Happy Holidays to All Americans.

Wherever you may have been born you are now in America.  If you came here to live then we want to help you stay in our great country.  The recent election has raised the awareness of many as to the future of immigration.  At this point NOTHING has changed.  What may or may not happen remains to be seen, of course.

One thing is certain.  If you are here and not yet a citizen of the United States you must follow the rules and regulations of this great nation.  Things may change after January 20th so why not prepare now?  Don’t panic.  Right now you have no reason to.  Success in this country has always belonged to the well-prepared.  Just read our history books and you will see that for yourself.

Do not wait until the New Year.  Now is the time to contact Baltimore area immigration attorney Briana Arnold.  She will sit down with you and offer her expertise of many years as to what is happening now and her considered opinion of what the future of immigration in this country will bring.  It may be the most important thing you will ever do as a future US citizen.  Call Briana Arnold today at (410) 484-1400.

Sloppy Medical Practices.

The days of “oh no, we operated on the wrong body part” are NOT completely over.  Surgical errors still occur every day in this country.  Something as simple as the surgeon operating on the wrong vertebra just because the X-ray was not completely clear is still a very real scenario.  Here is a more common mistake…is the procedure being done the correct one in the first place?

This statistic may shock you.  In a survey taken over 12 major U.S. cities, it was discovered that nearly HALF of all patients did not receive the recommended care for their particular condition(s)!  Every body is different.  Operating rooms are not supposed to be assembly lines.  Because of the fear of malpractice some mistakes are made out of omission rather than commission.

It all adds up to this…medical malpractice is still rampant even in our modern health care facilities.  Always ask your doctor ahead of time to give you details on your treatment step-by-step.  If something occurs that just does not seem right, please contact Baltimore area medical malpractice attorney Briana Arnold.  You can reach her for thorough and confidential advice at (410) 484-1400.

The Illegal Immigrant Population.

First of all, let’s answer the obvious question.  About how many immigrants are in the United States illegally?  There are approximately 11 million or roughly 3.5% of the U.S. population.  This may surprise you - about two-thirds of this segment of the population have been in America for more than 10 years.  Plus, they are more likely to be native-born residents.

About 40% of these illegal immigrants have simply outstayed their visas.  The government is cracking down on border crossings by employing five times more agents than it had 25 years ago.  It is estimated that over eight million are employed or looking aggressively for jobs.  And believe it or not, roughly half of them pay some form of income taxes!

This issue will continue to become more and more complicated.  To sift through it schedule a free consultation with Briana Arnold.  Attorney Arnold is a Baltimore area immigration and naturalization attorney.  She will assess your case and suggest options that fit YOUR needs.  Give her a call at (410) 484-1400 for a free consultation at her office on 1777 Reisterstown Rd in Pikesville, MD.

Car Accidents and the Proper Steps to Take.

Some attorneys spend tens of thousands of dollars every month on advertising asking you to call them if you have been in a car accident.  If they have that much money and time to permeate the tube I’m not so sure that they have the personal touch that it takes to defend your rights one-on-one.  Does a big multi-lawyer firm intimidate you?

At some point or points in your life you will probably be involved in a car accident.  If it is not horrifically serious you may tend to exchange phone numbers and insurance providers with the other driver and just be grateful to have walked away from the crash.  It is vitally important to assess the condition of you and any loved ones involved.  It costs nothing to consult a qualified personal injury attorney.

If an auto accident occurs on the Beltway there is a sole-practitioner who will devote her EVERY effort to get you the compensation that you deserve.  Contact Baltimore area car accident attorney Briana Arnold.  Attorney Arnold will assess your case thoroughly.  Give her a call at (410) 484-1400 for a free consultation at her office on 1777 Reisterstown Rd in Pikesville, MD.

Make Your Halloween Plans!

20 fun and frightening Baltimore-area Halloween nightlife offerings 

(Follow the link above for more information)

"Spooky burlesque, bar crawls, costume contests, concerts and more await — if you dare." 

-The Baltimore Sun

Deportations are the Lowest in a Decade.

Undocumented immigrants have been deported at the lowest rate since 2007.  Now, where do we go from here?  Obviously with strong political views on both sides, next month’s election will determine a great deal of how deportation evolves in the next several years.  In President Obama’s first term a record number of undocumented immigrants were deported.

According to the United States government increased technology has led to a lower deportation rate.  Border crossings have decreased and the Mexican government is assisting by sending many Central Americans back to their respective homelands before they ever reach the U.S. border.  Of course, we are awaiting the next Supreme Court nominee to see how laws are interpreted in the future.

