Tag Archives: veterans

Bankruptcy Filing Tampa

Posted on February 13, 2013 by Blick Law

Bankruptcy is a complex area of law and involves many considerations, including whether to file, determining which type of Bankruptcy to file, the use of exemptions, understanding the protections of the Bankruptcy Code and using them to your advantage.

Many people utilize bankruptcy as a strategy for resolving unmanageable debt. Today, it is more common than most realize and can be a refreshing solution to a debt-ridden life.

Bankruptcy advantages and alternatives to consider:

Elimination of Debt: The main advantage to filing for bankruptcy is the discharge of most debt. The discharge totally eliminates the obligation to pay many types of debt including your credit card debt, old medical bills, utilities bills, unsecured loans, pay day loans, and most other types of unsecured debt. ***Note: Certain types of debt cannot be avoided by filing for bankruptcy including Student Loans, Child Support and Alimony Payments, Court Fines, DUI judgments against the debtor, and debts incurred by Fraud.

Avoid Creditor Harassment: Once a debtor files for bankruptcy, there is an automatic stay on the collection of debt and most creditors must terminate their collection efforts immediately. The stay is an automatic court order that prohibits all sorts of collection attempts by creditors, and postpones most actions against the debtor, including repossessions, garnishments or attachments, utility shutoffs, foreclosures, and evictions.

Get a Fresh Start: You will be able to pay the things that are important to you, and begin rebuilding your credit in peace!

Alternatives to Consider: Bankruptcy is not the only method of dealing with insurmountable debt, and other methods may be more advantageous for your particular situation. Such alternatives may include an out-of-court settlement with creditors, reduction of payments to creditors, consolidation of debts, or payment of debts by sale of assets or borrowing on assets. However, the availability of these methods varies depending on the severity of your financial difficulties, and also requires cooperation from creditors.

If you are having trouble meeting your debt obligations, consult an experienced Tampa Bankruptcy attorney to discuss your options.

Call Blick Law Firm today at  813-931-0840 . Make an appointment for a free 15 minute consultation with Michael Blickensderfer to see if Bankruptcy is right for you.

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El Capítulo 7de Bancarrota en Tampa

Posted on February 7, 2013 by Blick Law

Una Bancarrota del capítulo 7 es una manera útil de descargar la mayoría de las deudas y puede aliviar la carga de acreedor colección intentos.  El Capítulo 7 de la Bancarrota está generalmente disponible cuando el deudor tiene pocas propiedades aparte de las necesidades básicas como muebles y ropa; el deudor tiene dificultad para hacer los pagos de gastos básicos y queda muy poco dinero después de hacerlo. Hoy, muchas personas utilizan la bancarrota como una estrategia para resolver la deuda inmanejable. En los días de hoy , la bancarrota es más común que la mayoría de las personas se dan cuenta y puede ser un refrescante solución a una vida de endeudados.

Capítulo 7 Bancarrota es un procedimiento de liquidación por el que el deudor se vuelca todos los bienes no exentos al síndico de la quiebra que se convierte entonces en efectivo para pagar a los acreedores. Generalmente dentro de cuatro meses el deudor recibe entonces una descarga de todas las deudas descargables. Generalmente, estas deudas descargables incluyen su deuda de tarjeta de crédito, viejas facturas médicas, cuentas de utilidades, préstamos no garantizados, préstamos de día de pago y muchos otros tipos de deuda no asegurada.

La ventaja al capítulo 7 de Bancarrota es que su deuda no sea asegurada o completamente eliminada, el proceso es bastante rápido, y la suspensión automática que ocurre después de la presentación prohíbe a los acreedores haciendo esfuerzos de colección.

Es importante tener en cuenta que mientras la bancarrota del capítulo 7 en última instancia puede aliviar a un deudor de la carga de la deuda no asegurada insuperable, es un proceso que requiere la producción de varios documentos y preparación tediosa. Cuanto más preparado es el deudor, el proceso más transparente se convierte.

