Restraining Orders.

Occasionally, a divorce will start with a restraining order.  There are three types of restraining orders that may be deployed:  A simple civil restraining order, an anti-harassment order, or a domestic violence restraining order.

Often, these orders issue without notice (ex parte) and they must set a hearing within 14 days for the allegations to be heard with a response from the restrained party.  The ex parte orders are usually in immediate effect upon this “one-sided” issuance.  Because of their “ex parte” origin, you have a right to “quash” (have the court withdraw) the restraints on two-days notice if you can prepare your defense that quickly.

If you are in danger, come to Mason Law to file a domestic violence restraining order; likewise if you are being harassed.  If you fear the destruction of property or the loss of your normal visitation with the children, then a civil restraint might be appropriate.

If you have been the victim of a “tactical” restraining order, filed to get an initial advantage in the dissolution, also contact Spokane Family Attorney Craig Mason immediately, to prepare your response, and, if the evidence can be gathered quickly enough, to move to quash the unjust order.  Call him today at (509) 443-3681.

Pedestrians and Cell Phones.

Have you ever seen the TV show “The Walking Dead?”  Pedestrians all over the Spokane area can look like zombies as they stagger aimlessly down the general vicinity of the sidewalk, while staring down at their cell phones.  Certainly everybody knows about distracted driving.  A half-million people a year are injured in this country due to texting and talking while driving.  But what about distracted walking?

Here is a statistic that may surprise you.  At any given moment in this country, 60 percent of all walkers are engaged with their cell phones!  This coming 4th of July weekend reminds us that our Founding Fathers are spinning in their graves, seeing this revolution of communication without social interaction, and of people walking without surveying their surroundings.

The phone-staring zombies have been called “digital deadwalkers.”  And not just teens and children are lost in their phones while walking.  People of every age are guilty of “deadwalking.”

An accident, between an auto and a pedestrian using a cell phone, will likely be more complicated than that of a collision between two vehicle drivers.  If this unfortunate event happens to you, please call Spokane auto accident attorney Craig Mason.  Take the time to explain your particular situation at (509) 443-3681, and make an appointment at his Spokane office located at West 1707 Broadway.

Riverfront Park 4th of July Celebration

Riverfront Park 4th of July Celebration

 

Noon-10:30 pm

Free

Riverfront Park

507 N Howard St

Spokane, WA 99201

 

"The day features Fireworks at 10 pm, 1/2 price Day Passes for carrousel, IMAX, mini golf, amusement rides and tour train, 5,000 free American Flags for kids, live entertainment in the Lilac Bowl, beer garden, food vendors and public market."

 

 

Hiring the Right Lawyer.

What if somebody you know told you that they were involved in a nasty divorce, but they found a family lawyer who “turned a nightmare into something positive”?  And what if they went on to tell you that this attorney will do anything within his power to help?  And then that friend of yours told you this particular divorce attorney was, in her words “100% amazing”!

Now let’s switch scenarios.  You are talking to this guy and he tells you that he was facing a trial date in the very near future and suddenly was left without an attorney.  And this guy tells you there was an attorney that not only took the case on short notice, but busted his tail to get up to speed on the case showing compassion for his situation.

All this and much more have been said about Spokane family and injury attorney Craig Mason.  He REALLY treats each of his clients with care and compassion.  In one sense we hope you never have to find out, but if you find yourself embroiled in a personal injury case or an impending divorce please call Attorney Craig Mason immediately at (509) 443-3681.

Pedestrian Accidents and the Elderly.

As America grays, the incidents of pedestrian accidents among those 65+ continues to rise.  According to state traffic data the death rate for those age 70 and above is 150% higher than the rate of younger pedestrians.  The reasons are obvious…age brings infirmity and warmer weather brings out more pedestrians of all types.

Lower gas prices will also bring out more drivers with the advent of summer.  Even the elderly are using cell phones while walking.  Did you ever think you would be reading that?  Suffice to say that with warmer weather the incidents of pedestrian accidents are bound to increase - so watch your step out there, and drive carefully.

If you or a loved one has been involved in any type of pedestrian accident that was not your fault consult an attorney immediately.  In Spokane that choice is Craig Mason.  Attorney Mason is a personal injury and pedestrian accident lawyer practicing out of his office located at W. 1707 Broadway.  Call him immediately at (509) 443-3681.

Who doesn't love FREE!!

Free Things to do in Spokane

From river strolls and botanical gardens to fine art displays and live music, the savvy traveler can have a blast in Spokane without spending a dime. Follow the link above for a quick list of free things to do in Spokane region.

What is Civil Litigation?

We have all heard of it, but very few of us have ever been a part of the civil litigation process.  Do you remember back in the 90’s?  O.J. Simpson was acquitted in a criminal trial, but found guilty in a civil proceeding.  In a civil trial an individual is being sued for damages, and the burden of proof for the claimant is just a bare majority of the evidence, rather than the criminal standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.   A civil suit may include a variety of areas such as probate, personal injury, and contracts among other things.  (An auto collision suit is just one of many forms of civil litigation.)

In a civil litigation there will be an initial pleadings stage, answers and counter-claims, pretrial pleadings, the trial itself, and maybe an appeals process.  Once the initial paperwork has been filed, your representative attorney must begin the necessary process of preparing for trial, and often bringing, or resisting, other significant motions.  A civil case must be taken seriously to prevent a default judgment being entered, or to prevent you from getting an attorney after crucial evidentiary issues have been turned against you.

Spokane civil litigation attorney Craig Mason has undertaken a variety of cases over the years.  He will bring that expertise to the table in representing you in your specific civil case.  Cases such as yours require very specific research and you will need a professional civil litigator on your side.  Contact the Spokane office of Attorney Craig Mason today at (509) 443-3681.