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Sound Advice. Effective Representation. Exceptional Results.
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Booze, Driving and Jeans –
New Laws of Interest for Californians in 2017
By Barry A. Bradley, Esq.
And
Thomas P. Gmelich, Esq.
With more than 800 laws that took effect this past January 1st, California has a mixed bag for its citizens. Here are just a few highlights, whether you live here or not. . .
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Bad haircut day? Well, Assembly Bill (AB) 1322 now makes it legal for hair salons and barber shops to serve wine and beer to patrons while having their hair done, so long as there is no extra cost. It won’t help the bad cut, but you may not care as much (at least until you sober-up).
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The politically correct AB 1850 amends California’s Education Code and replaces the term “
illegal aliens
” with the term “
undocumented foreign nationals,
” eliminates the word “
illegal
” from any reference to “
aliens
,” replaces references to “a
liens
” and “
immigrants
” with the terms “
permanent residents
” and “
foreign nationals
.”
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Uber and Lyft Rides
For those of us who use transportation companies such as Uber and Lyft, AB 1289 will ensure that passenger safety and protection will be increased. All company (and independent contractor) drivers must now undergo a criminal background check before being hired or allowed to continue as drivers. Those with DUI convictions within the past 7 years, registered sex offenders, and violent felons cannot drive for the companies.
Additionally, these drivers are prevented from driving on duty with a blood alcohol content of 0.04% or more. This is half the limit of 0.08% imposed for the rest of us while driving.
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Animal Rights and Common Sense
Rescuing a pet left in the backseat of some careless pet owner's car on a hot day will no longer subject Good Pet Samaritans to civil or criminal penalties. Thanks to AB 797, if a person has to break a window or otherwise damage a vehicle for the purpose of rescuing an animal, they will enjoy both civil and criminal immunity so long as that person first called 911 or other appropriate authority
before breaking into the car.
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Domestic Violence Sick Leave
Labor Code Section 230 already allows time off to any employee who is the victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault who needs time off to address various related things. This includes time to seek a restraining order or injunction, to seek medical attention, to obtain services from a domestic violence shelter or rape crisis center, to obtain psychological therapy, or to relocate or engage in safety planning.
Effective immediately, AB 2337 now requires employers to advise all new employees of these rights in writing at the time of hire. Further, the employee may engage in this protected time off without fear of retaliation or termination. The notice must also be provided to an existing employee upon request.
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Jeans Day
It’s official. Whether it was the Gold Rush or just our desire to be casual, AB 501 (not necessarily named after Levy 501’s) designates “denim” as the official state fabric. We must all feel proud that our legislature is taking the time, effort and money to sanctify our wardrobes by official act.
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Barry A. Bradley
and Thomas P. Gmelich are the founding partners of Bradley & Gmelich LLP. For the past 17 years, Tom and Barry have enjoyed litigating cases and watching the firm grow to over 25 attorneys and a full support team. Both Barry and Tom have AV-Preeminent ratings from Martindale Hubbell, the highest peer review rating possible, and have been named Southern California Super Lawyers for the past 12 years. The firm’s practice areas are diverse in areas of general civil liability, employment and business litigation.
bbradley@bglawyers.com
and
tgmelich@bglawyers.com
.
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Shirley R. Sullinger, Esq.
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Congratulations to Shirley R. Sullinger, Esq. and Brad D. Citron, Esq. for reversing a Small Claims Judgment on Appeal in favor of our construction engineering client, with an award of attorney’s fees, and also securing an Order granting our Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings and Dismissal with Prejudice of the related Superior Court action in San Diego.
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Welcome to Bradley & Gmelich LLP
Bradley & Gmelich LLP is proud to welcome David H. Ryan to its offices. Mr. Ryan earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and earned his J.D. from Hastings College of Law. Mr. Ryan began his practice as a deputy district attorney where he gained valuable and extensive trial experience. He joins Bradley & Gmelich LLP with a strong emphasis on law and motion and writs and appeals. Mr. Ryan has extensive litigation experience involving civil litigation, medical malpractice, personal injury defense and public entity law.
Mr. Ryan is a member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association and has been admitted to practice before all California State Courts, Federal District, Central District and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal.
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Upcoming MCLE
Our January 2017 MCLE, entitled
Law & Motion Roundtable – Hot Topics is a round table discussion focusing on new laws and practical considerations for making effective motions.
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700 N. Brand Boulevard 10th Floor
Glendale, California 91203
818-243-5200
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