Tag Archives: christian law association

Florida Boating Laws

Posted on August 25, 2012 by Blick Law

The waters of Florida are both a national and international resource alike, and recreational boating on these waters contributes to the well-being of both residents and visitors. As a result, boating laws are in place to protect the safety, aesthetics, and future of Florida’s waterways.

Florida law enforcement officers and Florida Wildlife officials patrol the waterways daily to ensure safety and compliance with boating laws. It is important while boating to be aware of the laws regulating waterway use, and be informed of what your responsibilities are.

By law, all watercraft operators are responsible for operating their vessel in a reasonable and prudent manner with regard for other vessel traffic, posted restrictions, the presence of a divers-down flag, and other circumstances so as not to endanger people or property. Non-compliance with the safety rules of the waterways can result in both non-criminal and criminal violations.

In Florida, laws against boating while impaired by alcohol or other drugs are as strict as those for driving a vehicle while impaired. Florida law prohibits anyone from boating under the influence (BUI). That is, it is illegal to operate any vessel or to manipulate any water skis, sailboard, or similar device while intoxicated due to alcohol or any combination of alcohol, a controlled substance, or drugs.

If you have been stopped while boating and need legal advice, call Blick Law Firm today. Schedule a free 15-minute appointment with attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick.

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Back to School: Bullying and Child Safety

Posted on August 21, 2012 by Blick Law

For many children, returning to school is an exciting time to reunite with old friends, meet new ones, and begin a fresh start in a new school year. However, for some children, school has become a place they have learned to despise because of exclusion and teenage bullying. In recent years, bullying has become a growing concern for parents and school officials alike.

The growing problem has gained visibility through horrible stories of verbal, physical, and even sexual abuse that has been taking place in schools all across the United States.

In response, Congress has sought to enact the Safe Schools Improvement Act to implement anti-bullying measures which would require U.S. schools to report bullying and to provide intervention and prevention programs. The U.S. Department of Education has also issued guidance to schools, colleges, and universities, making it clear that schools have not just a moral responsibility, but a legal responsibility, to protect all students from harassment and bullying.

The Department of Education has also launched the website StopBullying.gov to provide information to school officials, parents, and children on what is being done to prevent bullying, and what to do in the event your child becomes a victim.

If you need advice, or are concerned about abuse at your child’s school, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840 and schedule a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick!

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Secured vs. Unsecured Loans

Posted on August 20, 2012 by Blick Law

Many people, when going through Bankruptcy, have common questions about the different terms encountered while going through the Bankruptcy process. Understanding the difference between Unsecured and Secured Debt can be confusing, and it is important to be well informed when considering whether or not to file for Bankruptcy.

Secured Debt is debt that has a security interest or collateral tied to the agreement, whereby creditors can repossess or foreclose on the collateral if the debtor fails to pay back the loan. Common examples of Secured Debt are home mortgages or car loans; in the event the debtor cannot pay the amount owed, the loan is secured by the ability of the creditor to repossess the home or the car.

On the other hand, unsecured debt is debt that has no collateral attached to the agreement. Instead, unsecured creditors generally rely on your credit score and issue credit based on good faith that you will repay the amount loaned. Common examples of unsecured debt are credit card bills, medical bills, and utilities bills.

Upon filing for Bankruptcy, most Unsecured Debt is discharged with the exception of Student Loans, Child Support and Alimony Payments, Court Fines, DUI judgments against the debtor, and debts incurred by Fraud. The discharge of unsecured debt is a primary benefit of filing for Bankruptcy, and comes along with an Automatic Stay against creditors pursuing their collection efforts.

Understand that filing for Bankruptcy is a complex process with important benefits, consequences, and alternatives to consider. In the event you are considering Bankruptcy, call Blick Law Firm today for help at (813) 931-0840. Schedule a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick!

