Re: Legal Forum: Ask your legal questions here.
oh, calm yourself. :o
you're totally missing the point here. first, i don't know if you're an attorney or not, and personally, i don't care. what you can't seem to grasp is that the legal problems we face in this business REQUIRE attorneys who we KNOW are who they say they are and have the credentials and experience to preserve our businesses and our futures should the need arise. the only people who get their legal advice from someone online who they can't even verify is an attorney at all are just plain stupid. unfortunately, there are a lot of naive girls in this business who might not see the forest for the trees and actually use the advice of some online ID name at their own peril.
yep, i've gotten burned in the past - so have we all, and unless you've been living in a sterile bubble, so have you. if i'm distrustful of your identity it's because i'm not a fool and i've learned from my own mistakes and the mistakes i've seen others make. i'm not going to sit here silently and let others from this forum get hoodwinked into accepting legal advice from you as if it were legitimate which can only harm them personally as well as their businesses and their futures. if you're really an attorney and really interested in dipensing free legal advice that you have knowledge of, then provide legitimate information that qualifies you to do so, and direct those people interested in your advice to a legitimate source, like a legal forum that provides pertinent information about your qualifications or a legitimate business name, address and telephone number where you can be contacted. giving advice the way you have thus far could very well be a breach of ethics if you are in fact an attorney (which has a whole lot to do with why the attorneys on this forum don't do it... DUH). need i add that this further lowers your credibility?
i'll say it again so you can clearly understand it this time... unless you can provide legitimate proof that you're qualified to give legal advice, anything you say in that regard is hearsay (you know what hearsay means? ::) ).
i'm sure the GA bar would be interested in seeing what you've been up to on this forum as well as the football forum, which for some bizzare reason you gave as some ridiculous example of your "resume"... interesting choice of words since in the legal community a resume is called a curriculum vitae. speaking of which... where is it? ::)
i'll tell ya something, i've worked for years with all kinds of attorneys... some stupid, some ok and some brilliant... but if you are an attorney, you're far and away the stupidest i've ever come across. (what kind of bonehead tries to prove they're an attorney by giving - and then removing - a link to some high school reunion crap and calls their "resume" a bunch of posts on a football site? GOOD GRIEF!).
Re: Legal Forum: Ask your legal questions here.
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oh, calm yourself. :o
you're totally missing the point here. first, i don't know if you're an attorney or not, and personally, i don't care. what you can't seem to grasp is that the legal problems we face in this business REQUIRE attorneys who we KNOW are who they say they are and have the credentials and experience to preserve our businesses and our futures should the need arise. the only people who get their legal advice from someone online who they can't even verify is an attorney at all are just plain stupid. unfortunately, there are a lot of naive girls in this business who might not see the forest for the trees and actually use the advice of some online ID name at their own peril.
yep, i've gotten burned in the past - so have we all, and unless you've been living in a sterile bubble, so have you. if i'm distrustful of your identity it's because i'm not a fool and i've learned from my own mistakes and the mistakes i've seen others make. i'm not going to sit here silently and let others from this forum get hoodwinked into accepting legal advice from you as if it were legitimate which can only harm them personally as well as their businesses and their futures. if you're really an attorney and really interested in dipensing free legal advice that you have knowledge of, then provide legitimate information that qualifies you to do so, and direct those people interested in your advice to a legitimate source, like a legal forum that provides pertinent information about your qualifications or a legitimate business name, address and telephone number where you can be contacted. giving advice the way you have thus far could very well be a breach of ethics if you are in fact an attorney (which has a whole lot to do with why the attorneys on this forum don't do it... DUH). need i add that this further lowers your credibility?
i'll say it again so you can clearly understand it this time... unless you can provide legitimate proof that you're qualified to give legal advice, anything you say in that regard is hearsay (you know what hearsay means? ::) ).
i'm sure the GA bar would be interested in seeing what you've been up to on this forum as well as the football forum, which for some bizzare reason you gave as some ridiculous example of your "resume"... interesting choice of words since in the legal community a resume is called a curriculum vitae. speaking of which... where is it? ::)
i'll tell ya something, i've worked for years with all kinds of attorneys... some stupid, some ok and some brilliant... but if you are an attorney, you're far and away the stupidest i've ever come across. (what kind of bonehead tries to prove they're an attorney by giving - and then removing - a link to some high school reunion crap and calls their "resume" a bunch of posts on a football site? GOOD GRIEF!).
