The following is an RSS driven aggregation of the 50 most recent blog posts by lawyers in the State of Florida (Read more about the process...). This is not an exclusive club! If you know of another blogging Florida lawyer, please send a note to Steve Matthews or Ron Chapman and we will get them added to the mix!
- Fort Myers accident lawyers wish you a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend
Friday, September 3, 2010 4:03 pm
Whether you and your loved ones will be fishing, boating, drinking or driving, the Fort Myers accident lawyers at Associates and Bruce L Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly and enjoy the long Labor Day weekend. Twenty-three motorists were killed in accidents over the Labor Day weekend last year, according to the Florida Department of Highway ... [Link] - Taxpayer Advocate Service is Overburdened
Friday, September 3, 2010 4:03 pm
WebCPA reports that the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) has experienced a greatly increased workload in recent years: The IRS’s increased emphasis on enforcement, rising caseloads, the economy, and recent legislative changes are among the many challenges confronting the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS), according to a new report. TAS management overall agreed with the facts and conclusions of the report ... [Link] - Taxpayer Identity Theft Cases Continue to Rise
Friday, September 3, 2010 4:03 pm
Paul Caron alerts us to a TIGTA report titled A Statistical Portrayal of the Taxpayer Advocate Service for Fiscal Years 2005 Through 2009 which states that taxpayer identity theft cases have increased nearly fivefold over the the last three years (emphasis is mine): Rising case receipts are presenting challenges for the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) to timely resolve taxpayer problems. ... [Link] - Debt Cancellation and the 1099-C
Friday, September 3, 2010 4:03 pm
Joe Kristan tells of a recent Tax Court case (Gaffney v. Commissioner; T.C. Summ. Op. 2010-128) where the Court properly held that a 1099-C alone is insufficient to establish the taxability of debt cancellation income: The Tax Court pointed out that the IRS needs more than just a 1099-C to assess debt cancellation income: In support of [the IRS's] assertion ... [Link] - Vetererians Are Cool
Friday, September 3, 2010 4:03 pm
Many animal lovers want to take their experiences and attitude toward the next level. Some believe that the ultimate animal lover is the vetererian. Taking care of animals for a living is certainly a lofty and worth goal, but how does one achieve that status. I am certainly not the authority, but your might start here. The site is designed ... [Link] - Random Friday thoughts
Friday, September 3, 2010 4:03 pm
UPDATE -- we still need one more team for the Blog Fantasy Football league. Email Miguel De La O at delao13@gmail.com if you want in.1. Bill Barzee has filed a complaint against David Rivera. From the Herald article: "David and his campaign have to learn that you have to play by the rules,'' Barzee said of his complaint. ``All I'm ... [Link] - Magistrate Judge Brown Schedules "Footsie" Evidentiary Hearing
Friday, September 3, 2010 3:20 pm
I've never heard of this kind of evidentiary hearing, but I guess we're somewhat in new territory:The Court finds the allegations made to be quite significant (emphasis added), but the burden is on the party making same to support such claims with more than allegations, speculations, and allegedly damning pictures. The Court finds that on this record there is insufficient ... [Link] - Judge Moreno Rules Against Paris Hilton!
