Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Storm water discharge, also known as runoff or run-on, comes about when there's so much rain or precipitation that the soil becomes clogged. Instead of being absorbed by the Earth, the water discharges, drains or flows across the land. This is problematic because the discharge tends to accumulate dust, debris, chemicals and other unwanted pollutants. In addition, the discharge sometimes lands in a construction site, which is a big problem according to the EPA's Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Thus, construction managers must calculate expected storm water discharge and then implement a diversion plan before they can start a…
Florida takes its sea oats seriously. Sea oats protect Florida's coastline from erosion due to tides, storms and winds. Under state law, only certain people can cut, harvest or destroy sea oats. Licensed nurserymen are the sole source for obtaining sea oats in Florida if you don't already own property where sea oats grow. If you're caught with sea oats illegally, you could be fined or sent to jail.
In the U.S. legal system, crimes are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies based on the associated penalties. Felonies include all crimes punishable by one or more years in prison. In some states, felonies may also carry heavy fines or the death penalty. Felonies are divided into classes based on the seriousness of the crime, and penalties are assessed accordingly. The presence of mitigating factors during a crime's commission and the offender's criminal history also impact felony sentencing.
A Class 5 felony includes a specific list of crimes for first time offenders. These crimes range from incest to conspiracy to distribute drugs. An offender can also face Class 5 felony charges if he commits multiple felony crimes or is repeatedly convicted of multiple felony crimes. The severity of the crime, number of past convictions, and number of crimes accused of determines the punishments for a Class 5 felony.
A felony crime is an act of unlawful behavior considerably more severe than misdemeanors or infractions. Felonies often have minimum amounts of jail or prison time associated with them, and are of such a serious consideration, that a violation of them is also considered a social taboo. Common felonies include murder, rape, arson and assault.
A misdemeanor is a term used in criminal law to label any one of the minor crimes that are not considered a felony or treason. Although criminal codes vary for each state in the country, a misdemeanor is generally characterized as an offense that results in a less severe sentence than a felony and can be committed against property or another person. Individuals found guilty of a misdemeanor are usually sentenced to probation, charged a fine or imprisoned in jail.
The Florida criminal code classifies crimes as felonies or misdemeanors. A felony is a criminal offense that may be punished by death or imprisonment in a state penitentiary. The court will sentence a person guilty of committing a felony to imprisonment in the state penitentiary when the sentence exceeds one year. In addition to the punishment of death or imprisonment, the court may also sentence an offender to pay a fine.
A lot split is the division of property into two or more sections. In Arizona, your lot has to be less than 2 1/2 acres for it to be allowed to be split. Before you can split your lot, you must get it approved by the local government. It is illegal to split a lot without approval. The steps for this process may vary slightly depending on whether your property is in a city or a county.
The state of Michigan has different time limitations for prosecuting crimes such as misdemeanors, felonies and identity theft. Michigan's civil statute of limitations for criminal prosecution can be found in the Michigan Code of Criminal Procedure section 767.24. The statute limits the time for prosecution of misdemeanors to six years.
Spray paint booths use high-voltage electrostatic heads to create spray paint to coat products. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's regulations 1910.107, Spray Finishing Using Flammable and Combustible Materials, and 1926.66, Criteria for Design and Construction of Spray Booths, require extensive electrical grounding for specific parts of paint booths. Since the aerosol materials used in the spraying process are often flammable, these requirements apply to the external and internal components of the booth and other items involved in the painting process.
If you buy a house within a neighborhood that has a homeowners' association, you subject yourself to its rules and regulations. While some such organizations are informal when it comes to rule enforcement, others take its power more seriously. These associations regulate everything from whether you may build a basketball court in your backyard to if you can have a clothesline extending from your back porch to the garage. If a neighbor sees you violating the rules, he may complain. Such grievances could lead to a lawsuit. By taking the following steps, you can arm yourself against any court action.
A police report informs the law enforcement agency of alleged criminal activity. However, a prosecution is started, not by filing the report, but by an indictment, arrest warrant or other paper formally charging a crime. New Jersey sets a deadline, or a statute of limitations, to start a prosecution. The type or category of crime determines the deadline. Therefore, a victim or witness to a crime should report it, promptly, to meet the deadline.