Sigh. I'll try and be brief because thise could go on for days.
You are right to be vigilant about knowing that who you seek legal advice from is an attorney, as it is important advice to receive.
As far as the bar considerations, this has been a hotly debated issue. As there are many legal boards out there, with many attorneys dispensing advice. That is why I want to be clear that whatever this it IT IS NOT AN ATTORNEY CLIENT relationship. It is simply the soliciting of advice.
As far as being burned in the past, that was not meant to be insulting, as I said above you are right to be vigilant. All I ask is a chance.
I can easily prove myself and I have no doubts about who I am. The original links provided a link to a website that had a 'bio' written for our reunion listing the exact same name and quals I have refernced above however I noticed after posting it that it had my cell phone and personal address. I would feel comfortable using this as 'proof' or part of my proof to a selected person who I feelis trustworthy, but would prefer if that info is not readily available in a thread where I am being lambasted.
Look, I am going to contact a moderator, and see if I can 'proove' to them who I am.
I do think it funny (as one SW member pm'd me... will keep her identity anon. so as to preserve her privacy"
"Just wanted to say that I wouldnt take any of that interrogation to seriously, I dont feel you have to jump thru hoops to prove yourself, and I certainly believe that you have provided ample evidence to support yourself.
2 things seriously amaze me,
1. that you took suck heat when simply offering some free imformed but not binding advice.
2. that anyone can come on here ..claim to be a dancer and never be questioned, but you took such heat over your claim of being an attorney. "
Thanks for the support ;D
I also think that judging by her posts, and her credibility around here that I would be willing to confirm this to Pamela (in case mods aren't available) since until I accidentally flamed her (apologies again) seemed like an honest and straightforward person who would be mature enough no to give one of my secretaries a profanity laden tirade about being on SW etc (I work with a few very conservative and religous people) but would be willing to give out our office number to this 'yet to be named' judge in te trial of my identity. That way you could ask for "Brian Clune, the attorney" and then be pased to me.
Once again, I am only trying to help. This should not substitute for REAL REPRESENTATION by an attorney.
Best example I can use is that I can and will go to real, licensed doctors. But I will consult online boards (web wd, footballguys, etc) to get advice and will weigh the advice of online doctors everywhere. Plus, I would love to be able to ask a dcotor his opinion and take that opinion at face value. Howevere, this doesn't mean if I was really ill, that I would rely on that.
It is always better to have an attorney if you are in trouble, in court (with rare exceptions) but if you just have a question, sometimes it is easier to ask anonymously.
And if the "online "resume I provided was merely to show my past history of posting on other boards. It was meant to show that this was not some concocted scheme for SW, but who I am. It is not ironclad and thought out because I am not trying to create an identity. It is who I am, and I just showed you part of my day to day activities.
so until this is resolved, can those who doubt me, please put this topic to rest for a little bit, while we find someone who can validate me.
Now I actually have to work. Actually I need about 3 cups of coffeee, then I need to work. This am crap sucks. Bye ladies and gents...
Re: Legal Forum: Ask your legal questions here.
since in the legal community a resume is called a curriculum vitae. speaking of which... where is it?
For the record I have never heard this term. We use a lot of latin so it may be true, but definately not a common term
Re: Legal Forum: Ask your legal questions here.
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oh, calm yourself. !).
I'll just lie back and think pleasant thoughts. Chicken pot pie... Chocolate covered RAIsins... EEGlazed Hammmmm... They think I'm crazy...
But I know better... It is not I who am crazy... It is I who am MAD!... Didn't you hear 'em? Didn't you see the crowds?!! Oh my beloved ice cream bar... How I love to lick your creamy center... eeyaaarghruch... eeyaarghrunch... eeyaarghrunch... And your oh-so-nutty chocolate covering...
