Monday, December 29, 2014

Former Utah TV pitchman ordered back to court

A judge is summoning back to court a former Utah TV pitchman accused of kicking an owl in flight while riding his motorized paraglider.

Authorities say in court documents filed Tuesday that 45-year-old Dell "Super Dell" Schanze hasn't shown that he has no guns, a condition of his release.

Federal Judge Brooke Wells ordered Schanze to court Dec. 30.

Defense attorney Kent Hart says Schanze has been unable to schedule a time for officials to inspect his house.

Schanze was handcuffed this month for interrupting a court hearing in a separate case and saying it was unconstitutional to bar the defendant from having guns.

Schanze later agreed to give up weapons in his own case.

He pleaded not guilty to charges involving harassing wildlife and pursuing a migratory bird.

NY court: Argentina must disclose to US creditors

Argentina and various banks must reveal information about the nation's assets to U.S. bondholders who are owed about $1.5 billion, a federal appeals court said Tuesday, though the panel cautioned a judge that a sovereign state is entitled to grace and civility and some records may be off limits.
 
The ruling by a three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals gives a green light to lawyers for bondholders who refused to trade their holdings for bonds worth less than half as much after Argentina in 2001 defaulted on $100 billion of debt.

U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Griesa had allowed the lawyers to pursue records from Argentina and related entities, including banks.

The appeals court said his discretion over what must ultimately be turned over is delicate, especially when it affects Argentina's diplomatic and military affairs.

It said it might not be possible for Griesa to review documents regarding diplomatic or military issues on his own to determine if they are relevant. The appeals panel said he should be "effective and respectful" as he handles the sensitive aspects of the document review.

The ruling came after U.S. hedge funds that hold Argentina bonds won judgments requiring that they be paid. The hedge funds claim Argentina defaulted on $1.5 billion they are owed after moving assets far and wide to hide them from creditors.

Argentina said in court papers it is being harassed by the hedge funds.

It said the requests for information concern property and finances of the republic's military and diplomatic core, over 100 separate entities and top republic officials including its current and former presidents.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Massachusetts Real Estate Attorney

For more than 30 years, Attorney Alan H. Segal has been lending legal expertise to the Greater Boston Massachusetts area from his Needham, Massachusetts Law Office. With great attentiveness, Alan and his associates have given legal consultation in business law, estate planning, and Massachusetts real estate law.

You can find Alan on the radio, cable, and local television sharing his ideas about current legal news. Navigating your way through the legal system can be a confusing and difficult task. He and his staff know that and want to be there for you as "YOUR LAWYER".

To visit the Law Office of Alan H. Segal, head to the intersection of Highland Ave and Route 128/95 on the Newton / Needham border, next to Staples.

Attorney Alan H. Segal has been known as a renowned Massachusetts real estate attorney for over 30 years. Sellers, buyers, and lenders of Massachusetts real estate property are all represented by his practice.

It is prudent to seek the guidance of a real estate agent like Alan to help with all real estate home buying in Massachusetts, as all such transactions have legal issues and tax consequences.

If you need an experienced Massachusetts real estate attorney contact us today for a free and confidential consultation!

Aggressive Securities Arbitration Services

Conway & Conway law firm, located in New York, are impassioned about representing public customers and industry professionals all over the world with a team of devoted futures, securities, and commodities arbitration attorneys. Constantly keeping abreast of developing and current regulatory reforms, U.S. securities laws, and other topics of interest to professionals and investors, our firm is responsive and agile. We are large enough to handle many cases and simultaneously provide personalized service to each client for their futures, securities, or commodities case.

Founded in 1988, Conway & Conway has been a successful New York City securities arbitration law firm, yielding fantastic results in securities arbitration cases from their 565 Fifth Avenue headquarters.

At Conway & Conway, the firm's attorneys have the know-how to deal with litigation and business counseling. At all points of negotiation and acquisition, along with wrongful termination and other corporate matters, we have advocated on behalf of our corporate clients. In addition to corporate clients, the firm works with commercial clients in all types of commercial and business litigation as well.

