Legal Advice - warnings

[lawrocket 3]

I have seen a number of posts recently that seem to be seeking "legal advice." How to handle a car accident, insurance, DUI, etc. I thought I would address it.

I find a great deal of similarity between peoples' views on the law and news reporters' views of skydiving. There are a lot of misconceptions about both.

Nobody likes to read a news report that says "Joe Snuffy's parachute did not open" when he hooked himself in. But, it's a common misperception about the sport that people die if their parachutes fail.

Furthermore, this misperception is, for the most part, reasonable. Everybody knows that parachutes slow the fall. A person dies fo sudden deceleration trauma, well, the parachute did not work. We in the sport realize that there is a heckuvalot more to it than that.

This is true of the law as well. I've seen some "advice" given that is pretty useful from a general standpoint. I've also seen some stuff that is not useful. I've also seen some "advice" given that could be downright dangerous.

I'm a lawyer, and you will probably never see me giving "legal advice" or "consultation" on this forum. PERIOD. Why not? I have no business commenting on the law in Indiana, for one. Every state has different laws, so I better not advise a course of action for another state.

Lesson 1: The laws of physics are the same from state to state, but the statutes from state to state are not the same. This means that while I can tell you how to proceed in Cali, the same advice may screw you in Florida. The good ideas provided in these forums may be bad ideas in certain states.

Lesson 2: Caveat Emptor - buyer beware. You have no idea who responds to these threads. How many trolls and unreal persons do we have here. Do you really want to rely on someone who may not exist, or who may even have a malicious purpose? Accept advice only from those whom you can confirm, and treat it with a grain of salt.

Lesson 3: Use peoples' posts here as starting points for your own investigation. This is the reason why I encourage people to post their suggestions, even legal suggestions. These suggestions provide starting points and provide a background for the original poster of what questions to ask qualified people. Do not run carte blanche with a poster's suggestion, or take it as "advice." Use that poster's input to formulate questions that you will ask a qualified person. There is nothing wrong with anecdotes that others can provide you.

But, make your choices only upon careful reflection of the options given to you by a person qualified to give you advice. If that person is wrong, you have remedies. If a poster is wrong, you are hosed without remedy.

These lessons are not all inclusive. There are many more. But, everyone simply be aware that what a poster tells you may be wrong.

You wouldn't rely on my advice in skydiving. I've only got 18 jumps! If a 1 jump chump gives you advice, analyze it and ask an instructor about that advice. Doing so can save your life.

Do not rely on the advice of someone who isn't qualified in the law. Analyze that advice and ask someone qualified about it.

Doing so will not save your life. But it may save something almost as precious - your ass.

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[ACMESkydiver 0]

Awesome post, Lawrocket...thank you for that!! We need to be careful of what advice we give and receive on these forums.

~Jaye
Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action.

[flyangel2 2]

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Lesson 1: The laws of physics are the same from state to state, but the statutes from state to state are not the same. This means that while I can tell you how to proceed in Cali, the same advice may screw you in Florida. The good ideas provided in these forums may be bad ideas in certain states.

That's just what I thought when I saw different threads asking about legal advise.

One other point I'd like to bring up. I would never ask for legal advise from a lawyer with out expecting to compensate them somehow. You paid good money and worked hard to get your degree. You are not here to work for free.
Turn the tables, would any of you asking for legal advise, be willing to give away what you do for a living?

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey

[jmpnkramer 0]

Hence the reason I try to keep a lawyer on retainer at all times.

I am a BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD Boy sometimes. I know how to stay allegedly in trouble. That is the correct terminology is it not?

Seriously I never try to venture into things without someone who is trained in the area.

Hopefully the people on here will read the post and adhere to it.

Laters,


.

The REAL KRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMER!

"HESITATION CAUSES DEATH!!!"
"Be Slow to Fall into Friendship; but when Thou Art in, Continue Firm & Constant." - SOCRATES

[skymama 37]

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Turn the tables, would any of you asking for legal advise, be willing to give away what you do for a living?

I haven't asked for legal advice, but I have asked for computer help on here before and so many people have been quick to answer my questions, much to my appreciation. I don't have specific skills like that, but I do try to answer questions I know about through my own education and experiences.

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[lawrocket 3]

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Turn the tables, would any of you asking for legal advise, be willing to give away what you do for a living?

I haven't asked for legal advice, but I have asked for computer help on here before and so many people have been quick to answer my questions, much to my appreciation. I don't have specific skills like that, but I do try to answer questions I know about through my own education and experiences.

I encourage people to respond to posts about legal problems. These responses can provide a foundational understanding, and suggest ways to proceed. This is good.

My "advice," so to speak, is to use that input as a starting point. It allows for intelligent and informed questions (lawyers like those) and makes the process quicker. I was merely warning against taking a poster's advice like it came from the burning bush.

