Your Guide to Lawyers.com Videos

Don’t Vent on Facebook or Twitter during Divorce [Video]

During a divorce, no good can come from bad-mouthing your spouse on Twitter or Facebook. Lawyers.com journalist Ed Alpern reports on how the tools of discovery in matrimonial cases have evolved. In the past, divorce attorneys gathered information using subpoenas for witnesses and documents. But now attorneys do a lot of investigation online. Divorce attorney Jacqueline Newman, a partner at Berkman, Bottger, Newman & Rodd in New York City, advises clients not to post anything on Facebook that they would not want the other side to read or see.

Newsbreak: Celebrities Busted [Video]

Betsy Kim, Editorial Director of Lawyer.com, reports on some celebrities, called onto the carpet and off the red carpet. Police stopped NBC Sunday Night Football sportscaster, Al Michaels, for making an illegal U-turn in Santa Monica. He ended up being charged for driving with a blood alcohol content of over .08. Three Doors Down bassist, Todd Harrell, has been charged for causing a fatal crash while driving under the influence.

WGN-TV Rounds Up Murders and More [Video]

Lawyers.com Editor-in-Chief Larry Bodine appeared on WGN-TV, Channel 9 in Chicago. He served as the legal analyst, discussing the Boston bomber, Amanda Knox, the Michael Jackson wrongful death case, and George Zimmerman. Larry explains Dzhokar Tsarnaev is charged with using a weapon of mass destruction and malicious destruction of property. Larry reviews the mountain of evidence that police have including the witness who was the Tsarnaev brothers’ carjack victim. They allegedly bragged to him about the Boston Marathon bombing.

Newsbreak: Frito-Lay Lies on Potato Chip Bags [Video]

Lawyers.com Editor-in-Chief Larry Bodine exposes lies that deceive consumers, printed right on Frito-Lay snack food packages. Two Californians in San Francisco are suing Frito-Lay for lying about its snack foods. Demonstrating with a bag of Lays Kettle Cooked Mesquite BBQ chips, Larry points out the following problems: The labels say “Made with ALL NATURAL ingredients.” But this does not mean no artificial ingredients are added to the snacks. Frito-Lay claims “made with” means “includes some” all-natural ingredients.

Activists Want Red Light Cameras Shut Down [Video]

A camera at the intersection of Northgate and 27th Streets in Oakland, Calif. ambushes drivers running red lights and raises more than $3 million per year. For example, Ronald Pond received a $541 ticket because this camera caught him turning a right on red — at about 4:30 a.m. with no other traffic around. It’s a perfect example of “gotcha” government that prompts irate calls to eliminate the red light robots.

Insurance Dispute Freezes Avandia Victims’ Fund [Video]

Lawyers.com videojournalist Matt H. Mayes from Los Angeles reports that a big pharma and insurance legal dispute was allowed to deprive innocent victims of money that they were entitled to and often desperately needed. Tens of thousands of plaintiffs sued GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) claiming its diabetes drug, Avandia, caused serious cardiovascular side effects — including fatal heart attacks. In 2010, the pharrmaceutical giant agreed to pay hundreds of millions of dollars to settle the claims of thousands of people.

Why People Confess to Crimes They Didn’t Commit [Video]

Lawyers.com reporter Lisa Reilly looks at a high profile miscarriage of justice, through a screening of Ken Burns’ documentary, “The Central Park Five.” A conference at Suffolk University Law School addressed forced confessions, showcased by the film. Today marks the 24th anniversary of when a young, white woman, later known as the Central Park Jogger, was violently raped and beaten unconscious, while going for a run in New York City.

Newsbreak: “Too Bad” if Trapped with Comcast [Video]

A conservative group is suing a school near San Diego, Calif., to end a yoga program. The National Center for Law and Policy claims yoga is a religious activity and under the Constitution’s “separation between church and state” has no place in the Encinitas Unified School District.  A group of parents and the Center assert yoga is a practice of Hinduism and other religions. The Center is a non-profit Christian organization.

Hernia Patients in Pain as Skin Procedure Fails [Video]

Hernia patients have filed lawsuits against the manufacturers of AlloDerm, a product made from the skin tissue of cadavers. They claim once implanted, the AlloDerm stretches and fails, resulting in serious and painful abdominal injuries, often requiring additional surgery. A hernia is a painful condition that occurs when an organ or tissue bulges through a weak spot in muscle of the structure that contains it. Often it’s an intestine that protrudes through the stomach wall.