This issue of immigration could not be more sensitive than it is now.  If you are seeking compassion and experience, then please contact Baltimore area immigration attorney Briana Arnold.  Attorney Arnold will advise you on any and all matters that are effecting your family.  Give her a call at (410) 484-1400 for a free consultation at her office on 1777 Reisterstown Rd in Pikesville, MD.

How to Handle Your Personal Injury Claim.

Many people think that certain personal injury cases may be handled without the benefit of an attorney.  These claims come in all sizes and varieties.  Are you qualified to determine the severity and potential complications of a given P.I. case?  The injury may have occurred in your car, you may have slipped and fallen in a store, or maybe a neighborhood dog took a bite out of you.

Handling the claim on your own may bring into play the old adage “he who represents himself in court has a fool for a lawyer”.  If you mishandle your side of the case it is a bit like treating a wound without proper medical attention.  In this particular case you could be leaving thousands of dollars lying on the table…you will never know!

Personal injury is more often than not something that needs to be handled by an experienced attorney.  If you feel that you have a potential case, why not begin by contacting Baltimore area personal injury attorney Briana Arnold.  Attorney Arnold will advise you on the proper next step.  Give her a call at (410) 484-1400 for a free consultation at her office on 1777 Reisterstown Rd in Pikesville, MD.

Becoming an American.

It has become a more and more important topic in the United States, especially with the Presidential election looming.  Many Americans have fled their former land risking their lives to make it to our great country.  In 2015 the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalized nearly three-quarters of a million people.  A quarter of the population were once immigrants!

To become an American there are several steps you must take –

1.  The refugee process.  Refugees from abroad need a referral.  Review the process.

2.  The interview.  When someone arrives they are interviewed and personal questions asked.

3.  The English test.  This will determine how much English can be read and written.

4.  The civics test.  It has 100 question, but the interviewer will probably pick a random 10.

It is definitely stressful and extraordinarily important.  If you or a loved one is about to become a United States citizen call Briana Arnold.  Attorney Arnold is a Baltimore area immigration lawyer who will help guide you through the process.  Give her a call at (410) 484-1400 and make an appointment at her office located at 1777 Reisterstown Rd in Pikesville, MD.

Car Accidents and Company Vehicles.

When you are in a car accident and you believe that the other party has been negligent this may result in a personal injury claim.  What if that other vehicle is a “company car, truck, or van”?  Well, that might be a horse of a different color!  Operating a company car is a privilege and a large responsibility.  It does not give someone carte blanche to drive recklessly.

IF the company vehicle is insured the responsibility falls on that insurance company.  That policy is likely to be in the business’ name.  There are cases, however where the operator is responsible for the liability.  Depending on how the transportation was being used at the time of the accident may also be a determining factor on whom is liable.

This potentially complicated issue needs to be sorted out by YOUR legal counsel.  If you feel that you have a case against a driver operating a company vehicle contact Baltimore motor vehicle accident attorney Briana Arnold.  Attorney Arnold will break down every aspect of your case.  Give her a call at (410) 484-1400 for a free consultation at her office on 1777 Reisterstown Rd in Pikesville, MD.

It's That Time! Maryland State Fair, Aug 25th - Sept 5th

Maryland State Fair

(Follow the link above for information)

When: August 25th - September 5th, 2016

Location: 2200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093 

Tips for Pedestrians and Drivers.

When it is pedestrian vs. driver in an accident you know who comes out on the short end.  What are the protocols between the person or people who are walking and those behind the wheel?  In this cell phone era people are constantly distracted so more accidents are occurring in the Baltimore area between pedestrians and drivers.

Who has the right of way?  Many pedestrians think that because they are on foot they always have the right-of-way.  This is not necessarily true.  Naturally, you cannot just dart out into the road when cars do not have a reasonable opportunity to stop.  Sidewalks exist for a reason.  They must be used whenever they are available.  When they are not you should always walk on the left side facing traffic.

One thing is definite…accidents between pedestrians and drivers will continue.  If you feel that you have a legitimate case against a driver, please contact Baltimore pedestrian accident attorney Briana Arnold.  Attorney Arnold will carefully study your case and help you through the process.  Give her a call at (410) 484-1400 and make an appointment at her office located at 1777 Reisterstown Rd in Pikesville, MD.

Are You Effected by the 4-4 tie on the Supreme Court Immigration Vote?