In the financial services industry, Conway & Conway gives exceptional legal counsel to the public. Whether its investors in dispute or issues with registered representatives and other associates, they have the high-caliber legal counsel to help. Fraud lawyers at the firm are well-versed in all things concerning the laws that apply to the securities and futures industries.

The commodity merchant attorneys at Conway & Conway provide litigation and arbitration services for international commodity merchants related to trade disputes. Their extensive trial experience, combined with a unique familiarity with the commodities industry foreign exchange and futures markets, enables Conway & Conway dedicated commodity arbitration attorneys to resolve serious commodity trade disputes in a timely and cost-effective manner.

For international commodity merchants, the commodity merchant attorneys at Conway & Conway administer arbitration and litigation services pertinent to trade disputes.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

The Davis Law Group, PLLC

The Davis Law Group, PLLC (Southfield MI Criminal Defense Lawyer) is an aggressive criminal defense firm. We handle cases throughout the Metro Detroit area including Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County. Our attorneys are former prosecutors and have handled cases ranging from minor traffic violations to homicide offenses.
Having gone through numerous trials, our attorneys know the Metro Detroit courtrooms and the procedures they follow. This works as a major advantage for our clients as we are able to fight against the evidence and change the course of where your life is headed. We are dedicated and willing to do what it takes to get a successful outcome in your case.
We concentrate on defending our clients’ constitutional rights both in and out of the courtroom. If you or a love one has been charged with a crime you know your freedom is on the line. You need as experienced attorney that can get results.
Available 7 days a week 24 hours a day for free phone consultations. For urgent matters we always have at least one attorney on call.
The Davis Law Group, PLLC
27600 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 215
Southfield, MI 48034

Legislature heads to court on education finance

The Washington Supreme Court is marking the beginning of school with a mandatory assembly for the Legislature on education finance. The court has ordered lawmakers to come to court on Wednesday to explain why they haven't followed its orders to fix the way Washington pays for public education. Lawmakers, the governor and others say the court needs to be patient and give the Legislature more time to fulfil the orders in the 2012 McCleary decision. Thomas Ahearne, the attorney for the coalition that sued the state over education funding, says the Legislature has made so little progress toward meeting the goal that only more pressure from the court will make it happen. The McCleary decision said lawmakers are not meeting their constitutional responsibility to fully pay for basic education and they are relying too much on local tax-levy dollars to balance the education budget. The court commended the Legislature for passing some reforms in the K-12 system and for starting to pay for them. The McCleary decision orders the Legislature to finish paying for the reforms, which may add more than $4 billion to the state's biennial budget, according to some government estimates. The Legislature was given until the 2017-18 school year to fix the problem. Among the reforms awaiting payment: all-day kindergarten in every school; more instructional hours for high school students to help them earn 24 credits to graduate; pupil transportation fully supported by state dollars; a new formula for school staffing levels, smaller classes in the lower grades; and more state support for school equipment and supplies.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

California high court strikes measure from ballot

The California Supreme Court on Monday blocked an advisory measure backed by Democrats from the November ballot. By a 5-1 vote, the court ordered the removal of Proposition 49, which would have asked voters if they want a federal constitutional amendment to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court's so-called Citizens United ruling allowing unlimited corporate spending in elections. The majority opinion said no harm will come from removing the nonbinding measure while courts determine its validity. The court said it would consider the issue in more detail in September. Writing separately, Justice Goodwin Liu agreed with the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, an anti-tax group that filed a lawsuit seeking to remove the measure from the ballot. The group argued that advisory measures are not a proper use of the ballot. Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye said she would have allowed placing the proposition on the ballot, as a divided appeals court had ruled earlier. The bill to place the measure on the ballot was introduced by Sen. Ted Lieu, D-Torrance, and it passed over Republicans' opposition. Brown, a Democrat, let the bill become law without his signature. Lieu's Sacramento office didn't return a phone call placed late Monday.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

The Salazar Law Firm - Houston Car Accident Lawyers Services

The Salazar Law Firm, PLLC understands the burdens auto accidents and injuries place on an individual. Our goal is to lessen our client's stress and burden by managing the complex relationships with insurance companies, medical facilities, government agencies, and other insurance defense lawyers.

