment mortgage options are more appealing than ever. With mortgage interest rates being at historic lows, it is possible to qualify for a home loan while keeping a rainy day fund.

A former employee of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) was sentenced recently to 30 months in prison for leaking classified information to two journalists in 2018 and 2019.

The Ohio State Parks Passport, the essential guide to all 75 state parks, is now available.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is taking an Athens couple to court for allegedly hoarding hundreds of bottles of hand sanitizer during the COVID-19 pandemic and selling them online for 11 times the retail price.

Reforms strike balance of protecting citizens while preserving online innovation and free speech