Just Lawing Around

In this episode we are discussing a new California law that states that police officers are no longer allowed to ask a driver if they know why they were pulled over. Is this really needed? Should all states have a similar law? What should you say if you get pulled over? Topics include : answering police questions, traffic stops, profiling motorists, entrapment, admissions of guilt, hearings, licen...

In this episode we are talking about Due Process. What is it? Why should you care about it? What happens when a PFA is filed and granted without a hearing? What about overlapping criminal and civil charges? We cover a whole bunch of legal issues in this one! Topics include : Due Process issues, Protection from Abuse (PFA) petitions, exclusive possession, criminal charges, Children and Youth invest...

In this episode we are talking about the new video game, GTA 6. A Florida man, who calls himself the Florida Joker, is demanding that Rockstar Games pay him $2 million for using a character that looks like him. Does he have a case? Listen and find out. Topics include : using another's likeness, parodies, first amendment issues, artistic expression, Lindsay Lohan's similar case against Rock...

In this episode we are discussing those over-the-top Christmas light displays.  We have all seen them.  Some people love them, some people hate them.  What are the legal issues involved?  Jimmy and Carl (aka the Grinch) argue their positions.  Topics include: Landowner liability, attractive nuisance, neighbor’s rights, nuisance lawsuits, personal injury, notice of dangerous conditions, duty to pro...

In this episode we are discussing the tragic case involving a killing during a custody exchange. A father was picking up his child at the mother’s house and the mother’s boyfriend shot and killed him. It was all captured on video (see link below). No criminal charges were filed.  This case shows how emotional custody cases can be. Was the shooting self-defense? How could it have been avoided?  Wha...

In this episode, we are discussing alimony in a Pennsylvania divorce action. Are you entitled to it? How much will it be? For how long will you be able to collect? Listen and find out all you need to know. Topics include : how to calculate the amount of alimony; what are the factors considered, is it automatic, how to raise a claim for alimony, how long does it last and much more. For more informa...

In this episode we are talking about rapper, Young Thug who is on trial for various criminal offenses including violating the RICO statute.  The prosecution is planning to introduce the lyrics from his rap songs as evidence against him. Is this legal?  Are the songs proof of criminal activity or artistic expression covered by the First Amendment?  Can Carl rap? Listen and find out. Topics include:...

In this episode we are talking about toxic divorces. In a toxic divorce, the parties fight and fight in an attempt to destroy each other. This results in higher fees, more anger and increased emotional damage. Find out if you are in a toxic divorce and how to minimize the damage. Topics include: signs of toxic divorce, choosing the right lawyer, avoiding conflict, dealing with narcissistic behavio...

In this episode we are talking about a burglary that occurred in Lansdale nine years ago.  The individual was caught years later based on DNA evidence. Our guest is Keith Heffintrayer, editor at North Penn Now. He shares his knowledge of the case with us and we discuss the various legal issues.  Topics include: DNA evidence (pros and cons); burglary; statute of limitations for crimes in PA, possib...

In this episode we are discussing what happens when a loved one dies. What do you do first? Topics include: Paying for the funeral, first steps, locating assets and debts, paying expenses, setting up the estate, probate, life insurance, dealing with beneficiaries, PA inheritance tax, spousal rights, and much more.   For more information about attorney Carl M. Knapp, go to www.cknapplaw.com or emai...

In this episode we are talking about Kouri Richins, the Utah mother who is accused of killing her husband by poisoning him with a drink spiked with fentanyl. After his death, she wrote a children's book about grief. Listen and get our views on this case and the potential legal issues.     Topics include: The PA Slayers Act; can a murderer collect life insurance benefits, attorney client privil...

In this episode we are talking about Danelo Cavalcante, the inmate who escaped from Chester County Prison, and is still on the loose. Listen and get our views on the case and the potential legal issues.    Topics include: negligence, aiding a fugitive, cooperating with the police, sentencing, bail, custody rights, and much more. For more information about attorney Carl M. Knapp, go to www.cknappla...