Just recently the Supreme Court, with its non-majority voting body of 8, deadlocked on the Obama Immigration plan.  This non-majority opinion leaves the decision up to a lower court in Texas and puts millions of Americans in limbo.  The tie is not likely to increase deportation as the President retains discretion as to whom to deport.

However, the upcoming November elections will have a profound effect on immigration in the US.  Whoever gets elected President has a widely different view on this issue.  Not only that, but the party that controls Congress will shape the country’s future on this matter.  And, of course the next appointee to the Supreme Court sways the judicial body in one direction or the other.

When you have an immigration matter, hiring the right attorney is essential.  In Baltimore, you will find that there is no better choice than Briana Arnold.  Attorney Arnold brings hard work and compassion to your case.  She is an experienced Baltimore county immigration lawyer who will help you throughout the entire process.  Give her a call at (410) 484-1400 and make an appointment at her office located at 1777 Reisterstown Rd, Pikesville, MD.

How to File a Personal Injury Claim.

We hear about personal injury lawsuits all the time, but how many of us really know the proper steps to take when you feel that you deserve compensation for an injury caused by someone else?  In the days that follow your injury you are understandably confused and disoriented.  Do not neglect your health!  Make sure you visit a doctor as soon as possible then turn your attention to a good attorney.

In this era of camera phones, try to collect all of the information possible about your injury.  When your head is clear write down everything that you are doing - sort of an “injury diary” of hospital visits, etc.  Gather any names and numbers of potential witnesses to the accident.  Make it known that you intend to file suit for compensation of physical AND fiscal damage.

Now…hire the right attorney.  In Baltimore you will find the name of Briana Arnold.  Attorney Arnold brings hard work and compassion to your potential case.  She is an experienced personal injury lawyer who will help you throughout the entire ordeal.  Give her a call at (410) 484-1400 and make an appointment at her office located at 1777 Reisterstown Rd, Pikesville, MD.

Becoming a US Citizen.

On this most important American Holiday it is important to reflect on the future of citizenship in the United States.  About three-quarters of a million aliens became US citizens last year.  Our current President estimates that there are over 11 million other immigrants living here illegally.  In the year to come there will be a new President and perhaps the citizenship rules will change over time.

The first step is to obtain a Green Card.  Too often people come to America and let time pass without obtaining documentation.  For those that have a spouse, a parent, or a minor child who is already a US citizen you are a high priority for citizenship.  Also, if you have a family member who has a green card you may apply for one as well.

If you or a loved one wants to become a citizen of the United States of America do not hesitate!  Contact Baltimore United States immigration attorney Briana Arnold.  Attorney Arnold brings the two most important elements to your situation…knowledge and compassion.  She will help you throughout the process.  Give her a call at (410) 484-1400.

Don't Miss Baltimore’s 4th of July Celebration

Baltimore’s 4th of July Celebration

(Follow link above for more information)

 

Monday, July 4, 2016 - 7:00pm to 10:00pm Inner Harbor Fireworks start at 9:30pm

  

Commemorate Independence Day with live music and celebratory fireworks in the heart of downtown Baltimore. The Fourth of July Celebration takes place Monday, July 4, 2016 from 7pm to 10pm.

 

 

Pedestrian Deaths on the Rise.

Walking is great for your body…it can also be dangerous to your health.  In the Baltimore/DC area pedestrian deaths are on the rise.  About one pedestrian a week is killed around our area.  That does not begin to assess the number of people who are injured by careless drivers and perhaps bicycle riders.  Please be careful and keep your eyes in front of you and not on your cell phone.

Did you know that men account for about two-thirds of pedestrian deaths in the Baltimore area?  Where you walk is important as well.  Stay away from high traffic, high speed traffic areas if you possibly can.  Drivers need to slow down and always watch at crossings even if pedestrians are moving in an unusual place on the road.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident by a careless driver do not just brush it off.  Even if you feel alright in the beginning - aches, pains, and injuries may crop up in the aftermath.  To protect yourself, contact Briana Arnold.  Attorney Arnold is a Baltimore pedestrian accident attorney who will help you throughout the process.  Give her a call at (410) 484-1400.

Domestic Partnership Issues in the State of Maryland.

On January 1, 2013 same sex partners were allowed to be married in the state of Maryland for the first time.  At companies throughout the land, employers are struggling to understand what constitutes offering domestic partner benefits.  For most employers a simple sense of fairness prevails.  In some cases, recruiting quality people demands that they offer full benefits to all.

Private employers generally have great latitude to structure and implement their domestic partner benefits polices in any manner they choose.  The most common domestic partner benefit offered by employers is extending coverage under the company’s health, dental and vision plans to domestic partners of employees.

