serratelli for judge

posted by on Dec 31

Counterfeit money actually has a very long history, which means the concept is not really all that new. Currency has been around for a long time and with currency comes greed. They say that money is the root of all evil and counterfeiting is definitely not an exception. It involves creating artificial money for financial gain and deceives others in making them believe that it is real. It contributes to inflation that hurts the pocket books of people all over the world, it damages economies, and it hurts the reputations of the central banks of countries that are innocent because they are not the ones creating the fake cash. That is why governments impose harsh penalties against those caught making fake money.

But exactly how long has counterfeiting money been around? Well, it is true to say that it has been around about as long as money has been around. But how long has legitimate money been around? Well, it has been around approximately 2,700 years. Before that, our ancestors were trading sheep and cattle to get what they needed. They worked to acquire the things they had, but money was not their compensation. Their compensation was things needed in everyday living. The introduction of money changed everything, including how honestly some people made their living. Money became the way in which people acquired things, therefore things such as poverty worsened.

History

It was approximately 700 B.C. that real currency made its debut in the form of coins. It was within a hundred years of coins being introduced as currency that counterfeiting began. With it, the punishments began as well. Many cultures imposed death upon those caught counterfeiting coins. The practice wasn’t very difficult since the fake coins could very easily be made of metals that held no value, but looked like the real thing.

But it was in 1650 A.D. that paper money was developed and counterfeiting flourished, especially within America where counterfeit money was more common than genuine money. Counterfeiters had become so skilled that when the first federal coins were issued by the U.S. government in the 1780’s, they had the dies cut by an ex-counterfeiter in order to deter the practice, but it was during the Civil War that counterfeiting flourished once more because the United States government issued paper money for the first time.

As a result of this counterfeiting, the Secret Service was developed just to enforce the counterfeiting laws. Their job was to find the counterfeiters before the money ever made it into the money supply. Eventually, the Secret Service’s operations expanded to include the protection of the president, which is on a completely different spectrum from deterring counterfeiting, which was an operation conducted by the Treasury.

However, it was the late twentieth century that brought about machinery such as color copiers and other electronic devices that made counterfeiting easier. It is estimated that nearly $10 billion in counterfeit bills were circulated between 1990 and 1995. That is why the United States began making changes to their bills in 1996, beginning with the $100 bill. The United States Treasury believes that the new designs on the bills make counterfeiting almost impossible, but with each change it is just a matter of time before counterfeiters find new ways to duplicate the bills.

That is why the governments all over the world are imposing harsher penalties such as 15 years in prison on top of fines and restitution for the damage caused. They have also developed advanced methods to track down those creating counterfeit bills. In the end, the counterfeiters must know that they will get caught.

iTestcash is a business solely focused on battling the problems associated with counterfeit money. They have specially patented products, such as counterfeit detection pens, to help business owners protect themselves from receiving counterfeit bills.

posted by on Dec 30

Every day we can read in the press about compensation claims for all manner of injuries or affronts. It has led us to what has now been dubbed the ‘compensation culture’ where people hire injury lawyers to extract money from anyone and everyone in any case, instead of taking responsibility for their own behaviour. The ‘where there’s blame, there’s a claim’ phrase has been used to exhaustion because it seems, everyone can blame someone else for any slight mis-hap.

Some claim that the only people making any real money from this are the injury lawyers themselves. This can be true in some cases. Some injury lawyers charge such extortionate fees for their services that there is very little compensation left to give the injured party. This has become such a problem that injury lawyers are now claiming to do this work for free although you will probably find it means that extra charges are put on the claim which they then take as their fee.

But where is the uniform policy for working out what compensation is deserved and what is received? One day we can open a paper and see that a court has awarded someone millions for the loss of a finger whereas a life has been lost and a family have been awarded 14.50 pounds for the trouble. A little exaggerated but you get my drift – there is no set policy for making the decisions over what a person is worth in the way of finances or what their damages are and how much the so-called responsible party should pay.

