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Leagle Beagle April 2021

Posted on by Sullivan Users

Ah, Spring!!

COVID v the GOVERNOR

Several business people sued Illinois Governor Pritzker for constitutional violations for shutting down businesses during the pandemic, demanding dollars for lost profits. A federal judge in Chicago recently held that neither the Governor nor the State of Illinois could be sued under Sec 1983 for damages for ” alleged financial losses occasioned by …Executive Orders.” And besides…the 11th Amendment bars such a suit.

THROW HIM OUT !!

In April 2019, the infamous umpire Joe “the singing umpire ” West was umpiring a game being podcast by All-Star catcher Paul Lo Duca, where Lo Duca said that he’d been ejected 8 or9 times by West. West filed suit for defamation saying that such attacks on his integrity would hurt his chances for election to the Hall of Fame, when in fact he’d only thrown Lo Duca out once. A New York Supreme Court Justice this month awarded West $500,000 plus interest, concluding “…one’s integrity & character are primary measures that are applied to the assessment of an umpire’s or player’s quality.” Yer Out !!

TOOTSIE POPS…or PUPS ??

In a lawsuit filed in Federal Court in Chicago this week, locally-based Tootsie Roll Industries is seeking to protect its brand name against use by a Minnesota company, Spunky Pup, who, it alleges, has used “deliberate efforts to wrongly profit & otherwise benefit from the goodwill Tootsie has established in its trademark and trade dress.” Spunky’s Tootsie Pups, it alleges, uses similar colors & shapes for its doggie treats; in addition, they’re using packaging very similar to Tootsie Roll. Spunky Pup has refused to stop production. Who’s gone to the dogs??

CARRYING GUNS IN HAWAII

The US Court of Appeals recently ruled on the legality of Hawaii’s law which bans the carrying of guns in public unless the person has good cause. One argument in favor of the law was that the 2nd Amendment applies only to weapons kept in homes. The Court held that the 2nd Amendment “…does not guarantee an unfettered general right to openly carry arms in public for individual self-defense. According, Hawaii’s firearm-carry scheme is lawful.” (Look for this to eventually end up at the Supreme Court.)

OFF-CAMPUS SPEECH–CAN IT BE DISCIPLINED?

In frustration over being removed from the high-school cheerleading squad, the sophomore posted messages on social media that, according to the school, violated cheerleading written rules. She sued saying that they violated her constitutional right to free speech; it’s now in the US Supreme Court. The Court of Appeals earlier had found in her favor, finding, per precedent, that such doesn’t apply to off-campus speech. The US appealed on grounds that “A school need not tolerate student speech that is inconsistent with its basic educational mission.” Stay tuned!

THEY SAID IT…

  • My mom said the only reason men are alive is for lawn care & car maintenance.— Tim Allen
  • Men do cry, but only when assembling furniture.— Rita Rudner
  • If you shoot a mime, should you use a silencer? —Steven Wright
  • Here’s a health warning: Don’t moon a pit bull after sitting in A-1 sauce. — Johnny Carson

Leagle Beagle March 2021

Posted on by Sullivan Users

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY

DEPAUL STUDENTS SUE FOR COVID REFUND

Claiming that they entered into a contract with the University, backed by statements in the student handbook, they maintained that DePaul agreed to give them in-person classes & experiences for their fees & tuition. On March 11, 2020, the school announced that winter exams & spring classes would be held remotely, as the rest of the country shut down. A Federal Judge recently pitched the case, saying that the handbooks, rather than making promises, was an “aspirational statement “, instead of a “… statement aimed at obligating the University to particular actions”. (A similar lawsuit was dismissed against Loyola University.)

YOUR STIMULUS CHECK–TAXABLE ??

In short, the answer is “no”; neither last year nor this year are taxable. Both are considered to be an advance on something called your Recovery Rebate Credit, which your CPA will calculate to see if you are owed even more as a tax refund.

A VACCINE PASSPORT ??

Recently the United Kingdom announced that it was going to push forward with plans to establish a vaccine passport that would be recognized on an international level, thus allowing citizens to travel more freely by proving that they don’t have the coronavirus. Acknowledging that it brings up legal & ethical issues, the UK nonetheless plans to work with the World Health Organization, the G7, and others toward a “framework with standards that provide consistency for passengers & industry alike.” Looking to use a phone app for display, they also hope such could be used by large events, employers, & other venues.