Friday, September 3, 2010 1:55 pm
Judge Moreno Paris Hilton Order This is David's beat but he's sorta busy at the moment, so let me step in and post Judge Moreno's order on the Paris Hilton/"Pledge This" dispute.He greatly reduced the damages, as I predicted, but still found her failure to promote that execrable film to be worth a whooping $160k!?!? Paris appeared shocked and devastated ... [Link] - Probation in Jacksonville, Florida
Friday, September 3, 2010 12:55 pm
Our Jacksonville Probation Law Firm represents many people on who are on probation. When you are put on probation in Jacksonville or anywhere in Florida, you don't have the same rights and freedoms as the common citizen. The Court, when it sentences someone to probation, imposes standard and special conditions. Standard conditions include: 1. The probationer must report to every ... [Link] - A Message From BigLaw Associates, We Are Quite Dissatisfied
Friday, September 3, 2010 12:55 pm
The ABA Journal, taking a break from promoting worthless social media hacks, has brought us a message from Big Law Associates. It reads more like a list of demands from a hostage taker without hostages:One of their big complaints is compensation, the American Lawyer reports. Twenty-seven percent of associates surveyed said their benefits had been reduced in 2010, and the ... [Link] - RUMPOLE'S RULES FOR HURRICANES
Friday, September 3, 2010 10:51 am
As Hurricane Earl bears down on the north eastern United States, many of our readers from NY to Massachusetts to Cape Cod to Maine, are writing and asking serious questions about hurricane preparedness. In an effort to help our inexperienced northern brethren, we proudly publish Rumpole's Rules For Hurricanes. (c) 2010, all rights reserved. Q) When is the right time ... [Link] - Father Acquitted of Murder and Child Abuse of Baby Son
Friday, September 3, 2010 5:05 am
Father and five month old Son are staying with relatives in Florida. Father falls asleep with Son lying on a queen-sized bed. When Father awakens, Son is face-down at the edge of the bed, stuck against a dresser. Son isn’t breathing. Father administers CPR but is unable to revive Son. Father yells for help and Aunt calls 911. Paramedics are ... [Link] - DRUG2103 POSSESSION OF CANNABIS LESS THAN 20 GRAMS
Friday, September 3, 2010 2:58 am
Possession of Cannabis If you have been charged with DRUG2103 POSSESSION OF CANNABIS LESS THAN 20 GRAMS you can call a Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney at 1-877-793-9290 and tell me your story. Form Code: DRUG2103 Florida Statute: 893.13.6B Level: Misd (Misdemeanor) Degree: 1st Description: POSSESSION OF CANNABIS LESS THAN 20 GRAMS DRUG2103 is one of the most commonly charged offenses ... [Link] - DRUG8100 POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA
Friday, September 3, 2010 2:34 am
Drug Paraphernalia If you have been charged with DRUG8100 POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA call a Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer at 1-877-793-9290 and tell me your story. Form Code: DRUG8100 Florida Statute: 893.147 Level: Misd (Misdemeanor) Degree: 1st Description: POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA DRUG1101 is one of the most commonly charged offenses in Hillsborough County, Florida. Florida Statute 893.147Chapter 893 DRUG ... [Link] - DRUG1101 POSSESSION OF COCAINE
Friday, September 3, 2010 2:08 am
Possession of Cocaine If you have been charged with DRUG1101 POSSESSION OF COCAINE call a Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney at 1-877-793-9290 and tell me your story. Form Code: DRUG1101 Florida Statute: 893.13.6A Level: Fel (Felony) Degree: 3rd Description: POSSESSION OF COCAINE DRUG1101 is one of the most commonly charged offenses in Hillsborough County, Florida. Florida Statute 893.13.6A Chapter 893 DRUG ... [Link] - Country Concerns
Friday, September 3, 2010 1:57 am
[Link] - Naples attorney reprimanded for jail romance with client » Naples Daily News
Friday, September 3, 2010 1:26 am
This article is about an attorney who was going to the jail to see an inmate that he’d been smitten with (not to do lawyerly stuff, but to see and visit her), and writing her a postcard under an assumed name. This is fascinating. First of all, she is in JAIL for DUI. I certainly can’t understand the attraction, but ... [Link] - Now people are quoting me? What’s the world coming to?!?
Friday, September 3, 2010 12:54 am
I was quoted by some random author on eHow.com, about what happens after one is arrested. Pretty cool. Here’s the link: http://www.ehow.com/about_6607426_information-arrest.html [Link] - NO BODY....NO PROBLEM
Thursday, September 2, 2010 8:41 pm
Chalk up a nice win for Abbe Rifkin and the Dade SAO, as today Dade jurors returned a verdict of guilty of second degree murder against Christopher Phillips. The verdict was rendered after an hour of deliberation. The Herald quoted Abbe as saying this, probably in opening (they need to get their act straight over at our local fish wrapper.) ... [Link] - Florida Sex Offenders Must Register With New Permanent or Temporary Address
Thursday, September 2, 2010 7:54 pm
There are certain crimes in Florida that require the defendant to register as a sex offender for the rest of his/her life after a conviction. This sex offender status confers fairly rigid requirements on a person, and failure to comply can lead to an additional serious felony criminal charge in Florida. For instance, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will ... [Link] - Mother Charged with Manslaughter for Child's Death
Thursday, September 2, 2010 7:54 pm
A mother who negligently left her child in a car was arrested on the charge of manslaughter. The defendant appeared before a bond hearing judge on August 31, 2010, and was granted house arrest with the condition that she be allowed to obtain psychological treatment and attend the funeral of her young son. While the standard bond in this type ... [Link] - What Does Wind Damage to a Roof Look Like?