Newsbreak: News of the Weird [Video]

In today’s Newsbreak, Lawyers.com Editor-in-Chief Larry Bodine provides a round-up of bizarre legal cases from around the country. Two crooks had their dirty laundry —literally. After stealing a debit card, they used it to take care of some very mundane household chores. A testing scam with teachers cheating on exams went on for 15 years. The gig was up when one of the impersonators wasn’t so smart. Larry tells you how the fraud was uncovered.

Dangers of Botulism with Botox [Video]

Drug manufacturer Allergan recently settled a case for an undisclosed amount, which claimed Botox caused botulism in a 5-year-old child in Oklahoma County. The boy suffered from leukodystrophy, a progressively degenerative neurological disease. His doctor treated his spasticity with Botox.

Avoid Getting Ripped off by Rogue Movers [Video]

Signs of spring’s arrival often include cardboard boxes, bubble wrap and packing tape. More than 40 million Americans make a move each year. But unfortunately, one in five moves involve claims for damages. Lawyers.com Editor-in-Chief Larry Bodine provides advice on how to protect yourself from rogue moving companies. He describes the most typical complaints against movers — one of which is withholding property while demanding grossly inflated prices. Larry tells you the best way to get an estimate.

Lawsuits Claim SSRIs Can Cause Severe Birth Defects [Video]

Millions of patients take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for depression, anxiety and other disorders. One out of 10 people in the United States use  antidepressants, making them one of the most widely prescribed medications according to a 2011 National Center for Health Statistics report. In our news video, Lawyers.com Editorial Director Betsy Kim interviews attorney Harris Pogust, a partner at Pogust Braslow & Milrood in Conshohocken, Penn.

How to Avoid Jail while Abroad on Spring Break [Video]

Mexico is a top spring break destination, with more than 120,000 college students going to Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas each year. Yet the U.S. State Department has added Mexico to its list of countries that are dangerous for travel. Lawyers.com Editor-in-Chief Larry Bodine tells you what you should know before going on vacation to Mexico. He reviews basic laws in Mexico.

Can You Be Fired for a Tattoo? [Video]

With 38 percent of the Millenial Generation (18 to 29-year-olds) having at least one tattoo, according to a Pew Research study, the norm for workplace dress and fashion statements may be changing. Lawyers.com videojournalist Ed Alpern reports on employees’ rights to express themselves with tattoos while on the job. Right now, it’s the employer who draws the line. Courts have held employers have the right to set appearance and dress codes.

Ilinois Faces Deadline for Concealed Carry Gun Law [Video]

 Illinois is the only state with a total ban on allowing gun owners to carry their weapons in public. But a federal court recently threw out this law as going too far, and violating the Second Amendment. Now, the Illinois legislature has a looming deadline to pass a concealed carry weapon statute that’s less restrictive. With the strong emotional differences in the fight over guns, state lawmaking has become a house divided.

Lawyers.com Harlem Shake [VIDEO]

Lawyers.com Editor-in-Chief Larry Bodine and Editorial Director Betsy Kim talk about the Harlem Shake phenomenon, which has been taking the Internet by a storm. During the taping, the action unfolds. Watch this video to witness a “first” in the legal news business. Can you identify Dean Hurley, Donald Almgren, Divya Jain, Craig McGuire, Amy Kovar, Leon Hill, Lily Montemayer, Jonny Kapps, Heidi Goss, Betsy Kim or Larry Bodine?

GranuFlo and NaturaLyte Accused in Heart Attacks [Video]

Kristian Rasmussen accuses the world’s largest provider of dialysis products and services of knowingly endangering dialysis patients’ lives. A partner at Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris in Birmingham, Ala., Kristian filed the first products liability cases in the country against the German company, Fresenius, over GranuFlo and NaturaLyte. Fresenius manufactures these products, used to clean and filter blood of people whose kidneys have failed.