Bancarrota es un área compleja de la ley e implica muchas consideraciones, incluyendo si se va a presentar, determinar qué tipo de bancarrota para presentar, el uso de exenciones, entender las protecciones de la bancarrota y utilizarlas para su ventaja.

Sea cual sea su situación, obtener consulta legal de calidad con un abogado  de bancarrota es beneficioso. Contacta con Blick Law Firm hoy al (813) 931-0840. Programe una consulta gratis de 15 minutos con el abogado Michael Blickensderfer para evaluar qué opción es mejor para usted. Piensa rápido, llame a Blick!

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Drinking and Driving

Posted on February 5, 2013 by Blick Law

On a daily basis, Florida drivers receive DUI’s and face obvious and hidden consequences that can have a wide reaching personal impact. When a person is charged with a DUI, the consequences may include:

  • License Suspension
  • Drastic Insurance Increases; especially when required to obtain FR-44 insurance coverage
  • Complications with Employment; both present and future
  • Driving Restrictions that require additional costs such as an Interlock Device installed in your vehicle for a period of 6 months, 1 year, or even 2 years, depending on your situation
  • Probation
  • Legal Fees and Court Costs

These consequences contribute to a multitude of difficulties that one faces when battling a DUI charge. It is important to fully understand and appreciate the severity of possible consequences associated with DUI, and always take all possible steps to avoid Driving Under the Influence.

DUI, or Driving Under the Influence, generally refers to a person who has physical control of a vehicle while that person’s normal faculties are impaired by any type of drug, including alcohol, illicit drugs, and even prescription medication. Therefore, if you are under the influence of drugs other than alcohol and are in actual physical control of a vehicle, you can still potentially be charged with a DUI.

In Florida, a blood alcohol level of .08 or more constitutes alcohol impairment beyond the legal limit. However, a police officer may still arrest you for a lower blood alcohol concentration (BAC) if they suspect that your normal faculties are impaired while operating a motor vehicle. Having a BAC under a .08 will increase your chances of overcoming the DUI conviction, but you may still be arrested and endure several hassles that go along with combating a DUI charge.

Police officers will pull drivers over for a number of traffic offenses, even minor ones, and initiate immediate conversation to determine the potential impairment of the driver. To assess the physical signs of impairment, Police will be looking for the ability to maintain eye contact, slurred speech, the smell of alcohol on a driver’s breath, or bloodshot eyes.

Know that your behavior once you’re pulled over is being scrutinized immediately, especially when pulled over late in the evening or after leaving a bar. Therefore, being polite, answering questions respectfully, and not making legal arguments is in your best interest.

While it is your right to not answer any questions without a lawyer present, not doing so will certainly raise the officer’s suspicion and they will likely investigate further. It is wise to answer questions vaguely and avoid delving into specifics, including any amount of alcohol you have consumed, or that you just left a party, bar, or football game.

If the Police are suspicious, they will tell you to exit the vehicle, and you must. However, you may refuse to submit to any sobriety tests conducted. Even if you think you can pass the sobriety exercises, it is likely in your best interest to politely refuse because the officer determines whether you passed based solely on their own judgment. Know that you always have the right to contact an attorney before you submit to any test.

If you are charged with DUI, it is important to seek legal counsel immediately! Call Blick Law Firm today at 813-931-0840. Make an appointment for a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer to determine what your options are moving forward.

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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Tampa

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Blick Law

A Chapter 7 Bankruptcy filing is a useful way to discharge of most debt, and can relieve the burden of creditor collection attempts. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is generally available when the debtor has little property aside from the basic necessities like furniture and clothing; and the debtor has difficulty making payments on basic expenses, or has very little money left after doing so. Today, many people utilize bankruptcy as a strategy for resolving unmanageable debt. Today, filing for Bankruptcy is more common than most people realize and can be a refreshing solution to a debt-ridden life.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is a liquidation proceeding whereby the debtor turns over all non-exempt property to the bankruptcy trustee who then converts it to cash to pay off the creditors. Usually within four months the debtor then receives a discharge of all dischargeable debts. Usually, these dischargeable debts include your credit card debt, old medical bills, utilities bills, unsecured loans, pay day loans, and most other types of unsecured debt.

