Jan 24

As Internet use has increased, so has there been an increase in Internet crimes.  It wasn’t that long ago when words, such as cybersex and cyber-chats were unheard of.  Today, those words are all too common.  Computer crimes have become one of the greatest challenges that face law enforcement.

 

Prosecutors are constantly confronting all types of computer crimes, including child pornography, sex crimes, cyber-stalking, computer fraud, and Internet theft.  Statistics show that approximately 10% of all Internet and computer crimes in the United States are committed in California.  They have even created special cyber-crime units to decrease computer crime in Southern California.

 

Conviction of Internet crimes comes with severe consequences, such as State, local or Federal prison, heavy fines, and loss of employment for those with security clearances, restitution and probation.

 

If you are arrested for an Internet crime of any type, contact a Riverside Criminal Law attorney who has experience in Internet crime cases and will work to negotiate reduced charges, if this is in your best interests.

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Dec 22

Same-sex relationships are common in the State of California.  Estate planning for a modern family can be complicated, especially if children from a previous relationship are involved.

 

Did you know that in California, a same-sex married couple can file state tax returns either as married filing separately or married filing jointly?  Tax laws are constantly changing, however.

 

Estate planning is important for same-sex couples because the assets may not automatically pass on to the domestic partner unless specifically expressed in a legal document.

 

If you are part of a same-sex couple, contact an experienced Riverside Estate Planning attorney to determine the best option for your financial situation and goals.

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Dec 14

It is no surprise that when a pedestrian is hit by a motor vehicle that he or she is at a disadvantage.  After all, the pedestrian has nothing to protect him or her – while passengers in a car have the safety of a metal frame around them.

 

Every year there is a large number of pedestrian accidents in Riverside County.  Most are caused mainly because of alcohol and/or drugs, distracted driving, negligent or careless driving and failure to yield the right of way.

 

If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident that could have been prevented, I urge you to contact an experienced Riverside Personal Injury attorney as soon as possible to seek compensation for your injuries and expenses.

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Nov 30

Holiday time has arrived and people are everywhere celebrating.  It is okay to have a good time, but in the State of California it is a crime to possess any amount of an illegal drug or controlled substance.

 

If you are found to have marijuana, cocaine, heroin or any illegal drug in your possession, you will be arrested on possession charges and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  This is a serious crime and it comes with serious consequences that include jail time, heavy fines, license suspension, probation, mandatory drug counseling and drug testing.

 

If you have been charged with drug possession, contact an experienced Riverside Criminal Law attorney who will protect your rights and help you resolve your case successfully.  Depending on the circumstances and evidence against you, your attorney may be able to get the drug possession charges dropped or reduced.  Do not leave your future and reputation to chance; make sure your legal rights are protected.

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Aug 11

Drivers who have a tendency not to obey traffic rules and regulations – watch out for higher fines.  This does not only apply to the Palm Springs area, but it applies to all of California.

 

Did you know that some fines doubled from last year? The following are examples of what you should be planned to pay if you are given a traffic ticket:

 

·     Running a stop sign - $280

·     Passing a school bus with flashing lights - $754

·     Parking in a handicapped spot without permission - $1,000

 

If you are stopped and given a traffic ticket that you believe is unfair, contact an experienced Riverside Criminal Law attorney who will fight for your rights and make sure justice is served.

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Jul 12

California law requires an individual writing a legal will to be at least 18 years old and of sound mind.  He or she must understand the complete nature of the document before signing.

There are three acceptable forms of a legal California will, which include:
·     Handwritten – Must be completely written by the testator, signed and dated

o   Does not have to be notarized or witnessed but having a witness is a good idea

·     the testator just needs to fill in the blanks

o   Can leave estate to anyone in family, money to one other person, or to a charity

o   Provides for naming a guardian and executor

·     Prepared by attorney – An attorney can advise the best ways to leave property and tax consequences that can arise

o   Signed by testator in the presence of at least two witnesses, none of which are beneficiaries.  They must also sign.

A will remains valid unless superseded by a new one.  Provisions that require change can be done so by a codicil.

It is not always necessary to hire an attorney to create a will, but a good idea to avoid any complications that could arise.  Contact an experienced Riverside Estate Planning attorney who will ensure that your wishes are carried out.

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Feb 17

All-terrain vehicles are found all over California, especially in desert and mountain areas in Riverside County.  People die every year from ATV-related accidents in California.  There are laws that can prevent unnecessary injuries and deaths – if followed.

The most important rule to follow:  Do not allow children to ride an ATV designed for an adult.  According to the ATV Safety Institute, anyone under the age of 18 is not allowed to drive an ATV on public land unless he or she has a safety certificate.

Do I have to remind you that an adult should not ride an ATV after drinking alcoholic beverages?  California law requires anyone driving an ATV on public land to wear a helmet.  The only way a passenger is allowed to ride on an ATV is if the ATV is designed to carry an additional passenger.

Driving an ATV on a highway is illegal in California; however, it is legal to cross a California highway while riding an ATV.  Finally, drinking or even holding an opened alcoholic beverage is illegal.  This includes roads and public lands in parks.

Read the laws of the road; learn them and abide by them.  Keep yourself and others around you safe.  If you are seriously injured in an accident while on an ATV, contact an experienced Riverside Personal Injury attorney.  He or she will review every detail of your case to ensure that your rights are not trampled on.

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Feb 04

In most cases when an individual is involved in an auto accident, he or she panics and doesn’t know what to do first.  The following is a list of things to remember if you are involved in a collision.  Keep it in your wallet or car.

  • Call 911 immediately – check condition of others involved
  • Exchange information with the other person – name, address, telephone number, license number and insurance information
  • Keep a camera in the car or use cell phone to take pictures of damages and injuries
  • If there are witnesses, get their names and phone number
  • Do not give any statement to the other person’s insurance company without your attorney present – cooperate with your insurance company
  • Get medical attention – an injury can always show up later on

Call an experienced Personal Injury attorney as soon as possible.  California law requires that if you plan on filing a lawsuit to do so within two years from the date of the accident.  If you are involved with a city or county vehicle, you have 180 days to file.

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Jan 19

Did you know that Californians can automatically register to donate their organs when renewing their driver’s license?  Another way is to draw up a Living Will or give a friend or family member the Power of Attorney for health care, which allows them to make this decision if you cannot.

In California, a Living Will is also known as an Advanced Health Care Directive.  A Living Will details the type of care you want or do not want in case you become incapacitated.  A Power of Attorney for Health Care allows a person that you choose to make the necessary health-care decisions for you if you cannot.  They also have the responsibility of making sure your Living Will instructions are carried out by your health care provider.

If you want to become an organ donor, it is important to document your wishes in your Living Will so your family will know what to do in the event you become eligible.  Contact an experienced Riverside County Estate Planning attorney who can help you draft a Living Will and a Power of Attorney for Health Care to make sure your wishes are honored.

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Nov 11

A 21-year old man who had been involved in a minor, non-injury car accident on the westbound side of the 10 Freeway in Banning the other morning was killed.   After the car accident, he pulled off the road and walked to the side of the freeway.

Moments later, a Toyota Tundra, driven by a 23-year old, went out of control, spun around and hit the young man. He sustained fatal head injuries.

The police are investigating what caused the Toyota driver to lose control.  

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