If you are encountering problems with your employer and are in a domestic partnership you need to contact a professional.  Attorney Briana Arnold is the right choice.  Trust Baltimore area family attorney Briana Arnold to fight for your case.  Your next step is call to Attorney Arnold’s office at (410) 484-1400 and make the appointment that will help you resolve any family law conflict.

32nd Annual Sowebo Festival!

2016 Sowebo Arts And Music Festival 

<follow link above for more information>

Sunday, May 29th, Noon to 8pm

In the Bullseye of Sowebo, Surrounding Baltimore's Historic Hollins Market 

Baltimore's always free and utterly unique Arts and Music Festival!

 

 

Hiring the Right Immigration Attorney.

There are a number of hard working qualified immigration lawyers practicing in the Baltimore area.  Your decision on whom to hire will affect you for the rest of your life.  The process of acquiring immigration relief is extremely complex and time consuming.  And heaven forbid, if any mistakes are made along the way the delay could cause your application to be denied altogether.

Here are some topics to consider before you make a hiring decision -

1.  Cost is a factor, but cheapest is not always best.

2.  Assess how experienced he or she is at handling your particular issue.

3.  Will they be easy to get ahold of if you have a question?

4.  And perhaps most importantly, how do you connect with this particular lawyer?

Attorney Briana Arnold should meet all of your criteria.  She is worthy of your consideration.  Trust Baltimore area immigration attorney Briana Arnold to fight for you as if you were a family member.  Your next step is to reach out with a phone call to Attorney Arnold’s office by calling (410) 484-1400 and make the appointment that will help you move through the next phase of your life.

When a Domestic Partnership Ends in Baltimore.

This is an ever-changing society.  Commentary on this subject would have been non-existent in the past.  Domestic partners face similar issues to married couples.  However, it is important to know that they may not be facing the same legal issues.  The dissolution of a domestic partnership is equal to a divorce.  Benefits cease when a partnership ends.

Domestic partnership laws vary from state to state.  The process of ending a union of this kind is generally laid out in the initial domestic partnership agreement that was filed in that state.  In many cases it falls to the courts to decide the important matters of finance, family, and property.  These are matters that will affect the partners and any minors for the rest of their lives.

It is not your job to understand the domestic partnership laws in the state of Maryland.  It is imperative to find a Baltimore area domestic partnership attorney to represent your side of the case.  Attorney Briana Arnold will represent your case as with conviction. Call her today for an appointment at her Baltimore office to discuss your side in this matter at (410) 484-1400.

Upcoming Maryland Ethnic Festivals

A List of Upcoming Maryland Ethnic Festivals
<click the above link for more information>

Take a look at Maryland at a Glance at upcoming Ethnic Festivals - don't miss a beat! 

Pedestrians vs. Vehicles in Baltimore.

It is an ongoing saga.  People think they have the right of way.  Maybe they do, but a mistake can be fatal.  The pedestrian injury and death count continues to rise nationwide and Baltimore is no exception.  At last count our fair city ranked 28th in the nation in this category.  In the last 7 years fatalities have been steadily on the rise.

Many of the deceased pedestrians nationwide were subsequently declared legally drunk.  Let’s look at the laws of physics.  45 miles per hour equals 66 feet of travel per second.  This does not even factor in the time that it takes for a human to react on both ends.  Those ends being “getting out of the way” and the time it takes to apply the brakes.

Whatever side of the equation that you or loved one may fall the results are catastrophic.  While any pedestrian accident is fresh in your mind call Baltimore pedestrian accident attorney Briana Arnold.  Attorney Arnold will represent your case as aggressively as anyone can.  Call her today for an appointment at her Baltimore office at (410) 484-1400.

Divorce Law in the State of Maryland.

Marriage is a civil contract between two people according to the laws of Maryland.  A divorce therefore, is the legal ending of that contract according to the court.  You may not be aware that there are two types of divorce in “the old line state”.  One is absolute divorce which is a permanent termination of the marriage.  The other is a limited divorce which constitutes a legal separation and does not end the union.

When filing for an absolute divorce, an individual must set forth the grounds or reasons for filing.  Among those things that qualify are - a one year separation, adultery, cruel treatment, and even incarceration.  A limited divorce is usually the choice for people who either do not have the grounds for an absolute divorce, may need financial relief, or simply are unable to privately settle their differences.