Consumer courts oversee disputes related to businesses and their transactions, as well as complaints filed by consumers against businesses. While some U.S. states have courts designated as "consumer courts," other states allow for business and consumer complaints through small-claims courts, general civil courts or as grievances through state attorney general's offices. Although countries outside of the United States use their own legal systems, some countries also administer consumer courts.
The purpose of a home owners association (HOA) is to maintain a neighborhood in a particular manner. Some associations limit the color of paint you may use on your home or the manner in which you maintain your property or lawn. An HOA can protect a neighborhood's property values.
Class A felonies are a category of crime punishable by state or federal law. Specific penalties for Class A felony offenses vary from state to state but usually carry a minimum of a 10-year prison sentence. In some states, such as Alabama, long prison terms are served with "hard labor," meaning inmates must carry out manual work on roads or perform other public services as part of their sentences.
When properly operated, homeowners' associations (HOA) help to protect property values and prevent actions that negatively impact the community they represent. The state of Texas mandates certain laws and regulations that dictate what homeowners' associations may and may not do. These regulations are designed to protect both the interests of the HOA and the rights of the individual homeowners as the rightful owners of their homes.
The U.S. Postal Service is a reliable way to send your mail -- provided you place the right postage on your envelope. Incorrect postage can result in a delay in shipment or your recipient never receiving the mail. Fortunately, resolving the issue is easy to do. Your mail eventually will get there.
Town bylaws in Cohasset, Massachusetts regulate the raising and keeping of poultry by residents. Zoning bylaws strictly limit commercial operations, but residents can generally keep poultry for their own use if it doesn't pose a nuisance to their neighbors.
New York State, like most other states, divides crimes into three categories: infractions, also called violations; misdemeanors; and felonies. Violations can receive up to 15 days jail time. Misdemeanors can be penalized by jail time between 15 days and one year. Felonies, more serious offenses, can receive any sentence longer than one year in custody. New York State has six different felony classes and enhances penalties for violent crimes. Convicted felons may also lose certain civil rights, such as the right to possess a weapon, the right to run for office, the right to vote, the right to drive and…
Every state determines its own criminal laws and statutes of limitations. A statute of limitations determines how long after a crime charges can be brought. If the statute of limitations on a particular crime expires, no charges may be brought for that crime. For Alabama's crime of Custodial Sexual Misconduct, more than one statute of limitations may apply, depending on the facts of the crime.
Felonies are a classification of crimes considered more severe than misdemeanors, as evidenced by the fact that all felonies carry a punishment of at least one year in prison. Felonies themselves are broken down into classes. Depending on the state, these classes can include A, B and C, or 1, 2 and 3.
Oregon law draws a broad distinction between misdemeanors and more grave felony crimes. Although both crime classifications have broad and various subcategories, felonies are defined as crimes that warrant internment in state prison, while misdemeanors may involve up to a year in county prison. Infractions, which are less severe than both misdemeanors and felonies, involve fines of less than $100, as of 2011.
Classes A to E felonies and Classes A to C misdemeanors, described in the United States Code, refer to criminal cases under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Federal Court. State criminal courts vary, but states classify criminal offenses and sentence based on the U.S. Code. Misdemeanor and felony crimes are classified by severity and sentenced accordingly. Juvenile and misdemeanor offenders can avert some charges for first offenses by successfully completing probation.
Flags are highly symbolic items, to the extent that the U.S. government considers the American flag a living being. Flying the flag of a country other than the United States is completely legal in the United States. The U.S. Flag Code says nothing concerning citizens' conduct while flying an international flag alone. However, when flying the flag of another country alongside the American flag, there are rules that must be followed.
Buying a faulty product can leave you with feelings of anger and betrayal as you realize your money has been wasted. The decision to report faulty products and services is not revenge, but a consumer right. "Consumer Reports" is a monthly magazine that provides information on recalled products and product reviews. Reporting faulty products to "Consumer Reports," as well as to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, gets the word out about your experience.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit organization which regularly tests products in order to evaluate their safety and performance. The organization has its own laboratory where over 100 testing experts work on various products sold in the United States. If you have had a negative experience with a product such as safety or low performance issues, you can report it to Consumer Reports and they may decide to test it in order to verify your claims.