If you've been injured in an accident, don't let your claim get weakened by not taking the right steps. Get medical treatment for your injuries as soon as possible. Insurance companies pay close attention to "laspes in treatment" and whether or not treatment was sought immediately after the accident.

Insurance companies are in the business of making money. If the insurance company is giving you the run-around, contact our houston car accident lawyers at the Salazar Law Firm today.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

W. Bradley Ney - Washington, DC Business Litigation Lawyer Services

Brad's combined expertise of business and accounting issues allows him to create unique arguments and solutions in several types of business disputes. His thoughtful and meticulous litigation approach regularly leads to favorable results for his clients. Brad has represented the business interests of numerous companies, officers, individuals, and boards in state and federal courts, before the Securities and Exchange Commission, and in arbitrations and mediations. He's represented both plaintiffs and defendants in trials and court proceedings. Brad understands that serving his clients' best interests sometimes requires alternative methods of dispute resolution.

Brad's primary focuses are listed below:


  • Business Litigation
  • Contract & Business Disputes
  • Securities Litigation
  • Franchise Disputes
  • Non-Competes & Restrictive Covenants
  • Insurance Disputes
  • Copyright Litigation
  • Emergency Injunctive Relief


  • If you're an individual, small business, or medium business, you deserve the finest legal representation. Contact the Law Offices of W. Bradley Ney for all your Washington DC Business Litigation Lawyer Service needs.

    Monday, May 12, 2014

    Law Office of Rita O. White - Canton Criminal & DUI Lawyers

    If you're facing a legal issue and seek guidance, the Law Office of Rita O. White is here to help. Tackling any legal matter without a trained professional can negatively impact the outcome of your legal situation. Our Plymouth Canton Criminal lawyers understand the stress that comes with looming legal issues which is why we work tirelessly to support our clients no matter the situation.

    We believe in giving clients our full attention and treating them with care and respect.

    When you work with us, you'll get the benefit of:

    Caring and knowledeable lawyers
    Convenient office hours
    Reasonable attorney fees

    Don't risk anything! Our dedicated team of lawyers are always available to offer guidance and support. To set up an appointment today or learn more about our Plymouth Canton Criminal law practice contact us at the Law Office of Rita O. White today.

    Saturday, April 12, 2014

    Salvatore Scanio - Ludwig & Robinson PLLC.

    Salvatore Scanio, Attorney

    Salvatore Scanio, Attorney

    T: 202-289-7605 O: 202-289-1800 F: 202-289-1804

    Mr. Scanio has extensive experience in complex domestic and international litigation and regulatory matters, involving federal and state banking, financial transactions, insurance coverage, and contract and other commercial disputes.

    Mr. Scanio represents banks, insurers and other companies in cases involving negotiable instruments under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), electronic bank payments, fraud, fiduciary duty, accounting, lender liability, loan losses, lost profits, statutory and regulatory violations, professional liability, class actions, and claims against the federal government. He advises clients as to liability, defenses and loss recovery on a wide range of bank fraud and corporate fraud schemes, including check fraud, credit and debit card fraud, unauthorized electronic funds transfers (EFT) including fraudulent wire transfers and ACH transactions, identity theft, check kiting, deposit account fraud, malware attacks, cybercrime, account takeovers, loan and mortgage fraud, embezzlement, and bank insider fraud.

