Spring has Sprung – Here are some driving tips for springtime.
Spring will arrive this year tomorrow morning, March 20 at 5:37 AM. That means longer days and warmer weather. Spring also means no more snow- and ice-covered roads. Since we don’t have to worry about sliding on slick roads or getting stuck in snowstorms, most drivers assume that better weather makes for safer driving conditions. Spring brings a number of new hazards to the road that drivers need to pay…
Read MoreMaryland State Police report to over 150 crashes as winter storm moves through
According to the Maryland State Police, many crashes were reported throughout Maryland Thursday morning, February 18, as a winter storm moved through the area. Between 4 AM and 12 PM Thursday, state troopers responded to more than 150 crashes and nearly 400 calls for service. They also responded to over 90 calls for disabled or unattended vehicles. Maryland State Police are urging drivers to proceed with caution as road conditions…
Read MoreTop mistakes to avoid after a car accident
Auto accidents can shake you up and getting injured can turn your life upside down. During these unanticipated, stressful times, it is important to understand that avoiding a few mistakes after an accident is crucial to ensuring that your rights are protected and the compensation you deserve is recoverable. Azrael Franz has represented thousands of clients injured in collisions. Although every accident and injury is different, there are a few mistakes…
Read MoreAmtrak engineer’s appeal is denied.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court recently denied Brandon Bostian’s appeal seeking review of a lower court’s reinstatement of all charges brought against him for his role in a high-speed derailment in Philadelphia that killed eight people. The derailment occurred in May 2015, when the New York-bound train jumped the track as it rounded a curve at more than twice the 50 mph speed limit. National Transportation Safety Board investigators concluded that…
Read MoreNew Maryland Laws Taking Effect January 2021
On January 1, 2021, Marylanders awoke to several new laws that took effect. Some of the more notable changes are: Minimum Wage Increase: For most, the law that will have the most impact is the minimum wage bill. Starting January 1, 2021, the minimum wage increased from $11.00 an hour and will go up to $11.60 or $11.75, depending on the business. Organizations with at least 15 employees will…
Read MoreHere’s what you need to know about the new COVID-19 Economic Relief Bill.
After an eight-month test of endurance, Congress passed, and President Trump signed into law, a $900 billion COVID-19 relief along with a $1.4 trillion government funding package. Here are the key takeaways: Direct Payments The legislation, officially named the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, authorizes a second round of economic-impact payments, following the checks Americans received in the spring and summer. Households will receive $600 for each adult and $600 for…
Read MoreOver 20 people hospitalized after explosion at Baltimore City BGE high-rise
The Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD) has reported there was an explosion with a partial roof collapse in the Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) building at West Fayette and Liberty this morning, December 23rd, around 8:30 AM. The explosion was loud and powerful enough to shake neighboring buildings. BCFD officials said that as many as 23 victims were rescued from the building and at least 21 were taken to the…
Read MoreEstate Planning for LGBTQ+ Couples
Proper estate planning is vital for anyone who wishes to protect his or her assets and loved ones, but it is potentially more critical for same-sex couples and families, due in part to the passage of marriage equality laws. Estate planning for the LGBTQ+ community has long been a special challenge. A turning point came in in 2015 with the Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, where same-sex marriage…
Read MoreImportant information regarding 2021 tax filing season.
2021 Extension System is Live Today, the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) announced that its free 2021 Annual Report Extension System is live, which allows businesses to extend their filing deadline from April 15 to June 15, 2021. Annual Report “Blackout” Period Scheduled In preparation for the 2021 filing season, the SDAT will be disabling online submissions of all Annual Reports from noon on December 31 through…
Read MoreAzrael Franz continues its fight for justice for the Davis family as Baltimore City is set to pay out more than $10 million in Gun Trace Task Force settlements
According to a Memo from Dana P. Moore, Baltimore’s Acting City Solicitor, Baltimore City is set to pay out more than $10 million to settle lawsuits related to the now infamous Gun Trace Task Force (GTTF). Most notably, the settlements call for Umar Burley and Brent Matthews to be paid almost $8 million. On December 10, 2020, less than one month after being awarded nearly $8 million, Burley was arrested…
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