ANIMAL CRUELTY- A VISIT TO THE PEN

A Chicago police officer, after seeing a dog chained to a pole in 15-degree weather, received a search warrant for the house. Inside he found 4 dogs living without water or heat and in awful filth. The Appeals Court cited precedent that keeping animals in inhumane conditions is indeed abuse and upheld the prison sentence of 2 years.

THEY SAID IT

The first part of our marriage was very happy. But then, on the way back from the ceremony…    Henny Youngman

I don’t get no respect. The time I got hurt, on the way to the hospital the ambulance stopped for gas…     Rodney Dangerfield

I had a cholesterol test. They found bacon…   Bob Zany

Did you ever walk into a room and forget why you walked in? I think that’s how dogs spend their lives…    Sue Murphy

Leagle Beagle February 2021

Posted on by Sullivan Users

WILL YOU BE MY QUARENTINE?

Referrals are a sign of trust and we thank you for them.

EXTREME CAUTION: Nursing Home Admitting Papers

If you’re having to consider placing a loved one in a facility, there will be zillions of paperwork to deal with: medical, do-not-resuscitate, powers of attorney, etc.  But one word of advice: watch for the inevitable arbitration clause. Don’t sign it, and be careful as it’s often hidden! You must protect your right to seek the help of a court should it ever become necessary, whereas that arbitration agreement usually gives up that right, tossing a hearing to an arbitrator–not a judge–who also is usually picked by the facility. And one more thing: admission to the facility cannot be denied for failing to sign their arbitration agreement!

TICKET QUOTAS FOR COPS

The city of Sparta enacted a policy where the cops were evaluated on a point system that went from 3 to 1 point, with traffic citations carrying the most for the officer. It said that the policy didn’t violate the law because an officer could meet the minimum without issuing a ticket (e.g., giving a warning). As the Court stated, “This policy still violates (the law) because it does exactly what is prohibited by the plain language of the statute…” Nice try, Sparta!

A TWIST TO THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT

Traditional discrimination claims have been brought by women & minorities. In a bit of a twist, a federal judge in Chicago has held that a white jail officer has a valid “reverse discrimination” claim brought under the Human Rights Act. The judge, saying that the officer pled discrimination based upon race, allowed the lawsuit against the Police Department to proceed.

NEW ILLINOIS LAWS

At the start of every year, we’re usually sorting out maybe hundreds of new laws; but with the pandemic, the legislature has been quiet. No…very quiet! Here are all three laws:

1.) This allows law enforcement to secure a DNA sample from the family of a missing person and to work with the National Missing & Unidentified Persons clearinghouse in attempting to find the individual. Once located, the DNA can’t be retained by police. (PA101-0266)

2.) This allows victims of domestic violence, stalking, and the like to use a “substitute address” to protect them. Once applied for, the Attorney General will forward all 1st class mail to that address. (PA101-0270)

3.)The out-of-pocket expenses for insulin (with a state-approved insurance plan) are now capped at $100 a month, no matter the amount of insulin used or prescribed. (PA101-0625)

THEY SAID IT!

 

  • I know a man who thinks marriage is a 50-50 proposition, which convinces me that he doesn’t understand women or percentages.            –Henny Youngman
  • Relationships are a lot like drugs. You develop a dependency; and if you’re not really careful, you could wind up losing your home.          –Mike Dugan
  • My friend Larry’s in jail now. He got 25 years for something he didn’t do. He didn’t run fast enough!    –Damon Wayans
  • Think about it: why do they put “wanted posters ” in the Post Office?? Do they expect us to write to them?    –Jerry Seinfeld

Leagle Beagle December 2020

Posted on by Sullivan Users
The Sullivan Firm, Ltd.

Leagle Beagel December 2020

Last Christmas I got no respect. In my stocking, I got an Odor Eater. –Rodney Dangerfield

CAN YOUR BOSS REQUIRE YOU TO VACCINATE?