    Ludwig & Robinson PLLC. Attorneys

    The Davis Law Group, PLLC

    Southfield MI Criminal Defense Lawyer

    The Davis Law Group, PLLC is an aggressive criminal defense firm. We handle cases throughout the Metro Detroit area including Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County. Our attorneys are former prosecutors and have handled cases ranging from minor traffic violations to homicide offenses.

    Having gone through numerous trials, our attorneys know the Metro Detroit courtrooms and the procedures they follow. This works as a major advantage for our clients as we are able to fight against the evidence and change the course of where your life is headed. We are dedicated and willing to do what it takes to get a successful outcome in your case.

    We concentrate on defending our clients’ constitutional rights both in and out of the courtroom. If you or a love one has been charged with a crime you know your freedom is on the line. You need as experienced attorney that can get results. 

    Available 7 days a week 24 hours a day for free phone consultations. For urgent matters we always have at least one attorney on call.

    The Davis Law Group, PLLC
    27600 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 215
    Southfield, MI 48034

    DiRusso & DiRusso, Attorneys At Law.

    Surry County Criminal Defense Lawyers

    At DiRusso and DiRusso, we are familiar with the local economy, the local employers, and the local court officials. Another advantage to hiring local counsel is availability. In larger cities, and in larger firms, the attorneys may not always be available and much of the interaction a client has may be with support staff, such as paralegals and legal assistants. At DiRusso and DiRusso, the attorneys are in regular contact with the clients, available by telephone, and regularly available for appointments.

    At DiRusso & DiRusso, we have the legal knowledge and experience to protect you, no matter who or what is on the other side. We also have the compassion to know that you may be experiencing something very unpleasant and we are available to listen to you and seek solutions along the way. We are dedicated to our clients and show no allegiance to any other entity.   We not only counsel our clients on the current law, we provide statutes, rules, cases, and codes so that one may read the current law and have a deeper understanding of the relative law.

    If you want to speak with a lawyer about your case, please call us today. There is never a fee for your initial consultation at DiRusso & DiRusso for Workers’ Compensation, Personal Injury or Social Security Disability cases.

    The Law Offices of Tenecia P. Reid, PLLC

    The Law Offices of Tenecia P. Reid, located in Northern Virginia and is here to provide you the best legal service to you and your loved one. With years of experience in divorce cases and family matters, Tenecia is both strategic and aggressive. We will give you an honest assessment of your situation and together discuss the ways we could help achieve the goals and outcomes you want.

    Specializing in family law for her entire career, Attorney Tenecia P. Reid stands ready to skillfully guide you through the divorce litigation process. 

    Divorce litigation can be frustrating, confusing, and emotional, so it is imperative to have an attorney who both listens and treats you with respect as you face major life decisions. Widely experienced, Attorney Reid has negotiated and litigated cases that include complex marital assets, tax issues, business valuations, underwater joint mortgages, adultery, abuse, protective orders, and bankruptcy issues.

    Attorney Reid is also intimately familiar with the laws governing fault-based divorce cases, and can help you to determine whether you have one or more fault grounds against your spouse and how you may prove them.

    Ms. Reid will be able to confidently assess your case and situation to help you obtain the best possible results. Don't hesitate to call today!

    McKENNON LAW GROUP PC.

    Insurance Bad Faith, ERISA and Business Litigation Attorneys

    McKennon Law Group PC has offices throughout California, and handles cases all over the State, including the metropolitan areas of Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco and the Central Valley.

    When you need an attorney, choosing the right law firm is the most important decision you will make. We founded McKennon Law Group PC for one purpose: to provide our clients targeted, effective representation geared to get the best possible results. Our single-minded focus is to achieve our clients’ objectives in an aggressive yet professional manner.

    We are counted among California’s leading insurance, ERISA, business, and consumer attorneys. We have arbitrated, tried, appealed, and resolved hundreds of disputes on all lines of insurance - life, health, disability, property/casualty, commercial general liability, professional liability, officers and directors liability, employment practices liability, homeowners and business owners property and liability. We have also litigated disputes involving insurance and real estate agent/broker liability, class actions, serious injury and wrongful death, and other consumer and general business matters, and we have recovered millions of dollars in judgments and settlements for our clients.

