Why Is TABC Seller and Server Certification Required?

Gaining employment in the state of Texas in the alcohol sales and serving industry requires taking and passing certification classes. You are expected to know a few basic things about the rules and liabilities surrounding the sale and serving of alcohol. Below are the main reasons behind the state requirements.

Gain Knowledge of Rules and Regulations

The rules and regulations that govern the sale and serving of alcoholic beverages in Texas can seem confusing. Certification classes are required to clear up any questions an individual might have before taking on the tasks of serving and selling alcohol. It shows the state and the employer that you are knowledgeable enough to handle the task.

Develop an Understanding of the Consequences and Liabilities

There are heavy legal responsibilities for both employees and owners of establishments that sell and serve alcohol. There are consequences for violations of the rules and regulations that can amount to expensive fines, or even jail time. Knowing the responsibilities will help ensure that observing the rules and regulations become an important part of the job.

Learn to Recognize an Intoxicated Individual

Those that have never worked in the capacity of serving and selling alcoholic beverages may not be aware of the signs that a customer has already had enough to drink. The certification classes will help show ways to identify those that need to be cut off from any further alcohol purchases.

Keep Employees in the Industry Apprised of Current Laws

There can be changes made to the rules and regulations at any time. Keeping certified allows the opportunity to learn of any new additions or deletions to current alcohol server and sales requirements. Your employer must keep a copy of the certification on hand at all times.

Ease the Impact for Employer Training

The state of Texas offers the certification classes as a way to help ease the impact on employers in training multiple employees. They can sure that everything is covered that is important and nothing is forgotten. It also provides a more uniform standard of testing.

Contact licensing and certification specialists like Texas Alcohol Consultants for all of your liquor license Dallas TX questions now!

Qualities To Look For When Hiring A Lawyer

The decision to hire a lawyer is not one to be taken lightly. The right lawyer can make or break any case. When you are interviewing potential candidates, there are certain things you should ask and look for to help you narrow your choices. Below are some of the top qualities to look for when hiring a lawyer.

Experience

One of the most important qualities to look for when hiring a lawyer is how much experience they have. While it may not be essential that a lawyer specialize or be an expert in what your case is about, it can definitely help tip the scale in your favor.

Understanding

A good lawyer will be one who works hard to understand exactly what you are looking to get from the closure of your case. They should learn and understand your vision and be able to answer any questions you might have during the whole process.

Communication And Availability

Any good lawyer should have a reasonable amount of availability to work with their clients. They should also be available for questions and return phone calls in a timely manner. It is in your best interest to hire a lawyer that you can communicate easily with.

References

Never be afraid to ask for references from past clients. They should be more than willing to talk about previous cases and what the results of those cases turned out to be. If a lawyer claims to be reputable and won’t offer references or information from past cases, then they should be skipped in the hiring process. Take your time finding a reputable family law Centennial lawyer such as the ones found at www.bandylawfirm.com.

Reasonable Fees

While it can be tempting to hire the lawyer with the smallest fees, costs should not be the only deciding factor when hiring a lawyer. You should shop around and get multiple quotes from firms before you make your final decision. Fees can vary greatly depending on the size, location and prestige of the firm you are choosing. It can also vary greatly depending on the lawyer’s experience and reputation.

Before you meet with any lawyer, you should call them ahead of time and have them prepare the necessary information you request to go over. This should include pricing information, references and any degrees or certifications they hold. While you can’t know for sure if you are hiring the right lawyer for your case until it’s over, you can gauge how well they are at their job by how they are in your initial meeting.

Three Things You Need to Know About a Will

A will is an important document to have for a variety of reasons, and anyone with any possessions should have one. However, there are a few things you should know about a will. The following are a three of them.

You should hire an attorney
It is usually a good idea to get assistance from an attorney, so the will is drawn up according to state law. Although it is true that you don’t need an attorney, without the advice from one, you are likely to make mistakes, and this can lead to a will being ruled invalid. One of the important aspects of having a will is to avoid conflicts between your heirs. If the will is unclear, it can be challenged in court. A will drawn up by an attorney is likely to hold up to legal scrutiny.

