Blog
Even Judges Have Trouble Keeping their Cellphones Silent in the Courtroom
Posted on October 10th, 2013 by Joe Pioletti
Having your cellphone ring during court is a major no-no. Many courthouses now flatly prohibit the public from bringing their cellphones in courthouses for fear of them going off. For those of us who have had our cellphones ring at inopportune times, it may make you feel good to know that even judges struggle with […]
Use of CLAT Trusts to Reduce Estate Tax Bill Flourish in Low Interest Rate Environment
Posted on September 17th, 2013 by Joe Pioletti
Charitable Lead Annuity Trusts, or CLAT trusts, have become a popular method for individuals to minimize their Federal Estate Tax bill. Sometimes referred to as “Jackie O” trusts after the former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s will called for one upon her death in 1994, these trusts have the ability to transfer money tax free to […]
Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Gun Sales Tracking Practice Upheld in 4 U.S. Border States
Posted on June 13th, 2013 by Joe Pioletti
A three-judge panel for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia upheld a practice by the ATF requiring gun dealers in 4 U.S. border-states to disclose details of certain gun sales in an effort to curb U.S. to Mexico gun trafficking. Beginning in 2011 the ATF began issuing so-called “demand letters” to […]
New US Supreme Court Decision Gives States the Green Light to Take DNA Samples Upon Arrest
Posted on June 12th, 2013 by Joe Pioletti
In a recent decision, a divided US Supreme Court voted 5-4 to uphold a Maryland law allowing authorities to take DNA samples from people who have been arrested. In doing so the justices rejected the claim that taking a mouth swab from a suspect’s mouth constituted an “unreasonable search” under the 4th amendment of the […]