    Office
    20321 SW Birch St., Suite 200
     Newport Beach, CA 92660

    Tuesday, April 1, 2014

    The Law Offices of Place and Hanley, LLC

    Securities Arbitration Lawyers Florida

    The Law Offices of Place & Hanley, LLC is a nationally recognized securities and commodities arbitration law firm which represents investors nationwide. At Place & Hanley we represent investors in claims against their brokers, broker dealers, investment advisors, financial advisors and insurance companies. Our securities lawyers represent investors who have lost their savings when their brokerage accounts were mishandled. Our attorneys are experienced in providing focused and aggressive representation for investors who have been the victims of financial fraud, negligence and unsuitable investments.  Our firm has experience in prosecuting claims against the major Wall Street firms, including Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo, UBS, Oppenheimer as well as many mid-sized broker dealers.

    Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for individual investors. Our firm has experience handling group arbitration claims and class action litigation involving securities related matters. We have successfully recovered punitive damages and attorneys’ fees for our clients.  The attorneys and staff at the Law Offices of Place & Hanley are committed to representing aggrieved investors who have lost money because of the negligent or willful acts of the clients once trusted financial advisor, broker and brokerage firm.

    Our attorneys have represented thousands of clients nationwide who were victims of misrepresentations, commission churning, unsuitable investments, unauthorized transactions, execution failures, excessive mark-ups, disappearing funds, botched transfers, "selling away" from firms, unregistered brokers, unregistered securities, improper margin liquidations, broker bribes, fraudulent research, "boiler room" sales practices and other wrongful acts. Place & Hanley has prosecuted cases involving stocks, bonds, "penny" stocks, "junk" bonds, options, commodities, mutual funds, REIT's, limited partnerships, derivative securities, collateralized debt obligations “CDO”, auction rate securities and other investments.

    Attorneys for the firm practice before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) which was created in 2007 through the consolidation of the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) enforcement and arbitration divisions. The firm also represents clients in state and federal courts to resolve financial disputes between customers, brokerage firms and other financial institutions.

    Our firm has been successful not only in recovering our client’s out of pocket losses, but in multiple cases our clients have received punitive damages and reimbursement of their attorneys’ fees. Please visit the verdicts and settlements page for examples of the securities & stockbroker fraud cases we have handled for our clients. Our success is attributable to hard work, client dedication and an in-depth knowledge of the securities industry.

    AB & Co IP Services - Sierra Leone Intellectual Property Lawyers

    The Gambia Intellectual Property Lawyers

    Trademark, Patent & Intellectual Property Rights

    AB & Co is a boutique trademark agency specialising exclusively in the protection of intellectual property rights for our clients in Sierra Leone and The Gambia.

    Our intellectual property practice is broad and we are Trademark and Patent Attorney for principals all over the world including partner law firms that routinely instruct us on behalf of their clients on IP matters.

    We provide high quality services and act as Trademark & Patent Attorneys for principals all over the world including partner law firms.

    We act as attorneys for the registration of trademarks, patents, industrial designs and other intellectual property rights. We routinely conduct searches and provide assistances for renewals, change of name and address, amendments and recordal of licences.

    Services


    Searches
    Oppositions
    Trademark, Patent and Industrial Design registration
    Renewals
    Recordal of changes of propietor's name, address
    Recordal of mergers and assignments
    Recordal of licenses
    Advice on non-contentious issues
    Publication tracking

    Wednesday, March 26, 2014

    Levin & Curlett LLC

    New York - Baltimore - Washington, D.C. White Collar Criminal Defense

    Levin & Curlett LLC was formed by former prosecutors who created a small, high quality litigation boutique. Levin & Curlett LLC has extensive experience in all facets of criminal and civil litigation. Whether clients are involved in contractual disputes, business litigation, or qui tam whistleblower cases, our trial experience allows the firm to work effectively with clients to achieve their goals. Similarly, extensive prosecutorial backgrounds allow the firm to represent clients who are involved in criminal proceedings as targets, subjects, witnesses, recipients of grand jury subpoenas, or defendants.