With the wonderful news of the approval of vaccines, some people are not convinced that they will take it. So then, can your workplace tell you that you must take it? The short answer appears to be yes. But while there is not a universal answer, nonetheless we know that mandatory vaccines are nothing new. Schools have for years demanded them as a condition for study. And those in health care have experienced the same. So it probably isn’t a stretch that after such a pandemic as we’ve experienced that an employer can mandate such for employment in order to protect its work areas. (Religious beliefs & disabilities under ADA may be exemptions.) We do expect some guidance soon from the EEOC, and the Beagle will keep you advised.

December 25th is National Jews Go to the Movies day. –Jon Stewart

IT’S TRUE!

A hot-shot civil rights lawyer in New York got in a verbal tussle with a NYPD Sgt.: When he tried to serve papers on the PD, the Sgt grabbed his pen. Nonetheless, the hot-shot sued & took them to trial! Writing for the Court, the Judge said: “Once upon a time, we urged people not to make too much of real but petty grievances by saying, ‘Don’t make a federal case out of that'”. She then awarded $2.00!

Here’s a money-saving tip for Christmas: Glue a jujube on a brick & mail it out as a fruitcake. –Julie Brown

WHEN MY GYM IS CLOSED, AM I STILL LIABLE TO PAY?

An often asked question with apparent answers depending on state law. The first thing to do is to call your club to see if they amicably will suspend your membership, as they will want you back. And ask for written confirmation. If that doesn’t work, send a notice of cancellation via certified mail.

And if the club sends you to collections, know that Illinois law does not allow an assignment by physical fitness centers. (815 ILCS 645/8) In fact, it says: ” Such an assignee is not a holder in due course.”

The Supreme Court ruled against a nativity scene in Washington DC. This wasn’t for any religious reasons. They just couldn’t find 3 wise men and a virgin. –Jay Leno

JOY TO Y’ALL!

LEAGLE BEAGLE NOVEMBER 2020

Posted on by Sullivan Users

WHAT A “SURPRISE”

At a large baby shower before family and friends, and with the promise of a surprise, the obviously-pregnant wife waited anxiously with the other guests. The husband then makes the awaited announcement: they’re expecting a boy. He then goes further, producing medical documents that show the wife is 6 months pregnant, not the 4 she’s proclaimed. But more! The baby belongs to his friend, sitting right there. And his lawyer produces for all to see a video of the two clad only in towels! As the party erupts, the husband announces: “Don’t leave –this party’s for them, not me!”

SIGN A WAIVER FOR COVID9??

Can an employer force you to sign a waiver that effectively says that if you contract the virus, you didn’t get it at your job & hence the employer isn’t liable. It really doesn’t matter as the Illinois Workers Compensation Act now presumes that an active worker has contracted it in the work environment & is therefore compensable. So, the answer is that the employer cannot “contract” itself out of liability; it doesn’t work and, in fact, may well be illegal.

WHAT’S NOW LEGAL & WHERE

The recent elections contained several states’ ballots on legalization of certain drugs. Here’s what happened:

-medical marijuana was approved in South Dakota &, to the surprise of many, even in Mississippi in the Deep South;

-recreational marijuana passed in the states of Montana, New Jersey, & Arizona;

-but the state that outdistanced everybody was Oregon, effectively legalizing small, personal amounts of such drugs as methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin.

Some non-profits claim that the Oregon vote is an “embrace” of the Portugal Model, where there’s much lower addiction & drug use than in the US.

NEW REALTOR RULES

The US Justice Dept had filed an antitrust lawsuit against the National Assn of Realtors in the District of Columbia. The NAR, a non-profit trade assn. based in Chicago, agreed with Justice to:

-refrain from saying that the brokers for the buyers don’t charge anything;

-quit stopping access to key lockboxes to only those realtors belonging to the Assn.;

-be fully transparent as to the commissions due to the buyer’s brokers; and there are other stipulations.

The NAR must appoint an Antitrust Compliance officer and agrees to inspections & interviews, under penalty of contempt.

