Paullin Law Blog

Have a Happy and Safe Memorial Day Richmond

Thursday, May 24, 2012
Summer is here and the Memorial Day forecast looks perfect for traditional outdoor events like boating, barbeques and pool parties. Whatever you choose to do, all of us at The Paullin Law Firm wish you a safe and happy Memorial Day.

According to MSN.com, Memorial Day weekend was more deadly on US highways in 2010 than New Year’s weekend. On most holiday weekends, alcohol consumption increases and there are more cars on the road. Police will be on high alert looking for drivers under the influence, so plan ahead if you are drinking and always have a designated driver.

Thank you to America's Veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country's and freedom. We know that freedom comes with a high price and we are grateful.

 

 

IGNITION INTERLOCK REQUIRED FOR ALL DUI'S

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

The penalties for DUI continue to increase.  Beginning on July 1, 2012, all Virginians convicted of DUI will have to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle.  The interlock is a condition of obtaining a restricted license.  Currently, interlocks are only required for repeat offenders and first time offenders with a blood alcohol content of .15 percent or greater.  

The penalties for first offense DUI are already severe.  If convicted, you face up to 12 months in jail, 12 months loss of license, ASAP classes and a fine of up to $2,500.  to make matters worse, you will have to pay for the ASAP classes.  Starting in July, you will also have to pay for the interlock.

An ignition interlock requires you to pass a breath test before you can start your vehicle.  Ten to twenty minutes after you start the vehicle, the device will prompt you to take another breath test. Thereafter, you will be prompted to take a test every twenty to sixty minutes.  If you fail a test or do not take a test when prompted, your vehicle's lights will start flashing and the horn will start sounding until you pass the test or turn the vehicle off.  All breath tests and attempts to remove or tamper with the interlock are recorded.  Obviously, failing or missing tests and/or tampering with the interlock can lead to further penalties.

The attorneys at the Paullin Law Firm have a wealth of experience defending drunk driving charges. Contact us if you have been charted with DUI or DWI at (804) 423-7423 or visit our website at www.paullinlaw.com.

Call Paullin Law Before you sign an Insurance Settlement

Friday, March 16, 2012
Our office sometimes receives inquiries from injured persons asking what can be done after settling a claim with an insurance company. Typically, the injured person has accepted a quick settlement without consulting a lawyer. The money has been spent, but the pain persists. In some cases, the person is unable to work and/or needs further medical treatment.

Almost always, the answer is that nothing can be done. When settling your personal injury claim, insurance companies will require you to execute some type of release. They may require you to sign a formal release in which you give up all claims concerning your injury. If they do not use a separate document, the check will serve as the release. The words "full and final settlement" or some similar phrase will appear on the check. In either case, the claim is concluded when the check is issued. You will not be able to reopen negotiations or file a lawsuit, and the insurance company is not likely to pay you more money out of the goodness of its heart.

The bottom line is that accepting a settlement from the insurance company without consulting a lawyer is rarely a good idea. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to evaluate your claim and advise you as to whether the insurance company's offer is fair. A lawyer cannot help you after you have accepted an offer. Don't let this happen. Call the Paullin Law Firm & let our experienced attorneys help you.

Sponsor of Transformation Expo March 17, 2012

Thursday, March 08, 2012

Paullin Law Firm is a proud sponsor of the Transformation Expo at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, March 17, 2012, 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm. The Transformation Expo features award winning singer and minister, Donnie McClurkin.

The Expo also features: Troy Sneed, James Fortune & FIYA, Dorothy Norwood, Damon Little, God's Image, Sisterly Grace Dance Ministries, Van Boyd, Da Twinz, Nyasia, Nysha Spann, Pastor Tyrell Brown, Pastor Mark Vereen, Pastor Orrin Pullings and Yolanda Adams. 

See You There!

We hope you'll look for the Paullin Law Firm table and drop by! We will be giving out water bottles and you can enter to win a dinner, on us, at a fabulous Richmond restaurant.

Slick Winter Roads Took a Toll in Richmond

Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Snow and ice caused nearly 1,000 truck and car accidents across Virginia in the early hours of Feb. 20, 2012, with many drivers apparently unprepared for wintery conditions.  State police responded to nearly 1,000 accidents across the Commonwealth.  State troopers responded to 881 crashes and 456 calls for disabled vehicles. Almost 230 of the calls were to areas around Richmond, VA.

With their experience in personal injury cases, the attorneys at the Paullin Law Firm are well aware of the challenges that snow and ice present to drivers and pedestrians.  Black ice is particularly hazardous.  Drivers should avoid driving in such conditions whenever possible. If you must drive, the following tips are helpful:  

• Drive slower and allow extra distance between you and the car in front of you
• Brake gently to avoid skidding
• Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other drivers
• Keep your windshield and lights clean
• Use a lower gear, especially on hills
• Avoid overpasses and bridges wherever possible, as these areas will freeze first and are more dangerous
• Never assume that you are safe simply because you are in a four wheel drive vehicle

Drivers and pedestrians are advised to exercise additional care generally in such conditions. 

If you are injured as a result snow and/or ice, the attorneys at the Paullin Law Firm can explain your legal options to you. Call us 804-423-7423 at or contact us online.

Welcome Paralegal, Ann Mahurin

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

We welcome our newest team member, Ann Mahurin to the Paullin Law Firm!

Ann is originally from Midlothian, Virginia and we are pleased that she continues her career as a Paralegal, here with us at the Paullin Law Firm. Ann assists the attorneys in the areas of Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, and Criminal Defense.

Welcome Ann! 

The Paullin Law Firm is Growing!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012
The Paullin Law Firm welcomes our new Associate Attorney John C. Peeler.  John began his career in Tidewater and has appeared in state and federal courts though out the Commonwealth.   John practices in numerous areas of the law and brings his experience in personal injury, federal consumer litigation, insurance defense, civil litigation, criminal defense, domestic relations and bankruptcy.

Welcome John!

Parents Can Be Arrested for Allowing Underage Drinking in their Homes

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Some parents take the approach that they’d rather their teenagers drink in the house where kids are not driving and in a more controlled environment.  The problem is that parents hosting such parties can be charged criminally.  In Virginia, any adult who provides alcohol to an unsupervised minor can be charged with a class one misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail.  To make matters worse, depending on the number of underage guests, a parent can be charged with numerous counts of the same crime.  This means that parents can receive a jail sentence exceeding one year.  For example, a parent in Charlottesville received a 27 month jail sentence for serving alcohol at a party for her 16 year old child.  According to the mom, she thought she was "protecting the kids by taking their car keys for the night."

Underage Drinking in the Richmond Area

Parents should be aware that law enforcement in counties surrounding Richmond sometimes target these parties.  According to the Richmond Times Dispatch, when police raided a West End Henrico home, the mother of the teen-host served 15 days jail time. 

Interestingly, Virginia is one of the states where it is permissible to serve alcohol to your own children as well as other children who are accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Va. Code Sec. 4.1-200.

Paullin Law Firm Sponsors Sports Radio 910

Tuesday, January 03, 2012

Hokie Nation in New Orleans at the Allstate Sugar Bowl

Paullin Law Firm is a sponsor of Sports Radio 910, which is broadcasting the Sugar Bowl tonight, featuring the Virginia Tech Hokies! You can listen where ever you are, using your computer online or the iHeartRadio app on your phone.

Go Hokies!

 

Happy Thanksgiving from our Family to Yours

Wednesday, November 23, 2011
We just wanted to wish you a great Thanksgiving holiday. Have a great weekend and be careful if you are driving.