Incendiary Agents Challenge the Law [Video]

A writer is hoping to light a fire under people with his new play, “Incendiary Agents,” which premiered in New York City. It’s about two brothers who organize a break-in at a local draft board office to protest the Vietnam War.  Loosely based on historical incidents, the play addresses civil disobedience and even breaking the law in efforts to change it.  Lawyers.com Editorial Director Betsy Kim takes you behind the curtains to meet the production’s playwright and producer.

Bleeding Deaths Linked to Pradaxa [Video]

Watch this news video if you or anyone you know is on a blood thinner. It could provide life saving information. Pradaxa, an anticoagulant medication, helps prevent blood clots and strokes. It’s often used with people who have irregular heartbeats. But more than 500 people from around the country have reported to the F.D.A. bleeding deaths involving Pradaxa.

Dueling For and Against Guns on Campus [Video]

Would allowing students on college campuses to carry guns save lives? Lawyers.com reporter Greg Presto explores this issue from the University of Maryland, College Park. Currently, the university bans concealed weapons on campus, a public land. But Maryland state law allows guns to be carried on public land. This means the university rule could be overturned. Greg interviews David Burnett, spokesperson of Students for Concealed Carry.

Newsbreak: Injured Baseball Fan Strikes Out! [Video]

A minor league baseball fan cries foul when a foul ball hit her in the head, causing severe and permanent injuries. Now with spring training underway, in today’s Newsbreak Lawyers.com Editor-in-Chief Larry Bodine tells you about a case involving dangers of sitting at the wrong place in the wrong time. What are your rights if you’re injured by a baseball that flies into the stands?

Newsbreak: Who Spit on My Burger? [Video]

After an uneasy conversation with a Burger King employee, a sheriff’s officer in Vancouver, Wash., opened his burger to find a Whopper of nasty ingredients. In this Newsbreak, Lawyers.com Editor-in-Chief Larry Bodine tells what happened when a food services worker spit on a customer’s sandwich. The officer sensed something was wrong and sure enough discovered he purchased a Whopper served not just with cheese but with an extra helping of spit.

When to Hire a Private Eye in Divorces [Video]

Whether you’re considering divorce or are in the middle of one, do you wonder if you should hire a private investigator? Lawyers.com journalist Amber Statler-Matthews reports on what private eyes do in divorce cases. Divorce lawyer Dolly Hernandez, a partner at Rafool & Hernandez LLC in Miami, Florida, uses investigators in five to 10 percent of her cases. She explains the circumstances when detectives can help.

Banks Run Roughshod over Widows in Foreclosure [Video]

Banks are foreclosing on the homes of widows. Financial institutions are refusing to modify mortgages when husbands have died without listing their surviving wives on the notes. Lawyers.com journalist Ed Alpern shows you how banks have gotten away with these practices and how you can fight losing your home to foreclosure. Director of Foreclosure Prevention Litigation at Legal Services NYC Jacob Inwald emphasizes banks are under a legal obligation to attempt to avoid foreclosures.

D.C. Court Wreaks Havoc on NLRB Pro-Worker Cases [Video]

From the Lawyers.com newsroom, Editor-in-Chief Larry Bodine explains how a D.C. appellate court is jeopardizing workplace rights. In Noel Canning v. NLRB, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit held that President Obama’s three recess appointments to the National Labor Relations Board were unconstitutional. The court vacated an unfair labor practice ruling, on the grounds that the NLRB lacked a legitimate quorum when it issued its decision. The National Labor Relations Board protects worker’s rights.

Valentine’s Day Legal Advice [Video]

 With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, this may be a time of great happiness and excitement to “seal the deal” of your romance with a ring.   But as we know all too well at Lawyers.com, unfortunately, misunderstandings happen. Deals and contracts, even those made with the best intentions, can sometimes unravel. Lawyers.com Editor-in-Chief Larry Bodine was interviewed on several news programs including WHAM ABC 13 in Rochester, N.Y., and by consumer watchdog journalist Mary Schwager of GalTime.

Legal Wisdom for Valentine’s Day and After [Video]

Some words of wisdom for the Day of Hearts and those that follow. Lawyers.com Editor-in-Chief Larry Bodine speaks with Nina Pineda of WABC-TV in New York City in a special Valentine’s Day report, “The Legalities of Love.” Larry tells the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth about your Feb. 14 promises — and the law.

