Maritime Law - boyerlawfirmblog.com

International Waters Domestic Nightmare

International Waters Domestic Nightmare: When traveling on a cruise line over international waters it is important to remember that United States laws may not apply. Each country has its own laws of the sea and if something happens while on international waters, it can be difficult to determine which law to apply.

A 15-year-old girl and her family from Iowa are going through that nightmare right now. While aboard a Royal Caribbean Cruise over the Christmas holiday, a boy the girl’s age persuaded her to leave a teen club aboard the ship. When the girl left the club, she found herself in a private room with the 15-year-old boy and a 20-year-old man.

The two would not allow her to leave and then they sexually assaulted her. Immediately following the incident the girl alerted ship authorities, who in turn alerted the FBI who arrested the two suspects once the boat arrived back in Florida.

It is unfortunate stories like this that remind travelers to beware of their surroundings, the situations they are in, and especially the laws that may apply. In this case, there is no law for statutory rape on the high seas and the two suspects are Brazilian nationals. A court will have to determine what laws to apply.

Remember when traveling, especially on cruises and in foreign countries what the laws are and how they might affect you. If you have been injured or become a victim while traveling, please call Boyer Law Firm to see how we might assist you.

Information for this article was obtained from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2082877/Daughter-15-Royal-Caribbean-cruise-raped-2-men-private-room.html.

Boyer law contracts for Client’s dream yacht

At Boyer Law Firm, we have recently assisted a foreign client in their venture to purchase a large yacht. Client was concerned about the terms of the contract, how the process would develop and how he could be sure of the physical condition of the yacht. We helped to monitor and review the purchase contract. In doing so, we scheduled independent vessel inspections by marine surveyors to help ensure the seaworthiness, condition and fitness of the vessel our client was purchasing. Not only were we successful in helping our client to complete the purchase of his yacht, but we were also able to guarantee his peace of mind. His peace of mind was obtained by doing everything within our power to make sure that there were no problems with the vessel, the contract, or the actual purchase of the yacht.

How to Maintain Your Attorney-Client Privilege

How to Maintain Your Attorney-Client Privilege: The attorney-client privilege is a sacred thing. It provides protection to the matters you discuss with your attorney that relate to your case. However, there are ways that you as the client can break the attorney-client privilege that can be detrimental to your case.

It is important for a client to be candid with their attorney so that the attorney can develop a strategy that will best help the client. This means that communication between the attorney and client is highly encouraged. Whether the communication is on the phone, in person, or via text or email, there are certain things as a client that you must be aware of in order to protect your attorney-client privilege.

When speaking with your attorney on the phone, make sure that no one is around or listening to your conversation. If a third party is near you and you are aware that they can hear your conversation, you are essentially offering information to that third party that is not involved in your case. Doing so can dissolve the attorney-client privilege regarding whatever you say during such a conversation. The same applies to speaking with your attorney in person; if for example, you are meeting with your attorney in a public setting.

Another thing to be aware of is use of communication mediums that are owned or monitored by your employer. Many employers that provide cell phones to their employees have access to text messages through the business’ account. It is wise not to use your work phone to communicate with your attorney. That same applies even more so to use of your work email. Emails can and will be saved by your employer on their server for some amount of time and because your employer has control over those emails, you may have broken the attorney-client privilege regarding any information that you share with your attorney through those emails.

The attorney-client privilege is important because it protects the information you share with your attorney from being uncovered by the attorney representing the other party in your case. Because it works to protect the information you share as a client, it is doubly important because in doing so it allows a client to be forthcoming and truthful about all matters related to the case.

Boyer Law Firm Joins Better Business Bureau

Boyer Law Firm Joins Better Business Bureau: The Better Business Bureau (BBB), founded in 1912, is a corporation consisting of several private business franchises of local BBB organizations based in the United States and Canada, which work through their parent corporation, the Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB).

Boyer Law Firm Joins Better Business Bureau!

The Better Business Bureau, through local chapters, invites businesses to become members. In return, the BBBs allow their member businesses the use of their logo, mediation services, and access to their compiled information.

BBB has determined that Boyer Law Firm, meets BBB accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints.

Boyer Law Firm strives to provide for our clients, if you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us. Boyer Law Firm is now a proud member of the Better Business Bureau!

Why use an Attorney when Importing goods?

Why use an attorney when importing goods? The world of imports is a complex system that requires the knowledge and expertise of someone who is able to navigate the proper channels. There are certain goods that are restricted or prohibited from importation altogether. Likewise, some countries do not allow any imports at all from certain countries or regions. This alone can make importing a harrowing ordeal. Beyond the problems of what can be imported and from where, there lies the problem of how much, if any, will be paid in import duties.

In calculating the amount to be paid upon an import there are a number of things to consider. One is how the goods are categorized under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Depending on how the goods are categorized, there can be a great difference in how much will be paid. The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection carry out interpretation and enforcement of the schedule. The importer of record must file entry documents with the port director along with evidence of a paid bond in order to cover any duties and taxes. If no entry documents are filed within 15 days of entry, the goods will be placed in a warehouse at the importers expense.

Two other ways that duties are assessed are ad valorem and by country of origin. Ad valorem means that the duties on certain goods are based on a percentage of the overall value of the goods. If the importer values the goods at a lower price, they may be able to receive a lower duty. This can be difficult, however, if the goods are a compound or are commingled. Duties assessed by country of origin can be assessed in a number of ways. These include where the assembly of the most expensive piece of the good occurred, where it was manufactured, where the last modification was made, and many others.

When planning to import items to the United States it is important not only to acquire the expertise of an attorney with knowledge of the relative laws, but also an attorney who is licensed to practice in the United States Court of International Trade. Boyer Law Firm not only has the requisite knowledge, but is also qualified to practice in the United States Court of International Trade. Please contact us with any further questions.