Thorley Defense Law

09/27/2022

In many personal injury claims, plaintiffs must prove that a defendant was negligent or acted intentionally. But with strict liability claims, this proof is not required. The specific situations when strict liability rules apply vary by state.

Strict liability is a legal doctrine that applies to certain crimes, as well as in certain tort cases (claims made to recover compensation after an injury). When strict liability rules apply, defendants can be held responsible for the consequences of their actions regardless of whether they behav

09/22/2022

The Biden administration will make it easier for low-income immigrants to become permanent U.S. residents through a new regulation in December that will mark a dramatic shift from strict Trump-era immigration requirements, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Thursday.

The policy is a dramatic departure from a Trump regulation that made it harder for low-income immigrants to become permanent residents.

09/19/2022

A criminal sentence may be modified or reduced in certain circumstances, Most jurisdictions allow a judge to modify sentences at any time in the interests of justice. But the law in most states, as well as federal law, places limits on making sentence modifications for other reasons. A lawyer can explain the possibility of requesting a sentencing reduction or modification in your case.

09/15/2022

Federal and state laws prohibit “hate crimes” — offenses motivated in part by a victim’s perceived or actual race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. When an assault or other offense is designated a hate crime, potential jail terms and other penalties can be significantly increased.

09/15/2022

If your naturalization application is denied by a USCIS officer, you may request a hearing at which a different officer will review your case and consider additional evidence you wish to submit. If your application is again denied, you may file a petition with the U.S. District Court, asking that a judge give your application fresh consideration. In some cases, it may make more sense to file a new naturalization application, rather than appeal a denial. An immigration lawyer can help you decide the best option in your situation.

09/13/2022

Certain family members of U.S. citizens, including spouses and unmarried children under 21, can obtain lawful permanent residence (also known as a “green card”). In addition, citizens who are 21 or older can petition for their parents, adult children and adult siblings to become lawful permanent residents. An immigration attorney can advise you on the best path for your family members to immigrate to the United States.

09/12/2022

Prosecutors in criminal cases have a duty to preserve evidence that is both "material" and "exculpatory." Evidence is material if it is important and relevant to an issue in the defendant's case. And evidence is exculpatory when it supports a defense or tends to clear the defendant of guilt. If such evidence is lost, destroyed or withheld by the prosecution, the defendant can claim a violation of due process rights.

09/08/2022

More than half of U.S. states have decriminalized possession of small quantities of ma*****na and other cannabis-containing substances. These laws range from legalizing small-amount possession to making it a low-grade misdemeanor with no jail time. However, certain states still impose serious penalties. To be sure, consult a lawyer in your state.

09/08/2022

Visas come in two main types—immigrant and nonimmigrant. An immigrant visa is for people who wish to live permanently in the United States, with a green card. Nonimmigrant visas are for those who only wish to stay in the U.S. on a temporary basis, for purposes such as work, tourism or study. An immigration attorney can help you decide the best visa for your situation and advise you about the necessary petitions and applications.

09/06/2022

U.S. President Joe Biden's administration is stopping - with a few exceptions - the temporary relocation of Afghans to the United States and focusing on reuniting immediate family members with pathways to permanent residence, according to a senior administration official.

U.S. President Joe Biden's administration is stopping - with a few exceptions - the temporary relocation of Afghans to the United States and focusing on reuniting immediate family members with pathways to permanent residence, according to a senior administration official.

09/01/2022

The Biden administration released the final version of regulations intended to fortify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program against legal challenges.

The Biden administration on Wednesday released the final version of regulations intended to fortify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program against legal challenges.

08/29/2022

An upcoming case could decide whether or not its lawful for the government to ask Google to go through its search histories to hunt for suspects.

The government has repeatedly demanded Google hand over information on anyone searching specific terms. For the first time, lawyers and privacy advocates are now challenging the lawfulness of those searches in court, in the case of an arson that led to the deaths of two small girls.