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Do you have a right to a jury of your peers?

During jury selection, defense attorney Deborah Poole complained that her 79 year-old client, Lena Sims Driskell, could not receive a fair trial with a jury of her peers because the juror pool lacked enough older people from which to select. Of the 58 jurors in the pool, a scant few were over 60. more...

Beverly Rice - Oct 2007 - Murder
Pennsylvania DUI Laws

A few years back, Pennsylvania tightened the reins on its DUI laws, lowering the legal blood alcohol percentage needed to show intoxication from .10 percent to .08 percent. Along with that shift, a new set of penalties went into place, showing the people that Pennsylvania took a strong position on driving under the influence. more...

Corie Lynn Rosen - Oct 2007 - DUI
Can the Police Search Your House Without a Warrant?

If you have ever watched a legal drama on television, you probably know that the police need a warrant to search your house. But did you also know that there are important exceptions to the warrant requirement? more...

Michelle Fabio, Esq. - Oct 2007 - Home & Leisure
Employee vs. Independent Contractor: Differences You Need to Know

So you're so happy you just got hired, but the person you're working for just called you a name: "independent contractor." Now what does that mean? What kind of a business relationship is that? Can you come to the company picnic? What does this mean for you?

While an "independent contractor" is different from a standard employee, the exact definition of your role is not set in stone. To prevent any unwanted surprises, it is essential to define the exact business relationship between you and your employer prior to beginning work. more...

Ellen Feig - Oct 2007 - At the Workplace
How to Hire A Contractor

We have all heard the nightmare story: an unsuspecting homeowner pays thousands to a contractor only to be left with an unfinished kitchen. The homeowner then spends the next couple of months trying to recover financially. So, what can you do to protect yourself when you want to make home improvements? Here are a few of our tips to finding a contractor you can trust. more...

Laura Rice - Apr 2007 - Prevention & Safety
Nevada DUI laws

Las Vegas may be just one of many Nevada cities, but the people who come to play and stay in Las Vegas may be at a higher risk for DUI than people visiting, say, the Hoover Dam. With a ton of tourists, Nevada uses harsh DUI laws to crack down on anyone caught drinking and driving within its borders. more...

Corie Lynn Rosen - Oct 2006 - DUI
Vermont DUI laws

Vermont is famous for vacations of all sorts, but have too much fun too carelessly in the Green Mountain State and you will find yourself in worlds of trouble. Like most other states, a driving under the influence, or DUI, charge in Vermont triggers both an administrative proceeding and a criminal prosecution. more...

Corie Lynn Rosen - Oct 2006 - DUI
Need a Copy of a Your Birth Certificate?

Have you been putting off completing your document file? Many times we postpone obtaining copies of birth, death or marriage certificate because of the time and energy required to reach the appropriate government agencies.
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LegalZoom Staff - Oct 2006 - Home & Leisure
Who Needs Tickets? Is Ticket Scalping Legal?

The practice of reselling tickets at prices above face value is commonly called scalping, and whether it's legal depends on the state in which the event is located—whether the sale happens online, on the phone, or in person. So, what do you do with your extra tickets?Read more to find out about scalping laws. more...

Michelle Kaminsky - Sep 2006 - Home & Leisure
Criminal Defenses: Excuse and Exculpation Defenses

You're on trial for a crime, but you don't think you should be convicted even though yes, you did commit the crime. Is this possible? Absolutely. Understand the possible defenses in a criminal court case and you may be allowed to technically break the law, but not be found innocent of wrong-doing. more...

Beverly Rice - Jul 2006 - More Crimes & Trials