The first story Andy & Paul talked about involved texting and driving.  Well, almost.  As an auto accident attorney, Paul has a special pet-peeve against people who text while driving.  A case now going on in New Jersey, where two people on a motorcycle were hit by an errant teenager texting while driving his car, involves claims against the person who sent the text to the teenager.  The victims both lost their left legs, truly an unnecessary tragedy brought about by a very bad habit many people engage in…  the crux of this case is whether the person who sent the text to the driver knew, or should have known, that the driver was driving… if not, it might be hard to hold the sender responsible.

Next, Andy asked Paul about New York’s highest court recently ruling that watching child pornography was not against the law.  Explaining the ruling, technology is involved.  The NY court found that because some images are captured automatically in temporary files on your computer, this was not “exercising dominion and control” over the image, as it would be if you printed, saved or downloaded the image.  The distinction is probably moot now in NY, because, thankfully, the NY legislature is moving to make watching child porn illegal, however you do it.

The last story they guys talked about involved the curious situation of convicted thief OJ Simpson.  It seems he has found an attorney to try to overturn his conviction from 4 years ago.  Paul wondered why the attorney would take the case, but beyond, offered that the “ineffective assistance of counsel” claim probably is not going to work.

Paul’s tip of the day involved Identity Theft.  To learn how to minimize the potential damage if you are a victim, listen to the clip.

Paul started today’s show offering Happy Mother’s Day to all moms.  Andy offered that Paul was a nice guy; thank you Andy.  The first topic concerned Sharon Love’s 29 Million lawsuit against Virginia, the University of Virginia, it’s team’s coaches and the athletics director, over the wrongful death of her daughter, Yeardley Love, who was murdered by George Huguely.  Paul offered it would be a tough win for her, as she’d need to prove the defendants had a duty to protect her daughter, that they breached the duty, and that their breach directly led to her daughter’s death.  Huguely’s criminal act makes that last element almost impossible, even if she can get past the first two.

Next, in the Travyon Martin murder case, Andy asked about Defendant George Zimmerman’s bail being revoked.  The Martin family attorney went public with concerns about lies he alleges Zimmerman told at his bond hearing, and offered that the lies should be the basis for the revocation.  Paul doesn’t believe the Court will act to revoke Zimmerman’s bond at this point.  The Martin family attorney isn’t involved in the case.  The prosecutor’s office has not made any noise on this matter.

Andy asked about a lady in Wisconsin, a five year employee of Wells Fargo Mortgage, who was fired.  Despite getting accolades for her work for her five year tenure there, she was fired because a routine background check revealed she had a shoplifting conviction, forty (40) years ago.  Outrageous!

The last story covered involved a six year old boy in Colorado who was suspended from his elementary school, because while in the lunch line he sang “I’m sexy and I know it” to the girl in front of him.  We ask, does a six year old boy, or a girl, know what “sexy” is?  Clearly, a bit of over-reaching here on the part of the school.

Paul’s tip of the day involved debt collectors.  While the actual creditor can call you at will, debt collectors are governed by rules.  Paul provided some of these. Listen to the clip to hear the whole segment.

Call this the Maryland and Florida day.  Andy asked first about the Maryland High Court’s recent ruling taking away the police procedure of securing DNA samples from individuals arrested for violent crimes.  Paul explained the background and offered he was very against the Court’s ruling.  Up until last week, the police, in the processing of the arrest, routinely took fingerprints, photographs and DNA samples of people arrested for violent crimes.  The DNA sampling was done by a simple swab in the person’s mouth with a cotton stick.  No muss, no fuss, and certainly not “invasive”. This was done to use it to see if the individual was involved in other crimes.  Good idea said Paul.  Now, the Maryland Supreme Court says “no” because it’s unconstitutionally invasive.  Paul had Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler’s Motion to the Court to reconsider.  Let’s hope Maryland’s Justices reverse themselves.

Next, in Florida, a West Palm Beach judge is going to decide if several jurors who allegedly pressured another juror to vote “guilty” constitutes jury misconduct or even jury tampering.  The case involved the conviction of Wellington, Florida polo mogul John Goodman, on charges of DUI Manslaughter.

Again in Florida, in Naples, a knucklehead with a history of petty thefts went into a McDonalds, asked for a cup to take some water, and filled the cup with coffee.  When the manager asked him to pay for it, the guy got abusive, and wouldn’t leave.  The police came and arrested him.  Because of his prior misdemeanor convictions, and this minor theft, and disorderly conduct, and trespassing, the guy now faces a 3rd degree felony.

Paul’s tip of the day brings us back to Maryland, where the Maryland Supreme Court again is in the news.  They declared that if you own a pit bull dog, and it bites somebody, you are liable.  Period.  No defense.  Learn what this really means by listening to the segment.

Paul and Andy talked about John Edwards, the former Presidential candidate charged with 6 criminal charges relating to funds Edwards gave to his former mistress, Rielle Hunter.  The issue hinges on whether these funds were campaign contributions, in which event Edwards is in big trouble, or gifts from wealthy friends designed to help him keep his affair secret.  The prosecution’s case will largely rest on the credibility of Andrew Young, a former Edwards aide and confidant.  Paul’s take:  tough prosecution, Edwards will be exonerated.