Big Brother Is Tracking You through Your Cell Phone [Video]

Did you know that the government can know your whereabouts by tracking your cell phone? Most police don’t even bother to get a search warrant. Your cell phone carrier will simply voluntarily turn over the information. Lawyers.com Editor-in-Chief Larry Bodine reports on how you can protect your privacy that’s surrendered by big phone companies. This privacy breach doesn’t involve just criminals but also law abiding citizens.

Newsbreak: Sexual Predators on Facebook and More [Video]

 Lawyers.com Editorial Director Betsy Kim brings you today’s Newsbreak, an update on legal cases from around the country. Betsy reports on why the 7th Circuit struck down Indiana’s law banning sex offenders from Facebook and other social media. The Indiana ACLU represented a group convicted of sexual crimes, who had completed their sentences. The state attorney general had argued the law was to protect children from sexual predators trolling the Internet.

Cameras Snap Your License Plates for Huge Databases [Video]

The government and private companies are using automatic license plate readers (LPRs) to gather the license numbers of cars on the streets of cities and towns across the country. These gadgets snap pictures of the plates, time stamp the photos and record the GPS coordinates. You don’t even have to be a criminal suspect. You just have to drive a car. Lawyers.com journalist Ed Alpern investigates how the LPR technology is affecting your privacy rights.

Newsbreak: Your Privacy Rights [Video]

Are your privacy rights being compromised in the name of law and order? Lawyers.com Editorial Director Betsy Kim provides today’s Newsbreak, a round-up of cases and laws that could impact your Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable search and seizure. The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing a case on whether police need a search warrant for a blood sample from a DUI suspect.

Divorce Think Financially Not Emotionally [Video]

If you’re a woman who’s considering divorce, watch this video. Lawyers.com Editorial Director Betsy Kim interviews Forbes author and financial strategist, Jeff Landers, about his book, “Divorce Think Financially Not Emotionally” and we’re offering free copies of it.

Make Money Turning Home Brew into a Business [Video]

People savor the tastes of craft beer. At least one million people in the United States brew their own beer at home. Could you take this hobby and turn it into a thriving business? Maybe. But similar to tobacco and firearms, alcohol is a tightly regulated industry. Whether you want to make beer for a hobby or would consider an entrepreneurial enterprise, Lawyers.com Editor-in-Chief Larry Bodine explains the laws of what you can and cannot do with your home.

How Far Can You Take a Twitter Parody Account? [Video]

Many of us enjoy following funny Twitter parody accounts. For example, @Lord_Voldemort7 has over 2 million followers. “Not Mark Zuckerberg (@notzuckerberg) pokes fun at the Facebook billionaire with tweet such as, “It’s funny. Technically you’re the ‘user’ but really, I use you.” But how far you can take a Twitter parody without getting into trouble?  Lawyers.com Editor-in-Chief Larry Bodine provides basic tips on how to avoid lawsuits.

Ex-Boy Scout Trial Exposes Group’s “Pervert” Cover-up [Video]

 Although it’s the motto of the Boy Scouts — the organization was NOT so “prepared” in protecting its members against sexual child abuse.  Lawyers.com journalist John McCarthy introduces you to Douglas Sovereign Smith, a convicted sex offender and the former national chair of the Youth Protection Task Force for the Boy Scouts of America. Released in January 2013, he’s not the only sexual predator who was drawn to the organization, targeting it to gain access to children.

Newsbreak: Surprising Results in Three Cases [Video]

Lawyers.com Editor-in-Chief Larry Bodine broadcasts today’s Newsbreak, a round-up of legal news you can use. Why did the Indiana Supreme Court cut $7 million out of a jury award? You’ll find out as Larry reports on an Indiana man whose wife died a painful death due to medical malpractice. You’ll learn about the effects of tort reform, an anti-consumer law. You be the judge of whether the outcome was unfair.

Beware of Notarios [Video]

Immigrants in Spanish-speaking communities, beware. “Notarios” or fake lawyers are preying on unsuspecting Latinos in the United States. Haga clic aquí para leer esta historia en español. From Dallas, Texas, Lawyers.com reporter Kevin Peters introduces you to one victim, Beronica Mascorro. She paid $1,500 to a fraudulent imposter who pretended to offer legal help and expertise. In many Latin American countries, the term “notarios” signifies a person who is accredited by the government and has a license to practice law. Scam artists in the United States set up shop as notarios in Spanish-speaking communities, targeting people who want to green cards and U.S. citizenship.

