In a series of decisions in 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court narrowed and refined the scope of the landmark decision Miranda v. Arizona that established important protections for criminal suspects.
On June 1, 2010, the Court issued an opinion in Berghuis v. Thompkins. New York Times article.
Based on the passage of SB 401 on April 12, 2010, California now allows taxpayers who had all or part of the loan balance on their principal residence forgiven by their lender to exclude the forgiven debt from California gross income. The new law now conforms, with modifications, to the federal mortgage forgiveness debt relief for discharges through tax years 2007 through 2012.
More information about the modified law is contained here.
Lately, much has been written and talked about in the news regarding real property short sales and foreclosures. Federal and state law have also been changing in an attempt to assist homeowners who find themselves “under water” and burdened with excessive mortgage debt. When faced with a foreclosure, a homeowner has various options and may be assisted by advice from an attorney.
As most of the readers of this blog are aware, Humboldt County experienced a 6.5 earthquake on Saturday, January 9, 2010. United States Geological Survey record of the quake and The Eureka Times-Standard complete earthquake coverage.
By all accounts, while the quake did cause damage to Humboldt County, the North Coast was generally lucky to avoid major damage or serious injuries. The court and attorneys in Eureka reported only relatively minor interruptions of business due to damage and loss of electricity. As many government agencies have noted, all residents and businesses should take this opportunity to review their earthquake preparedness and emergency planning. Humboldt State University, Department of Geology, provides a useful link to earthquake and tsunami preparedness information.
Important new laws pertaining to DUI and other driving violations are contained at the DMV website. The laws heighten penalties for anyone driving after drinking alcohol who is on court-ordered post-DUI probation. The new laws also give greater consideration to the use of ignition interlock devices for DUI convictions and for those with a prior DUI conviction who is subsequently convicted of driving on a suspended license. A summary of some of the new laws is listed below and a full list is contained here.
If you have received a citation for DUI in Humboldt County, it is important to contact a DUI lawyer as soon as possible.