Law Offices of Laurel A. Buchanan

07/05/2024

New Vehicle Laws are here, just a few of the good the bad and the ugly:

AB 2773 requires police to tell people why they were pulled over as opposed to the officer asking "Do you know why I pulled you over?"

AB 645 authorize speed cameras in Los Angeles, Long Beach and 4 other counties, tickets are automatically sent to driver's caught by the cameras going 11 mph or more over the speed limit;

AB 436 prohibits bans on cruising or low riders, or course illegal modifications will still be an issue!

AB 413 makes it illegal to stop or park within 20 feet of a crosswalk to increase visibility of pedestrians.

The media has decent coverage of these and other new laws, and as always if you have questions feel free to give us a call!

10/18/2023

When you spend 2 weeks of your life creating 8 jam packed 4 inch trial binders and opposing counsel says: I have 12 exhibits can I just email them to you and you can print them?…

09/01/2023

CAALA convention with the crew. Never stop learning.

07/20/2023

For everyone who liked the post on the laws about the new boater card requirements../

In order to have a fun and safe summer, know your role. 😎

07/07/2023

New Boating Laws FYI!!
Summer finally arrived and so I thought I would share what I learned recently in case your summer includes boating adventures:
California implemented a progressive law that requires boat operators to have a California Boater Card. Under California Harbors and Navigation Code Section 678.11(b) there is a phase in schedule based on age. As of this year (January 1, 2023,) all persons age 50 and younger have to have a boater card in order to operate a motorized boat on state waterways.
By January 1, 2025 all persons regardless of age will be required to have the boater card. The card itself is only $10.00 currently and it is a lifetime card so that is a plus but you do have to take a NASBLA state approved boater class in order to apply for the card.
For more information you can check out the state website below and as always if you have questions please feel free to give us a call. We can help clean up messes after the fact but we offer free preventative services too...know the law before you go!

https://californiaboatercard.com/about-the-card/

07/03/2023

Criminal Law Update, New, Stronger Penalties For Street Racing are being enacted across California.

Pico Rivera, a suburb in LA, recently voted to pass a new local ordinance which will allow police to seize vehicles involved in illegal street racing or takeovers. The vehicles can be kept permanently by law enforcement and spectators within 500 feet of the event can be fined $2,000 for watching the events. The ordinance is just one of many recent attempts by local governments and the state to stop the street take overs.

AB 2000, also aimed at street racing, went into effect January 1 of this year expanding street racing prohibitions to include parking lots and structures, not just highways and streets.

Senate Bill 1472 also recently came into effect, allowing district attorneys to charge drivers in street takeovers or races with felony manslaughter if anyone dies as a result of their actions.
There has also been recent legislation increasing the fines and penalties for street racing passed in various cities throughout the state.

The new laws are designed to discourage street racing and takeovers which have increasing become an issue in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. As the penalties grow police are hoping to deter participants and minimize injuries and deaths associated with the events. If the events continue it is likely the penalties will increase as well.

Thanks for reading. Please feel free to send comments or questions to us below!

Law Offices of Laurel A. Buchanan

06/30/2023

We, here at the Law Offices of Laurel A. Buchanan, would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy 4th of July!! Our office will be closed on Tuesday.

Remember, stay safe and most importantly be responsible. And if you can't be responsible, we'll be open on Wednesday, July 5th at 8:00 am. 😁

05/27/2023

More Education! Family Law Specialization classes every
other year to make sure we have the latest law on custody, divorce, support etc.

05/27/2023

For our K-9 friends!

If the horn is beeping it means our heat alarm is going off. The windows roll down and a fan goes on. Sometimes our officer has to leave his K9 in the car to handle a call. Even with climate settings mechanical failures can still happen. If you hear the alarm, call 911. This could save our partners life!

05/20/2023

A thank you to everyone who works for and with us! You all stepped up so we could increase our collective knowledge and be better than ever before and now we get the opportunity to shine!

05/16/2023

Avoid Boating DUI's, Accidents and Tickets This Memorial Day

Memorial Day is just around the corner and the weather is warming up. It is perfect time to take a trip to the lake or the ocean. But for those operating a boat, jet ski or any type of recreational vehicle it is important to know that boating DUI's are similar to regular DUI's. Police, Sheriff's and Coast Guard Officials can pull boaters over for speeding, registration, erratic driving, drunk driving and driving the wrong way where boating lanes are prescribed by law.
Law enforcement can administer field sobriety tests, breathalyzers and chemical tests to people driving boats, Jet Ski's or other water craft. Driver's under the influence can be arrested for DUI/BUI (boating under the influence) and their boat/jet ski impounded and towed. BUI fines and penalties are similar to DUI penalties and BUI's are treated as a DUI when it comes to prior offenses.

BUI or boating under the influence leads to serious accidents and death and is taken seriously by law enforcement. Be safe this holiday and avoid the fines, penalties and accidents associated with drunken boating.

As always staff at the law office can provide further information for those looking to take the proper preventative actions or for anyone needing assistance with this topic.

05/11/2023

Angie is Boss!!