Jordan court postpones verdict of ex-spy chief

A Jordanian criminal court says it has postponed a verdict in the case of a powerful former intelligence chief on trial for alleged embezzlement of public funds, money laundering and abuse of office.

Presiding judge Nashaat Akhras told Mohammed al-Dahabi in court Sunday that his verdict will be pronounced Nov. 11, without giving a reason.

Al-Dahabi ran the General Intelligence Department between 2005 and 2008.

He faces up to 15 years in jail if convicted.

He was arrested in February, when inspectors from the Central Bank of Jordan suspected transactions worth millions of dollars had gone through his bank account.

The rare case against such a high profile official is meant to show Jordan's seriousness in efforts to tackle graft and corruption — a demand voiced in recent street protests.

Business Litigation Law Firm

Contract Disputes
Contract disputes are one of the most common form of disputes in business litigation. Ideally, every contract would be in writing and well-drafted. However, not all contracts are in writing, and even those that are written may not be well-drafted, leaving some issues unclear or not addressed at all. Often contract disputes involve these and other complex factual and legal issues. That’s where our commercial litigation attorneys excel.

Our attorneys have resolved hundreds of contract disputes through negotiation, mediation and, if necessary, litigation. Whether your case involves a simple contract dispute or complex litigation – involving multiple layers of relationships, extensively detailed agreements, and difficult legal issues – our team of business litigation attorneys will work to resolve your matter with the careful consideration it deserves.

Noncompetition Covenants
A non-competition covenant can be a valuable way to protect a business, whether you are protecting your existing business or are buying one. Non-competition clauses are commonly included in employment contracts, sale agreements and shareholder agreements. Well-drafted non-competition covenants may mean the difference between a business’s success or failure. If there is a difficulty in these covenants, it is their enforceability. The clauses receive additional judicial scrutiny, and there are occasions when courts will not enforce these kinds of covenants.

That is why you need experienced attorneys to assist you in drafting and enforcing non-competition covenants. Our attorneys have represented companies, shareholders, and individual employees in these cases, with an impressive track record.

Shareholder & Partnership Disputes
Like marriages, business partnerships and closely-held corporations begin with high hopes and much goodwill between the parties. Unfortunately, like some marriages, business partnerships occasionally end in acrimony and litigation.

In this complex area of the law, it is important to receive counsel from attorneys who are experienced in shareholder and partnership disputes. Our attorneys represent companies and their shareholders in these kinds of disputes every day. While our counsel often allows companies and shareholders to amicably resolve disputes without litigation, sometimes litigation is unavoidable. When the time comes to litigate, our attorneys stand ready and able to protect your interests.

Riley Bennett & Egloff Law They devote individualized attention and personal service to each separate case and take time to listen to client concerns. Their attorneys have the experience need to find creative solutions to fit their client's individual needs. Contact an Indianapolis business litigation attorney to discuss your case. For more information on business litigation visit http://www.rbelaw.com/practice-areas/business-litigation

Appeals court upholds hate crime law in Ark. case

A federal appeals court has upheld the hate crime conviction of a Green Forest man who is serving an 11-year prison term for intentionally crashing into a car carrying five Hispanic men and injuring them.
The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis ruled Monday there was sufficient evidence that Frankie Maybee and two other men deliberately attacked the other vehicle after a confrontation in a convenience store parking lot.

The court upheld the 2009 Shepard-Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act, a law that Congress approved under the power of the 13th Amendment, which calls for abolishing vestiges of slavery. The court found that attacking someone because of his or her ethnic background is constitutionally prohibited under the Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

Florida Construction Law Attorney - Heitman Law Firm, PL.

Our law firm follows the same rules handling your case that you use on the jobsite to build your projects. Our work is Plumb Square and Level.  When we say plumb, we mean that we are straight up with you. We evaluate your case and tell you where you stand legally, allowing you to make sound business decisions. Square means that we don’t cut corners in protecting our Client’s legal rights whether in drafting your contracts or handling your construction disputes.

By quality, we mean degree of excellence. Heitman Law Firm practices construction law.  Mr. Heitman is an expert in construction law, board certified by the Florida Bar.  He is a member of an elite group of board certified construction attorneys.  In addition, Mr. Heitman is a Florida Licensed Professional Engineer, with years of experience building real world construction projects. As such, the Firm is extremely well qualified to render its clients high quality legal representation.