Is Your Car Street Legal? [Video]

Formula One race cars and Vin Diesel’s hot rods from the “Fast and Furious” movies aren’t racing around your neighborhood and there’s a good reason.  Lawyers.com Editor-in-Chief Larry Bodine explains why. If you want to soup up your car, pass an inspection (if your state requires it) and avoid tickets and fines, his report shows you how to make sure your car is street legal.

How to Answer Illegal Job Interview Questions [Video]

What if you’re looking for a job but your interviewer asks for information which makes you uncomfortable? Those questions could be illegal. Lawyers.com Editor-in-Chief Larry Bodine tells you exactly what kinds of questions potential employers cannot ask in interviews. He also gives you tips in answering those questions, which could even help you in your job search. Federal law prohibits asking job applicants about their race, religion, age, national origin, sexual preference, disability and family status.

Monster Energy Drink Accused in Teen Death [Video]

After drinking two large cans of Monster Energy Drink within 24 hours, 14-year-old Anais Fournier of Hagerstown, Md. died of cardiac arrest. Gabe Silverman reports on the wrongful death and class action lawsuits filed by Anais’s parents against the makers of Monster Energy Drink. Their lawyer, Kevin Goldberg of Goldberg, Finnegan & Mester says if the company had used a warning label that individuals with underlying heart conditions should not consume energy drinks, Anais would not be dead today.

Signs You Are Headed for a Divorce [Video]

Are you asking yourself, “Is my marriage headed for a divorce?” Lawyers.com Editor-in-Chief Larry Bodine discusses the five major things that divorce lawyers say will kill a marriage. If you’re wondering whether differences with your partner are irreconcilable, our Lawyers.com video shows you the warning signs that it may be time to move on. Adultery is the number one cause of divorce. It’s something that couples find particularly difficult to recover from to move on to a healthy marriage.

Our Favorite Courtroom Movies [Video]

Can you recall what movie had the classic line “You can’t handle the truth!” Lawyers.com Editor-in-Chief Larry Bodine describes his favorite movies about the law and shares some interesting facts about them. He reviews Hollywood classics with moments you’ll probably remember if you’ve seen the films and adds his perspective through a legal lens: “A Few Good Men” – Larry revisits this military courtroom drama written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by Rob Reiner.

Crimes So Strange They’re Absurd [Video]

Lawyers.com Editor-in-Chief Larry Bodine tells the stories of five oddball crimes. You might even wonder whether some of these crooks wanted to get caught. How hard was it to crack these cases? Do criminals return to the scene of the crime? With one “repeat offender,” you may find it a bit surprising how soon and how often she liked to rob the same Massachusetts liquor store.

Exclusive Interview with Santa’s Lawyer [Video]

In a major news coup, Lawyers.com dispatched Editor-in-Chief Larry Bodine to an undisclosed location to get the first ever one-on-one interview with Santa Claus’ attorney. You’ll see why it’s not easy being the attorney for Kris Kringle, who gets into more than his share of legal entanglements.

   Celebs Demand a Plan to End Gun Violence [Video]

Hours after the National Rifle Association conference, more than 50 celebrities launched a public service announcement, “Demand a Plan to End Gun Violence.” A wide swath of big name entertainers such as the cast members of “Parks & Recreation,” Will Ferrell, Chris Rock, Paul Rudd, Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, Julianne Moore, Ellen DeGeneres, Jeremy Renner, John Hamm and Gwyneth Paltrow recorded the message. It advocates the immediate need for laws providing stricter gun control.

What to Do if You’re Busted for Shoplifting [Video]

The holidays all too often become not just a time for giving, but a season for taking. Last year about $1.8 billion worth of merchandise was stolen in the month leading up to “the most wonderful time of the year.” Lawyers.com reporter Matt H. Mayes shows you actual store security video, where you can watch the thief’s red-handed larceny.

Most Dangerous Toys of 2012 [Video]

Dangerous toys injure and kill, warns the president of a well-known consumer advocacy group. Be careful of what you read. The organization found toys advertised online with much younger age restrictions than the recommended ages printed on boxes.  With the holiday season upon us, you’ll want to be wary of the most dangerous toys of 2012.