THEY SAID IT–ABOUT LOVE

When you’re in love, it’s the most glorious two-and-a-half days of your life.  -Richard Lewis

A lot of people wonder how you know if you’re really in love. Just ask this one question: “Would I mind being financially destroyed by this person?”  -Ronnie Shakes

I fall in love really quickly, and this scares the guys away. I’m like: “I’m in love with you. I want to marry you. I want to move in with you.” And they’re like: “Ma’am, would you give me the 10 bucks for the pizza, and I’ll be outta here”  -Penny Wiggins

The difference between love & sex is that sex relieves tension and love causes it.  -Woody Allen

Leagle Beagle August 2020

Posted on by Sullivan Users

ANOTHER GREAT SETTLEMENT!

Just weeks ago, The Sullivan Firm handed over a nearly half-million-dollar check to a young man involved in a nasty car crash. The case was worked up with an associate of the firm, bringing about the large settlement that he was able to receive. All of us at TSF are hoping that this amount gives him a nice re-start to the rest of his life & we wish him the very best!

Call us if you or someone you know has an injury matter, whether auto, medical, assisted living, or other. 847/228/1100

INSURANCE $$$ TO YOU (just a friendly tip)

Insurance companies have found out that pandemics mean that people will drive less, and that means fewer accidents, and that means each insurer still has to compete. So, when one company decided to give its customers refunds in order to get the publicity to attract customers from competitors, the big firms had to go back to the drawing board–literally! Geico, State Farm, & Progressive have all lowered rates from, it appears, 8 to 15 percent, depending on what state you’re in. Allstate is not so clear. So, get going; call that agent or company & get what you’ve got waiting for you!

A TOAST??

A study in England that followed 20,000 people, so-called “moderate” drinkers, for some 9 years & regularly tested them for mental status found them to have higher cognition scores that the teetotalers, in addition to having lower rates of mental problems. The author suggests that small amounts of alcohol appear to have a “positive effect” on the small blood vessels of the brain. And the researchers call 8 drinks a week for women & 15 for men the maximum. Yet they caution against the non-drinkers using this as a reason to start!

“BUT I HAVE A GUN PERMIT”

As Chicago police curbed a vehicle for a traffic violation, an officer saw the passenger stuff a semi-automatic handgun into the glove compartment. Upon searching, the passenger was charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Had he possessed a valid owner card, he argued, he had the gun “concealed” in the glove compartment, within the Concealed Carry Act. Not so, said the Appellate Court; that would create “an open carry law while in vehicles”, which Illinois law doesn’t permit. (The passenger currently resides in the Illinois State Penitentiary.)

GOOD TIMING!!

How about a lawyer telling you how to stay out of the legal system! And what better time to do this than a pandemic!

And it’s easy because an estate basically has only 4 moving parts, and we’ ll be happy to introduce you to a POA (power of attorney) for your property, a POA for your healthcare, a pour-over will & then a living trust. It’s that simple. And you should someday–not yet! –avoid probate court. In addition, you will have protected your family–exactly what you’ve been meaning to do, right?? No better time!

THEY SAID IT

It takes all kinds to make the world. But sometimes you wish it didn’t.  —Gloria Naylor, author

I would imagine that if you could understand Morse code, a tap dancer would drive you crazy. —Mitch Hedberg, comic

In politics, stupidity is not a handicap. —Napoleon Bonaparte

My problem lies in reconciling my gross habits with my net income.  —Errol Flynn

Leagle Beagle May 2020

Posted on by Sullivan Users
 The Sullivan Firm, Ltd.

AUTOMOBILE ELITE??

Astin Martin is a 30-year-old Brit, full name of Astin Martin O’Brian, who recently crashed his car after being in a 93mph police chase in a 30 mph zone. He has pled guilty to “dangerous driving”, is banned from driving, and will have to get used to public transportation for now. As the police superintendent of North Umbria said: “He might be called Astin Martin but he’s no James Bond.” By the way, his choice of automobile ?? A Ford Fiesta!

WHILE YOU HAVE THE TIME…

And you’ve run out of home projects, did you want to consider that Trust or Will, or to re-think that Accident case or that relative denied treatment in a Senior facility or to have that business insurance policy reviewed? Or even something that’s been done in a wrong or illegal way during the pandemic. Now’s the time to get answers to your questions & we’re here for you!

WHY DO I HAVE BUSINESS INSURANCE??

