The Buckle Up Campaign Continues
December 4, 2013 | Jon P. EricksonIn this past weekend’s November 30th issue of the Star Tribune, there were two separate articles on motor vehicle accidents. Unfortunately, in each of these accidents, an occupant was killed. The first accident involved an 80 yr old man being killed in a single car rollover accident. He was not wearing a seat belt, and was thrown from his vehicle. It’s interesting to note that since 2004 he had received two separate tickets for failing to wear a seat belt. “St. Paul man thrown from SUV, dies in south-metro rollover” The other accident involved a head on collision. The driver of one of the vehicles was not wearing a seat belt, and he was killed. The driver and occupant of the other vehicle were both wearing seat belts, and were not injured. “St. Paul man, not wearing seat belt, dies in head-on crash in Olivia” During this past Thanksgiving weekend, I had the opportunity to attend a movie with my daughter and two granddaughters. My daughter at one point told me that ever since I started sending her and my 17yr old grandson my BUCKLE UP blogs she has made it a point to make sure the girls are always buckled up, even when just going to school some 10 blocks from their…
Read MoreWhat Should I Expect if I’ve Been Accused of a Crime?
December 2, 2013 | Adriel B. VillarrealBeing charged with a crime is a stressful situation, but now is not the time to panic! Let’s talk about the process you’ll be going through to help you get a better understanding of what to expect. Taken into Custody You will be taken into custody when the police charge you with a crime. You do not have to make statements or answer questions, either before or after you are formally charged. It is best just keep silent. If you do speak, however, make sure to be truthful. Remember, you are not admitting guilt if you ask for a lawyer, despite what you may have seen on television. In fact, now is the time to do just that. Bail Hearing You will go before a judge who will either set a bail amount or release you on “recognizance,” or your promise that you will return for all of your court dates. If the judge sets a bail amount you will either have to come up with the money or work with a bail bondsman to secure your release. Sometimes a lawyer can help you get a lower bail amount. Initial Appearance This court appearance is designed to determine the following: Whether you received a copy of the complaint Who your legal representation will…
Read MoreCan I Get a Minnesota Divorce if I got married in Another Country?
November 29, 2013 | Elizabeth A. SchadingYou can get a divorce in Minnesota as long as you’ve lived in the State of Minnesota for at least six months. It does not matter where you got married, even if you were married in another country. However, divorces can get very complicated if your spouse resides in or returns to another country. This situation can have a profound effect on issues of child custody, parenting time, child support, and enforcement. If both spouses reside in the State of Minnesota then the divorce would be handled just like any other Minnesota divorce. However, you and your attorney may wish to ensure that the conditions under which any children will be permitted to travel internationally are carefully outlined in any divorce settlement. You might also wish to understand exactly what the other country is obligated to do to enforce these agreements. Child custody issues are not the only issues that grow complicated in an international case, however. There are often special concerns when some marital assets are held overseas, as well. Make sure that you work very closely with your attorney should you find yourself in this situation. Your case will involve special levels of care. With 75 years of legal experience, Barna, Guzy, and Steffen is well-prepared to be your family law…
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