About Judy Malmon, J.D.
Judy Malmon has blended law and writing throughout her career. She got her J.D. from University of California, Davis and practiced elder and disability law in California and Minnesota. She honed her writing by drafting appellate decisions in a nationwide class action, writing blogs for law firms, and writing for Westlaw. She loves digging into everyday legal questions, deciphering the complexities of law, and telling personal stories.
Articles written by Judy Malmon, J.D.
Employment Discrimination Based on Criminal History
Pursuant to Massachusetts state law, if you’re convicted of a crime, that information may be used by a current or potential employer in making employment decisions during the hiring process. In most cases, however, you can have the record of your conviction sealed after a designated period of time—allowing a fresh start for employment applications. Once your record has been officially sealed, any hiring or firing decision based on a criminal conviction is illegal. When Employers Can't Base …
Estate Planning for Dementia
A diagnosis of dementia for you or your loved one is a lot to take in. Depending on the particular diagnosis, progression may be fast or slow, but inevitably, there will be a decline in decision-making ability. The good news is that some important protections can be put in place right away. Because you may not recognize when it’s too late, now is the time to make certain legal planning arrangements to ensure you and your family are protected. Spokane elder law attorney Richard Sayre, of Sayre …
Domestic Violence and Child Custody in Pennsylvania
If you or someone you know is in an abusive or violent relationship, it can be difficult and frightening to leave. Potentially topping your list of worries is what could happen with your children if you file for divorce. You should know that, in Pennsylvania courts, domestic violence awareness has been incorporated into the family law system. For legal advice and guidance through the process, reach out to an experienced child custody lawyer. Abuse Is a Factor in Determining the Child's Best …
Resolving Student Loan Debt in Minnesota
It’s a modern conundrum: To make a decent living and have career advancement potential, you are virtually required to obtain a higher education degree. But paying for that education can run up debt well into six figures before you’ve even worked your first day. With income lagging behind rising living costs, it’s not surprising that many people just can’t keep up with payment and interest rates. Minneapolis consumer law attorney Todd Murray, of Friedman Iverson, helps borrowers of …
Choosing a Legal Entity for Your Business
Starting your own small business can have obvious allure, and encompasses a vast spectrum of potential enterprises. You might be anticipating hiring employees, leasing or purchasing space, negotiating contracts and business licenses, bringing in investors, or developing products and creating a manufacturing operation. There are a million small details that go into launching any new business, and if you’re taking the plunge, you’ll want to do as much advance planning as you can. Working …
Half a Loaf: Better Than None Indeed
Paying for nursing home care when you or a loved one can no longer live at home is a hardship you never fully see coming. It’s usually impossible to know in advance when or how the need for care will strike. If you, like many, are faced with an imminent need for nursing home care and you hope to avoid wiping out the family’s assets, there may be some options. While it’s best to undertake long-term care planning well ahead of time, the reality is that most people don’t do it. “You’ll …
Data Breaches, Liability, and Vigilance: Insight for Businesses and Individuals
“One of the most common misconceptions on data privacy with respect to the new internet of things (IoT) is that if a data breach occurs, there must be liability against somebody,” states Usama Kahf, an employment law attorney at Fisher & Phillips in Irvine, California. “But you know what? Data breaches happen to the best of us. They happen even if you do everything right and take every precaution technologically feasible. It still happens.” The cost of a data breach, whether due to …
What Is a Romeo and Juliet Law?
A Romeo and Juliet law is a statutory provision that provides a close-in-age exception to statutory rape charges when there is a small age difference between the young adult defendant and minor victim. The legislative intent of these state statutes is not to criminalize sex between consenting partners when there is a small age difference because the minor is below the age of consent and cannot legally submit to consensual sex. Romeo and Juliet legal defense laws offer sentence mitigation to get …
Liability for Serving Alcohol at a Party
If you're planning to host a party and providing alcohol, be aware of state social host laws aimed at preventing underage drinking. In some states, homeowners are liable for damage caused by an underage person who consumes alcohol at a party when the host knew or should have known they were drinking. Serving alcohol to underage guests can expose you to legal liability for drunk driving, car accident, and property damage. Social host liability laws vary by state. For legal advice about your …
Revenge Porn and the Law in My State
Social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube allow immediate sharing of photos and videos, which can remain in cyberspace forever. A photo or video shared in confidence can become a weapon when posted online without consent. Known legally as the nonconsensual dissemination of intimate images, and colloquially referred to as revenge porn, this type of abuse sits at the intersection of criminal law, privacy law, and digital rights. Most states criminalize revenge …
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