When a postage meter mistake has been made and has already been printed as metered mail postage, the error cannot be erased. However, certain mistakes can still be corrected, depending on the type of mistake that has been made. If the printed date needs to be corrected or if the wrong price has been paid, then it will require a slightly different process than other mistakes. Errors may include printing the wrong date, printing the postage on the wrong side of the letter, providing the wrong address and overpaying or underpaying the postage on an item.
According to the "Handbook of Reliability Engineering", "A warranty is a contract between a buyer and the manufacturer associated with the sale of a product. It's purpose is basically to establish liability in the event of premature failure of an item sold." However, vendors can limit warranty policy coverage to limit their financial risk supporting the product. Limited warranties are allowed as long as they are fully disclosed to the purchaser.
The United States Postal Service levies a "nonmachinable surcharge" on letters that don't meet certain criteria and cannot be automatically processed. For instance, the USPS considers a letter to be "nonmachinable" if the ratio of its length divided by its height is not in the range of 1.3 to 2.5. There are also certain other factors that may render a letter "nonmachinable." This surcharge does not apply to post cards.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) maintains a body of regulations related to paint spray booths. Two sources of regulation are the regulations and standards found in the Code of Federal Registers (CFR) and OSHA opinions interpreting and clarifying the law.
Maryland looks to three areas of statutes, Sections 5-105, 5-106 and 5-107, for non-felony criminal prosecutions time limits. Once the statute of limitations has passed for instituting a claim, a person can not be sued or prosecuted and damages can not be sought against them for that particular crime.
Commercial pottery comes in various attractive colors and designs. In buying such pottery, you will have to be careful to make sure it does not have a harmful lead content. California Proposition 65 regulates exposure to harmful lead from sources such as commercial pottery. If you are buying pottery from a major retail outlet, you could ask the salesperson if the pottery meets the California regulations.
Some paints that spray paint booths use contain solvents that are classified as hazardous wastes. Spent paint booth filters are not listed as hazardous waste, however. Even then, they may exhibit some characteristics of hazardous waste. Under Wisconsin law, if you reclaim waste solvent, you will have to determine if the waste paint booth filters and still bottoms are hazardous or not. You could do this by testing the material or by getting additional input.
Sizing storm drain sewers correctly prevents road and property flooding. Determining the necessary size depends on run-off from sometimes distant locations, amounts of impervious surface, grades, terrain, permeability of the ground and ground cover and the severity of the rain event. Depending on location, it may require hydrologic data on nearby streams and rivers as well. Engineers use three basic formulas to size a storm drain, depending on its type. From metal corrugated round storm drains to concrete open culverts, each requires knowledge of certain friction coefficients, head pressure and slope at the intake.
Enacted in 1967, the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act directs the Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission to issue rules mandating the labeling of all consumer commodities.
Besides illegal dumping laws that pertain to all waste, Alberta, Canada, has no laws regarding disposal of mattresses. However, the Alberta government is proactive in providing environmentally friendly solutions to mattress disposal. The sturdy composition of mattresses makes recycling difficult, but it is possible.
Drainage laws control water disposal, channels and flooding. Soil erosion, sedimentation, wetlands provisions, floodways, land improvements and landowner rights are issues over which these laws retain control.
The purpose in calculating storm drainage is to design storm drainage systems to prevent flooding and excessive run-off and potential hazards during significant rain events. Rainfall intensity is a significant variable, referred to in terms of years of likely frequency. For example, a 10-year rain event is likely to occur once every 10 years. A 50-year storm is expected to occur once every 50 years and so on. Numerous other variables determine how to calculate storm drainage. They include the amount of impervious surface, grades, terrain, permeability of the ground and ground cover. When they are put together in a…
Every state, including Alabama, has a list of crimes that must be prosecuted within a certain time frame. If the state does not file charges within a specified time frame, that window of opportunity is gone.
No laws govern the structure of Universal Product Codes. Global Solutions One, the not-for-profit company that issues UPCs, must follow the law, however, when it comes to the cost for filing for a UPC for a product.
In the United States, taxi service is regulated at the state and local levels, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Most cities regulate entry into the business, fares and types of services.