Heitman Law Firm has the background, training, and experience to handle every aspect of a construction project. With years of experience, Mr. Heitman has successfully drafted and negotiated multi-million dollar construction contracts and is committed to resolving construction claims on behalf of his clients. Visit www.palmbeachconstructionlaw.org for more information.

2 men sentenced in Palin lawyer harassment case

Two Pennsylvania men convicted of harassing Sarah Palin's Alaska lawyers were sentenced Friday to time served and five years' probation, with the proceedings briefly halted after a short outburst in court by one of the defendants.
During his sentencing in U.S. District Court in Anchorage, 20-year-old Shawn Christy said the judge's order that he live up to six months in a Pennsylvania community re-entry program was "ridiculous."
His father, Craig Christy, 48, was ordered to perform community service.
The Christys, of McAdoo, Pa., pleaded guilty in January to making harassing phone calls to Palin's attorneys. Attorney John Tiemessen testified that the men's calls threatened Palin and attorneys. Both Christys apologized Friday for their actions.
Shawn Christy was released and sent back to Pennsylvania last month after an evaluation report said he wasn't a danger to the pu

Fed court reverses order for VA system overhaul

A federal appeals court on Monday reversed its demand that the Veterans Affairs Department dramatically overhaul its mental health care system.

A special 11-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said that any such changes need to be ordered by Congress or the president.

The 10-1 ruling reversed an earlier decision by a three-judge panel of the same court.

The May 2011 ruling had ordered the VA to ensure that suicidal vets are seen immediately, among other changes. It found the VA's "unchecked incompetence" in handling the flood of post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health claims was unconstitutional.

The new decision said courts are powerless to implement the fixes sought by two veterans groups that filed the lawsuit against the VA in 2007. The lawsuits alleged that hundreds of thousands of veterans had to wait an average of four years to fully receive the mental health benefits owed them.

"There can be no doubt that securing exemplary care for our nation's veterans is a moral imperative," Judge Jay Bybee wrote for the majority. "But Congress and the president are in far better position" to decide whether and what changes need to be done.

Sydney Criminal Lawyers - Section 10 states a No Conviction case

Section 10 states a No Conviction case. It is when you are guilty or a criminal offence or a major traffic offence but the Court establishes not to charge you with a criminal conviction or licence disqualification. Section 10 of the Crimes Act 1999 is a powerful sentencing procedure and gives the courts the power to deal with guilty individuals by:
- dismissing the charges completely
- discharging the individual into a good behaviour bond for 2 years or less or
- discharging the individual into an intervention program such as a drug and alcohol program or a traffic offender program. 

This essential eliminates all high penalties and indicates that there is no criminal conviction, no fines, and in driving cases, no licence disqualitication. 
All criminal charges and driving charges are available to get a section 10. However, the court considers many factors when making their decision whether to grant a section 10 to an individual: 
(a) the person's character and history, age, health, and mental condition, 
(b) the trivial nature of the offence,
(c) the extenuating circumstances in which the offence was committed, and
(d) any other matter that the court thinks proper to consider.

Your chances of getting a section 10 are better if you can provide some materials in court that show you are otherwise of good characther, the offence  was convicted during a difficult time in your life, or you have taken steps on improving underlying issues which may have led you to commit the crime or traffic violation from the beginning. 

Sydney Criminal Lawyers can help with a no conviction recorded for a criminal or traffic charge you have been convicted of. If you are trying to gain a section 10 on your criminal defence charge, and believe you have extenuating circumstances, our attorneys can help. Call us at (02) 9261 8881 to find out your penalty, make an appointment or have a lawyer call you! Visit us at http://www.criminallaw.com.au/section-10-dismissal for more information.

Appeals court tosses Armenian payments law

A federal appeals court on Thursday struck down a novel and controversial California law that allowed descendants of 1.5 million Armenians who perished in Turkey nearly a century ago to file claims against life insurance companies accused of reneging on policies.

The move came when a specially convened 11-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously tossed out a class action lawsuit filed against Munich Re after two of its subsidiaries refused to pay claims.

The ruling, written by Judge Susan Graber, said the California law trampled on U.S. foreign policy — the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal government.

The California Legislature labeled the Armenian deaths as genocide, a term the Turkish government vehemently argued was wrongly applied during a time of civil unrest in the country.

