About Oni Harton, Esq.
Oni Harton is an experienced estate planning and litigation attorney. She has been writing and researching for more than two decades and enjoys contributing to efforts that connect people with critical legal services. Oni contributes to Super Lawyers by creating content and verifying the legal accuracy of articles. Oni is an Indiana University School of Law graduate. She is licensed in Indiana.
Articles written by Oni Harton, Esq.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Tax Credits and Rebates: State-by-State Guide
Electric vehicle (EV) incentives can meaningfully lower the upfront or ownership costs of an electric vehicle and make it an affordable option for more buyers. While the federal clean vehicle tax credits are no longer available for new car purchases, other incentives may be available from other sources, such as the state, an automobile manufacturer, or a utility company. Read on to learn more about potential incentives and how to claim the ones that apply in your area. If you have more specific …
Dark Money: What Laws Allow Unlimited Spending in Politics?
During the election cycle, a flood of political ads appears, funded under an official-sounding name with no clear backers. That funding can be "dark money," political spending whose source is not disclosed to the public. While the money is often legal to spend, the source is hidden. Understanding dark money, the laws, court decisions, tax decisions, and disclosure rules that govern spending in political races matters to everyday citizens, voters, and anyone who needs to know who is influencing …
What Is the Difference Between a PAC and a Super PAC?
A traditional PAC can contribute directly to candidates and political committees, but it must follow federal contribution limits under the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA). A Super PAC can raise and spend unlimited amounts from individuals, corporations, unions, and other sources, but it cannot contribute directly to candidates or coordinate its spending with their campaigns. To learn more about PACs and Super PACs and how they can influence legislation and government affairs, contact …
Builder's Warranty vs. Construction Defect Lawsuit: What Is the Difference?
When a property owner discovers a problem with their home, such as a structural defect, water intrusion, drywall cracks, or faulty framing, two paths may be available to remedy the situation. There's the builder's warranty claim, a private, contract-based remedy handled directly with the builder, or a construction defect lawsuit, a public, court- or arbitration-based remedy pursued when contractual options fail. A warranty claim is generally limited to specific items the builder promised to …
Do You Have To Disclose if Your House Is Haunted? Stigmatized Property Laws
Whether a seller must disclose that a house is considered haunted — or otherwise stigmatized by crime, death, debt, or public notoriety — depends on the law of the state where the property is located. No blanket rule covers this issue. At one end of the spectrum, some states enforce strict disclosure obligations for known issues that stigmatize a property. At the other end, some states explicitly protect sellers. In those jurisdictions, state law does not require property owners to reveal …
Why Does a Judge Send a Deadlocked Jury Back To Deliberate?
When the jury tells the judge it cannot agree, the judge may ask it to continue deliberating, but cannot coerce a verdict. Judges have reasons and legal tools to encourage further deliberation. To those watching a case, it can seem confusing or unfair. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in your area for legal guidance. What Exactly Are Jury Instructions? Jury instructions are the judge's guidance to the jury explaining the particular law that applies to the case. They cover the …
Does the Defendant Go Free After a Hung Jury or Mistrial?
When a trial ends in a hung jury and becomes a mistrial, many assume the defendant walks free. This is not necessarily the case. The reality is more nuanced when a jury deadlock or another issue leads to a mistrial. The charges remain unresolved, and the prosecutor can move forward with the case. Understanding what happens next can bring clarity to an otherwise stressful time. If you or a loved one is involved in a criminal jury trial, you will want the best advocate by your side. Contact an …
How Are Electoral College Electors Appointed? The Selection Process Explained
Electoral College electors are appointed through a state's political party and ballot process, with voters choosing a presidential candidate's pledged slate rather than selecting electors directly. Each state receives electors equal to its congressional delegation, while the District of Columbia receives three, for a total of 538. State law determines how slates are nominated and whether electoral votes are awarded winner-take-all or proportionally. Some voters may be surprised to learn that …
Res Ipsa Loquitur: Proving Negligence Without Direct Evidence
Some accidents are so unusual they couldn't have happened without carelessness. The injury itself tells the story. Res ipsa loquitur means "the thing speaks for itself." It's a legal principle that makes it easier to prove negligence even when the injured party cannot explain exactly what went wrong. In some personal injury cases, the injured person may not be able to explain what happened. They may be unconscious, not present when the failure occurred, or have no way to gather direct evidence …
What Is a Lesser Included Offense?
A lesser included offense is an offense whose required elements are included within the elements of a greater charged offense, under the test used in the applicable jurisdiction. This legal doctrine matters because the outcome of a trial, the decision to take a guilty plea, or other case strategies can hinge on whether you can convict on a lesser offense. If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges, it's important to understand the potential outcomes of your case. To find the right …
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