This is because the laws governing personal injury, deliberate or accidental, negligence and defamation are different to current criminal laws. It is all decided by what is called ‘Tort Law’. This law is used to determine who is responsible for an issue that does not arise from a neglect of contractual duty. It defines who is legally responsible for a legal injury, whether that be to the person, to the person’s reputation and character or to their property. It will cover intentional and accidental acts.

If an intention cannot be proved then negligence has to be established. Negligence is defined as not carrying through a proper duty of care which brings about an accident or injury to another party. And this is where it all gets messy. There is no definition of what a proper duty of care should entail and it is left open to interpretation by injury lawyers and judges. To prove a case on principle alone is notoriously difficult as everybody is entitled to their own interpretation of what are and are not acceptable principles.

Thus we have court cases where injuries are deemed as being more significant in one case than they are in another. It all hinges on one man’s personal principles. We also have issues arise where a judge has to decide whether a person has made their own choices that have led to a problem, whether they were led into a bad decision, whether that be a deliberate mis-leading or an mis-understanding.

Only this week the press reports of a woman who became dangerously ill following a dieticians advice on a very strict detox diet. After complications, the woman was left with brain injuries and epilepsy and was awarded 800,000 pounds in damages by a court who ruled she had been mis-informed and that the care was possibly negligent. Maybe if a different judge had been residing, he may have decided the woman was solely responsible for her own eating habits and it was her choice to follow the diet. Who knows what could happen on the day and until some definite legislation is put in place, injustices will still seem to be happening.

Compensation expert Catherine Harvey looks at the use of Torts Law when injury lawyers are deciding on compensation claims.

posted by on Dec 29

Following an era of indulgence and over spending, America is right now embroiled in a credit mess with thousands of people in over their heads in consumer debt. It can be a frightening and stressful situation as more and more mortgages are foreclosed and people are losing their homes and cars and everything else to living outside their means.

Fortunately for us, we have rights as American citizens protecting us from abusive debt recovery methods, and ensuring that we are treated fairly through the debt collection process. In 1978 the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act was passed in response to several reports of unscrupulous and harassing methods debt recovery agencies were employing. The following discusses the limitations of debt recovery agencies when striving to collect debts from you.

The hours for phone contact were limited; debt recovery agencies are restricted to contacting consumers by telephone between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. local time. Debt collectors are also prohibited from harassing consumers by calling repeatedly or causing their phone to ring repeatedly for the purpose of annoying or intimidating the consumer.

Debt collectors are prohibited from contacting consumers at their place of employment after having been informed in writing that they are not to do so.

Contacting consumers in any way (other than litigation) after receiving written notice that the consumer wishes no further contact or refuses to pay the alleged debt, with certain exceptions, including advising that collection efforts are being terminated or that the collector intends to file a lawsuit or pursue other remedies is prohibited. It is also prohibited to contact a consumer after being informed in writing that the consumer is being represented by an attorney. Any communication involving debt recovery between the consumer and collector are to take place through the attorney at that point.

Collectors are forbidden to contact the consumer or the pursue collection after receiving a consumer’s written request for verification of a debt (or for the name and address of the original creditor on a debt) before responding by sending the consumer the requested verification information.

It is forbidden to misrepresent the debt or use deception to collect the debt, including a debt collector claiming to be an attorney or law enforcement officer, or threatening arrest or pursue legal action that is either not permitted or not actually planned.

It is inappropriate and forbidden to publish the consumer’s name or address on a “bad debt” list, report false information on a consumer’s credit report or threaten to do so in the process of collection

It is inappropriate for debt recovery agencies to seek unjustified amounts, which includes demanding any amounts not required under an applicable contract or as provided under applicable law.

Collectors are prohibited from contacting third parties (other than the consumer’s spouse or attorney) to reveal or discuss the nature of debts, or threatening to do so.

Of course the best protection from harassing debt collectors is timely payment of debts and living within a budget. The painful situation many Americans are finding themselves in now is a lesson they will hopefully learn well and avoid any imprudent over spending in the future.