Removing your lot from the legal purview of a home owners association (HOA) can be complicated and requires considering the motivations of the other members of the association. Your HOA may receive its primary source of income based on the number of properties existing within the jurisdiction of the association. The loss of your property could incentivize a migration of other properties and risk creating a revenue deficit in the HOA treasury. Thus, your proposal for removal must be carefully couched and presented through a strategy of building relationships and acting in a measured manner with a strong understanding of…
A Universal Product Code, or UPC, enables retailers to scan items at checkout, track inventories and maintain a database of products. Each UPC identifies one specific product, drug or coupon, which manufacturers print on the label of that item. In the United States, a product's UPC consists of 12 numbers called a UPC-A. These numbers identify, among other variables, the manufacturer. Each US manufacturer must register a UPC for each of its products with the Uniform Code Council, now referred to as GS-1.
Deregulation of media by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has caused changes in programming. Proponents of deregulation argue that deregulation promotes a healthy competitive marketplace. Opponents argue that deregulation reduces competition and has led to loss of diversity of opinion and objective media reporting.
Dry ice is nothing more than solid carbon dioxide. It can create interesting effects, such as the fog it puts off when it melts. However there are laws in the state of Ohio about the purchase, transport and labeling of dry ice that both consumers and businesses should know about.
The eviction process in Chicago starts with the filing of an eviction complaint in small claims court. Both parties will have an opportunity to be heard at a hearing after which the judge will make a ruling regarding the appeal. If you were a party to an eviction proceeding and are not happy with the judge's ruling, you have the right to appeal the ruling to a higher court. Be aware that an appeal must be filed within 30 days from the judge's decision or you will lose your right to appeal.
The state of Colorado modified the statute of limitations in 2006 to include provisions that extended the statute of limitation for rape. One of the primary determinants used to extend the statute of limitations for rape is DNA evidence.
In Indiana, plaintiffs must commence actions for injury to person or property within two years of the incident giving rise to the suit. Several factors influence this limitations period.
The bylaws of Cohasset, Mass., regulate drainage under a variety of circumstances as required by the federal Clean Water Act. The purposes of the Cohasset Stormwater Management Bylaws are: To prevent and reduce flooding; protect water quality; increase groundwater recharge; reduce erosion; promote environmentally sensitive design; ensure long-term maintenance of storm water controls; and satisfy the requirements of the Clean Water Act.
A landlord in New York can evict you from his rental property by suing you in court and winning the case. After the landlord wins the case, you need to move out of the rental property. However, you could file an appeal to get a higher court to consider the eviction decision. This appeal will not lead to a new trial or the presenting of new evidence. Consult a lawyer who handles eviction cases in New York before filing the appeal to protect your legal rights and to avoid costly mistakes.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves optical devices for safety and efficacy before manufacturers place products on the market. The FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health has issued regulations and guidance for a number of optical devices, including sunglasses and contact lenses.
According to the Attorney General of the State of Florida, the absorption of billing errors in the state is covered by the national Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA). This act facilitates the process by which customers resolve disputes with creditors over a single charge or series of charges.
A limited lifetime warranty is an agreement between someone who purchases a product and the manufacturers of that product. This agreement entitles the purchaser to recompense if the product does not meet certain agreed specifications.
Paint booths, sometimes called spray booths, are commonly used in the automotive repair industry to paint cars and trucks in a controlled environment. In Ohio, these booths must comply with local, state and federal regulations governing their use and potentially hazardous emissions. These regulations are subject to change, so always ensure you are up to date with the most current rules governing spray booth use.
Polluted stormwater runoff is one of the leading reasons why almost 40 percent of surveyed U.S. water bodies don't meet water quality standards, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Congress mandated the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Storm Water Program under the Clean Water Act. This program addresses nonagricultural sources of stormwater pollution.
In 2004, 55 million U.S. homeowners lived in communities managed by homeowners' associations, according to Bankrate.com. A homeowners' association is a unincorporated association or a nonprofit corporation that oversees the common property of a real estate development and is geared to maintaining property values.
A statute of limitations is a law that prescribes a time period within which a litigant must bring a certain kind of claim or lose it forever. Various factors affect the running of these statutes.
Defendants assert counterclaims, or countersuits, in conjunction with their answer to the plaintiff's complaint in pleadings called Answer and Counterclaims. Counterclaims must be brought within the applicable statute of limitations.
