Austin, TX Attorneys, Lawyers and Law Firms

U.S. Reps. Andrea Salinas and Suzanne Bonamici from Oregon have joined fellow Democrats in urging the Biden administration to provide DACA recipients with essential information regarding their new health care access under the Affordable Care Act. The representatives emphasized the need for effective outreach from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to facilitate enrollment and reduce barriers. With the potential for over 100,000 individuals to gain coverage, the lawmakers are advocating for clear pathways to navigate the civil litigation complexities that may arise in employment contexts. The final rule allowing DACA recipients to apply goes into effect on November 1, and its success relies on minimizing enrollment obstacles. As the future of DACA remains uncertain, these efforts aim to secure access to health insurance for vulnerable populations in Oregon.

Senator Ron Wyden addressed local entrepreneurs at Ninkasi Brewing Co. in Oregon, promoting his tax relief legislation designed to aid small businesses and families. The bipartisan Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act includes valuable research and development tax credits, which could significantly boost the state's economy. Experts like Lauren Lanahan from the University of Oregon highlighted potential economic benefits, while local business owners like Jacques Zaneveld emphasized the bill's positive impact on their funding for innovation. Wyden faces challenges from Republican leaders regarding the timely passage of this crucial package.

A sentence of life imprisonment looms for Darius Lovings after the jury found him liable for the death of William Ervin in 2012.

Court heard that Lovings had shot Ervin when the latter stopped to help him while he was pretending to have car trouble.

Austin criminal lawyer Jon Evans had asked the jury to consider that mental health issues have been at play during the incident.

Lovings had told the police after his arrest that he had heard voices.

Aside from Ervin's death, Lovings is also facing charges of robbery and attempted murder.

Ken Anderson, the former District Attorney of Williamson County, was meted with a 10-day jail term after the judge accepted his no-contest plea for the charge of contempt of court.

The charge steamed from the wrongful conviction of Michael Morton who was found guilty for the murder of his wife in 1986 and was sentenced to life imprisonment.

However, in 2011, Morton's conviction was overturned using DNA as proof that he did not kill his wife.

In the light of that development, Anderson, who had prosecuted Morton's case, was scrutinized and was determined to have erred when he withheld evidence which would have been beneficial for Morton's defense.

Aside from the short jail stay, Anderson will also have to give up his license as a lawyer and as part of the plea bargain, he will also be disbarred for five years.

Austin attorney Eric Nichols, however, pointed out that there will be no conviction for Anderson on any criminal charge.

Morton, for his part, said he is more than happy with the result because all he wanted was for Anderson not to practice law anymore to prevent what happened to him from happening to anyone else again.

Anderson was also fined and made to do community service.

A jury found Thomas Trent Atkinson, a man tagged by prosecutors as a pimp, guilty of murdering Alejandro "Alex" Hernandez Jr. and is facing life imprisonment.

Court heard that Hernandez had picked up a sex worker but had later dropped her off when they couldn't agree on her fee.

Hernandez was later found dead. He was beaten and had a gunshot wound on his back.

The jury believed in the witness, the same sex worker whom Hernandez picked up, who said that she had seen Atkinson shoot Hernandez.

Atkinson's lawyer, Keith Lauerman, a criminal attorney in Austin, tried to discredit the woman but prosecutors said her claims were not baseless.

They added that she did not hide who she was to the jurors even admitting her love for Atkinson.

A week-long crackdown by the Hartford Police Department has led to the arrest of 32 individuals and the seizure of multiple caches of illicit drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine, and MDMA, as well as 24 guns, including "ghost" rifles. The operation, which involved over 10 search warrants, also yielded $23,240 in cash. Hartford police said the effort is part of a broader push to combat crime in the city. Local lawyer Mark Sherman and State Senator Matthew Lesser were not directly involved in the operation but have called for increased funding for law enforcement. The arrests bring attention to the ongoing struggle with substance abuse and traffic-related offenses in the region surrounding Hartford, CT.

A new nonprofit organization has been established in New Haven, Connecticut, to convert blighted properties into affordable housing units. The New Haven Land Bank will be led by Serena Neal-Sanjurjo, former director of the city's anti-blight Livable City Initiative, and will work with local officials including Mayor Justin Elicker to address the city's shortage of affordable housing. With an initial $5 million in funding from the state's Urban Act Grant, the Land Bank aims to purchase dilapidated buildings, fund their redevelopment into housing, and transfer the properties to local housing nonprofits. The move is a step towards addressing New Haven's civil litigation surrounding affordable housing issues.

The nearly $3 billion Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project in New Orleans has ignited debates over its economic implications, as stakeholders weigh the benefits against community concerns. Proponents like Simone Maloz emphasize the expected job creation and tax revenue, while critics, including oysterman Mitch Jurisich, raise alarms about potential long-term damage to local industries. As legal challenges threaten the project's progress, local officials seek resolutions that balance restoration needs with environmental safety. The outcome may significantly impact real estate values and civil litigation in the region.

The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public input on a proposed ban of motor vehicle access to two beach areas near Pacific City, Oregon, specifically Tierra Del Mar and Cape Kiwanda, citing safety and preservation concerns. OPRD is promoting this initiative to improve beach quality and reduce risks associated with vehicle traffic, particularly during shorebird nesting seasons. Public comments can be submitted until 5 p.m., February 12, 2021. This move may resonate with residents and legal professionals involved in civil litigation and real estate law, as it impacts coastal access rights. Comments can be made online or at an upcoming virtual hearing on January 28, 2021.

Recent tragedies along the Oregon coast highlight critical safety issues for residents and visitors. Two traffic-related deaths occurred on Highway 6 and Highway 18, as Gene Carlson, 66, and a 21-year-old Dayton man lost their lives in separate accidents, raising concerns over driving risks. Additionally, a California man, Steve Allen, was presumed dead after a surfing mishap at the Devil's Churn near Yachats, Oregon, emphasizing the dangers of recreational activities. Oregon State Police urge heightened awareness in both personal injury law and traffic regulations, particularly as summer crowds decrease. Community members are encouraged to prioritize safety while navigating the beautiful but perilous Oregon coastline.