If you are contemplating divorce, call Baltimore family attorney Briana Arnold.  Attorney Arnold will aggressively serve you and defend your side of the issue.  She will help you to get on a path toward a solution that you seek in your Maryland divorce case.  She is also licensed to handle personal injury and immigration matters.  Call her today for an appointment at her Baltimore office at (410) 484-1400.

Easter Eggstravaganza – Easter Egg Hunt, Pet & Family Photos With Easter Bunny at Baltimore Humane Society

Easter Eggstravaganza!

Saturday, Mar 26, 2016 – 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM 

This isn’t your typical Easter Egg Hunt event - it’s for both kids and pets and includes some very unusual amusements!  - Click link above for more information. 

Commercial Truck Accidents and You.

You are driving in your vehicle and out of nowhere a truck with a business name on the side of it sideswipes you and causes an accident.  Even if it is clear that the truck driver caused the accident, it's not always easy to figure out who is legally liable.  When is a company liable for its driver’s conduct?  This will go a long way in determining where to begin when you contact a Baltimore area car accident attorney.

There is a Latin term called "respondeat superior".  This is legalese for making the superior answer for the mishap.  Specifically, an employer is liable for the wrongful acts committed by its employees or agents.  Employers accept this responsibility as part of the cost of doing business.  They naturally have deeper pockets than the driver.

There are many other legal nuances that come into play when a company truck causes damage to your vehicle.  Make sure to obtain all of the pertinent information about the driver and the company at the scene.  The next step is to call Baltimore traffic accident lawyer Briana Arnold.  Attorney Arnold will help you obtain everything that you have coming to you.  Call her today for an appointment at her Baltimore office at (410) 484-1400.

What to do Immediately After an Auto Accident.

No one wants to think about it, but on average there are more than 6 million car accidents on American roads every year.  There are some statistics that you need to know that may be eye openers.  More than 3 million people get injured due to car accidents, with more than 2 million of these injuries deemed to be life-alternating.

About 40% of car accident fatalities occur because of a drunken driver.  About 30% of the car accident fatalities in this nation are attributed to driving above the speed limits. Which, let’s face it, most of us are guilty as charged.  And a full 3rd of car accidents are simply attributed to reckless driving.  Here is a sobering statistic, in the age group 1-30 car accidents are the leading cause of death!

If you are involved in a collision make sure everyone is ok at the scene.  Note the specific damage done to EACH vehicle and take pictures with your phone if possible.  Get the license, the insurance, names and numbers of everyone involved.  Call an attorney immediately.  That attorney should be Baltimore car accident lawyer Briana Arnold.  Attorney Arnold will help you to get on a path toward a fair and full settlement.  Call her today for an appointment at her Baltimore office at (410) 484-1400.

Immigration Trends at the Department of Homeland Security.

In recent years the DHS has shifted its priorities.  More than ever they are focusing on the deportation of undocumented immigrants with criminal convictions.  This began with the Secure Communities program in 2008.  President Obama has promised to deport “felons, not families”.  People without criminal convictions should not be subject to deportation.

There is one major misperception of immigrants.  That opinion is that they increase the amount of crime in the communities in which they live.  The latest data shows that the biggest share of deportation comes from simple immigration offenses such as entry and re-entry as well as false citizenship claims.  Criminal offenses accounted for a much smaller percentage of reasons for removal.

If you know someone who is facing deportation let’s get to the bottom of cause and effect.  Baltimore immigration attorney Briana Arnold will sit down with you and discover what the various options may entail.  The future of families is at stake here.  Don’t waste another moment.  Contact Attorney Arnold and arrange a meeting at her office right away by calling her at (410) 484-1400.

Understanding United States vs. Texas

Our office receives calls every week from undocumented individuals who want to apply for Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) or extended Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which provide illegal immigrants and undocumented individuals with legal work authorization.  Unfortunately, these two initiatives announced by the Obama administration in November 2014 were stopped before they even started. Before USCIS began accepting applications in February 2015, a federal court order suspended these programs.

The United States Supreme Court agreed to review the case in January 2016 in the case of United States v. Texas. The passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia will likely change the outcome of this case.

Until the injunction is lifted, USCIS will not begin accepting application for DAPA or extended DACA.  However, you might still be eligible to apply for, or renew the original DACA program that was announced in 2012. Contact Baltimore immigration attorney Briana Arnold to learn more information about this ongoing case and your eligibility to apply for DACA.

WARNING:  Do not take advice about your immigration case from a notario or an immigration consultant. Contact only a qualified immigration lawyer for legal advice about your case.

Call Briana Arnold today at (410) 484-1400.