Consumers in India who feel as if they have purchased a defective product or have disputes with their insurance companies, may seek legal remedies in consumer courts. If successful, the guilty company will be held liable for all damages sustained.
In Colorado, as in many states, the statute of limitations is extended or tolled for allegations of sexual abuse or misconduct under certain circumstances.
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 is a federal law that affects the rights of consumers and the obligations of companies with regard to written warranties.
Condominiums, townhouses and other types of communities function from a homeowner's association agreement (HOA). These agreements contain bylaws which stipulate the rules and policies of the community. The HOA is run by a board which holds seats that are assigned either by appointment or election. The bylaws in these agreements are often called the declaration of covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs).
The Health and Morals of the Apprentice Act is a piece of legislation passed by the British parliament on December 2, 1802. The act introduced various laws in order to reform labor practices.
The Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council, or PCI SSC, regulates merchant card services, according to Merchant Warehouse. PCI SSC sets global requirements to ensure the security of customer credit card and debit card accounts.
The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, enacted in 1967, requires the manufacturers of certain types of products to attach labels that accurately describe the product's contents. Several government agencies have the responsibility to ensure correct labeling for different types of products.
The UPC code, or universal product code, is governed by regulations which ensure its legality and compliance with national laws. The UPC originated with the Uniform Code Council, now known as GS1. The GS1 US is responsible for implementing and standardizing UPC code regulations in the United States. The first UPC barcode was scanned in 1974, and codes are now in use by companies around the world. Marking products with the UPC code ensures proper identification at scanning terminals, speeds data collection and improves inventory data for retailers.
According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, Title V of the Clear Air Act, which the Environmental Protection Association (EPA) passed in 1990, seeks to "standardize air quality permits and the permitting process for major sources of emissions across the country." Specifically, the title regulates the provisions of the permits themselves and important aspects of the application process. It then sets forth requirements to which businesses whose applications the EPA approves must adhere.
While welding is a necessary part of construction, shipbuilding and underwater work, it is a dangerous activity if not performed safely. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires certain protective equipment and operational precautions to protect workers from personal harm and workplaces from property damage.
While some herbs do have medicinal properties, many have no scientific basis for the health claims they make. Some are even dangerous to take in large quantities. In an effort to prevent harmful use of these herbs, the Food and Drug Administration, known as the FDA, has placed restrictions on some.
In July of 2004, the state of Mississippi enacted the New Home Warranty Act, also known as The Home Warranty Act, to reinforce a new home buyer's right to quality workmanship. The warranty agreement, made between the builder and the buyer, stipulates the amount of time specific parts of the home are to be free of defects, guarantees the type of materials used to build the structure, and assures the proper operation of systems in the home. Louisiana has a similar warranty act, although the time frame for reporting claims is different.
According to Free Dictionary, debt peonage is a system in which workers get into debt and are then bound to servitude by the person to whom they are indebted. This system was used to take advantage of workers to get cheap labor.
Loss mitigation, which means to reduce loss, describes a process in real-estate negotiations in which the borrower, lender and sometimes another party look for alternatives to foreclosure. It is the lender's attempt to recoup as much loan value as possible from a troubled deal.
Homeowners associations (HOAs) are created to manage the common areas of a residential development and enforce regulations on the use of a homeowner's property. Homeowners association membership normally is a condition of the property's deed and is not optional for the property owner. While homeowners often seek ways to "opt out" of a homeowner association because of cost or disputes, a less frequent matter is when the homeowners association wishes to remove a homeowner's property from the association.
When applying for a new job with a commercial trucking company, professional drivers are often asked to give permission for potential employers to examine their DAC (Drive-A-Check) report. Much of the information on your DAC report is submitted by previous employers. It will include the number of accidents you were involved in, what kind of loads you hauled, the type of trailers you pulled, why you left and if you are someone they would rehire. Just like errors in your credit report, your DAC report may include errors that could have a negative impact on your chances of securing a…
With many foreclosures going back onto the market after former owners stripped them of fixtures, appliances and other fittings, purchasing a foreclosed home with a loan guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) may require renovations to get the building up to FHA standards. Because so many items may easily be removed from kitchens, that room frequently isn't up to FHA assessment standards that require a kitchen to be livable with a place to clean, prepare and cook food.