The important aspects of a will
Like many people, you may think a will is simply a matter of writing down all of your possessions and then naming the person or persons who will receive the items. This is an important part of a will, but a will consists of other things as well. You must also name an executor of the will. This is the person who will settle your outstanding debts at the time of your death and distribute your assets according to your wishes. You will need a witness to the will, and naturally, all wills need to be signed and dated. You need to store your will in a safe place, and make sure your executor knows where it is in the event of your death. Some jurisdictions allow you to file it with the court.

The laws vary from state to state
This is another reason to get an attorney. For example, in the state of Texas, there are minimum requirements for the executor, including that he or she isn’t an ex-felon. You need to have two witnesses to your will, and they cannot be people who will inherit anything in your will. Texas also allows you to draw up a will on the Internet. Texas Wills Online are easy to do because the software allows you to simply fill in the information, and then the will is formatted per state law. It is simply a matter of signing it and finding a place to store it.

If you don’t have a will, you should create one as soon as possible. You can use an attorney such as the Carole Callaghan Law Firm or use an online service from a law firm.

CJ Satin


If you are really into music, you might have heard that a copy of the remix by CJ stain of the smash hit pop song ‘Cold Water’ by Justin Bieber, has surfaced online already some time ago.

Clips of the remix originally surfaced on YouTube some three months ago, receiving positive reviews and feedback from bloggers and fans online, which was really encouraging for everybody.

In case you don’t know that much about him, CJ Stain rose to prominence in 2015 with his classic remix of the smash hit ‘Gemini good thing’. CJ Stain has been renowned for his music which takes on a wide spectrum of societal issues and struggles with the human condition. Many of his songs have been popular ever since.

The initial clips of the remix on YouTube sparked legal drama with the record label who wanted to secure the monetization rights to their artist’s intellectual property. This is where the legal battle started.

The clip went viral in its short duration receiving thousands of views from fans before being withdrawn by YouTube moderators. Singer’s label negotiated an agreement for monetization after all a spokesman from cj stain legal team stresses they will be proceeding with a deposition the label taking legal recourse to find the individual who leaked the song out. At this stage, the outcome of the battle is still uncertain, but it will be interesting to see what the future is going to bring, but it will be really interesting to see what is going to happen.

If you want to find the latest news about the artist CJ Stain you find him on Twitter, or search the phrase ‘CJ Stain – Slightest Insight’ about what we can expect from artistic Merit. The song is back on YouTube and can be viewed on the website.

When the Marriage is Over

When a marriage is over it is often difficult to face. Most people want to believe when they say “I do” it will last forever. However, it is believed that almost half of all marriages end in divorce. Depending on assets and minor children, the services of an attorney can make this transition a little smoother.

Contested or Uncontested

Divorce is either contested or uncontested. A contested divorce is when the couple cannot agree on the division of the assets and/or custody of children. It can also mean that the husband or the wife does not want a divorce. An uncontested divorce is when the couple makes a mutual agreement to end the marriage and divide their assets.

The laws on divorce vary by state. Some states are community property states, meaning that marital property is considered to be owned by both parties. A larger number of states are equitable distribution states. This means that both parties can legally claim a “fair and equitable” part of the assets and it does not matter which one is considered the legal owner. An attorney is necessary in the equitable distribution states, particularly if the divorce is contested. One example of a service that provides divorce lawyers in chesapeake va is Peterson Law PLC.

Child Custody

An attorney is necessary when a couple decides to end their marriage, and they do not agree about custody of children or child support. The laws on child support and custody can vary by state as well. Determining which parent will have physical custody can often be worked out between the couple, but sometimes it cannot. Often parents share custody. This is a good arrangement if it does not disrupt the lives of the children. Attorneys can help couples to work out custody matters so the best interests of the children are protected.

When a marriage ends it is not unusual for there to be hurt feelings. This can lead to the situation turning ugly rather quickly. Hurtful behavior is unfortunately a result of divorce when the couple cannot agree on anything. An attorney can look at the situation with his client’s best interests in mind and advise them as to how to proceed. He can also provide advice if the couple decides to use a mediator to help them decide on custody, child support, visitation, and the division of their property.