Next, Paul and Andy talked about Arizona’s tough immigration law, which the Supreme Court is taking up today.  Is the law, considered the toughest ever on the immigration population, unconstitutional because it usurps Federal law, which is said to control the nation’s immigration law, or is the law just to supplement the Federal law, to help Arizona keep crime down and, keep resources from being spent, and keep Arizona jobs for Arizona residents?  Paul’s take:  Feds win.  Doesn’t matter if the Congress passes the law being proposed by some Democrats.  That law would clearly wipe out any state law that touches on immigration.  We’ll wait and see what the Supreme Court does.  Andy offered numerous excellent problems that would be created if the Democrat’s law being proposed is passed.

Finally, a story about MetLife Life Insurance company presented that allowed Paul to discuss his “love” of the insurance industry.  MetLife agreed to a settlement of about $500 Million, to pay the beneficiaries of life insurance policies that were never paid.  Policies were issued 20-30 years ago, and the beneficiaries never knew their loved ones had the policies.  So, if they didn’t know, what’s the rub? MetLife should have notified them that the policies existed and that money was on its way.  In stark contrast,  MetLife vigorously checks the Social Security Administration’s Death List to stop payments due to people that have died.  By agreeing to the settlement, MetLife agreed to conduct a thorough  search for beneficiaries and to implement a monthly matching process.

Paul’s tip of the day involved streaming movies and songs.  Listen to the clip to determine if this activity is legal!

The Secret Service agents in Columbia, detailed in advance of President Obama’s visit there, were caught with their pants down.  Eleven of them hired prostitutes.  This is all of the news now, and Paul’s take is as many have voiced… a very big no – no.  Their actions compromised the integrity of the office of the President.  No United States “crime” was committed here, nor any in Columbia, where prostitution is legal.  The predicted result for these agents?  They’ll be fired.

The next subject discussed today was the Roger Clemens perjury trial, Part 2.  Paul offered some observations about the strengths and weaknesses both sides now have in this “do-over”, and Paul predicted that even if Roger is convicted of lying to Congress, he’ll not see any jail time.

Paul next talked about Connecticut becoming the 5th state in the last 5 years to abolish the death penalty.  Acknowledging he is in favor of the death penalty for certain heinous crimes, Paul expressed concern about the implementation of the sentence and the possibility of mistakes.  That lead to the discussion of Gary Allen, who murdered the wife of his two children in Oklahoma in 1986.  Mr. Allen was convicted and sentenced to death.  Appeals led to the Supreme Court of the United States, just last week, staying the execution.  The mitigating circumstances here were that Mr. Allen had a history of mental illness, including schizophrenia and dementia, and, the Parole Board voted 4-1 in favor of the stay.  OK’s governor nonetheless wanted the execution carried out.

Paul’s tip of the day involved teenage drivers.  Car accidents are the leading cause of fatal head trauma in teenagers.  States with strict licensing laws experience lower rates of these devastating injuries.  Paul offered a free copy of his “New Driver Contract” to any that ask.

Listen to the whole segment and if you have a teenager, get Paul’s contract before you hand over the keys.

Another packed commentary with Paul on Andy’s show today.

Top of the news today is the coming announcement of charges related to the death of Trayvon Martin.  The Special Prosecutor is set to hold a news conference at 6:00 PM today.  Andy asked Paul to be available tomorrow for commentary, so listen in then on this topic.

A Michigan school teacher, Brooke Harris, was fired this week for supporting a fundraising event for Trayvon’s parents.  They were going to wear “hoodies” and pay $1.00.  There have been other fund-raising events at this school where the children were allowed to “dress down.” Neither Paul nor Andy could understand why Harris was booted.  She went through proper channels and when the Superintendent said “no”, Harris was on her way to tell the students.  She was then fired.  Paul will follow and report more if available next week.

The third story discussed today was about another teacher, Jarretta Hamilton, in Florida, who was fired for having pre-marital sex.  Hamilton worked at a Christian school in St. Cloud, Florida, and the school says she violated the moral precepts of the school.  Hamilton and her husband, the father of the child to be, went in to ask the principal about maternity leave.  Then, the principal began asking personal questions, and learned the child was conceived about two months before Hamilton and her husband wed.  Paul’s thought:  blatant gender discrimination!

Paul’s tip of the day involved what to do if you are injured at work. Listen to the segment to learn and also, to learn the startling truth about Worker’s Compensation claims.

Paul and Andy got right into it today with a discussion about the Supreme Court’s ruling just days ago, allowing strip searches, nationwide, in any state, any city, any town, for ANY offense.  Unbelievable!  Simply not paying a traffic ticket could land you in jail and having to take your clothes off, be subjected to a body cavity search, all in the name of protection against the possibility you may be smuggling in contraband, or have weapons on  you… Paul’s view:  nuts!