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[flyangel2 2]

Computer geeks are different. They love the interaction.

it's a joke people

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey

[Gravitymaster 0]

"Proffessional driver on closed track. Do not try these manuevers at home", comes to mind.

[WFFC 1]

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Computer geeks are different. They love the interaction.

it's a joke people

What, Where? Mar, were you trying to interact with me again?

-----
~~~Michael

[indyz 1]

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Computer geeks are different. They love the interaction.

it's a joke people

computer geeks like to get into pissing matches about who's geekier

--
Brian (computer geek)

[eeneR 3]

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Computer geeks are different. They love the interaction.

Hey!! im a puter geek...and I love people

She is not a "Dumb Blonde" - She is a "Light-Haired Detour Off The Information Superhighway."
eeneR
TF#72, FB#4130, Incauto

[kallend 2,151]

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Turn the tables, would any of you asking for legal advise, be willing to give away what you do for a living?

Well, I have actually helped quite a few people here with their physics projects. But then, as LR said, the laws of physics do appear to the the same in all states.

...

The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

[Deuce 1]

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Computer geeks are different. They love the interaction.

it's a joke people

Change your avatar. That's my professional advice.

-Will work for Bushmills.

[Gravitymaster 0]

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Turn the tables, would any of you asking for legal advise, be willing to give away what you do for a living?

Well, I have actually helped quite a few people here with their physics projects. But then, as LR said, the laws of physics do appear to the the same in all states.

Plus, if you are wrong (not saying you ever are) nobody goes to jail.

[Shark 0]

Jerry,

That's great legal advice!

So now that you are uncurrent, when are you getting down to 'Snore with your new family?

Mr. Shark

[lawrocket 3]

I dunno, Mark. I had a long spot that left me in Fresno. I guess I'll be back when I get the money! I'll request you as coach, too!

GOd, I miss that place.

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[flyangel2 2]

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Computer geeks are different. They love the interaction.

it's a joke people

Change your avatar. That's my professional advice.

-Will work for Bushmills.

I'm not at home and don't have that file you sent me. Sorry, if I get time, I'll get to it. Or, better yet, you could. PM me if you want my password. Hell WFFC and Rev. Jim have it.

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey

[flyangel2 2]

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Computer geeks are different. They love the interaction.

Hey!! im a puter geek...and I love people

Oh, don't you worry girlfriend. I already have a project for you when you come out. But, at least a free lift ticket covers the cost of your time.

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey

[westcoastchica 0]

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I miss that place

that place misses you too.

[flyangel2 2]

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Computer geeks are different. They love the interaction.

it's a joke people

What, Where? Mar, were you trying to interact with me again?

PAY ATTENTION TO ME MICHAEL

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey

[kallend 2,151]

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Turn the tables, would any of you asking for legal advise, be willing to give away what you do for a living?

Well, I have actually helped quite a few people here with their physics projects. But then, as LR said, the laws of physics do appear to the the same in all states.

Plus, if you are wrong (not saying you ever are) nobody goes to jail.

On your next skydive, try violating a law of physics and see how you get on. Could be worse than jail.

...

The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

[VanillaSkyGirl 6]

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I encourage people to respond to posts about legal problems. These responses can provide a foundational understanding, and suggest ways to proceed. This is good.

My "advice," so to speak, is to use that input as a starting point. It allows for intelligent and informed questions (lawyers like those) and makes the process quicker. I was merely warning against taking a poster's advice like it came from the burning bush.

Excellent advice, Jerry. I completely agree with your post even though I threw out a last minute desperate cry for advice, yesterday. (I was overwhelmed.) I carefully weeded out what I really didn't need and stayed focus on how to arrive to my conclusion. I am never impulsive, and I do not make decisions without all my facts.

Thankfully, I have taken care of my own decisions concerning my situation. I was able to see that some information from my case had not been shared with me, so it kept me pretty confused as to my options. I am glad that someone helped to point that out. That was all that I needed. Trust me, there were people (good-intentioned) that have no background in the law whose information/advice I immediately set aside. I only decided to get counsel from someone who could shed some light on how I should go about making my decisions.

Thank you, again, Jerry, for this post.

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[lawrocket 3]

Well, considering your now-posted comments, it appears to me that your post from yesterday worked out in the best way.

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[eeneR 3]

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Oh, don't you worry girlfriend. I already have a project for you when you come out. But, at least a free lift ticket covers the cost of your time.

Give me a heads up on what you need, in case I need to bring anything with!

She is not a "Dumb Blonde" - She is a "Light-Haired Detour Off The Information Superhighway."
eeneR
TF#72, FB#4130, Incauto

[SkydivingNurse 0]

Good post! While I may not be a lawyer, I made the mistake one time of telling my neighbors what I did for a living (Registered Nurse). Now I tell people I'm a garbageman. Less questions that way.