How to Get the Most from Your First Meeting with a Family Law Firm?

The end of a relationship is always distressing. One of the first places to call when you are separating from your partner is your family law firm. How can you ensure that you get the most out of that important first meeting at a time when you are feeling vulnerable? Don’t be nervous, your family law firm is there to represent you and get you the best outcome that they legally can.

There are several things your family law firm can help you with:
• They can recommend other professionals like financial advisors, accountants, mortgage advisors and mental health practitioners to help you get back on your feet.
• They will represent you and your interests in negotiations.
• They will help you help you determine the best solution for your circumstances.
• They will explain your rights and responsibilities to you regarding the divorce proceedings, child custody and support, dividing property and financial affairs and spousal maintenance.

Have a goal in mind regarding what you would like to get from the meeting, perhaps you would like clarification of divorce proceedings or guidance on what steps to take next. Write a list of questions you would like to ask to remind you while talking to your solicitor. Your lawyer is there to do their best for you they will be happy to answer any questions you have. Keep in mind that the lawyer may not be able to answer the question immediately, and the answer may not be to your liking.

Preparation is essential for your first meeting to make the most of the limited appointment time. You should provide details of both spouse’s names and addresses, their occupation, dates of the marriage starting and details of the relationship breakdown. Also provide the names and dates of birth for any minor children. Try to review your finances before the meeting, know the marital assets (property, investments, and pensions) and debts (loans, credit cards and mortgages). Endeavour to bring as much documentary evidence with you are you can. Bank statements, pension statements, and property valuations will help your lawyer get started as soon as possible. You should also bring any paperwork that you have received from the other party, or their solicitor to allow your solicitor to read. Take time to work out what your household budget was before the separation and what it will be in your adjusted circumstances. Your lawyer can’t represent you fully without full and accurate information, so do not withhold any details and be as accurate as possible. Your solicitor can request disclosure of these details if you were not party to your household budget.

Discuss your budget for the case with your solicitor at the first meeting. Some solicitors will give a discounted rate for the first hour; others may give you the first meeting free. Divorces can be long and complex cases so your solicitor won’t be able to give you a final figure at this stage. If your budget is tight you should discuss it with your solicitor before it becomes an issue at a later stage. They will be able to tell you what costs are incurred at different points in the process. A good solicitor will be upfront and transparent with their fees.

 

For more information, visit: Martyn Prowel.

Changes for Child Support Payments in 2017

Effective July 1, 2017, the Illinois Legislature will change the current formula that’s used to determine child support. For parents who pay child support, the new ruling may have a significant impact on child support payments.

Currently, child support payments are calculated based on a “Percentage of Income” formula that considers the net income of the parent who pays child support. The current formula breaks down child support payments based on a percentage of net income per child:

* One child – 20 percent
* Two children – 28 percent
* Three children – 32 percent
* Four children – 40 percent

Under the proposed legislative changes, child support payments will be based on an “Income Shares” formula that combines the adjusted net income of both parents, even though only one parent pays child support. Under the new formula, combined net income will be considered “Total Family Income” and Illinois courts will consider child support payments based on the following conditions:

* The income of the residential parent
* Parenting time of both parents
* Additional expenses of both parents
* Employment history, including unemployment, of both parents

Calculating Total Family Income

After the court determines Total Family Income, child support payments will be compared to an average family with similar income and number of children. For example, if the Total Family Income is $75,000, and there are two children that require $25,000 for annual support, the court will consider each parent’s percentage of the total income. If the father is the parent who pays child support, and he makes 70 percent of the total income, annual child support payments would total 70 percent of the $25,000 spent on the two children, which would be $17,500 per year. The Court may also order money to cover a contribution to a child’s health care expenses, extracurricular activities, school expenses, and child care expenses.

