Aggressive dogs and owner liability Own a vicious dog? Well, there are some things to consider when it comes to liability, and your obligation to render aid in the event your dog attacks someone. FULL STORY>>5/6/2008 10:43 AM
Alternative options for legal help Luke Ellis offers other options for legal assistance for those low-income individuals who may not qualify for other forms of free legal aid. FULL STORY>>4/29/2008 10:46 AM
Free legal help -- Do I qualify? When many low-income individuals look to options for free legal representation, they are often disappointed to find out that they may not qualify for assistance. FULL STORY>>4/22/2008 9:04 AM
Nuts and bolts of filing your tax return April 15 is the last day to file your taxes in case you weren't already aware. Pulling your hair out and feeling stressed? Fear not, News 8's Luke Ellis explains your options for filing. FULL STORY>>4/15/2008 9:33 AM
Can I get an extension on my tax return? Does the IRS allow for an extension of time to file a tax return if I can't submit it by the April 15 deadline? And how does the extension work?
FULL STORY>>4/8/2008 8:57 AM
Bike helmet laws for adults The bike helmet law has been an ongoing debate in Austin for more than a decade. And attorney Luke Ellis offers key information about bike helmet laws. FULL STORY>>4/1/2008 8:40 AM
Can my bicycle get towed? Think your bicycle is safe as you long as it's locked up? Think again, because under various Austin ordinances, your bike can be towed or impounded if it is not parked in a manner that complies with the law. FULL STORY>>3/25/2008 9:58 AM
Can cyclists do that? Not sure what the rules are for cyclists on Texas roadways? Well, fear not because News 8's Luke Ellis pedals through a discussion about road safety among drivers and cyclists. FULL STORY>>3/18/2008 12:18 PM
Avoid foreclosure rescue scams Foreclosure related scams are very lucrative for the scammers and are expected to increase along with the number of foreclosures in 2008. FULL STORY>>3/18/2008 5:09 PM
Beware of 'foreclosure prevention' companies These companies often promise to negotiate with your lender to prevent foreclosure or offer complex financial arrangements with no benefit to the homeowner. FULL STORY>>3/18/2008 5:07 PM
Foreclosure: Should I contact the lender? The further behind in payments you become, the more difficult it will be to reinstate the loan and the more likely it will be that the lender will initiate formal foreclosure proceedings. FULL STORY>>3/18/2008 5:03 PM
Texas Homestead Exemption: Does it apply to me? Part II: You have to determine whether the property you move into can qualify as your homestead for purposes of receiving the exemption. Not all homes qualify for the homeowners exemption.
FULL STORY>>3/17/2008 8:24 PM
Texas Homestead Exemption: What is it? Part I: Obtaining a homestead exemption provides extra legal protection because general creditors would not be able to force you to sell your homestead in order to satisfy an unpaid debt. FULL STORY>>3/17/2008 8:16 PM
Luke Ellis is licensed to practice law in Texas and New York. He is an associate at Jackson Walker LLP; his practice focuses on general commercial litigation. Ellis writes The Common Law, a weekly, legal column in the Austin Chronicle that addresses practical and everyday legal issues. His column has also been published in Spanish in El Mundo.
Disclaimer The material provided in The Common Law is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute, nor is it a substitute for, legal advice. For advice on your specific facts and circumstances, consult an attorney directly.
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Do you think holding elections on Saturday made it easier or harder to vote for your local politicians, bonds?
Easy. With low voter turnout, ordering a snow cone takes longer.
I could care less about local elections.
There were elections Saturday?
There were too many other weekend events to attend.
Hard. With the lovely weather, it completely escaped me.
