New Trucking Rule

Technology Trumps the Honor System, But Are We Safer? For years, the trucking industry has trusted and expected its truck drivers to report out-of-state convictions and traffic violations to the home state which issued their commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs).  However, a new rule from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) eliminated this reporting regulation and caused many to question which reporting method is better; trust or technology.

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Maryland Crime Victims: What to Do Following a Crime

Maryland crime victims often feel emotionally vulnerable following a crime and may not know how to proceed.  Feelings of anger, shame and fear are common.  Crime victims do not have to cope with these emotions alone.  Resources and assistance are available for crime victims and their families. The following are step by step instructions to help document the incident, as well as help establish the legal right to recover compensation…

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Civil Justice for Victims of Crime in Maryland

Keith S. Franz recently presented at two seminars held by the National Center for Victims of Crime. The Civil Justice for Victims of Crime seminar series explores how victims of crime can use civil lawsuits to obtain justice, hold responsible parties accountable, and obtain the financial resources they need to rebuild their lives.  The seminars are tailored to the laws of each state and cover crime topics including: Sexual assault Domestic…

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AFSL Sponsors Team CASA

AFSL was a Bronze Sponsor of Team CASA in the 2013 Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival which took place on Saturday, October 12. The Maryland Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) For Children Association was one of the many charities that raised money for their cause in the race.  Team CASA raised over $45,000 to help abused and neglected children find safe, permanent homes. In addition to its sponsorship, firm partner, Paul Schwab, volunteered as…

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Maryland’s Non-Economic Cap for Victims of Crime

   Causes of Action Arising [1] Personal Injury Cases Wrongful Death Cases ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 1, 2004 $650,000 [2] [3] [4] $650,000 – 1 claimant $975,500 – 2 or more claimants ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 1, 2005 $665,000 [5] $665,000 – 1 claimant $997,500 – 2 or more claimants ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 1, 2006 $680,000 $680,000 – 1 claimant $1,020,000 – 2 or more claimants ON OR AFTER OCTOBER…

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Maryland’s Wrongful Death Law

A Guide to Victim Centered Advocacy in Fatal Criminal Conduct Cases Below is an outline of a presentation given by firm partners Judson H. Lipowitz and Keith S. Franz.  The outline was written by Judson H. Lipowitz and Paul J. Schwab. Wrongful Death and Survival Action Law Outline I.  Wrongful Death Act: Cts. & Jud. Proc. §§ 3-901 – 3-904 A.  Qualified Beneficiaries 1.  Primary – Wrongful death actions are for…

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