There are ethical methods for debt recovery and Alexander & Hamilton (http://alhamco.com/)can represent you fairly, following the guidelines outlined in The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Art Gibb is a freelance writer.

posted by on Dec 28

Are you shopping for Canada Mortgage? Do you know the basic qualifications? First, you must have a regular income. If you have a low credit score, you can improve it. If you are employed, get your tax and financial documents. The number of children you have is also important. Read how you can qualified for a Canada mortgage.

Many people who are looking for a mortgage loan may think that they can only get it at an official Canadian bank. The truth is, there are only 5 major banks in Canada while there are over 70 lenders that can provide you with many choices.

The banks want to keep this a secret. As a matter of fact, the mortgage rates that lenders offer are far more competitive than those at most major banks such as BMO, CIBC, RBC, TD and Scotia. While consumers do not enjoy the lender’s mortgage rates, the certified mortgage brokers do.

With just one touch of a button, the Canadian brokers have access to lenders themselves or the sources, allowing them the opportunity to research mortgage rates and services and products.

For a person who wants to have the best mortgage rate doing the research himself would take more than a year to visit all 70 lenders. On the other hand, a mortgage broker can do the task in just a few hours, because they have online access to such information, hence; they can save you time, money and effort.

The banks may only offer between 5 and 6 different products and rates including New to Canada, Fix rates, Closed Mortgages, Open mortgages, No Income Mortgages and Variable Rate Mortgages. To keep themselves competitive towards the major banks, the 70 lenders offer between 10 and 15 products. However, not all products and services are applicable to every client.

The problem is how can you find the ideal mortgage product and rate without researching all the lenders. As their profession, mortgage brokers glimpse hastily through the complex nature of mortgages for their clients, making it difficult for their client to differentiate the difference among 70 lender’s mortgage products and rates. Hence, it will be virtually impossible for the clients to figure out the ideal mortgage.

With software, mortgage brokers search for mortgage products that can be useful for you. This gives you quick and accurate information. Then you can decide which lender fits your financial condition and requirements.

Any bank in Canada will tell you that private mortgage lenders would love to work with people who have bad credit, because they can charge them higher fees. Most banks will not give you a loan if you have bad credit.

A private mortgage lending service works will all sorts of people. In contrast, many private mortgage lenders do not charge a fee for their services. The banks on the other hand do.

By offering all services to customers regardless of their credit score, Canadian Mortgage lenders help their customers save money, which creates good customer relations. In the end, such good service earns lenders more clients through referrals.

There are many lending opportunities that are not as expensive as what most major banks offer. Through the official Canadian banking system, people can enjoy reasonable mortgage rates. The only thing people need to do is to visit a private mortgage broker and discuss with him the available options.

posted by on Dec 27

California DUI is one of the most difficult crimes for a lawyer to defend, because of the complexities of criminal DUI laws, issues on blood-alcohol, and separate California DMV administrative hearings.

You need to understand that the court or the authorities rely heavily on your breath to determine your innocence and or guilt. Your DUI lawyer needs to be well experienced with the DUI process, and DUI law to defend your California drunk driving charges. This is the first thing to do.

If you were stopped for suspicion of DUI, you need to be as polite and respectful as possible to the officer. However, you need to be firm in declining to take the tests. You are not required by law to take the DUI field sobriety tests. Even if the officer asked you to take the handheld breath test, you should decline it politely by reminding them of the California DUI law.

If you are already arrested, or someone is, it is difficult to locate him in custody. To find him, ensure that the complete name and date of birth are available. Obtaining the driver’s booking number will also be helpful.

There are cases in which the arrested driver is released on their own recognizance; there are others who are required to post bail. Locating a bail bond provider is the next step to do. If you want to redeem your driver’s license from custody, you need also to pay the bail. Usually, the authorities require 10% of the driver’s bail amount to secure his or her release.

California DUI cases are dual-faceted. The driver faces DMV DUI case, and a criminal court case. The driver facing California drunk driving charges has 10 days after the arrest, to request for a DMV DUI hearing otherwise, he will lose his driving privileges. Failure on your part to request a hearing will prompt the DMV to process the suspension on your driver’s license.