That’s the question many proprietors are asking after the Illinois Governor closed many businesses due to the COVID virus. The issue is whether the language of the policies cover the suspension of the holders’ businesses & whether the owners didn’t have any choice but to cease operations. If the policies do not specifically exclude a pandemic, then chances are they are “all-risk” policies & therefore cover everything. While not new, this area of the law is about to get a serious re-evaluation in light of the huge financial losses.

Should you like to have us review your policy, call us.

A FEW CHUCKLES FOR THE TIMES

* I’m so old that when I order a 3-minute egg they make me pay upfront. -Henny Youngman

* My parents used to take me to a pet store and tell me it was a zoo.     -Billy Connolly

* I took my parents to the airport today. They leave tomorrow.              -Margaret Smith

* A man is incomplete until he’s married. Then he’s really finished.      -Henny  Youngman

* Marriage is very difficult. Marriage is like a 5,000 piece jigsaw puzzle–all sky! -Cathy Landman

* I don’t get no respect. The time I got hurt, on the way to the hospital the ambulance stopped for gas. -Rodney Dangerfield

* My mom said the only reason men are alive is for lawn care & vehicle maintenance. -Tim Allen

* Dogs lead a nice life. You never see a dog with a wristwatch.             -George Carlin

* I was never an athletic kid. One year I played Little League baseball. My dad was the coach. And halfway through the season, he traded me to another family. -David Corrado

MARRIAGE & THE QUARANTINE

So many people have never experienced being locked up with their partner exclusively & for so long. Now couples are observing things that they never did before: hang-ups on phone calls, many more texts, walking to another room for private calls, long periods away from home (supposedly for walking Spot), etc.  Add to that the reality of physical & emotional abuse and a crashing economy are likely to bring a rush to divorce courts once the court system opens after Covid-19; some may think that there’s no better time since their net worth is as low as it’ll ever be. “Till death do us part” may be in serious trouble! Even in Wuhan, China, filings have gone through the roof as they return to “normal”.

(Need to talk? We’ll be here.)

Leagle Beagle April 2020

Posted on by Rickey Gold

 

sunflowers

Your referrals are a sign of trust and we thank you for them.

Thank you to all the doctors, nurses, grocery workers, delivery drivers, custodians and maintenance workers. Thank you to all essential workers!

SPECIAL EDITION–CHUCKLES from the BEAGLE

Optimism during turbulent and unknown times may be difficult, especially when being quarantined on top of each other every day, so the LEAGLE BEAGLE decided that you probably need some diversion. And there’s nothing better for that than smiles & perhaps even a laugh!

We hope this helps; just remember that we’re here, ready to help, if you decide with all this downtime to get that will or trust or other legal matter finally completed (847) 228-1100).

But for now: read on & enjoy the day!

SPECIAL ISSUE–TIME TO SMILE BASEBALL DEPRIVED?? SOMETHING TO DO

Instead of re-runs & no baseball.Paul Sullivan, my long-lost “cousin” & renowned sports writer for the Chicago Tribune, tells us to go to baseball-reference.com and try to connect players from years apart.

He wanted to try connecting 2 scandals: “Shoeless” Joe Jackson of the 1919 Chicago Black Sox with 2017 stealing-pitcher-signs Carlos Beltran of the Houston Astros. He found this:

  • Shoeless played in 1919 with Hall-of-Famer Eddie Collins;
  • Collins played for the1928 A’s with Jimmie Foxx;
  • Foxx played for the 1942 Red Sox with Ted Williams;
  • Ted played for Boston in 1950 with Jimmy Piersall;
  • Jimmy played with Jose Cardenal on the 1965 Angels;
  • Jose played in 1980 with Willie Wilson and the Royals;
  • And Willie played in 1993 with the Cubs & Sammy Sosa;
  • Then Sammy, in 2007, played with Mark Teixeira & the Rangers,
  • And, in 2016, Mark played on the Yankees with…guess who…Carlos Beltran, the only Astro named in the MLB report!!

Now you have something to do!! And, Paul says, you can do it with any 2 players in baseball history.

Let the Legal Beagle know what you find, instead of “watching cable news or looking out the window wishing you could leave.”