    The firm puts its skills to work representing:
    • clients who are targets, subjects, or witnesses in criminal investigations,
    • clients who are facing criminal charges
    • clients who are involved in complex civil litigation at the trial and appellate levels
    • whistleblowers in qui tam and False Claims Act litigation. 
    The attorneys at Levin & Curlett concentrate their practice representing individuals and businesses in criminal matters and civil litigation, and representing whistleblowers in False Claims Act and Qui Tam litigation.
    /
    Our attorneys have decades of combined experience serving as prosecutors in the Department of Justice and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, and leading practices in complex civil and criminal litigation at a national law firm.
    /
    We are uniquely positioned to represent the interests of those confronting the nation’s largest corporations, insurance companies, or the power of the federal government.

    Tuesday, March 11, 2014

    Two men found guilty for selling U.S. company’s technology


    A federal jury found two men guilty Wednesday of economic espionage involving the theft and sale of a U.S. company’s technology to a competitor controlled by the Chinese government.

    The jury returned the verdicts against Robert Maegerle and Walter Liew.

    They were accused of stealing Delaware-based DuPont Co.’s method for making titanium oxide, a chemical that fetches $17 billion a year in sales worldwide and is used to whiten everything from cars to the middle of Oreo cookies.

    A federal jury found two men guilty Wednesday of economic espionage involving the theft and sale of a U.S. company’s technology to a competitor controlled by the Chinese government.

    Prosecutors said DuPont was unwilling to sell its method to China, so it was stolen and sent to a company called Pangang Group Co. Ltd., according to testimony during the diplomatically dicey proceedings. The jury heard six weeks of testimony.

    Prosecutors alleged that Pangang’s factory is the only facility inside China known to be producing titanium oxide the DuPont way, which uses chlorination.

    Man pleads guilty to sea cucumber smuggling charge


    Federal prosecutors in San Diego say a man has pleaded guilty to charges he smuggled 100 pounds of dried sea cucumber into the United States from Mexico.

    Sea cucumbers are leathery-skinned marine animals used in some folk medicine practices.

    United States Attorney Laura E. Duffy says Cheng Zhuo Liu (chuhng joo-oh lee-oo), a resident of Chula Vista, admitted to tucking the sea cucumbers into the spare tire area of his car before crossing the border last October.

    According to the US attorney's office, their market value was between $5,000 and $10,000.

    The particular species Liu had is protected under international trade rules, and requires a permit for import.

    Driver pleads guilty in deadly bus stop crash


    A driver who plowed into a Riverside bus stop, killing a woman and a 7-year-old girl, has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter.

    The Press-Enterprise reports 46-year-old Joe Williams was ordered Thursday to serve six months in custody of the Sheriff's Department, but his sentence could include a work-release program in lieu of jail time.

    Williams was indicted after prosecutors told a grand jury that he had a history of blackouts seizures and should not have been driving.

    Authorities say Williams, a parking enforcement agent, blacked out at a red light on Dec. 28.

    When motorists behind him honked their horns, Williams accelerated, veered up onto the shoulder of the road and crashed into a bus bench.

    Twenty-eight-year-old Melissa Bernal and 7-year-old Aniya Mitchell were killed.

    Coast Guardsman guilty in sexual misconduct case


    Coast Guard officials in New Orleans say a petty officer has been convicted and sentenced on charges involving sexual assault and possession of child pornography.

    Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher C. Bush's court martial was held in Norfolk, Va.

    A Coast Guard news release said the 28-year-old Bush was convicted Friday on four violations of a Uniform Code of Military Justice article dealing with rape and sexual assault and one involving child pornography.