Next, Andy asked about the recent Groupon class action suit settlement.  Groupon’s coupons expired, often before consumers could use them.  The settlement of $8.5 Million now establishes a fund for refunds if the local merchant won’t allow you to redeem your coupon.  This applies to all coupons purchased before December 1, 2011.

Andy then wanted the details on the $620,000 verdict in Frederick, Maryland.  In January, 2010, a police officer, according to the Mr. Brooks and his wife, came into their home without permission, to serve a juvenile civil warrant.  Once in the home, the officer shot their dog.  The dog survived, by the way.  The Brooks sued for civil rights violations and won  the huge verdict.  The police officer didn’t help himself at trial:  he couldn’t explain why the dog caused him to shoot.

Paul’s tip of the day involved not complaining publicly if the complaint could be slanderous.  Listen to the show to hear all of Paul’s thoughts on these stories and his complete comments on his tip.

Andy and Paul squared off today on Paul’s last comment, at the end of talking about Trayvon Martin.  Trayvon, killed in Florida by a community watch captain, facts still to be determined and grand jury being empaneled on April 10th…  Paul offered that he didn’t like the fact that the community watch captain had a gun, saying Trayvon would still be alive if the watch captain didn’t have a gun.  Andy offered up the self defense argument.  They agreed to disagree.

Next, Paul educated us about the distinction between a Worker’s Compensation claim and a lawsuit against the employer as it relates to the current suits against the National Football League (NFL), the most recent one a class action suit with former Redskin, Mark Rypien as the named Plaintiff.  The lawsuit, now one of about 51 or 52 currently in state courts all over the country, alleges that the NFL knew all of the hits to the head in games and practices would cause permanent neurologic and cognitive problems. Listen to find out why these are not Worker’s Compensation claims.

The final topic discussed today involved the voluntary agreement between Match.com, E-Harmony and Spark Networks (match-making services) and the California Attorney General, to screen and block sexual offenders and those with fake profiles from using the services.  This agreement arose out of horrible case last year when a woman was raped by a man set up through Match.com.

Paul’s tip was to put a family member’s name and telephone number in your cell phone under ICE — In Case of Emergency — so if there is an emergency, first responders or rescue people know who to contact.

Finally, Andy congratulated Paul on his joining the Washington Times Communities (on-line forum) as a columnist.  Search “Paul Samakow” to see the articles he’s written thus far:   http://communities.washingtontimes.com/

Listen to the whole segment.

Today’s talk between Paul and Andy was sizzling.  Andy asked about employers who want prospects’ Facebook usernames and passwords, as a condition of  employment.  Wow!  Paul couldn’t have been more adamant that this was the ultimate invasion of privacy.  He asked if the prospect should just give the employer the keys to the house and allow them into all of the private drawers and such.  Paul’s advice is to be aware of what is on your social media pages and recognize that people are looking.  In today’s world, sometimes your job situation might demand you allow this fishing expedition.

Next, the guys talked about the fatal shooting of 17 year old Trayvon Martin by a Florida “neighborhood watch captain”.  Trayvon was black, the captain, George Zimmerman, is white.  Media attention on this couldn’t be  higher.  Paul explained that a grand jury will most likely be convened to determine if Mr. Zimmerman will stand trial, and that police did nothing wrong in not initially arresting him.  Listen to find out why.

The third conversation focused on the Supreme Court’s coming decision involving whether children whose father died  before they were born, or even conceived, are entitled to survivors benefits under Social Security laws.  Servicemen who are deployed to a war zone are more commonly making deposits into sperm banks, in case they don’t return their widows can still potentially have their children. Should the kids get Social Security benefits if they weren’t born before dad died?  The Supreme Court will tell us.  Paul says they’ll say “no.”

Finally, Paul’s tip of the day involved protecting your assets for reimbursement in the event of a house fire.  Listen to find out what to do!

Today’s time with Paul was a bit more informational than news analysis, as Andy started off by asking about Virginia’s new DUI penalty.  Paul explained that previously, Virginia required the ignition interlock device for 2nd time alcohol offenders and for those, even the first time, that had a blood alcohol content measured at or above .15.  Now, Virginia requires the device’s installation for ALL DUI offenders, regardless of the BAC content or number of offense.  Paul noted “drinkers beware” and commented he was in favor of this new law.  Andy wholeheartedly agreed!

Next, Paul told us about the Texas “photo ID” law that didn’t pass for voters at polling places.  The Justice Department was convincing that the law unconstitutionally impacted Hispanics.  Both Andy and Paul agreed that certainly, in today’s world, it is unusual not to have a photo ID.  But, not having one shouldn’t deprive you of your right to vote.

The third discussion involved the unfortunate situation about who keeps the wedding or engagement ring if the marriage is called off.  Listen for Paul’s commentary and analysis.

Finally, Paul’s tip involved employees (that’s most of us), what the law is, and what your rights are concerning post-hiring drug testing.  Do you have to submit to a drug test as a condition of continued employment?

Listen to learn the answer!