The advantage to filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is that your unsecured debt is completely eliminated, the process is fairly quick, and the automatic stay that takes place after filing prohibits creditors from making collection efforts.

It is important to be aware that while Chapter 7 Bankruptcy may ultimately relieve a debtor of the burden of insurmountable unsecured debt, it is a process that requires the production of several documents and tedious preparation. The more prepared the debtor is, the more seamless the process becomes.

Bankruptcy is a complex area of law and involves many considerations, including whether to file, determining which type of Bankruptcy to file, the use of exemptions, understanding the protections of the Bankruptcy Code and using them to your advantage.

No matter what your situation is, obtaining quality legal consultation from an experienced bankruptcy attorney is beneficial. Contact Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840. Schedule a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer to assess what option is best for you. Think quick, call Blick!

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Increase in Personal Injury Claims

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Blick Law

Over the past couple of years there has been an increasing trend in the number of personal injury claims. A personal injury claim arises when a party suffers an injury with lasting consequences as a result of the actions of another party. The recent rising trend of injury claims is attributable to various reasons.

One reason is that injury victims are finding it easier to file claims in a market that offers no fee for cases that result in no recovery. Legal fees associated with personal injury claims are paid on a contingency basis; as a result, the standard is that attorneys offer to represent injury victims with payment for services contingent upon a recovery settlement. While this type of arrangement may encourage injured claimants to file suit more readily, it is important to recognize that the recovery is tapered by the legitimacy and extent of the injury.

The rise in personal injury claims is also attributable to various products that were negligently released to the public, and have caused serious and even life threatening effects.

Media coverage and an overall heightened awareness of the availability of insurance compensation for injuries have also encouraged injury victims to pursue recovery for injuries sustained through the actions or negligence of another person or company. Furthermore, while auto accidents haven’t increased in frequency over the past couple of years, the number of claims arising out of auto accidents has risen likely due to the publicity of auto accident injury recovery; and the recent trend may also suggest that motorists are more likely to seek compensation for insurance coverage that they are mandated to pay, even for marginal injuries.

Personal injury claims all vary in severity, and often times they involve lifelong consequences that require extensive future medical expenses and years of pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the actions or negligence of another, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick!

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Gasparilla Parade Arrests

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Blick Law

Tampa’s annual Gasparilla parade returns this weekend! As most Tampa natives know, the Gasparilla parade celebration brings the entire community together in an all day festival inspired by the legend of Jose Gaspar. The main parade attracts upwards of 300,000 people each year; and as most people know, the festivities surrounding the event lead many to get carried away with their celebrations. According to reports from prior Gasparilla parades, hundreds of arrests are made each year for open container violations; numerous citations are issued for various civil infractions and dozens of people are arrested for other alcohol related criminal offenses, especially Disorderly Conduct, DUI, Boating Under the Influence, and Underage Drinking.

It is important to be responsible and avoid potential arrests during and after the Gasparilla festivities. Make your arrangements ahead of time to get home safely, and ensure the safety of others. Additionally, the City of Tampa recommends you:

  • Plan your day in Advance – Save time by planning where you will park and the route you plan to take.
  • Pick a meeting place – Select a spot where others in your party will know to return in the event you get separated.
  • Know the “Wet Zones” – The parade route allows participants to drink alcohol openly, but only from vendors selling along the route. No coolers, kegs or open containers are allowed elsewhere on the streets; and absolutely no glass containers.

In the event you are arrested during the Gasparilla parade, it is important to quickly consult a Criminal Attorney regarding your rights and advice on what you should do. Call Blick Law Firm immediately 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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