Thursday, September 2, 2010 7:54 pm
I have previously written rather extensively about insurance coverage for wind damage to roofs. You can see my articles on roof claims by clicking here: http://www.floridainsuranceblog.com/articles/insurance-coverage-homeowners/roof-claims/ When litigating roof claims it is important to document the wind damage. Wind damage is somewhat easy to see if you know what to look for. Shingles are manufactured with a sealing strip on ... [Link] - Basic Claim Step Advice For Hurricane Earl Policyholders
Thursday, September 2, 2010 7:52 pm
Tina Nicholson is based in our Houston office. She wrote a very basic article "Steps For Handling an Insurance Claim" for the Hotel World Network. With Hurricane Earl winds beating the mid-Atlantic coast, her tips may be helpful for many policyholders: Contact your insurance company immediately to notify it of the claim. The first contact will likely be a telephone ... [Link] - Rick Scott: Fifth Amendment Warrior!
Thursday, September 2, 2010 6:07 pm
After his insanely demogogic "Obama's Mosque" ad, I thought Rick Scott had given up on the Constitution, First Amendment, hail on the Bill of Rights entirely. Turns out I was wrong -- he likes adores the 5th Amendment.I don't think even "adores" cuts it.Seriously, the dude LOVES IT. And LOVES IT. And LOVES IT again the next morning.Slavishly devoted?Fifth Amendment ... [Link] - Nursing Home Law Suit – California Jury Slams Nursing Home With $677 Million Verdict
Thursday, September 2, 2010 5:45 pm
When it comes to law suits that involve nursing home abuse a recent jury verdict in California has shaken the industry to its core. A Humboldt County jury slammed the Eureka Healthcare and Rehabilitation center to the tune of $677 million due to the living conditions of Cindy Cool’s father and thousands of other residents. Cool testified to the jury ... [Link] - LOS ANGELES: Rapper T.I. Arrested Again - Federal VOP Coming Soon
Thursday, September 2, 2010 5:45 pm
LOS ANGELES - According to a breaking story published by the Associated Press, Grammy-winning rapper T.I., who has a history of Drug Offenses and is on Federal Probation after spending time behind bars on Gun Charges, was arrested along with his wife after police smelled marijuana coming from their car, authorities said. The rapper was arrested Wednesday night in West ... [Link] - Tourist Injuries Minimal After Wild Animals Escape / Litigating Premises Security Cases
Thursday, September 2, 2010 5:44 pm
Atlanta and Miami are both investigating the cause of captive wild animals escaping their cages. Zoo Atlanta found a venomous rattlesnake after it escaped, toured the neighborhood, and was killed by a nearby property owner. Zoo officials said a cage door was not properly secured by a staff member, according to the Associated Press. Miami's Jungle Island had a larger ... [Link] - Tampa Florida - Seized Property
Thursday, September 2, 2010 5:44 pm
When someone is arrested the police often take whatever is in their pockets or purses or cars and put the things into evidence even if the stuff has no relevance to the charged crime. The police take money, cell phones, computers, jewelry, etc., into evidence when people are arrested. If it's on your person, in your purse, or in your ... [Link] - Florida Immigration Law: Finally making sense
Thursday, September 2, 2010 5:01 pm
I know that immigration is a hot button issue in Florida and EVERYONE has an opinion. Here's mine - coupled with some actual statistics. Did you know that in the last year (2009), the Obama administration deported more illegal immigrants than Bush ever did? Did you know that people MARRIED TO AMERICAN citizens and with children BORN IN THE USA ... [Link] - Mario Diaz-Balart Loses Another Redistricting Legal Challenge.