Under the new law, spousal maintenance, formerly called alimony, Social Security, other retirement benefits, and Social Security Disability benefits will be considered income by the court. If either parent is unemployed, the court will look at the current Federal Poverty Guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In most cases involving unemployment, the court will award a minimum child support payment of $40.00 per month per child.

Calculating Parenting Time

Under new rules, calculating “parenting time” between both parents will also be based on a specific formula. To calculate a shared income obligation, the court will consider the percentage of parenting time for each parent spent with the child or children. If a parent physically takes care of the child or children for a minimum of 146 overnights per year, the basic child support obligation will be multiplied by 1.5 percent to determine Cook County child support enforcement.

5 Ways to Avoid an Accident with a Commercial Truck

In 2014, nearly 4,000 fatalities occurred on the highways as a result of accidents involving a commercial truck. And, according to the National Traffic Safety Institute (NTSI), over 200,000 collisions involving at least one passenger car and a large truck happen annually in the United States. These large machines are hazardous, even in the hands of the safest drivers. Should you be unfortunate enough to be involved in an auto accident with a commercial truck driver, you have the right to develop a case against the driver of the vehicle, but also the trucking company or owner of the vehicle.

Safety Limits for Commercial Truck Drivers

The operators of commercial motor vehicles who have a commercial driver’s license are obligated to follow driving limits as set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). As such, they should:

  • Not drive more than 10 to 11 hours consecutively.
  • Take mandatory rest breaks.
  • Cannot have more than a 60-70-hour work week.
  • Sleep for eight hours consecutively before driving again.
  • Drive no more than 14 to 15 hours total after 8 to 10 hours off duty.

Accountability is a stable for managing commercial drivers, and those with a CDL license and related occupation must maintain time logs that indicate when they have driven and when they have taken breaks. Third party lawsuits rely on these time logs when it is necessary to prove that a driver went over their mandatory limits for awake time or driving time. This choice results in being blamed for negligently operating a commercial motor vehicle.

Drive Defensively Around Commercial Motor Vehicles

While it would be easy to blame all accidents with commercial truck drivers on the operator of the larger vehicle, more than 60 percent of all fatal collisions involving automobile and large trucks note that the driver of the automobile contributed to the cause of the collision, says NTSI.

  1. Stay out of blind spots: Commercial trucks, by default, have large blind spots. Just because you can see them doesn’t mean they can see you. So it’s up to car operators to make themselves known and drive defensively and safely around commercial trucks.
  2. Pass safely: Large commercial trucks are much longer than a car and simply take longer to pass. Be sure to maintain a constant speed as you pass, and make certain of the room on the road ahead especially on rural roads. Do not pull back in front of the commercial vehicle until you can see the front of their cab in your rearview mirror. And remember, passing is not an excuse for reckless driving – your speed should not exceed the posted speed limit while passing.
  3. Do not tailgate: Some drivers think that aggressive driving is the only way to compete with commercial truck drivers for space on the road. Everyone has to follow the laws of the road, and there will be no excuse for antagonizing a truck driver by tailgating or using high beams. These passive-aggressive moves on the part of an automobile driver can have catastrophic results. Maintain at least a minimum of a four-second following distance.
  4. Give trucks extra space when turning: Commercial trucks simply need extra space when making a turn. Never try to squeeze by a truck before it completes its turn. Tragedy has struck and will strike again – the truck could drive over the top of your vehicle.
  5. Don’t cut in between trucks: Do not position your car in between two large vehicles. This puts you in both trucks’ blind spots, which exist on the side, rear, and front of the trucks, and you may be forced into the truck on the other side of you if one truck shifts lanes. Your best strategy for driving around commercial vehicles and minimizing the chance of being involved in an accident with a big truck is to simply stay away from them.

If you are involved in an accident with a semi-truck, contact your personal injury attorney immediately to get support for your case.

 

 

When You Can Handle Your Own Personal Injury Cases

Do you really need a lawyer to work on your personal injury cases? No, says Liberty Law. The average person can handle their own personal injury claims if they aren’t too complicated. All you need is basic knowledge of how accident claims work, organization skills, and a lot of patience. If you can work through it on your own, you won’t have to deal with an unruly insurance company later too. Depending on how minor your losses are, you can work the law in your favor and gain more compensation in the end because lawyer fees will not be an issue.