THEY SAID IT

  1. He’s so old, his blood type was discontinued. -Bill Dana
  2. I could tell that my parents didn’t like me. My bath toys were a toaster & a radio. -Rodney Dangerfield
  3. My parents are in their late sixties and they still have sex. They want grandchildren. -Wendy Liebman
  4. The problem is God gives men a brain & a penis, and only enough blood to run one at a time. -Robin Williams
  5. I was married for a short time. Just long enough to realize all those comedians weren’t joking! -Daniel Lybra
  6. Every one of my single friends from high school has tied the knot. And I’m getting older. Guess I should think about hanging myself too. -Laura Kightlinger
  7. I’m going to marry again because I’m more mature now and I need some kitchen stuff. -Wendy Liebman
  8. Here’s something I’ve never understood: how come men have nipples? What’s the point? They’re like plastic fruit. -Carol Leirfe

HAPPINESS IN EXTREME

Keep an eye on your pets during these times. A dog in England is always happy & tail-wagging when his owners come home from work. But once his people quarantined at home, Rolo went bonkers with the wagging out of pure happiness. And this caused the poor guy to see a veterinarian & be diagnosed with …yes, a sprained tail! He’s now on pain medication but he’ll be alright soon.

THEY SAID IT (CONTINUED)

  1. When I was ten, we moved because my father sold our house. Somehow the landlord found out about it and we had to go. -A. Whitney Brown
  2. My grandmother was a very tough woman. She buried 3 husbands. Two of them were just napping. -Rita Rudner
  3. My wife & I had an amicable divorce. She lets me see my stuff on weekends. -Craig Shoemaker
  4. I may drink too much. Last time I gave a urine sample there was an olive in it. -Rodney Dangerfield
  5. It wasn’t actually a divorce. I was traded! -Tim Conway
  6. I was a poor kid. My mom shopped at the Army-Navy Surplus store, but I felt stupid going to kindergarten dressed as a Chinese General. -Blamo Richer
  7. I went to a girl in a bar once & asked her where she was from. Guess she wasn’t interested because she said “Mars”. So, I asked, “You need a ride home?”-Ray Romano
  8. I went to a bar to have a few drinks. The bartender asked, “What’ll you have?” I said, “Surprise me.” He showed me a naked picture of my wife! -Rodney Dangerfield

We hope you got a chuckle or two & some small amount of diversion from work or boredom. May we just remind you – The Sullivan Firm is available during these times.(847-228-1100)

Stay Safe  &Healthy…remember to Smile–and when you travel down that road in life: if you hit a fork in the road, take the fork! (Yogi)

Leagle Beagle March 2020

Posted on by Rickey Gold

The Leagle Beagle™ from The Sullivan Firm

March 2020

Your referrals are a sign of trust and we thank you for them!

St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Downtown Chicago

Terry & his associates recently settled a “NURSING HOME VIOLATION” for well into the six figures. Have an issue? Just call.

CORONAVIRUS — CAN I BE QUARANTINED?

Yes!! Illinois gives the Department of Public Health “supreme authority” in matters of quarantine & isolation, including the power to close a place and/or make it off-limits to “prevent the probable spread of a dangerously contagious or infectious disease “. ILCS 2305. But there are protections of the courts built into the law also, including that, if the Department fails to get the person’s consent, it must, within 48 hours, get a court order that must be proven by “clear & convincing evidence”. And the law also allows physical exams, tests, & lab specimens, along with emergency access to medical records.  So…now you know!

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

As you should know by now , there is a new medical name for the virus: “Covid-19.”This tag comes from the World Health Organization and is now used throughout the media. It seems inevitable but an Arizona audiovisual company is named Covid. Its poor CEO could only say that the naming was “unfortunate” , and yes, “surreal”!

NEW LAW FOR ILLINOIS WINE- LOVERS?

Maybe so, if Illinois passes a proposal which would remove the stupid stranglehold that the wholesalers have had, keeping any retailer from another state from delivering wine to your house without you going through those wholesalers. Currently only the vineyard can do so, keeping you from enjoying what you want and costing the state millions of dollars in taxes and costs to defend a likely unconstitutional pending lawsuit. Senate Bill 3830, sponsored by Sen. Feigenholtz, opposed by liquor wholesalers for obvious reasons, would nonetheless create a huge market for consumer wine delivery.