In this episode we are talking to a father who has been dealing with custody and child support issues for the past twelve years! Listen to his story and learn about some of the issues and pitfalls in the family law court system. Topics include : custody rights, paternity issues, child support payments, truancy, legal and physical custody, contempt of custody and much more. For more information abo...

In this episode we are discussing the fight that occurred on a boat dock in Alabama. The video has been all over the internet and the news (link below). What are the legal issues involved. Can you assault someone that is threatening your personal property? What is the law of self defense and defense of others? Listen and find out! Topics include: self defense, defending property, using force to de...

In this episode we have a return guest. A woman who has been representing herself in custody court for the past year. We discuss the pros and cons of representing yourself. Find out how she did! Topics include : Petitions for contempt, modification of custody, presenting evidence, custody evaluations, legal custody issues and much more. For more information about attorney Carl M. Knapp, go to the...

In this episode we are talking about crazy behavior in and out of Court. Why do some people lose their minds when they get involved in litigation? Carl discusses some of his more interesting cases with people acting badly.  Learn how act (and dress) when you go to Court. For more information about attorney Carl M. Knapp, go to www.cknapplaw.com or email us at justlawingaround@gmail.com  

In this episode we are talking about three recent US Supreme Court rulings. One case involved a Colorado website designer who refused to design wedding websites for same-sex couples claiming that it violated her First Amendment rights.  Another case addressed whether colleges may consider race as a factor in student admissions. And finally, the Court blocked President Biden’s forgiveness of studen...

In this episode we are talking about requesting police body cam video and how do you get it. James and Carl went to Court to get police video from a civil dispute. What did James learn? Was it easy?  Did we get it?  Listen and find out!      Topics include : how to request police audio and video recordings; what to do if your request is denied; civil procedure; court pleadings; arguing legal issue...

In this episode we are discussing the bizarre case of the mortuary manager at Harvard Medical School, along with several other individuals who were indicted on charges they ran a ring that stole and sold parts from bodies donated to the school for use by doctors. Join us for this creepy episode! Topics include : theft of property; anatomical gifts in a will or living will; ownership of a corpse; u...

In this episode we are talking all about Prenuptial agreements.  What do celebrities have in their prenups? Do you need one if you aren’t a celebrity?  Listen and find out!      Topics include : What is a prenup; what do they cover; are they enforceable; what if you don’t have one; are they only for rich people; how do they affect your estate plan; how do they affect a divorce action; what happens...

In this episode we are discussing the Netflix documentary “Pepsi, Where’s My Jet?”.  The case arises from a Pepsi promotion “Drink Pepsi—Get Stuff”.  The television commercial showed a Harrier Fighter Jet, with the caption “HARRIER FIGHTER 7,000,000 PEPSI POINTS”.   John Leonard was able to get the points and wanted the jet.  Did he get it?  Listen and find out!      Topics include : What is an of...

In this episode we are discussing the case of Katie Sorensen, a self-described "mom influencer" with a large following. She was convicted of falsifying a police report after she made a viral video claiming that Hispanic couple attempted to kidnap her children from a store.  It turns out the story was false.     Topics include: false statements to police; social media posts; defamation, s...

In this episode we are discussing the strange case of two Landsdale neighbors who had a long-standing feud.  The case ultimately ended up with one neighbor filing a federal lawsuit against the other and suing Landsdale Borough and the Police Department. Do good fences really make good neighbors?   Topics include: dealing with bad neighbors, malicious prosecution, civil rights violations, false arr...

In this episode we are discussing criminal law and procedure. Our special guest is Laurie Jubelirer , an experienced criminal defense attorney and civil rights attorney.   Topics include: criminal procedure, search and seizure, pretrial practice, talking to the police, jury selection, the right to remain silent, discovery, appeals and much more.   For more information about attorney Carl M. Knapp...

In this episode we are discussing auto insurance policies and auto law.  Our special guest is David R. Friedman, Esquire , an experienced civil litigator who practices insurance defense law. Get out a copy of your policy and follow along to see what coverage you have or you need. Topics include : liability coverage, duty to defend, property damage, first party benefits, coverage limits, stacked an...