What Types of Claims Can You Handle?

The common claims you can handle on your own include car accidents, bike accidents, and pedestrian accidents. Slipping, tripping and falling at home or on the road are also minor enough to handle on your own. You can also go it alone if you suffered a minor injury from a bad product you were using. Now, you shouldn’t just take for granted that all personal injury claims can be handled on your own.

There are times when you need a lawyer to help you get the most out of your case. Serious accidents that result in trips to the hospital and possible disability are examples of these. If you weren’t hurt badly and you didn’t lose a lot in terms of damages, representing yourself might be a good choice, as long as you feel confident enough to do so.

Personal Injury Claims are Simple

While lawyers who want your money will try to convince you otherwise, personal injury claims are actually among the easiest to handle and settle. You typically won’t have to do much other than writing a few letters and making some calls to an insurance negotiator. Most of the people you talk to won’t know anything about the legal part of the proceedings, so you won’t even need technical knowledge.

Claims are Paid Out Procedurally

You aren’t paid at random for your claims. The amount you are paid is the product of a complicated, but structured, calculation that takes into account the details of your accidents, the injuries that resulted from it, as well as your medical costs in the end. Whether or not you employ a lawyer, the overall claim will be just about the same.

You’re the Only One Who Knows Your Claim

Since you were the person involved in the accident, you’re the person with the best knowledge of what happened. At the end of the day, you were present, and they weren’t. You know exactly how you suffered, what you suffered from, and what caused it. Use this to your advantage to gain the upper hand in a claim settlement negotiation.

Remember that hiring a lawyer is never a bad idea. It just makes more sense to do things on your own at times. That said, try to keep a lawyer on hand if you ever need backup, such as if your claim is challenged in court.

Tried And Tested Tips To Maximize Your Personal Injury Claim

Accidents can happen anytime anywhere. Often, it catches you unaware or when you least expect it. It can happen while at work or on the road or even while having fun with co-workers during a company event. Some may require a trip to the ER while others can require hospitalization. Though many preach about prevention, in-house lawyers in PaceLawFirm.com highly recommend that you gain knowledge about how to tackle a personal injury claim. Fortunately, there are various ways to maximize your personal injury claim.

1. Know your claim’s triennium. Illness or injury claims have a triennium or limitation period. Most of these carry a time limit of 3 years while those in behalf of children stretch as far as a child’s eighteenth birthday. A quick check at PaceLawFirm.com via its toll free number or free consultation form will help in this quest. Be reminded that different types of personal injury sustained also carry different time limits.

2. Handpick a reliable personal injury lawyer. Do not just settle for a general practitioner but rather, choose a specialist who has extensive credentials on personal injury cases. Before you choose, however, it is crucial that you carefully scrutinize the trustworthiness and reliability of the lawyer. Lawyers are quite aplenty these days. Picking the right one requires research and, if possible, recommendations from people you know. Also, make sure to hire one that’s accredited or living in your area for convenience and ease of access.

3. Always record the injury sustained at work in the company’s logbook. Most businesses have their own operational logbook. If there is none, feel free to consult a doctor or go directly to the ER. Take pictures or video recordings of the incident—and make sure to put a time stamp to it. Make sure to email concern to your employer or via the HR department to ensure that incident be put on record.

4. Do make sure that your doctor has all the necessary information on the incident or any previous mishaps and, most importantly, be committed to your medical appointments. Your lawyer will most likely arrange a specialist on your sustained injuries to help give an expert medical opinion. Aside from following the appointment calendar, it is also important to be as honest as you can with your attending physician.

5. Never lie to your attending physician during an accident. Insurance companies tend to

The Police Often Get It Wrong

You were stopped, asked questions, told to get out of your care, and subjected to all manner of tests and tasks. You were then arrested and charged with DWI. All that happened that evening comes back to you as a living nightmare. The charge still hangs over your head and threatens to ruin your reputation and career.