A statute of limitations is a set of laws that prohibit legal action from taking place based upon the length of time since the offense was committed. The state of New Hampshire has a statute of limitations for both civil and criminal cases.
A statute of limitations is the period of time within which a person must be prosecuted for a crime. If the prosecution is not initiated within the statutory time period, then the state is forever barred from initiating a prosecution. In Arizona, the state must begin prosecution for crimes that have a statute of limitations within the required time period once the state, county or city has discovered the crime--or within the time period when the crime should have been discovered, had reasonable diligence been exercised.
A homeowner's association is a group of homeowners in a neighborhood or development who come together and make decisions for the good of everyone. There are several responsibilities the association has to the residents of the neighborhood.
Homeowner association dues may seem like a bother, but the money paid often helps the homeowners in both direct and indirect ways. Each homeowner association varies slightly in its goals and objectives, but the overall mission is generally to improve the quality of life in the neighborhood. The best way to understand the goals of your local homeowner association (HOA) is to attend the association meetings or schedule time for an individual chat with a member.
In this tough economy, any assistance can help home buyers purchase their dream home. If you live in California, there are a few options to choose from for down-payment assistance programs to assist with the down payment and/or closing costs of the home. Research each program to see which is right for you and do not forget to check the fine print as some programs require repayment or assistance of the seller. Remember that sometimes it is best to just walk away.
Oil spills on land can have devastating effects on the health of the environment. For this reason, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains regulations that apply to oil operations and cleanup procedures. Companies involved in the oil industry must comply with the EPA’s preventative and operational guidelines or else suffer penalties under the law.
Unauthorized use of cable services is considered cable theft. However, there are levels of theft that range from intentional to unintentional theft. A person who actively sets out to use a device to intercept a signal or who connects cable wire that should otherwise be disconnected is intentionally committing cable theft. Unintentional cable theft results when a person moves into a location that currently has a cable connection but continues to use it and doesn’t report it. Both are considered theft and can be subject to legal action.
A short sale is not the most desirable option for many home sellers, but it is often the only option for individuals who find themselves upside down in their mortgages and desperate to escape the financial burden. Through a short sale, the bank that originally financed the home sells the property for less than the owner owes on the house. This means that the homeowner receives no financial benefit--other than being free from the potentially crippling mortgage--from the transaction. Individuals exploring a short sale option must consider the rules, current as of 2010, associated with sales of this type.
The Unfair Business Practice Act was passed by Congress in 1914 and has been amended several times since to protect businesses and consumers from unfair competition and unfair or deceptive practices. The Federal Trade Commission was also created under the act to enforce the provisions of the act, which cover four main areas: price fixing, mergers, unfair competition and deceptive practices.
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act is specifically designed to impact the manufacturing and sale of products to be used by or with children. This law regulates the use of lead and phthalates, an ester used in flexible plastic. Items to be used by children must be tested and shown to meet or exceed the government's guidelines for lead and phthalates. In addition to affecting larger companies and retail chains, this law affects secondhand, thrift and even charitable donations.
Launching a new product in today's competitive marketplace is a risk no matter how well a company has researched its potential consumers and prepared for the product launch. Businesses work with manufacturers in various ways to share the financial risk of introducing new products. Remarketing and inventory remarketing agreements are both designed to do just that.
The Federal Housing Administration is a branch of HUD, also known as the Department of Housing and Urban Development. FHA banks or lenders provide mortgage programs to HUD. In return, HUD insures the mortgage on the homeowner's behalf. Section 203(k) is administered through HUD and provides a unique financing plan allowing funding to homeowners that are rehabilitating or renovating the interior portions of their purchased homes. Traditionally, lenders have strict requirements and do not extend financing for renovations, and typically, any improvements must be made by the seller, not the purchaser, well in advance of the purchasing process. 203(k) allows…
Australian federal states and territories each have their own consumer laws, but some aspects of consumer policy and law are determined at the national level and apply to all states and territories. The most broad ranging consumer matters are decided and administered by the Competition and Consumer Policy Division, which is part of the Treasury Department. National consumer laws, such as the Trade Practices Act and the Prices Surveillance Act are administered by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
Light Industrial is a common zoning designation for industrial operations that are less offensive to neighboring zones than those classified as heavy industrial. Typically, modern land use zoning relies more on the form and size of the operation taking place in a given zone, rather than the specific uses. In California, for example, the "General Industrial" land use designation often carries a minimum lot square footage of 20,000 and a floor-area ratio of 0.40. A floor-area ratio refers to the amount of the lot that can be covered by the buildings on it, in this case, 40%. Specific land uses…
Founded in 1936, Consumers Union is a U.S.-based consumer-protection organization known for its monthly publication Consumer Reports. Consumers Union independently tests products, reports on current issues of concern to consumers, and advocates for consumer rights on a legislative level. Consumers Union's publications reached more than 8 million consumers in 2010, according to its website.