You will have your arraignment in court before the DMV hearing. It is at this time when you will enter your plea, guilty or not. Despite the fact that facing a jury trial makes many accused drivers nervous, it is important to fight the California drunk driving charge in court. There are California DUI cases that have an absolution verdict.

The nature of the DMV DUI hearing is to determine the status of your driver’s license. The DMV will figure out whether there are legal basis to suspend or revoke your license. There are times in which drivers are guilty as charged and yet, retain their license.

There are also cases, in which the drivers are absolved, but there is suspension or revocation of their license. Other cases end up with a conviction and suspension or revocation of license. Even with the first California DUI conviction, the convicted driver is required to serve jail time from 96hours to 6 months, DUI fines from $390 to $1000, and license suspension of up to 6 months.

The driver must complete a California DUI program. He is required to present Proof of Financial Responsibility for Reinstatement. Finally, he may be given an order to install an ignition interlock device.

posted by on Dec 26

Have you ever used Fleet Phospho Soda? Its side effects are potentially hazardous. Many victims had undergone mood changes. It can damage internal organs. If the signs are ignored, it can be fatal. Most victims sought the help of law firms to bring justice. Discover why this drug has many side effects.

In December 2008, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning against the use of Fleet Phospho Soda, an over-the-counter laxative. In connection to this, Visicola and OsmoPrep, the prescription versions of the drug were required to use the black box to warn users of associated risks.

Fleet Phospho is routinely given to patients in preparation for colonoscopy procedures. It was supposed to be considered safe and effective. Its ingredients are monobasic sodium phosphate, mohohydrated and dibasic sodium phosphate heptahydrate.

Consumers who used Phospho Soda Bowel prep suffered various side effects, which included rectal bleeding, constipation, seizures, ulcers and sores around the rectum, drowsiness, mood changes, loss of appetite and nausea.

Others have also experienced vomiting, irregular heart rate, limited or lacking urination, swelling, weight gain and shortness of breath. The most severe of side effects is Acute Phosphate Nephropathy, APN, which occurs in connection with the use of oral sodium phosphate, OSP, and begins with the formation of crystals in the renal tubules.

Lengthen use of Fleet Phospho resulted to severe damage on kidney, most cases required organ transplants. The absence of dialysis and transplants may lead to death. Osmo Prep has also many life-threatening side effects.

Dr. Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research commented that there are serious adverse effects associated with the use of oral sodium phosphates whether prescribed or bought over-the-counter.

There are even circumstances in which the APN was diagnosed in patients whom were very unlikely to develop kidney damage. Many of the patients were dehydrated before their ingestion of OSP products or failed to drink sufficient fluids after its ingestion.

Acute Phosphate Nephropathy often occurs after using OSP products. At most, individuals with pre-existing conditions are most likely to manifest the malady. Risk factors include people who have eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia. Other risk factors are advanced age, hypertension, inflammatory bowel disease or colitis, heart disease, perforated bowel, and bowel obstruction.

After the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning against C.B., Fleet Company, conducted a complete recall of Fleet Phospho-Soda. Following the advisory of the FDA, a few Fleet Phospho-Soda lawsuits were settled, helping numerous consumers receive compensation for their health damages.

Because the Fleet Soda warnings on the initial over-the-counter variation of the drug did not specify the severity of side effects, the drug is now only available with a doctor’s prescription.

Following the recall, many individuals have come out to find an experienced Fleet Phospho Soda lawyer to handle the lawsuit against the C.B. Fleet Company.

Since 2004, more than 150 Phospho Soda and Visicol lawsuit filings have been accomplished. In February 2009, a product liability lawsuit was filed on behalf of three women who all suffered from Acute Phosphate Nephropathy days and weeks after they used the product.

If you have also experienced the symptoms or have been diagnosed of Acute Phosphate Nephropathy, or know someone who does, there are lawyers who are willing to determine your eligibility for compensation.

These lawyers who are seasoned with similar lawsuits can effectively represent you to the court.