Thursday, September 2, 2010 2:32 pm
In a series of rulings on Constitutional amendment ballot initiatives set for the November election related to redistricting, the Florida Supreme Court put the kibosh on the latest legal challenge to the FairDistricts initiative:In another decision, the Supreme Court ruled to stop a suit intended to remove Amendments 5 and 6 from the ballot. A group of incumbent politicians tried ... [Link] - Florida Constitution can protect two Florida Homes as Homestead
Thursday, September 2, 2010 1:38 pm
The Homestead Exemption in Florida, which was established in the State's Constitution, has always provided for the protection of the Family home free from creditors and liens. In 1985 the Constitution was amended to extend the protection to the "natural person" and not necessarily having to be the head of the household. The 4th district Court of Appeals ruled that ... [Link] - Buju Banton Trial Delayed.....Again.
Thursday, September 2, 2010 1:38 pm
bujucontinuance Everyone's favorite federal blogger has a few more days to prepare for trial, as Buju Banton's co-defendant asked for and received a short continuance from MD FL Judge Moody:Trial is rescheduled to MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. at the U. S. Sam Gibbons Courthouse, 801 North Florida Avenue, Courtroom #13A, Tampa, Florida 33602.The Court grants this continuance ... [Link] - Is The United States Bankrupt? The Dellutri Law Group Offers A Free Consultation.
Thursday, September 2, 2010 1:38 pm
Is the United States Bankrupt? Yea probably, but it doesn't seem to know it just yet. We are running deficits every year with no end in sight, and the national debt continues to escalate. Normal people would have pulled their hair out by now. Normal people would have said enough is enough. Normal people would have changed their spending habits ... [Link] - MIA--->DCA
Thursday, September 2, 2010 1:38 pm
Just for the day. Be back soon my peeps. [Link] - August Bankruptcy Filings Down 8% From July But Still On Record Pace
Thursday, September 2, 2010 1:38 pm
Historically, August bankruptcy filings are usually less than July. This July we saw an 8% drop in consumer bankruptcy filings across the nation. This statistic does not mean that we are in a recovery, and please don't assume anything than it is just a number. Overall, across the United States, consumer bankruptcy filings are still high and are near the ... [Link] - Caribbean Cruise Line Lies and Steals?
Thursday, September 2, 2010 1:38 pm
A television station in Louisville, Kentucky reported on an interesting story today entitled "Woman Claims Cruise Company Promising Free Cruise Lied, Stole." Amy Zetina, a hard working mother of three in Kentucky, responded to an ad which offered a "free cruise." Ms. Zetina was taken for a ride, but it wasn't on a cruise ship. It turns out that "Caribbean ... [Link] - Mark Brunnell Answers Questions About His Bankruptcy
Thursday, September 2, 2010 11:37 am
Mark Brunnell is a debtor in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy. I don't mean that in a derogatory way. I mean that he is in the process of using the bankruptcy laws and rules to reorganize his sizeable debts. He made a name for himself as a professional football player. Now, as a sign that no-one is immune from this economy, ... [Link] - Is There a Dog Leash Law in Gulf County ( Port St. Joe and Wewahitchka) Florida?
Thursday, September 2, 2010 11:37 am
In Gulf County, there are county ordinances that regulate the licensing, classification, confinement and disposal of dogs and cats. Pursuant to the Gulf County Code of Ordinances, dog owners have a duty to prevent domestic animals (dogs and cats) from running at large. Under the definition section of the Code of Gulf County Ordinances, the following definitions apply: "At Large" ... [Link] - Are Youth Sports Lawsuits Out Of Control?
Thursday, September 2, 2010 11:37 am
What is happening in the world of youth sports? According to this article, youth sports has a major problem, one that could result in lawsuits or other types of legal action. Experts say those figures, derived from news stories about the events, grossly under-represent the extent of the problem because no one tracks inappropriate behavior involving youth sports. While some ... [Link] - Russian Authorities Seize Any Available Personal Property for Back Child Support
Thursday, September 2, 2010 5:09 am
Husband and Wife divorce. Husband is ordered to pay child support for Daughter. Husband stops paying child support in the fall of 2009. Husband alleges that he was unable to work due to illness, but produces no corroboration. Law enforcement authorities set out to attach some of Husband’s property to auction it off to reduce Husband’s child support arrearages. And ... [Link] - Possible Collusion and the 85 Percent Rule: Are NFL Teams trading and cutting rookies to avoid paying into collectively-bargained pool?
