The Law Office of Erica Rodriguez

09/08/2026

A new Justice Department rule creates a pathway for some individuals with felony convictions to have their gun rights reinstated. This case-by-case process requires navigating a new application system. Learn more about how this federal change works here.

The Justice Department has finalized a rule that will pave the way for people who’ve been barred from owning fi****ms because of criminal convictions to apply to have their gun rights reinstated.

09/04/2026

A divorce decree outlines who pays specific debts, but creditors aren't bound by family court orders. If your name stays on a joint credit card, late payments can still impact your credit score. Learn how to protect your financial standing during divorce:

Ending a marriage doesn't always end the financial responsibility you have for shared credit card obligations.

09/03/2026

Federal wire fraud charges carry severe penalties, requiring prosecutors to prove a scheme to defraud involving electronic or interstate communications. Understanding the statutory elements and intent requirements is critical when building a defense.

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/w/wirefraud.asp

09/02/2026

Getting divorced later in life? A "gray divorce" requires unraveling decades of shared financial planning. From updating beneficiaries to tracking down all marital assets, here are the three critical financial moves you must make to protect your retirement.

Not all marriages are "happy ever after." Many couples are divorcing later in life, forcing older adults to rebuild retirement plans after sharing finances.

09/01/2026

Anything you say to law enforcement officers can be used against you, but invoking your right to counsel stops questioning immediately. Knowing the narrow exceptions for driver ID checks helps ensure your constitutional rights stay protected.

You could be questioned by a variety of law enforcement officers, including state or local police officers, Joint Terrorism Task Force members, or federal agents from the FBI, Department of Homeland Security (which includes Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol), Drug Enforcement...

08/28/2026

Navigating a military divorce involves unique federal guidelines, such as the Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act (USFSPA). From military pension division to healthcare eligibility, understanding these rules helps protect both parties.

Learn more: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/relationships/separation-divorce/divorced-military-spouse-rights-benefits/?

Learn about your rights and unique legal issues for divorced spouses due to military service. Here are some items to consider as you move through this process.

08/27/2026

Can the police legally track your phone's location if you're near a crime scene? A landmark Supreme Court ruling says geofence warrants are a Fourth Amendment search requiring strict privacy protections. Learn more about the limits being placed on digital surveillance here.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/29/supreme-court-geofence-warrants-case-decision #:~:text=Mon%2029%20Jun%202026%2011.23%20EDT%20First,view%20their%20use%20as%20an%20unconstitutional%20dragnet.

Law enforcement’s use of warrants sweeping smartphone location data requires privacy protections, court rules

08/26/2026

Domestic violence can affect anyone in any relationship. Securing medical care, creating a safety plan, preserving evidence, and exploring protective orders are essential steps to protect your health and legal rights.

Intimate partner violence, or domestic violence, can be difficult to see if it starts little by little, if your partner says they love you

08/26/2026

After a vehicle collision, understanding your rights regarding compensation for medical expenses and lost earnings can impact your overall recovery. Knowing when a claim involves complex issues like permanent injury or disputed fault helps protect your financial well-being.

Expert accident resources built on real first responder experience from firefighters and paramedics.

08/25/2026

Evidence obtained through an illegal search or seizure can often be excluded from trial under the Fourth Amendment. Knowing your privacy rights and how officers must follow constitutional limits is key when building a defense. https://www.justia.com/criminal/procedure/search-and-seizure-rules/