The court noted the issue is so fraught with politics that President Obama studiously avoided using the word genocide during a commemorative speech in April 2010 noting the Armenian deaths.

The tortured legal saga began in 2000 when the California Legislature passed a law enabling Armenian heirs to file claims with insurance companies for policies sold around the turn of the 20th century. It gave the heirs until 2010 to file lawsuits over unpaid insurance benefits.

Ousted Ind. official sentenced in voter fraud case

Indiana's ousted top elections official was sentenced Thursday to a year of home detention for six felony convictions that a judge refused to reduce to lesser crimes — a ruling that, if upheld on appeal, will likely cost him not only his office but also his law license and livelihood.

Hamilton Superior Court Judge Steven Nation said the intentional disregard that Secretary of State Charlie White showed for the law outweighed portrayals of him as a loving father and husband. The judge refused to reduce the six felony convictions to misdemeanors that would have given the 42-year-old Republican a chance to hold onto his office.

"I believe he violated the trust of the people," Nation said.

White told the judge he would appeal the one year's detention on each of the six felonies, to be served concurrently, and Nation stayed the sentence pending that. The judge also fined White $1,000 and ordered him to serve 30 hours of community service.

But White, his wife, and his attorney said his legal problems have cost him much more than part of his freedom and his political and legal career. Defense attorney Carl Brizzi said White and his wife, Michelle, have stopped making mortgage payments on the condo that was at the heart of his legal troubles and likely will lose ownership of it. White said his assets have dwindled to whatever equity he might have in the home and small stock and bank accounts and a 5-year-old, beat-up Jaguar automobile.

Former Sen. Martinez Joining Tampa Law Firm

Our blogs like to feature news circulating with local law firms and attorneys in the country. Today we would like to take part in announcing a former senate leaving his position to join in a Florida law firm. Law Web Design would like to wish him success with his new move. 

Mel Martinez's career plans after leaving the Senate appear to be bringing him to Tampa.
The Orlando Republican is joining the offices of DLA Piper as a partner in its Washington and Tampa offices, according to Legal Times.
DLA Piper partner Ignacio Sanchez confirmed the news following a partnership vote. Martinez, who left the Senate earlier this month, starts at the firm on Oct. 1, Legal Times reported.
"When he announced he was going to retire and let the governor appoint someone to finish out the term, I immediately talked to him and said, you really ought to consider looking at our firm. I think you would really do well, and we would love to have you," Sanchez said.
The former senator will be banned from lobbying for two years, though Sanchez said he will be able to advise clients on a range of issues.

Gates Gains While Other Law Firms Suffer

Like most law firms, K&L Gates LLP faces headwinds. The recession has cut demand for many corporate legal services, including work on mergers, real estate and corporate finance. In turn, profits at firms across the country have plummeted, forcing many of them to fire attorneys, freeze salaries and shut offices.
Peter Kalis, chairman of the 1,800-lawyer K&L firm, has felt the pain first hand. He cut costs sharply this year, including firing about 40 attorneys and 200 other staff members.
But the 59-year-old West Virginia native -- a Rhodes Scholar, Yale Law School graduate and clerk for Supreme Court Justice Byron White -- hasn't curtailed his expansion ambitions.
In the last two years, he has overseen mergers with firms in Chicago, North Carolina and Texas, and he has opened offices abroad, including in Singapore, Frankfurt and Dubai. His Pittsburgh law firm now ranks among the nation's largest, with 33 offices around the globe.

And Mr. Kalis shows no signs of slowing down. "Downturns can present extraordinary growth opportunities," he says. "But if you are lost in navel gazing and you don't have your head beams on high looking down the road, you'll miss the opportunities."