Thursday, September 2, 2010 1:33 am
The National Football League Players' Association is reportedly looking into whether teams are trading rookie players who would be cut in order to avoid cutting them themselves and having to pay 85% of the player's salary. If they are doing that, they could be deemed to be colluding, which generally means two or more teams acting in a way to ... [Link] - Sinkholes Remain in the News While Eyes are on Hurricane Earl
Thursday, September 2, 2010 1:33 am
Since 2004, the majority of our law firm's large insurance battles have focused on hurricane loss insurance disputes. It is not surprising that we are getting phone calls from people asking whether our firm will open offices somewhere between North Carolina and Boston as Hurricane Earl is projected to hit that area. I was surprised by a recent newspaper article ... [Link] - GOODBYE SUMMER
Thursday, September 2, 2010 1:33 am
The passing of August has not gone unnoticed by the author of this humble blog. Summer is a real nuisance, as the sultry and thick humidity serves to wreck any suit a well attired lawyer may wear. The walk from the parking lot to the car is usually enough to have us longing for our morning shower. The end of ... [Link] - Horribles Historias de la Internet
Wednesday, September 1, 2010 11:33 pm
About the show: El 6 de Septiembre del 2010 a las 10:00 pm, El show de Cristina estara presentando un programa con el tópico de los horrores del internet (“Horror stories of the Internet”) En este episodio hay familias y individuales que comparten historias de las terribles experiencias del internet como historias de asesinatos, historias de robo y historias de ... [Link] - The Performing Non-Performing Loan: The Paradox Destoying Real Estate Wealth
Wednesday, September 1, 2010 11:33 pm
You would think that if you are current on your bank loans the bank would not want to call the loan or foreclose on the property. You would think that if you are performing your payment obligations and other requirements under a note and loan agreement that the bank would classify your loan as a "performing loan", or a good ... [Link] - McHUGH IN 2012
Wednesday, September 1, 2010 11:33 pm
Her Honor? Attorney Katie McHugh is running for county court judge in 2012. She's got her eye on two occupied seats, although she may opt for an open race depending on how things shake out over the coming months. She joins Jonathon Marne, Bob Nichols, and Steve Schaet in the rapidly growing pool of announced 2012 contenders. The 2010 Incumbent ... [Link] - Announcing Our Next Congressman, George L. Metcalfe!!!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010 11:32 pm
First we had James Stewart in the iconic Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.Then Jack Albertson gave it a whirl in the somewhat less iconic Grandpa Goes to Washington: (Admittedly, the quality did drop a notch).But now quality is back, as Leesburg's most famous letter writer, none other than SFL fave George L. Metcalfe himself, gets ready to take DC by ... [Link] - The Impact of Tiger Woods Scandal on Morals Clauses in Endorsement Contracts
Wednesday, September 1, 2010 11:32 pm
John Gibeaut of the American Bar Association Journal examines how the scandal involving Tiger Woods and infidelity will impact the use and enforcement of morals clauses in endorsement contracts. Below are excerpts from his piece, which includes comments from Peter Carfagna, Brian Socolow, and me, as well as from Porcher Taylor III and Fernando Pinguelo, both of whom recently authored ... [Link] - Exploring Oracle's Lawsuit Against Google
Wednesday, September 1, 2010 11:21 pm
Oracle has sued Google over it's use of the Java Micro Edition in its Android phones. Here's an excerpt from a recent article in the Mac Observer:There are some who claim that Oracle’s lawsuit against Google, which claims that Google has violated Java licensing in the development of Android, is an abuse by Oracle and displays poor stewardship of the ... [Link] - Miami (Kendall) Day Care Center Worker Investigated for Alleged Sexual Assault on 4 Year Old Girl
Wednesday, September 1, 2010 11:00 pm
In Florida, day care centers have a duty to provide a safe haven for children under their care. Unfortunately and tragically, some day care workers use their position of trust to commit horrendous and unspeakable acts of child and sexual abuse on children under their care. Many such acts go unreported without any intervention by law enforcement or the state ... [Link]
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