Category Archives: Courts
New Form for San Bernardino Initial Trial Setting Conferences
As you may know, the Superior Court of San Bernardino’s Civil Department has issued new and amended local rules in an effort to address the return to activity following the lengthy closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Part of these changes apply to a civil case’s Initial Trial Setting Conferences, which can be found… Read More »
TRAIL IMMUNITY
California Gov. Code §831.4, the “trail immunity” statute, provides that a public entity is not liable for an injury caused by a condition of the following: “(a) Any unpaved road which provides access to fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, riding. . . water sports, recreational or scenic areas. . .” or “(b) Any trail used… Read More »
Writ Of Claim and Delivery
I recently read an article about the dispute over a 1959 Remy Martin guitar once owned by Kurt Cobain, which discussed the efforts of Courtney Love to recover this guitar from her daughter’s ex-husband. It reminded me of a procedure sometimes used by parties in disputes over personal property called a “writ of possession”… Read More »
ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGE
This issue of attorney-client privilege is prevalent in the news these days, as federal agents have raided the offices and home of President Trump’s personal lawyer. Much of what was obtained from that search/raid, what can be used, and for what purpose, hinges on the issue of attorney-client privilege, confidentiality and criminal activity. In… Read More »
LEARNING TO LISTEN “RIGHT”
Part of the work that we do on Heiting & Irwin’s Workers’ Compensation team includes helping the injured worker understand the steps involved in the process of the ever-changing Workers’ Compensation system. As I pass my 21st year working as a Worker’s Compensation paralegal, I realize one of the most important skills I have… Read More »
Can You be Fired for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Employees in California are entitled to compensation if they are injured on the job, and more importantly, they have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim without fear of retaliation. Unfortunately, however, there are several employers out there who take workers’ compensation claims personally and who may attempt to fire an injured worker… Read More »
Big Rig Driver Charged With Manslaughter and Gross Negligence After Causing “Deadliest Crash in California in Decades”
Last October, a tour bus load of people was heading home to Los Angeles on Route 10 after spending a night at the casino located near the Salton Sea, southeast of San Diego. Most passengers, tired from a night of gambling, had fallen asleep. However, they were rudely awakened shortly before dawn to screams… Read More »
Riverside County Law Alliance Educates Local Youth about Judicial System
The American judicial system is critical to the function and perseverance of our government and way of life, an entity seeking justice, fairness, retribution, and rehabilitation. Although the judicial system is so important, many students do not understand its role or function. According to a recent article from The Press-Enterprise, California requires only one… Read More »
FAMILY LAW UPDATE
PAST VIOLATIONS MAY SUPPORT RESTRAINING ORDER RENEWALS Family Code, Section 6345 permits a court to renew a restraining order upon request of a party without a showing of any further abuse since the issuance of the restraining order. Instead, the decision to renew such a restraining order lies in the discretion of the court…. Read More »
Sperm Donors Beware! You May Be Liable for Child Support
As highlighted by a recent Kansas case, sperm donors may be liable for child support payments. In response to a Craigslist ad, William Marotta of Kansas donated his sperm to a lesbian couple wanting to conceive. The endeavor was successful, and they were able to conceive a daughter, but did not use the assistance… Read More »
