Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Free advice can be expensive

I receive a lot of phone calls from people who just have a quick question or are just looking for some advice. I always try to help, and I don't want to be rude, but it can be difficult and dangerous for a lawyer to give advice over the phone. Without taking the time to get all of the information, it can be very hard (and reckless) to give out legal opinion. If you call me, you'll probably hear me tell you to call the police, or some other agency uniquely positioned to handle your issue. Or you may hear me say something like "based on what I'm hearing" or "without more information" followed by general legal rules and principles. Just like general info available on a blog, you cannot take free advice given after a five minute phone call as binding legal precedent. Remember that you get what you pay for - especially when it comes to free advice. Any attorney (or accountant, or doctor) who is giving out professional advice without actually looking into the issue probably isn't worth paying for, anyway.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

A new address, the same direction

You may have heard that I am expanding the geographic area that I will cover for my clients. To do so more efficiently, I will be relocating my primary office. I want to assure all of my clients in the Buffalo/Niagara region that they can expect to continue to receive the same quality of service. Those of you who have worked with me know that I am no stranger to travel, and have been known to drive more than three hours to make an appearance for a client. A slight eastern shift should not prevent me from continuing to provide excellent representation to my clients. I expect this transition to be seamless. Any appearances or appointments currently scheduled in Niagara Falls, Lockport or Buffalo will still be kept, and new appointments will continue to be made in the Buffalo/Niagara region. This move will simply be more convenient for my clients in the Genesee Valley. If you have any questions or concerns, as always, give me a call.

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

A safe and happy Fourth!

One Fourth of July when I was in high school, my family was in our backyard enjoying some very tame fireworks.  A police officer snuck up on us, expecting - I imagine - to bust a group of drunken teenagers.  Wasn't he surprised to discover my forty-something father lighting off "buzzing bees" and "sparkling lanterns" in front of mom, the kids and grandma all sitting quietly in lawn chairs?  We got off with a warning, but possession of even these seemingly harmless little pyrotechnics remains a misdemeanor in New York State.  If you and your grandma get arrested for possession of bottle rockets (or anything else) this weekend, remember to be polite and respectful to the officer and call me immediately at (585) 447-7597.