Wacky and Bungled Criminal Cases [Video]

Lawyers.com Editor-in-Chief Larry Bodine reports on some odd-but-true cases that show crime doesn’t pay — especially when the crook’s fast moves are simply foolish moves. One criminal learned a lesson in Oklahoma: Don’t try to steal a car in the heart of rodeo country, unless you’re not afraid of a little rough justice.

Deadly Street Intersections [Video]

A black Lexus barreled though an intersection, killing a little girl who was crossing the street while holding her mother’s hand. Who was to blame for 4-year-old Maya Hirsch’s tragic death? Lawyers.com reporter John McCarthy investigated and found a surprising result that pointed to not only to the driver, but also to the City of Chicago.

Cockamamie Court Cases [Video]

At Lawyers.com, we bring you legal news you can use. This sometimes includes cases so strange that they go beyond bizarre. Editor-in-Chief Larry Bodine describes some true legal cases so odd that they’ll make you smile or even laugh out loud. One man achieved “Guinness Book of World Records” fame using the legal system.

 Know the Search Laws to Avoid a Pot Bust [Video]

The new laws legalizing marijuana in some states make an ounce of weed almost as easy to buy as a bottle of beer.  For example, voters in Colorado and Washington made recreational use of pot lawful, it’s still illegal in Oregon. Lawyers.com reporter Kate Stafford explains some of the legal rights of pot smokers. To avoid getting busted, it is essential that you know the laws of search and seizure.

Ways to Tell if Your Husband Is Cheating [Video]

Divorce. It’s often preceded by infidelity. Lawyers.com Editor-in-Chief Larry Bodine provides some basic tips on how you can tell if your husband is cheating on you. Here are actions you can take without hiring a private eye. There’s usually a multiplicity of trails that can lead an investigating spouse to the tell-tale signs of infidelity. Today’s social media and electronic communications are often areas where people reveal their cheating ways. 

Ask a Lawyer for Free on Lawyers.com [Video]

Meet Jim and Rhonda … They’re newlyweds interested in purchasing their first home and soon will be starting a family. They have lots of questions and are looking for legal advice they can trust… before they hire a lawyer. Fortunately, there’s Ask a Lawyer by Lawyers.com. The Lawyers.com “Ask a Lawyer” service is FREE.

Legal Minefield for Professionals in H1-B Visa [Video]

The H1-B visa application allows highly educated or highly skilled foreign nationals to work in the U.S. for six years — but it is a legal minefield. The application process is very complicated and can take up to several months, according to field producer Clare Major. Startup businesses, particularly software companies, are warring for talent and are eager to bring in job candidates from overseas.

Copyrighting Your Web Creations

When Venus the two-tone cat became an Internet sensation, her owner realized she should get a copyright lawyer. As reported by field producer Amber Statler-Matthews of Lawyers.com, the owner wanted to use the cat’s image to sell products and support animal rescue groups.

Craaazy State Laws

At Lawyers.com we report legal news consumers can use. Sometimes we hear some pretty unbelievable things — including wacky state laws that are odd, laughable and downright bizarre.

Do You Have the Roommate from Hell?

If you’ve had roommates, the chances are good you’ve had one from hell: leaves dirty dishes lying around, eats all your food, never chips in his or her share of the electric bill on time. A roommate agreement can protect you from an accursed living situation.

There’s Nothing Shameful About Filing for Bankruptcy

Roughly 1.4 million people file for bankruptcy per year — primarily because of a job loss or acatastrophic illness, according to Lawyers.com reporter Ed Alpern.

Accessing Your Family Member’s Facebook Account after They Die

What happens when your mom dies and the family wants to get access to her Facebook account? In today’s Lawyers.com broadcast, host Matt Plessner interviews Lawyers.com Editor in Chief Larry Bodine about gaining access to a family member’s Facebook, Twitter or Flickr account after the person has passed on. Following is a transcript of the podcast.

The Final Days of Prohibition for Marijuana

In this exclusive video report, Lawyers.com speaks with Keith Stroup, attorney and founder of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. Stroup says up to 50 percent of the annualarrests for pot possession could be eliminated by following a simple piece of advice: Don’t smoke weed your car.