You're not like the others... You like the same things I do... Wax paper... Boiled football leather... Dog breath... WE'RE NOT HITCHHIKING ANYMORE... WE'RE RIDING... ;)
Re: Legal Forum: Ask your legal questions here.
Oh dear.
Well, I do happen to personally know that they do let just about anyone who can pay for the schooling be a lawyer.
Can I just say that if you're a dancer and you don't have a relationship with a lawyer in your town, you should. Look for a respected, intelligent defense lawyer. Shell out the $150 (or whatever it is in your town) to talk to him for an hour, get the rundown of the dance laws in your town and what to do in a bust, etc. Give him $500, or whatever, as a future retainer in case you ever need him. Consider it insurance. Usually at this point he'll be happy to answer any questions that might come up...
Lena
Re: Legal Forum: Ask your legal questions here.
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Oh dear.
Well, I do happen to personally know that they do let just about anyone who can pay for the schooling be a lawyer.
Can I just say that if you're a dancer and you don't have a relationship with a lawyer in your town, you should. Look for a respected, intelligent defense lawyer. Shell out the $150 (or whatever it is in your town) to talk to him for an hour, get the rundown of the dance laws in your town and what to do in a bust, etc. Give him $500, or whatever, as a future retainer in case you ever need him. Consider it insurance. Usually at this point he'll be happy to answer any questions that might come up...
Lena
Very true, It's not like being a doctor and needing kick ass grades and scores just to get into a school and then taking and additional 8 years of study. Anyone can do it (I am actually assisting a bartender in a club in town in getting into law school.. and maybe even getting her a job as a legal assistant with a fellow colleague) and judging by the thoroughness of Alanna's inquiry, reasoning and deduction skills, I think she would make an excellent lawyer.
That said most attorneys hate what they do, as most are doing crappy out of court document processing etc. Me, I love my job, as I love being in court and I truly do like helping people.
If you can afford to do what Lena suggested (ie having an on call attorney in case you need one) by all means do that. I am just attempting to allow people to use my knowledge from working withing the system and schooling if they so choose.
Re: Legal Forum: Ask your legal questions here.
Well, I did so choose, with my specific question about options and consequences following a bogus prostitution bust. Unfortunately, the focus of the preceeding novella all focus on matters other than hearing your legal opinion and advice. I'd much rather hear what you have to say in the way of legal commentary and make my own judgement as to whether it has merit or not, rather than repeatedly asking for proof of your credentials.
Re: Legal Forum: Ask your legal questions here.
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Well, I did so choose, with my specific question about options and consequences following a bogus prostitution bust. Unfortunately, the focus of the preceeding novella all focus on matters other than hearing your legal opinion and advice. I'd much rather hear what you have to say in the way of legal commentary and make my own judgement as to whether it has merit or not, rather than repeatedly asking for proof of your credentials.
What state are you in? really might make a difference.
I posted the municode links above to find out exactly what the local ordinance is.
I did advise in another thread (may have been lost in the novella) about keeping a dictaphone at all times in a ppurse while at the club so as to record convos if cops attempt a 'shake-down' or lie about your statements.
Don't talk to them, ask to speak to your attorney if you have one, or just ask to speak to an attorney, and say "please stop questioning me until my lawyer is present". ESPECIALLY if you are taping it and they ignore this request that'll bebad for them and credibility.
As far as your question above could you be more specific. The devil is often in the details. Once I get back the specific law that we are talking about (laws vary wildly among the 50 states).
I will try and look into this a little more over the weekend, but I have some 'real work' to do before I leave the office today.
Re: Legal Forum: Ask your legal questions here.
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OK let's bring this hypothetical case a little closer to home for you.
Background Fact - the counties in which the cities of both Atlanta and Marietta are located require dancer licensing. Fact - these counties will revoke a dancer's license if a prostitution conviction appears on her record. Factoid (requires local research) - these counties will not grant/renew a dancer's license if a prostitution CHARGE appears on her record. Therefore if an Atlanta dancer is convicted of prostitution she is out of the dancing business within driving distance of home. Maybe (requires local research) the mere existance of a prostitution charge on her record will prevent her from renewing her license, even if the charge was plea bargained down to something else.