Many people live in developments, condominiums and other housing that is subject to rules set forth by a homeowners association. It is up to each resident in such a community to obtain a copy of the association's rules, and to read and understand those rules. It is also important for those residents to respond to any complaints made by the homeowners association in a responsible and professional manner.
Home owners associations (HOAs) are put in place to ensure that all residents of a particular neighborhood or housing development have a say in what goes on in their immediate community. Yet HOAs often have just the opposite effect. HOAs are led by boards appointed by members of the community and made up of residents of the community. They are given powers to make and enforce certain rules. Unfortunately, HOAs sometimes overstep the boundaries of their power. If this is the case with your HOA, you may decide to take a stand and fight your HOA.
The statute of limitations for felonies in Florida varies from none for capital felonies to two years for misconduct in public office. Unlike many states that suspend the running of the statute of limitations during periods of time that a criminal suspect is outside the state, Florida extends the statute only up to three years.
Connecticut's New Home Warranties Act was most recently amended in 2007 and aims to regulate disputes between builders, subcontractors and buyers of new-build homes and home improvements in the state. The passage of the act was an attempt to protect homebuyers from substandard materials or poor workmanship.
Statutes of limitations set the time within which a party must file a legal action. Each state has its own laws setting these time limitations. The statutes of limitations for criminal offenses in Wisconsin are found in Wisconsin Statutes section 939-74[1].
Ever since the breakup of "Ma Bell" by the Reagan administration in 1984, elements of the telecommunications industry have sought to roll back federal regulations to make it easier for them to do business. A major success was the 1996 passage of the Telecommunications Reform Act, which considerably deregulated the telephone industry. In recent years, further deregulation has gone into effect, which has altered many aspects of the telephone industry.
In the spring of 2008, late-night channel surfers were accustomed to seeing Kinoki infomercials promising gullible consumers entire body cleansing through use of Kinoki Cleansing Detox Foot Pads. Kinoki cleansing foot pads were revealed as a hoax, and the Federal Trade Commission took quick action against the company in January 2009.
The statute of limitations on crimes varies depending on the type of crime committed as well as the state the crime was committed in. In simple terms, a statute of limitations on a crime is the maximum period of time after which the crime occurs during which a prosecutor can bring charges against the accused. In order for the statute of limitations to be applicable, certain criteria have to be met. A few crimes--murder, for example--have no statute of limitations in any state. The statutes of limitations on crimes in Missouri are defined in Section 556.036 of the state code.
Each state has its own laws regarding how long a party has to file a civil action or how long a prosecutor has to file criminal charges. These time periods vary. In the context of criminal law, the time a prosecutor has to file a criminal charge may be different for felonies and different classes of misdemeanors. This will be set out in state statutes.
When you buy a new mattress, pillow, sleeping bag or coat, you'll notice a label sewn somewhere on it. The label on a mattress, for instance, might tell you that your new bedding's insulation is made of 100-percent goose down filling. You might be surprised to know that this label is required by federal law on all filled clothing, bedding, furniture, toys and sleeping bags sold in the United States.
Dry ice is regulated as a dangerous good, and regulations are in place to ensure it is safely used and shipped. The substance is the solid form of carbon dioxide and changes directly from the solid form to its natural gaseous state, giving it the name, "dry ice."
A forbearance agreement is an agreement by a lender to abstain from pursuing legal action when a mortgage is in arrears, if the borrower agrees to the lender's terms and pays off the past-due balance within a specified period of time.
