Did you know that Harris County, Texas, home to Houston, is the deadliest county in the United States when it comes to alcohol-related car accidents? Not a proud title to have. But, our court system is taking some steps this week that it hopes will change Houston's unfortunate standing when it comes to tragedies stemming from those driving under the influence. Harris County is bringing in two more dockets for its SOBER court, allowing up...
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Austin, TX (Law Wire News) March 17, 2014 A lawsuit that was set to be heard in federal court in early March in which 11 former cadets had claimed physical and mental abuse at the hands of older students at St. John's Military School in Kansas has quietly been settled ("Military school lawsuit settled on eve of trial, The Houston Chronicle, March 3, 2014). Details that would have emerged as each plaintiff took the stand to make his...
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In today's global world, many people who are U.S. citizens are married to someone who is not a citizen. This can make the process of estate planning more complicated. However, as long as you plan ahead and make arrangements to deal with the issue, the probate process should go smoothly as non-citizens are allowed to inherit property. This includes homes and land in the United States. A qualified probate attorney can help spouses and other...
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It is not against the law to hate other people, to say awful things about fellow human beings, or to socialize with others who share racist or bigoted views. The First Amendment protects the rights of all Americans to make their feelings known, even when they are not pleasant. And according to a recent report published by the Southern Poverty Law Center, some in Texas take full advantage of this freedom. There is no doubt...
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Austin, TX (Law Wire News) March 12, 2013 Commenting on media reports about the NFL bullying scandal, Texas attorney Tony R. Berolino of Bertolino LLP today said the national story has opened up a discussion about harassment men and women face every day in the workplace. In measures taken to address a locker room story that dominated hours of time on ESPN and sports talk radio and even among commentators beyond the football world, the...
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March 11, 2014 Commenting on a news report about teen drivers who use their cellphones to snap pictures of themselves while driving, Austin lawyer Tony R. Bertolino said today that taking "selfies" behind-the-wheel is yet another technology-related driver distraction that could lead to tragic consequences. Attorney Bertolino said he has handled cases in his office involving distracted drivers and strongly encourages drivers - especially teenagers who lack overall driving experience - to avoid cellphones and...
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In a move that comes with cheers of support from some and concern over safety from others, the University of Texas has decided to start selling beer and wine at some of its sporting events. The trial effort will occur at the remaining basketball, baseball and softball games this season, as well as at Texas Relays. Depending on how the purchase of alcohol goes during these spring events, Longhorn fans may have the same opportunity...
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The children of Martin Luther King Jr. have been engaged in high-profile estate litigation since 2006, when their mother passed away. The latest dispute centers around whether to sell their father's personal traveling Bible and Nobel Peace prize. Several of the children have asked a court to order their sister to turn over both items, which she currently has in her possession and which she does not want sold. This dispute over these valuable assets is...
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Did you stand in line at the local grocery store or gas station to give your lucky numbers a try this week? We now know that there was only one winning ticket with all numbers correct for the Wednesday evening PowerBall drawing, and that ticket was sold in the Northern California town of Milpitas. The winner, who has yet to come forward, will increase his or her bank account with a $425 million jackpot. It...
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Divorces are on the rise both in the United States and the United Kingdom, with some experts indicating that better economic times may be contributing to an increase in divorces. Historical trends also support the premise that an end to a recession could increase the divorce rate, as couples have more money and feel more financially able to end their marriages. Living in a relationship you are unhappy with can be stressful and damaging to...
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