The Practice of Law and the Internet

Friday, October 7, 2011

The internet has changed many industries including the way that lawyers practice their trade. While this might not be the first industry to come to mind in terms of how it uses the internet, the World Wide Web has had a huge influence on the practice of law.
Thanks to the internet, geography is no longer an issue. Even having a website can draw in hundreds or thousands of clients that the firm would not have had if it hadn't been for a foray into the internet. There are many examples of firms which have been able to expand into foreign countries and thrive there all thanks to the doors that the internet has opened. In addition, it is now easier than ever to communicate with lawyers who are half a world away. Thanks to email and instant messaging, lawyers can work together no matter where they are located.


Computer Crimes and Federal Offenses

Sunday, October 2, 2011

If you are under investigation for a computer crime, or if you have already been arrested for such an offense, you are probably under a great deal of stress. Computer crimes involve a wide range of activities that are otherwise illegal. When people use a computer or the internet to further commit such crimes, then they are categorized as computer or internet crimes.
These days, nearly every aspect of our society is digitalized. People can download movies, apply for a credit card, transfer balances between accounts, and pay their bills all with the touch of a button. The expanding functions of the internet have opened a whole new world to criminal outlets and activities. Criminals are finding new ways to break the law at a pace that law enforcement is struggling to keep up with. Because computers have such a large impact on society as a whole, federal prosecutors waste no time or expense in securing criminal convictions against the individuals who commit such crimes. In fact, the federal government has entire task forces devoted to tracking down and arresting people who commit these types of crimes.
What categorizes a computer or internet crime? One common aspect of computer crimes involves financial fraud and money laundering schemes. Other financial crimes committed via the internet include credit and debit card fraud, hacking and identity theft.


Drug Possession Charges and Penalties

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Controlled substances are those substances which are heavily regulated by the law. Illegal possession, cultivation, distribution, or trafficking of controlled substances can result in serious criminal consequences for the accused if they are ultimately convicted.
If you were arrested because the police found drugs on your person, in your vehicle, in your home, on or in your personal property, then you may be charged with drug possession. Drug offenses can be prosecuted in either the state or federal courts; the punishment that you face for drug possession will vary depending upon what type of drug that was found, and how much of it there was.
For instance, the penalties for possessing less than 20 grams of cannabis (marijuana) will be far less serious than possessing more than 10 grams of a controlled substance such as cocaine or heroin. The difference between the two above examples is up to one year in a county jail for the marijuana charge versus up to thirty years in prison for the heroin or cocaine charge.


Traffic Stop: Some Tips on What to Do When You Are Stopped

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Most Americans will be involved in a traffic stop at some point in their lives. The stop itself is terribly unnerving; seeing the blue lights in your rear-view mirror, wondering if they're stopping you, then being pulled over, and sitting on the side of the road while everyone looks as they go by. From there, if you receive a ticket from the Police Office, now you are concerned about what detrimental affects this will have on your license and/or insurance. Do you have to go to court? How long will it take? What options are available? All questions that will run through your mind. For some, this is an unnerving experience, others it's downright stressful. Either way, knowing what to do when you are being stopped, can help you minimize the amount of stress you may feel (and/or cause the Police Officer) as well as potentially avoid incriminating yourself more.
First, when being pulled over, always pull off to the side of the road at the earliest place available that you can while still doing so safely. Do not jerk the wheel over and slam on your brakes, this will only cause added suspicion on the part of the Police Officer. Once pulled over, place the vehicle in park and keep both hands on the steering wheel. Officers do not like to see a lot of movement from the person when they are being pulled over. Even though you may be trying to get your license, insurance and registration together, it's better to just wait until the officer is at your car window. Ninety-nine percent of the time, the movement is innocent, but there is always the chance that the movement could be the driver attempting to hide contraband, or worse, obtain a weapon. Officer's put their lives on the line every day and giving them reason to be additionally suspicious of your motives will only add to the stress of both you and the officer during your stop.


Consulting With a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Saturday, September 3, 2011

How important is the initial consultation with a criminal defense attorney? Considering the extreme consequences you may face if you are not properly represented, it would be safe to say the consultation session is of critical importance.
Some might not think a consultation is important as long as they are hiring a high-profile attorney to represent them. They could simply find out who is the most well-known and established attorney in the local area and hire the attorney based on reputation. This could prove disastrous as it prescribes to a very common myth. That is, there is the belief that a high-profile lawyer will automatically deliver the outcome you desire.
You need to ask yourself a very serious question prior to prescribing to this myth:
Can you preordain a guaranteed acquittal in a criminal case if you have a very high-profile and highly expensive attorney representing you? The answer is, of course, no. There can be no guarantees possible regarding the outcome of any court proceeding criminal or civil. However, if you do have the right representation handling your case, you will be in a much better position than someone that lacks effective representation.


A Domain Dispute Attorney: When Your Domain Is in Danger

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

For those who have a website, your domain is one of the most precious things you possess. Due to this fact, optimal consideration and diligence should be applied when working with it. Yet, not every person realizes the procedures that should be undertaken for domain address stability and legal troubles are certain to show up. Many unwelcome scenarios can occur concerning legalities with domain names. Like it is valid with all other things involving laws, conflicts can become incredibly confusing for those who don't focus on this legal field. This is exactly why domain name legal battles have to have the aid of a domain dispute attorney.
If you believe any type of common attorney is going to be sufficient for a domain name case, you need to alter your reasoning. Attorneys that do not focus on internet domains might not be alert to specific terms and regulations involved.. Of course, you would not seek the services of a divorce attorney to control your bankruptcy case. Similarly, you shouldn't seek a personal injury lawyer to handle your domain dispute. Also, your lawyer must also know all of the details of the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy.
Irrespective of your side (prosecutor or defendant) a skilled domain dispute attorney can help your case. Your case will benefit profoundly from a specialized attorney whether you are the accused cyber-squatter or the individual accusing another person of the offense. Should you not know what cyber-squatting is, it is the intent of holding and making use of a domain name in hopes of benefiting from an individual's trademark.


Copyright Attorneys Can Assist With Issues Regarding Moral Rights Of Authors

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Moral Rights as Explained by Copyright Attorneys
This article is not intended as legal or expert advice and should you want to know specific information regarding intellectual property laws or applications, it is recommended that you contact copyright attorneys for assistance.
Moral Rights as Related to Intellectual Property
Moral rights as related to intellectual property, and more specifically copyright, are rights of the authors of the works qualifying for copyrights. Such rights can include the right to be identified with a work as the author, the right not disclose identity and the right to uphold the integrity of the author's name and the particular work.
The term comes from a French phrase that refers not to morals such as ethical or religiously related, but to the rights of the creators to control the outcome of the works. As such one can also refer to such as the controlling rights of an author or creator. In addition, such rights can also be referred to as connection rights - thus the right to be connected to a work.