Given this background, say a girl is working at the Gold Club. Local cops decide to troll the place as a follow-up to last year's well publicized incident. This girl is invited into one of the 2nd floor private rooms to do what normally occurs there. But one of the guys is a cop and busts her for prostitution based on the fact that she is being tipped by guys and in exchange has done some "crotch brushing" as you so eloquently said earlier i.e. she has accepted money (tips) in exchange for "sexual contact" (crotch brushing). Assume at this point there is no hard evidence gathered such as video, and that it's the cop's word against that of the dancer.
Obviously this girl will probably get a tour of the county holding tank until a judge shows up in the morning to set bail ($250?, $500?). The girl had a good night prior to the bust and has sufficient cash to make bail herself. She's released, and goes back to work the next night. Her court case is scheduled for 2 weeks later ?
I would assume that in GA a misdemeanor case such as this will appear before a lower level judge. In all probability this lower level judge also sees REAL prostitute cases along with other "street crime" cases, has heard a million sob stories, and is prepared to give more credibility to the cop than to the dancer. The dancer shows up two weeks later and her case is heard. Odds are 10:1 that the lower level judge is going to find the dancer guilty based on the cop's testimony, whether she's represented by a public defender or F. Lee Bailey.
At this point, option #1 is for the dancer to let the lower court judgement stand, pay the $500 fine or whatever (or does a first time prostitution charge carry time in GA ?), get her bail money back, and find a new line of work since her dancer's license will be revoked and she's not prepared to move to a different area.
What other legal options does this dancer have to avoid being forced out of the dancing business ?
I believe I found Melonie's question. I was kinda interested in hearing possible legal solutions to this one myself. So, here it is.
Re: Legal Forum: Ask your legal questions here.
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I did advise in another thread (may have been lost in the novella) about keeping a dictaphone at all times in a ppurse while at the club so as to record convos if cops attempt a 'shake-down' or lie about your statements.
yep, you certainly did... but you didn't warn that the recording of conversations without the other party's permission is illegal in many states and not only is any information gleaned from the recording inadmissable but felony charges can (and WILL in those areas where it is illegal) be brought against the dancer secretly recording the conversation.
how many dancers went to work tonight with their trusty tape recorders following your *cough* brilliant* cough* advice had any idea that what you advised may be illegal?
this is exactly why you should shut up, not only for the sake of the people reading your advice here but for yourself as well... seeing as the GA bar would be very interested in the substance of your advice and the manner in which you give it.
Re: Legal Forum: Ask your legal questions here.
http://www.rcfp.org/taping/
Believe this got lost in there as well. Hope it helps someone. I found it interesting.
Re: Legal Forum: Ask your legal questions here.
despite the potential (il)legalities of carrying a tiny tape recorder in her purse, the practical difficulties involved in a dancer actually making an understandable recording inside a club - loud music blaring constantly, being on stage and interacting with stageside guys without your purse being allowed anywhere nearby - make this a "moot point".
So far I haven't heard one scintilla of authoritative legal commentary from this guy, despite a specific question concerning his own home state and city. My "Bullshit Meter" has risen to yellow ...
Re: Legal Forum: Ask your legal questions here.
"My "Bullshit Meter" has risen to yellow ... "
Mine too. If he was an attorney, he would have addressed the hearsay problem raised in his suggestion to tape conversations with the police. An attorney would know that out of court statements, like tape recordings, offered for the truth of the assertion are usually not admissable.
Re: Legal Forum: Ask your legal questions here.
You know what.. This is too much. I go waya for the weekend and come back to have all my 'advice' scrutinized. Too much to deal with.
To the couple of you that have pm'd me. I'll try to look up the questions you had and see if I can come back with anything for you.
This is just too much bs to put up with, for providing a FREE service and TRYING to help people out.
For the record, re the whole taping issue I PROVIDED THE WEBSITE THAT DISCUSSES WHAT THE REQUIREMENTS ARE FOR TAPING. I said that here in GA the standard was as long as you wer eone party to a phone call/conv you can tape the other party. This is ILLEGAL/unusable in many other jursisdictions, that was why I provided a state by state list.