Don’t Let Injustice Rob You Of Your Future

There are many legal strategies that can be devised to resolve the troubles you face. And with the help of a good attorney, such as those found at Keller Law Offices, you can begin to pursue one or more of them.

You should not have to be penalized for an incident or action that you were not involved in. For the fact is that law enforcement officials often get it wrong. Let a lawyer who specializes in DWI cases help you out of your legal situation, so that you can go back to the pursuit of your dreams.

Contacting a lawyer is the best option when you’ve been taken into custody or have a summons to appear in court. The law regarding DWI can be complex and intricate and the penalties can be serious and severe. Let a lawyer help you. Lawyers are specifically trained to give you the comfort and advice you need to achieve a favorable outcome.

Lawyers are important in preserving your rights under the law. And when you are looking for someone to represent you, you want to ensure they are experienced, knowledgeable, and honest.

Why The Charge May Not Bear Scrutiny

Drunk driving is not a minor charge. The consequences of being convicted can be severe; it is therefore vital that you take the matter seriously. Your family is behind you. The few friends you’ve told are also supportive. What you need now is an attorney who can pick the prosecution’s case apart and show where and how they’ve gone wrong.

Police and prosecutors can sometimes rush to judgment when it comes to levying charges. They do not always follow the strict letter of the law when it comes to DWI cases. There are many actions that the person who pulled you over and arrested you had no right to take. You may have stood up for yourself at the time and not complied with everything he asked you to do. However, there are no grounds for convicting you of a DUI just because you refused a breathalyzer. And the officer may have acted illegally in stopping you to begin with. These are all things that need to be looked at closely. And your defense attorney is the one to do it.

If you are confronted with DWI charges, a lawyer can help you handle your case with thoroughness and professionalism. It is not an easy situation to be in. You must remember, however, that you are not guilty unless proven to be so. Fight your corner and get the legal help, advice, and assistance you need to do effectively.

Personal Injury Settlements – Advice from Virginia Beach Car Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one was harmed in a car wreck caused by the carelessness of another driver, you probably have the grounds to file a personal injury claim against the other driver and seek financial restitution for your harms and losses.  If you are looking for a car accident injury settlement that properly compensates you for your medical bills, time missed from work, and pain and suffering, you will need to negotiate with an insurance adjuster. This is primarily because auto insurance companies do not make the “best” settlement offer at the beginning. In fact, they routinely take advantage of injured drivers by making low-ball settlement offers and convincing drivers that the low dollar amount is “better” than hiring an attorney and going to court. Always remember, an insurance company is focused on generating profit and they do this by minimizing their financial liability after an insured driver causes a serious accident and harms other drivers.

Never Forget – the Auto Insurance Adjuster is Not Your Friend

If you get seriously hurt in an auto accident, do not be surprised if an insurance adjuster for the other driver’s insurance company calls you within 24 hours. They may, initially, act quite friendly and sound like they are on your side.

Do not fall for this ruse.

The objective of an insurance claims adjuster is to get a personal injury claim resolved for the least amount of money as possible. This is why they often call you right away, even before you’ve had a chance to undergo a thorough medical examination by your primary care physician. They’ll ask to record your phone conversation in the hopes that you may say that you’re “feeling fine” (which they may try to use if your claim escalates to litigation).

If you want to avoid the hassle and stress associated with speaking to an insurance adjuster and negotiating a settlement, you should contact an experienced Virginia Beach car accident lawyer to represent you. A personal injury attorney takes the burden of negotiating your claim off your shoulders and works to get you the compensation you deserve.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Personal Injury Settlement?

The length of time to settle a case depends on many factors, including the type of accident, the extent of your injuries, the amount of damages in question, the amount of available auto insurance coverage, and so forth. It is important to keep track of the amount of time it takes to try and settle your claim because if negotiations break down, you can only file a lawsuit if you are within the applicable time period prior to the expiration of the statute of limitations. Again, retaining an experienced car accident injury attorney in Virginia Beach will make your life easier because, once hired, they will keep track of all the necessary deadlines and ensure your lawsuit gets filed on time, if needed.