You Can Go To Jail for Texting and Driving

Think again if you have a habit of texting while driving your car. A Massachusetts teenager was texting and as he drove down a street and crashed into another car, killing the driver and injuring the passenger. In Massachusetts, distracted driving is a crime.

Sickened by Asbestos, Mesothelioma Victims Awarded Billions

For decades the asbestos industry covered up the known danger that breathing asbestos causes mesothelioma, a fatal cancer that causes internal tumors. Lawyers.com Supervising Producer John McCarthy interviews attorney Kevin Conway of Chicago, who has handled mesothelioma cases for 40 years. 

Can You Badmouth Your Boss Online?

You have the right to call your employer an obscenity on Facebook, thanks to the National Labor Relations Act, which has been protecting the rights of workers since 1935, according to Larry Bodine, Editor in Chief of Lawyers.com. “I think you’ll be surprised how extensive your rights are,” Bodine says.

Haunting Legal News About Halloween

It’s time to patch the hole in the sidewalk before dozens of grade school children come to visit on Halloween. You wouldn’t want Little Johnny suffering a personal injury on your property, advises Larry Bodine, Editor in Chief of Lawyers.com.

Children Engulfed in Flames by Exploding Gas Cans

Millions of consumers in America own red plastic gas cans with a defect that causes them to explode in flames and immolate dozens of young children. The gas cans were made by Blitz USA and they lack a simple, inexpensive metal screen that arrests flames. Lawyers.com Supervising Producer John McCarthy reports the company refused to make their gas cans safe. Instead Blitz USA went bankrupt.

Learn How Lawyers.com Can Help You

Dealing with legal issues can be overwhelming. You could ask friends and family but some things are just too private to share. Fortunately, there’s Lawyers.com. We make it easy to find the legal information you need and the best lawyer for your situation — online and at your convenience.

Retirees Can Now Get Damages When Cheated Out of Benefits

You’ve worked hard for your employer for years, expecting the company’s pension plan to give you financial security when you retired. Think again. Many companies are now reneging on the promises made to employees and cheating them out of their hard-earned benefits. But you may have legal recourse.

Hidden Legal Traps in Deferred Action for Some Young Immigrants

Tens of thousands of young undocumented immigrants have rushed to apply under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) for a work permit and a guarantee against being deported. But immigration lawyers warn there are unexpected legal consequences for many people, and they advise applicants to take their time and file carefully, not quickly. 

5 Ways to Fight a Red Light Traffic Ticket

Traffic cameras seem to be everywhere, watching for any opportunity to harpoon drivers with expensive tickets. The spy cameras have generated multiple millions of dollars in traffic fines in many states and municipalities, but the technology is imperfect. Many drivers don’t realize there are ways to challenge these automated traffic cops. Lawyers.com Editor-in-Chief Larry Bodine outlines five things you should check if you receive a red light camera ticket.

You Do Have to Give Out Your Facebook Password in 48 States

Can your employer or potential employer require you to turn over your Facebook password? Unless you work in Maryland or Illinois, the answer is yes.

Three Criminal Law Rulings You Need to Know About Now

Big Brother has been using GPS tracking devices to keep an eye on citizens. You can be strip-searched for any arrestable offense, such as failing to wear a seat belt. Children are being sent to prison for life. Recent U.S. Supreme Court criminal law decisions have had a radical impact on your rights; it’s time you learned about them.

Eyewitness Identifications Lead to Wrongful Convictions

Convicting a defendant based on eyewitness testimony was often a sure thing for prosecutors, resulting in horrifying consequences for the wrongfully accused. Now recent evidence has shown eyewitness accounts to be extremely untrustworthy.

Estate Planning Essentials for LGBT Families

The Defense of Marriage Act has been ruled unconstitutional by two federal courts, but LGBT marriages have yet to receive federal recognition and the rights and protections that come with it. One area in which this impacts same-sex couples is estate planning and inheritance.

Docs v. Glocks Ruling Lets Physicians Ask About Guns

An outrageous Florida law forbidding doctors to discuss the dangers of gun ownership with their patients was recently struck down by a federal judge. Shockingly, the law, known informally as Docs v. Glocks, was originally passed by the state legislature without any evidence whatsoever supporting the claims made in the NRA-backed bill that doctors were infringing on their patients’ Second Amendment rights by asking if they owned guns.