    The crimes involved a junior Coast Guard woman and a civilian woman. They happened between January 2010 and May 2013 while Bush was stationed at a unit in New Orleans. The Coast Guard said it was not releasing the name of the unit to protect the privacy of the victims.

    3 California men plead guilty in alleged pot grow


    Three Northern California men are each facing up to ten years in prison after pleading guilty to charges that they damaged federal conservation land while allegedly growing marijuana.

    Prosecutors say Chou Vang, Vang Pao Yang and Pao Vang, all of Eureka, each entered their pleas in federal court in San Francisco on Tuesday to one count of willful injury to federal property.

    The men were accused of clearing away trees and vegetation, using fertilizers, and failing to properly dispose of trash while growing pot in the summer of 2012 in the King Range National Conservation Area along California's Lost Coast. The area provides habitat for four federally-listed threatened species, including Chinook and Coho salmon.

    As part of a plea deal, prosecutors say they dropped marijuana cultivation charges. The men are scheduled to be sentenced in July.

    Thursday, March 6, 2014

    UN court: Australia cannot use seized documents


    The United Nations' highest court on Monday banned Australia from making any use of documents it seized from a lawyer working for East Timor in an arbitration case over a multibillion-dollar oil and gas deal between the two nations.

    The International Court of Justice also ordered Canberra not to "interfere in any way in communications" between East Timor and its legal advisers in the arbitration or future negotiations on a maritime boundary between resources-rich Australia and its tiny, impoverished northern neighbor.

    Australian agents in December raided the Canberra office of a legal adviser to East Timor and seized documents and data. That followed claims by a former Australian spy that his country bugged the East Timorese government ahead of negotiations on the Timor Sea Treaty that carves up revenue from oil and gas under the sea between the two countries.

    East Timor wants to renegotiate the treaty, arguing that it is invalid because of the alleged bugging.

    It went to the world court arguing the seizure was illegal. Monday's orders did not address that claim, which will be litigated later.

    Monday, February 3, 2014

    7 now guilty in Pendleton contractor bribery case


    Two civilian defense contractors have pleaded guilty in a San Diego federal court, bringing to nine the number of defendants who have admitted guilt in recent days to their involvement in a scheme involving bribes and kickbacks at Camp Pendleton and other federal facilities.

    Federal prosecutors say Paul Dana Kay of PK Excavation and Manuel Ramirez of MRN Construction, Inc., entered the pleas to violations of the Anti-Kickback Act on Friday.

    Six former contractors and a former Defense Department employee have pleaded guilty in the past two weeks to involvement in the scheme.

    They include Natividad Lara Cervantes, who referred to himself as "The Godfather of Camp Pendleton," and admitted accepting bribes.

    Sentencing is scheduled for April. The defendants face maximums ranging from three years to 20 years in prison.

    Monday, January 6, 2014

    Supreme Court Puts Utah Same-Sex Marriage on Hold


    The Supreme Court on Monday put same-sex marriages on hold in Utah, at least while a federal appeals court more fully considers the issue.

    The court issued a brief order blocking any new same-sex unions in the state.

    The order grants an emergency appeal by the state following the Dec. 20 ruling by U.S. District Judge Robert Shelby that the state's ban on same-sex marriage violates gay and lesbian couples' constitutional rights.

    More than 900 gay and lesbian couples have married since then.

    The high court order will remain in effect until the Denver-based 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decides whether to uphold Shelby's ruling.

    The state's request to the Supreme Court was filed with Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who handles emergency appeals from Utah and the five other states in the 10th Circuit. Sotomayor turned the matter over to the entire court.

    The action now shifts to Denver, where the appeals court will consider arguments from the state against same-sex marriage as well as from the three gay and lesbian couples who challenged the ban in support of Shelby's ruling. The appeals court had twice rebuffed the state's plea to stop gay weddings pending appeal.