JUSTICE DELAYED…….

The State of Virginia still has a law that makes it a crime for unmarried people to have sex. But just this past week, their House of Delegates voted to repeal the ban. Some seemed to think that the law seriously affected the credibility of Virginia’s tourism slogan: “Virginia is for lovers.”

THEY SAID IT

“I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.” – Author Douglas Adams

“You can teach someone how to dance, but you can’t teach someone how to boogie.” – Actress Rosie Perez

“Suppose you were an idiot and suppose you were a member of Congress. But then I repeat myself.” – Mark Twain

“A good politician is quite as unthinkable as an honest burglar.” – H.L. Menchen

“Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” – Dolly Parton

“I am not the kind of person women fall in love with. I sort of grow on them, like a fungus.” Jeff Bezos

Leagle Beagle February 2020

Posted on by Rickey Gold
The Sullivan Firm, Ltd.

The Leagle Beagle™ from The Sullivan Firm

February 2020

Your referrals are a sign of trust and we thank you for them.

Call us for advice on INJURY cases!

SOME BRIEF LEGAL MARIJUANA ADVICE

  • Marijuana can only be used by people over the age of 21 and cannot be used in the presence of anyone under the age of 21, nor can you give it to them.
  • You are limited to 30 grams of raw marijuana and edibles (brownies, cookies) containing no more than 500 milligrams of THC. Nonresidents are allowed to purchase half of the allowed quantities.
  • Marijuana can only be purchased at a licensed dispensary.
  • Marijuana cannot be used in public view, such as parks, subways, or vehicles or even your front porch!
  • When transporting marijuana, it must be in a transparent, sealed, odor proof and child proof container reasonably not within reach of the driver.
  • Medical marijuana patients are allowed to grow up to 5 plants at a time in their homes.
  • AND remember driving while high is still illegal!

HOW PRIVATE ARE YOUR TRAVEL RECORDS?

WBEZ recently reported a situation where the Illinois Tollway, in response to a civil subpoena from a female’s ex-boyfriend (from whom she had a restraining order for stalking), released her travel information, car information, email, and cell number. This practice leaves many appalled. Now a state senator is trying to pass legislation that would prohibit such actions in civil cases (including divorce) and further require law enforcement to first get a warrant from a court before such release. TLB will keep a sharp eye on its progress!

HOW HAPPY ARE BEN & JERRY’S COWS—REALLY??

Back in 2018, the Organic Consumer’s Association (OCA) sued Ben & Jerry for deceptive marketing by claiming that it gets its ingredients from “happy cows”, claiming that those ingredients are “sourced from typical factory farms”. Just days ago, B&J agreed to cease such use, saying that “While we haven’t done an official survey of our cows happiness, we’re proud of the work we’ve done with Vermont’s family farmers”, adding that “happiness cannot be measured objectively”. Further they have taken any expression off of the faces of the cows on the containers, leaving us, I assume, to decide how happy they really are!

CAN WE DUEL?

A Kansas man, who claims that his ex-wife “destroyed him legally” when her lawyer asked an Iowa court to terminate his child visitations & order him to have a psychological exam, has asked that judge to allow a sword fight with the ex & her attorney. The man maintains that he is serious about the duel, that it’s never been banned in the US, and has been used as recently as1818 (in England). The judge?  He says he won’t be issuing an order “anytime soon”!

BACK ON THE ROAD!

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has officially signed the License to Work Act. The act eliminates driver’s license suspensions for most nonmoving violations. This is a huge relief to many as the vigorous roller coaster of unpaid parking tickets often sends people into a cycle of poverty centered around the loss of transportation to and from work. Thousands of residents will be eligible for reinstatement of their driving privileges as soon as July 1, 2020.

Call us if you have questions regarding reinstatement of your driver’s liscence.

THEY SAID IT

“If you don’t know where you’re going, you might wind up someplace else.” Yankee catcher Yogi Berra

“The one good thing about national anthems is that we’re already on our feet, and therefore ready to run.” Author Ocean Vuong

“My ancestors wandered in the wilderness for 40 years because, even in biblical times, men would not stop to ask questions.” Elayne Boosler, comedian