Skecher Toner Shoes Cause Severe Injuries

Skechers claim their Toner shoes will tone leg muscles and help wearers lose weight. It was a lie. In truth, they inflict chronic injuries and cause dangerous falls.

Actos Diabetes Drug Increases Cancer Risk

Actos, a popular diabetes drug, has been shown to more than double the risk of bladder cancer in patients taking the medication.

Taking Away Consumer Rights with ‘Tort Reform’

The myth that depriving citizens of their right to seek justice will lower insurance premiums and decrease the cost of medical care has been exposed by a study of the results of tort reform laws in Texas. Lawyers.com Editor-in-Chief Larry Bodine interviews attorney Mary Alice McLarty, Chair of the American Association for Justice (AAJ) and an expert on these laws.

Pradaxa Causes Uncontrolled Bleeding

Pradaxa is meant to prevent strokes and blood clots in people at high risk. However,  it causes catastrophic, uncontrolled bleeding and even death in some patients.

Nexium and Prilosec Make Your Bones Brittle

Are you a longtime, daily user or Prilosec of Nexium? Have you recently suffered a broken bone or fracture? Your medicine could be the cause.

Denver Shootings Highlight Brady Campaign’s Call for Stricter Gun Laws

The horrific shooting of 70 people at the opening at a movie theater near Denver has put a renewed focus on calls for stricter guns laws, as advocated by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.

Know Your Rights as An Accused Noncitizen

What happens if you are an undocumented immigrant and you get arrested? You have more rights than you think. Immigration attorney Howard Silverman explains that even undocumented immigrants have certain legal protections.

Pursued by Police, Stupid Motorcyclist Posts Video of Chase Online

Canadian police are searching for a lunatic who posted a video of himself on YouTube flying down a crowded highway at 187 miles per hour on a motorcycle, endangering himself and every other vehicle on the road. The exploit is only one of many in which people have incriminated themselves by putting footage of illegal activity on the Internet. Rider identified but not yet apprehended Three Chicago teens arrested after they taped themselves beating a man to death.

Packing Heat Part 1: Open Carry Prevails in 28 States

The United States has a long history of gun ownership, and the right to keep and bear arms is one that is enshrined in the Constitution. The interpretation of this right, however, has grown increasingly contentious, particularly since the shooting of teenager Trayvon Martin earlier this year put so-called “Stand Your Ground” laws under the microscope.

‘Stand Your Ground’ Law Isn’t Making Anyone Safer

The deadly shooting of teenager Trayvon Martin earlier this year put Stand Your Ground laws under the microscope. These laws allow the use of deadly force as a means of self-defense without the obligation to attempt retreat from the threat first. Currently, 30 states have enacted some form of Stand Your Ground legislation, yet statistics show that such laws aren’t reducing crime rates or making citizens any safer.

How to Get a Green Card

Obtaining a green card is the goal of most immigrants to the U.S., but the process can be a lengthy and complicated one. One small mistake can jeopardize or even destroy your chances of ever being granted permanent residency.

$8M Settlement for Infant Killed by Wrong Transfusion

Shortly after baby Genesis Burkett was born in 2010, he was poisoned by a hospital pharmacy mistake that gave the infant a fatal IV bag of sodium. It was 60 times the prescribed dosage of his electrolyte transfusion.

Planning for Your Social Media Accounts When You Die

Facebook, MySpace and Twitter have become part of the fabric of daily life, but what happens to your passwords, posts and updates after you die? You may have your financial affairs in order, but you better make provisions for your digital demise.

Taking Away Consumer Rights with ‘Tort Reform’

The myth that depriving citizens of their right to seek justice will lower insurance premiums and decrease the cost of medical care has been exposed by a study of the results of tort reform laws in Texas. Lawyers.com Editor-in-Chief Larry Bodine interviews attorney Mary Alice McLarty, Chair of the American Association for Justice (AAJ) and an expert on these laws.

Dog Bites Injure Nearly 1 Million People a Year

In 2006, the Center for Disease Control reported that more than 800,000 people seek treatment fordog bites each year. Over 30,000 were so bad the victim required reconstructive surgery. That number has grown.