Either way I had envisioned using this to answer general questions that people had and maybe to show you guys some of the web tools (municode, can we tape, fdcpa) and to generally inform people on their rights and responsibilities under the law. Since this has now turned into a jihad against me, and there have been made threats against me, and I spend 90% of my actual time on this board defending that I am an attorney, it just isn't worth it.
A few bad apples can spoli the whole bunch. I am sorry for those of you who did not do this, but this is simply not worth my time.
Re: Legal Forum: Ask your legal questions here.
Sorry to hear you feel that way. I have had connections with you, and you are fine. People will be people. Don't get too upset. It's a message board. I always give the benefit of the doubt first. And i did.
Nice guy! Thanks alot for being honest.
Pamela :)
Re: Legal Forum: Ask your legal questions here.
Lawyer, it was not my intention to piss you off or demean your credibility. I was only commenting that by skipping over my specific question (twice) and then posting that you couldn't answer due to lack of specifics, things started to "smell fishy". You have to keep in mind that dancers are constantly confronted by guys who claim to be lawyers, doctors, movie producers, bankers, you name it, when in reality these guys often work in factories or wait tables! Your avoidance of my specific question when it actually came down to dispensing legal knowledge and insight just struck me as a typical answer a factory worker or waiter would give. At the time I made my post above you had not posted any of the legal cites which later appeared under the lawsuit thread, leaving us with no concrete info in regard to your actually being what you claimed to be. If I've offended you I'm sorry. Your information is indeed valuable and appreciated. However, nobody here requested your advice - you volunteered it, so I for one don't feel the least bit responsible or hurt if you choose not to post in the future. Sayonara.
Re: Legal Forum: Ask your legal questions here.
"A few bad apples can spoli the whole bunch. I am sorry for those of you who did not do this, but this is simply not worth my time."
I think the word you are looking for is spoil.
Whenever I see some guy come in claiming to be a Doctor, lawyer, King of Siam, whatever, my BS meter starts to move. When the King of Siam or whomever claims that everyone who doesn't believe him is a bad apple, I get convinced that he's a fraud.
Hasta la vista baby.
Re: Legal Forum: Ask your legal questions here.
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"A few bad apples can spoli the whole bunch. I am sorry for those of you who did not do this, but this is simply not worth my time."
I think the word you are looking for is spoil.
Whenever I see some guy come in claiming to be a Doctor, lawyer, King of Siam, whatever, my BS meter starts to move. When the King of Siam or whomever claims that everyone who doesn't believe him is a bad apple, I get convinced that he's a fraud.
Hasta la vista baby.
Taken from above posta few days ago
"Once agin, i am sorry if some people aparently won't believe I am who I say I am. I felt including a link to my high school profile (on our class reunion webpage) which matches all the info above would be enough. For some it won't, but not everyone is gonna like you, you can try, but you can't please 'em all.
Oh, and I am a terrible speller/typist so I am oremoting all "how can't you be a lawyer when you can't even spell the" ( I often type it teh). "
I just realized I misspelled preempting (actually butchered is more like it... I don't even know if people got that comment with oremoting?? ?? ??) above too in case no one caught that.
It is not worth my time to attempt to put myself on the public board to be chastized and ridiculed. I have actually been communicating with a few members on this board, and even some have checked my qualifications. In case they don't want to be brought into this, I'll leave their names out.
That said, THIS THREAD is dead. If anyone has a particular legal question and wants to ask me via a PM, that is fine, and if I feel I can offer some PERSONAL ADVICE based on my experience, then I will try. There have been a few that I have told peoplethat I can't help them with that b/c that is not my area of law.
Either way, I am not leaving the form (as you can see I post elsewhere) But this open thread to post legal questions, and then have others flame me and villify ,me is not worth my time.
Where is it written that Lawyers have to know how to spell. That is why we have spellcheck for docs. (Note I realize there is a spellcheck option. But I write a lot and don't want to take the extra 3-5 minutes per post that it takes to spellcheck) I mean our handwriting is bad, can't our spelling be too?