Archive for January, 2012
Houston Reaches Settlement On Red-Light Cameras
A settlement has been reached between the city of Houston and red-light camera manufacturer ATS, Mayor Annise Parker’s office confirmed Saturday.
According to officials, city council could vote as early as Wednesday to pay American Traffic Solutions about $4.8 million for breaking the parties’ red-light camera contract.
“Red light camera legal fight is over,” Janice Evans, spokeswoman for Mayor Annise Parker said on Twitter. “All cameras coming down.”
The agreement brings to an end the legal fight that began when Houston City Council approved ending the city’s red-light camera program.
The city will pay ATS using money from collected fines that are in escrow and the approximately $25 million the city is still owed in outstanding red-light tickets that were issued when the cameras were still operational.
“I am thankful that traffic violators, not Houston taxpayers, will be paying for this,” said Mayor Annise Parker. “This is a reasonable settlement and I thank the City legal department for its diligence in getting it done.”
Under the terms of the agreement, ATS will be paid $2.3 million up front. The rest of the money will be paid out over the next three years.
The settlement money is around what ATS would have received under its original contract with the city.
In exchange for the money, ATS has agreed to remove all of its cameras from city intersections within 60 days of approval of the settlement by Houston City Council. The City ordered the cameras turned off and stopped issuing red light camera violations last August.
Voters decided in the November 2010 election to turn off the red-light cameras, which sparked a huge controversy as the city’s contract with ATS goes through 2015.
Story Courtesy of KHOU Houston: http://www.khou.com/home/125M-settlement-proposed-over-Houston-red-light-camera-controversy-137823994.html
Criminal Law For Texas
McLemore, Reddell, Ardoin and Story, P.L.L.C. provides legal advice and criminal defense services for clients across Texas.
Houston, Texas (I-Newswire) January 17, 2012 – A firm of criminal attorneys wants fellow Texans to know their rights concerning criminal cases under federal and Texas state laws. Whether it’s DWI, white collar, drug crimes or violent crimes, Criminal Law for Texas is the number one resource to seek for assistance in these matters. This group of criminal defense attorneys understands that not everyone who is accused of a crime is treated justly in a court of law.
That is why the Houston attorney firm of McLemore, Reddell, Ardoin & Story offers criminal defense protection on Criminal Law for Texas. This criminal attorney firm works with their clients to ensure they are well-informed before going to court. Their website offers an array of resources, such as newsletters, blogs, and a criminal law overview page that informs and educates clients on their rights. The information is made available free of charge because citizens may find themselves facing criminal charges for the first time and not know where to receive counsel.
For instance, defendants facing serious charges may not understand the advantages of plea bargaining and sentence bargaining. They may not know that they can waive certain rights, such as the right to a speedy trial or the right to a trial by a jury of one’s peers. A criminal attorney can inform a client about these rights and whether they are beneficial or harmful before entering a trial.
No one should try to be their own counsel when faced with serious first-time offenses. Even if one has a law background, it is always preferable to seek professional advice. The criminal defense attorneys at McLemore, Reddell, Ardoin & Story are former prosecutors who understand the ins and outs of the Houston criminal defense system. For example, David Reddell, a former assistant district attorney, never lost a felony trial during his tenure. Moreover, in the last four years Reddell has been selected as a top Houston attorney by H Texas Magazine. Reddell now represents clients accused of DWI, drug and substance abuse and has successfully helped some of his clients receive professional treatment.
Overall, these criminal defense attorneys show a track record of hundreds of cases that have been dismissed by judges, and where charges were dropped. When a trial was necessary, juries often found the defendant “not guilty.” For these reasons, it is important to hire a criminal attorney that not only understands the law but cares about their client’s personal life.
Potential clients can visit www.CriminalLawForTexas.com or call 713-888-0080 to find out more information about how McLemore, Reddell, Ardoin & Story, P.L.L.C. law firm can help with their case.
Houston Personal Injury Lawyer Role In DUI Cases
Houston Personal Injury Lawyer Role In Dwi Cases
by: Alejandro PaduaWith all of the information hitting the airwaves these days it is hard to imagine that some people still think they can drink and drive. The problem is that their judgment is impaired and they become an accident waiting to happen. People under the influence tend to have slow reaction times meaning that the victim of the crash receives full impact. In many cases involving DWI injuries in Houston, the person who was drinking rarely sustains life threatening injuries because of their relaxed state. The other party that was impacted however usually experiences serious or fatal injuries.
If you are the recipient of an accident involving a DWI you need representation. Unfortunately the other party’s insurance company tries to save costs by offering a settlement that is nowhere near an amount that justifies your injuries. A Houston accident lawyer can help you fight DWI injuries and receive the proper compensation you are due.
There are many things that must be included in a case against a drunk driver. Compensation can include but not be limited to: negligence, lost wages, pain and suffering and trauma. The pain and suffering can also be extended to immediate family members. This is a serious matter that must be handled professionally from the beginning. A Houston accident lawyer is well versed in these types of cases and realizes the sensitivity that is involved.
Many people after such a horrific accident are unable to get behind the wheel again. By using a Houston personal injury lawyer you will know that your case is being handled by top notch attorneys who bring with them many years experience. They will deal with the insurance company so you do not have to.
The Houston accident lawyer understands the importance of a just settlement. DWI cases are difficult to withstand because of the personal feelings involved. The other party had no regard for another person once he placed the key in the ignition. Your Houston personal injury lawyer will use this as leverage to obtain the best settlement offer possible. You will find comfort in knowing that your case is being handled by someone who will not settle for less than fair.