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Police Stops, Detained vs. Arrested

Posted on August 16, 2012 by Blick Law

When confronted by police, people often become nervous because they are unsure if they may be in violation of some ordinance or law. The difference between merely being detained by police and arrested creates different limitations to your rights. It is important to understand what you can do. Police may stop you, and it is not considered an arrest if you are just briefly detained.

A detainment occurs when an officer stops and questions a person of interest, generally for a shorter period of time, and requires less than “probable cause” to make a detainment. An officer can detain anyone if they have a “reasonable suspicion” that the person committed or was involved in any criminal activity.

In the event you are stopped for questioning, it is important to remain calm, be polite, keep your hands visible at all times, and do not attempt to flee. You do have the right to remain silent, however, it is best to identify yourself first and then notify the officer that you are exercising your right to silence.

If you are unsure of the situation, you can ask the officer why you have been detained and if you are under arrest. If at that time you are not under arrest, you have the right to leave. If the officer proceeds to arrest you, you have the right to speak to a Criminal Defense Attorney.

An arrest occurs only upon a determination of “probable cause”, this means the officer must have more than just a “suspicion”, the officer must have a “reasonable belief” that you committed a crime. Once the arrest is made, an officer can lawfully conduct a search incident to arrest of your person for weapons, evidence, and contraband. At this point, the officer can hold you in jail for up to 24 hours or until a warrant is issued for the charges.

Anytime you are stopped and arrested it is important to quickly consult a Criminal Attorney regarding your rights and advice on what you should do. If you have been arrested for a criminal offense, or even issued a citation for a traffic violation, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840 to schedule an appointment for a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick!

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2012 London Olympic Games Influence: Young Athletes, Injury, and Overuse

Posted on August 15, 2012 by Blick Law

Throughout the course of the Summer London 2012 Olympic Games, millions of people have enjoyed the spirit of competition and the thrill of victory. At a young age, competition in various sports and games is common and important throughout the development of a child.

With the growing problem of childhood obesity and unhealthy diet habits, some parents have encouraged increased participation in sports and activities. This is great to develop healthy exercise habits in children and maintain a competitive spirit that they can continue into their adult lives.

However, some children are pushed to heightened levels of performance that their growing bodies many times cannot handle, and begin to wear down quickly. In growing proportion, children are developing early onset cases of Arthritis and Tendonitis, and even examples of Tendon Transplants for elbow injuries to young baseball pitchers has been required for children as young as 10 years old. While it is important for parents to ensure their children stay active, it is vital to monitor young athletes and avoid injury from overuse.

At Blick Law firm we handle a variety of injury cases, and we pride ourselves on Helping the Hurting. If you or a loved have been injured and need advice, call Blick Law Firm today at (813)931- 0840 to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick!

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Pedestrian Safety, A Florida Problem

Posted on August 14, 2012 by Blick Law

Florida leads the country in pedestrian deaths each year, and this statistic has become a major concern for the Florida Department of Transportation. According to an annual study by nonprofit organization Transportation for America, Florida includes four of the five most dangerous metropolitan areas in the country for pedestrians and bikers…. and the Tampa area is listed as number two.

Under Florida Law, drivers are required to come to a complete STOP when approaching a pedestrian cross-walk. However, many cross-walk signs do not notify motorists of their obligation to stop, and most drivers interpret cross-walk signs as a notice to YIELD to pedestrians. This misinformation creates a dangerous miscommunication between driver and pedestrian, and has led to many fatal and life-altering personal injury accidents.

While laws are in place to protect pedestrians from motorists, Florida law also maintains that pedestrians have an obligation to be responsible and cognizant of their surroundings when utilizing the roadways. Among the factors contributing to the increased pedestrian death in Florida is a lack of awareness by both motorists and pedestrians. As a result, it is important to stay educated about the potential safety hazards while walking, biking, and driving on Florida roadways. Unfortunately for many people, roadway safety concerns are not fully appreciated until disaster hits close to home.

If you, or your family have been a victim of a personal injury accident call Blick Law firm at (813) 931-0840 to learn about your rights. Schedule an appointment today for a free case evaluation with Attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick!

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