Category Archives: General Law

So You Want to Become a Lyft Driver in Traverse City…

General Law, News, ,

What Tax and Legal Issues Should You Be Aware of? ARE YOU QUALIFIED? Lyft’s website says they are hiring drivers all across Michigan. Applicants need to be: -at least 21 years old -pass a background and DMV check -own a smart phone -have a 2005 or newer vehicle with four doors and 5-8 seats -possess a valid driver’s license, registration and insurance. Applications are being accepted online.   YOU WILL BE AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR Lyft drivers are independent contractors, not employees of Lyft. So, as a driver, you are considered to be self-employed; you own a separate “business” that Lyft uses to provide driving services. When you get paid, it is not like a traditional paycheck; taxes have not been taken Read More

What is a Grand Jury?

Criminal Defense, General Law

Justice Department special counsel and former FBI Director, Robert Mueller has impaneled a grand jury in his investigation of Russian influence in the 2016 election. The significance of this is that issuing grand jury subpoenas doesn’t signal that indictments are imminent — or will ever happen — or that Mueller has concluded there has been wrongdoing. The move is often simply a tool to allow a prosecutor to gather evidence or testimony. Impaneling a grand jury shows that Mueller means business by doing a serious criminal investigation. Ty Cobb, special counsel to the President, said he wasn’t aware that Mueller had started using a new grand jury. So, what is a grand jury? In Maryland, a grand jury is a group of Read More

Trademark Basics

General Law

A trademark is a word, name, device, symbol or even a combination of these used to identify one’s goods, the source of the goods, and to distinguish such goods from those of another manufacturer or seller. When one typically thinks of famous trademarks, they might recall Apple Incorporated’s “Apple” logo or the propeller spinning against a blue sky attributable to BMW. These are symbols or icons that we associate with particular products and the qualities that they possess. We all have a basic understanding of what a trademark is; we know one when we see one, but do we know what it takes to infringe on another’s trademark? As I learned more and more about trademark law through my studies, Read More

What is a Grand Jury?

General Law

Later today (or perhaps as this is being typed), a grand jury in Ferguson, Missouri is expected to release its decision as to whether or not criminal charges will be filed against police officer Darren Wilson in the death of Michael Brown.  In the last few months since the incident, several friends and clients have asked us to explain the grand jury process. So, what is a grand jury? In Maryland, a grand jury is a group of up to 23 people who conduct investigations and/or receive evidence to determine whether probable cause exists to charge someone with a crime.  Many are surprised to learn that a grand jury does not hear both sides of the case and as such, Read More

The Law and You

General Law

Price & Keir is pleased to announce the launch of a series of educational seminars on various legal topics.  We’re calling the seminars “The Law and You”, and will provide a wide ranging assortment of legal issues that impact Maryland families and businesses. Firm attorney Duncan Keir will present the first seminar tomorrow evening (2/18/14), and will cover long term planning subjects such as wills, medical powers of attorneys, and guardianship.  This seminar is perfect for those individuals with elderly relatives, who may have questions relative to asset protection, medicaid spend downs, etc. Event Particulars: February 18, 2014, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. Idlewylde Hall, 6301 Sherwood Hall, Baltimore, MD 21239 Light refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP to dkeir@fixedcostlaw.com.