Once your lawyer has factored in all things relative to your case he will present the offer to the insurance company’s lawyer. There will be no tactics used against your Houston accident lawyer to scare him into reducing his settlement offer. Your lawyer has worked with the insurance companies many times before and cannot be intimidated by them, but rather he will likely intimidate the insurance company by warning what may happen if the case goes to trial.
If you have been injured by a DWI driver, first take care of yourself and seek the proper medical attention then call a Houston accident lawyer to discuss potential legal action. Never speak with the insurance company on your own, or agree to anything. The insurance company is only interested in settling the case as quickly as possible, for as little as possible. The insurance company is counting on you not being educated in your rights. They want to offer you a settlement quickly and close their file. Your Houston personal injury lawyer does not need to close fast. If the settlement offer is not acceptable to you, your lawyer will proceed in taking the case to court.
Tags: Houston Personal injury lawyer, Houston Accident Lawyer, Personal injury attorney, DWI Injuries
About The Author
Padua Law is specialized firm as a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer and as Real Estate Attorney Houston.
The firm has solved many issues related to personal injuries and its wrongful death and thus being known as prominent Houston Personal Injury Attorney.
Article Source: Houston Personal Injury Lawyer Role In Dwi Cases
Simple Guidelines Before Hiring Houston Personal Injury Lawyer
Simple Guidelines Before Hiring A Houston Personal Injury Lawyer
by: Alejandro PaduaIf you have been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence in Houston, it is always best to contact a Houston personal injury attorney before speaking to anyone regarding your case. But finding the right attorney can be a problem in itself. For someone who is not versed in what it takes to win a case, an attorney may sound good. Most people put their trust in their attorney from the start hoping that they will get them the best settlement possible. However, there are attorneys out there who simply do not have enough experience or are not aggressive enough to make that happen.
So where do you go and how do you guarantee that you will retain the right Houston accident lawyer?
Unfortunately, there is never a guarantee that the attorney you hire will be the right one. It is necessary to do your research and read reviews before contacting a Houston personal injury lawyer. You should interview prospective Houston accident lawyers first before deciding to hire one. There are numerous places to go to see if the attorney you are interested in or have heard good things about is the right one for you.
Research the attorney’s background. This will give you an understanding of the number of cases he has handled and how many of them he has won. You can also contact your State Bar and see if there are any cases against him. Most people will not give you the name of an attorney if they know he is not worth retaining. So you can also ask family and friends if they know someone who they would recommend. Another great place to go is your own personal attorney. If you have used an attorney prior or have a friend who is an attorney you can ask him if he knows the name of a good Houston personal injury lawyer.
Even after you have searched and found an attorney that has the experience and a great record, you may not like the attorney. The chemistry between attorney and client needs to be amicable. If you find that you simply cannot work with a Houston accident attorney you can fire the attorney and seek another one. Most Houston Personal Injury Attorneys work on a retainer agreement. Depending on how much work the attorney has already done, there will be some fees owed to the attorney. The attorney may take the fees from the retainer but usually a Houston personal injury attorney only collects if they win the case. This means that once you have settled or gone to trial with your new attorney, the prior one will collect his fee from that.
It is always a good idea to read anything before signing. The retainer agreement may be short in length, but if there is something you do not understand, ask before signing. This way there will be no surprises when your case does settle and payment is made. Make certain everything that is discussed in the meetings with your Houston accident attorney, is understood. You do not have to be embarrassed to ask questions. The more you know the more you will understand your own case.
It is never easy finding the right Houston personal injury lawyer but by giving yourself every option available by using the internet, friends, family and other attorneys, you have given yourself your best chance with pursuing your personal injury case.
About The Author
Padua Law is specialized firm as a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer and as Real Estate Attorney Houston.
The firm has solved many issues related to personal injuries and its wrongful death and thus being known as prominent Houston Personal Injury Attorney.
Article Source: Simple Guidelines Before Hiring Houston Personal Injury Lawyer
Legal Advice Clinic To Serve Houston Veterans
HOUSTON, TX – The Houston Bar Association (HBA) will hold a free legal advice clinic for all Harris County veterans on Saturday, February 4, from 9:00 a.m. until noon at the American Legion Post 490, located at 11702 Old Galveston Road, Houston, TX 77034, across from the main entrance to Ellington Field Air Force Base. No appointment is necessary.
Volunteer attorneys will provide legal advice on issues including family law, wills and probate, consumer issues, landlord/tenant law, worker’s compensation, tax issues, bankruptcy, and veterans’ benefits and disability claims. Any veteran or spouse of a deceased veteran can receive legal advice and counsel. Veterans who need further legal representation and meet the eligibility requirements for the HBA’s Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program may be assigned to a pro bono attorney. The guidelines have been adjusted for veterans so that they may have income up to 300 percent above the poverty level and still qualify for services.
The February 4 legal advice clinic is part of the Houston Bar Association’s Veterans’ Legal Initiative. The HBA sponsors weekly legal advice clinics at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, monthly legal advice clinics at the US VETS at Midtown Terrace residential facility, and quarterly legal advice clinics at DeGeorge at Union Station residential facility, as well as at stand-downs and other gatherings of veterans. For more information on services to veterans and for additional upcoming legal clinics, call the HBA’s Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program at 713-333-VETS or visit the HBA website, www.hba.org.
We would like to give credit to The Cypress Times for this story. View original story at: http://www.thecypresstimes.com/article/News/Local_News/FEBRUARY_4_LEGAL_ADVICE_CLINIC_TO_SERVE_HOUSTON_VETERANS/55030