Each year the federal government helps millions of students pursue their dreams of a higher education through various loans and grants. When taking out a student loan, students must sign a promissory note stating that the money will be repaid. Unfortunately, there are times when the loans are too expensive to repay or students simply forget about repaying them. The Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 authorizes agencies to garnish the wages and federal tax refunds of students who fail to repay their loans. If your wages are being garnished and you need help, there are steps you can take…
Full coverage warranties are extremely comprehensive and cover almost every facet of the item. They are so inclusive that they list the things they don't cover rather than the things they do. A limited warranty only covers certain types of damage or it will force the owner to pay for most of the damage.
A postage machine is "an electronic postage imprinter used to print postage on gummed tape or directly onto envelopes or cards." This device supplies people with a more convenient means of paying postage. These machines are leased from a reputable manufacturer. The manufacturer will install the postage machine and set the device for the amount of postage desired for purchase. Standard rules generally apply when using a postage machine.
In contract law, consideration is some benefit that the lender receives in allowing the borrower to bend the contract. Forbearance is postponing an action like foreclosure or default when the borrower does not fulfill his end of the contract.
It is easy for individuals to check their own credit scores, but it can also be necessary to check the credit score of someone else, such as someone who wants to buy a car on a loan. The process for checking someone else's credit score is essentially the same as for checking your own, but additional legal responsibilities related to the sensitivity of personal information come into play when obtaining a report on someone else.
The mortgage industry continues to raise its credit standards in acceptance of loans to fund. Lenders do this to prevent foreclosures, and to keep their doors open for business. Although credit guidelines have been tightened and higher credit scores are becoming the new requirement, there are ways that you can still get financed with lower credit scores.
A Fair Isaac score means a FICO Score. The "FICO" designation stands for "Fair, Isaac and Company," after the company that develops the software for most of the credit bureaus in the United States, as well as worldwide.
Funds for home buyer grants are primarily available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). There are several different programs administered by HUD that provide grants to home buyers. Although these programs are generally geared toward low-income and first-time buyers, other factors are considered in making grants, such as being divorced. Locating grants that are available for divorced people requires being familiar with the agencies and organizations that administer government grants.
Many businesses fly not only the U.S. and state flags, but also flags associated with the business itself. If you are involved in a business that maintains such a display, you likely have some basic questions about how to appropriately fly these three flags in relation to one another. Laws and traditions associated with the flying of the U.S. flag with other flags can provide guidance.
VantageScore is a credit scoring model that uses different algorithms than traditional FICO scoring to determine creditworthiness. Scores range from 501 to 990, with higher scores representing a lower risk to lenders.
For many lower- and middle-income families, the assistance provided by the Federal Housing Administration, or FHA, can mean the difference in being able to afford to own a home. The FHA is a unique program that allows borrowers with modest incomes to qualify for mortgages. With the recent stimulus package, the FHA plays an important role in the attempt to revive the housing market which has slumped since the beginning of the worldwide financial crisis of the late 2000s.
Biotene is a host of oral health products that focuses on relieving symptoms of dry mouth. These symptoms are usually brought about by medicine, serious medical conditions or cancer treatments such as chemotherapy. With its special formulation, Biotene has become popular in the market, providing ease and comfort for those suffering from irritating conditions of dry mouth.
Loss mitigation is a facet of real estate law that comes about when a homeowner is in danger of losing his property to foreclosure. When this happens, the bank or financial institute with whom the homeowner has the loan will sometimes bring in loss mitigation in order to modify the loan in such a way that both parties can continue working together and avoid foreclosure. Lending institutions are typically more willing to engage in loss mitigation the sooner the homeowner lets them know she is in danger of being unable to pay the mortgage.
When you buy a new product, you expect a company to have a warranty on it. However, you might not understand exactly what kind of warranty you are getting. As a consumer, the type of warranty a product has should be something you check before you buy. There is a world of difference between a limited warranty and a full warranty.
When you're buying clothes online, most retailers will state in their Customer Service section under "Returns and Exchange Policy" exactly what their policy is if you find you have to return an item of clothing. The exact policy varies from store to store, but there are some similarities shared by most major clothing retailers. Still, it's a good idea to check the store policy before you ship it back. Usually you can find instructions for returning the clothing on the back of the packing slip that was enclosed with the original package.
When you're buying a car, be sure to protect yourself legally. If your car has defects, you may be covered under Lemon Laws. Sellers are required by both federal and state Lemon Laws to make buyers aware of known car defects.