Newport News firm a big donor for Democrats

Newport News law firm Consumer Litigation Associates typically doesn't cut a high political profile.
But in this year's slate of elections, the Peninsula firm is suddenly a major player, donating almost $380,000 primarily to Democratic candidates.
The bulk of the money has gone to partner Robin Abbott, a Democrat running for the House of Delegates. The firm's founder, Len Bennett, is a longtime Democratic donor who supported President Barack Obama, among others. Bennett said he wants to support candidates willing to crack down on consumer fraud.
On the campaign trail, Bennett has been aggressive, even taking to Internet message boards to defend Abbott. In places typically filled with anonymous screeds, Bennett signs his full name and offers links to articles on consumer law.
"It's probably not smart to put our name out there like that," he said. "But I've got to be able to stand behind what I'm posting."
Bennett said he hopes his campaign contributions help free state lawmakers from the financial reliance on major donations from lobbyists and corporations so they can make "the right decisions."
"Maybe it's naive, but we'll see what happens over time," he said.
Abbott's opponent, Newport News Republican Del. Phil Hamilton suggests ulterior motives.
"You've got to kind of wonder what they're after," he said. "What is Consumer Litigation trying to buy?"
So far this year, the firm has donated $379,643 and Bennett has chipped in another $38,800 almost exclusively to Democratic candidates. The sole Republican donation — $5,000 to Newport News Del. G. Glenn Oder — was likely linked to Oder's work against payday lenders and was cut before Democrat Gary West entered the race.
Bennett has donated cash, office space and laptops to Abbott's campaign and reached out to fellow trial lawyers with a pledge that he would match donations to Abbott. According to the Virginia Public Access Project, which tracks campaign spending, nearly two-thirds of Abbott's cash comes from the legal community. Meanwhile, the firm has given generously to Democrats running statewide, cutting large checks to Creigh Deeds, Jody Wagner and Steve Shannon.

Atlanta Law Firm Foundation Aids Flood Victims

The national law firm Fisher & Phillips LLP announced today that a foundation it established following Hurricane Katrina in 2005 is helping its attorneys and staff affected by the recent devastating floods in Georgia. The firm is currently accepting assistance applications from the Georgia employees of Fisher & Phillips who suffered damage.
Chairman and Managing Partner Roger Quillen said: “The attorneys and staff of our firm who were not directly affected by the flooding have displayed the same desire to aid their co-workers as they did when Hurricane Katrina damaged or destroyed the homes of our people in Louisiana. It does my heart good to see how our extended law firm family comes together in a time of need.”
Robert Christenson, chair of the firm’s Employee Benefits Practice Group, pointed out that any employer can create a charitable fund to provide immediate disaster relief assistance to its own employees. When properly organized and operated, donors receive a tax deduction for contributions to such a fund, and recipients of assistance do not pay income tax on money they receive. Employers have been permitted to set up such funds since the 9/11 disaster. Following that tragedy, Congress enacted the Victims of Terrorism Tax Relief Act of 2001, which allows an employer to establish a 501(c)(3) private foundation for the purpose of providing timely disaster relief assistance to its employees and their families (an “Employer-Controlled Foundation”). Disasters such as Katrina and the Georgia floods are covered by the Act.
Christenson said: “A foundation such as ours gives employees the opportunity to aid their colleagues who have been affected by a disaster or tragedy. Our attorneys are ready to assist any company that wants to move quickly to establish its own foundation to help during this time of need. We will put together the organizational documents, help with the tax filings, and explain the law to ensure that employers properly establish their foundations.”
The Fisher & Phillips Foundation provides money for such things as living expenses and uninsured repairs. All assistance is purely “needs based” and a committee ensures that the funds are properly distributed. Following Hurricane Katrina 17 attorneys and staff received a total of $77,000 from the foundation. The firm donated $60,000 to start the fund and lawyers and staff donated an additional $22,000. The firm has committed to donate an additional $40,000 to the fund as needed and the foundation is also accepting donations from attorneys and staff to help the Georgia flood victims.

Miami law firm eyed in Stanford scandal

A Miami law firm allegedly helped jailed financier R. Allen Stanford establish an unregulated money pipeline to Antigua, The Miami Herald reported Sunday.
The newspaper said in 1998 the firm of Greenberg Traurig helped Stanford, who is charged with running a $7 billion Ponzi scheme, in create a pipeline between Miami and Antigua that became a cornerstone of Stanford's banking empire. That relationship has reportedly been targeted by a court-appointed receiver that is trying to recover money for Stanford's alleged victims.
The Herald said Greenberg Traurig helped Stanford set up a special trust office in Miami that could move millions of dollars overseas without having to report anything to the government.
The firm also allegedly helped Stanford institute changes in Antigua's banking system after a series of money laundering scandals prompted the U.S. Treasury to consider blacklisting all offshore institutions in the Caribbean island, officials say.