The Beggs & Lane Blog
Understanding the “Advice of Counsel” Defense in White Collar Criminal Cases
The “advice of counsel” defense can be an effective legal defense when used properly in white collar criminal cases. This defense will likely be used in the case of United States v. Bankman-Fried, 1:22-cr-00673, which is set for trial in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. This trial relates to the failed FTX cryptocurrency exchange and cryptocurrency hedge fund and its allegedly fraudulent relationship with Alameda Research. The “advice of counsel” defense is often used in high-profile cases such as the upcoming Bankman-Fried trial because, when used right, the defense team can use it [...]
The Inflation Reduction Act: A Renewable Energy Revolution?
August 16, 2023, will mark the one-year anniversary of the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA”) (Public Law 117-169). Although there has been, and continues to be, spirited debate around the policies embodied in the IRA, one thing is not debatable; the IRA --dubbed by some as the “Green New Deal”-- is among the most significant pieces of climate and renewable energy legislation is United States history. This may come as a surprise to some, considering the title of the law makes no reference to “climate,” “renewable energy,” or the like. The IRA addresses many topics completely unrelated to [...]
Chambers USA 2023 Recognizes Beggs & Lane Energy Attorneys
Beggs & Lane, R.L.L.P. is pleased to announce that Steve Griffin and Ed Holland have both been awarded top rankings in the 2023 edition of Chambers USA for their expertise in the areas of Energy and Natural Resources law. Published annually, the Chambers USA guide identifies the nation’s top law firms and attorneys through rigorous research and in-depth client interviews. Rankings are assessed on legal knowledge, experience, ability, effectiveness and client service, in addition to the strength and depth of a firm’s practice.
Motor Vehicle Accidents and the Rear End Presumption
Unfortunately, car accidents occur frequently in the state of Florida. According to preliminary data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in 2022, there were 381,156 car crashes across the state, with 242,622 involving injury and with 3,292 fatalities. Many of these accidents were rear end collisions. The question is, who is at fault for these collisions under Florida law? While the answer varies according to the facts of each accident, in Florida, the party who causes a collision from the rear is presumed to be at fault. Florida law states that all drivers must stay at [...]
DEA Proposes Rule Allowing Telemedicine Prescribing of Controlled Substances
Many prescription medications are “controlled substances.” Physicians who prescribe controlled substances for patients in Florida must adhere to strict legal requirements as to how controlled substances can be prescribed. Typically, a physician must have an in-person consultation with the patient in order for the physician to prescribe controlled substances. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently proposed a new rule that could ease some of the burdens imposed upon physicians who prescribe controlled substances. “Telehealth” or “telemedicine” is an expanding and evolving method of interaction between physicians and patients—especially since the onset of the Covid pandemic. “Telehealth” or “telemedicine” generally refers [...]
Tax Extensions for Victims of Hurricane Ian
In the wake of a disaster, the last thing anyone thinks about is taxes. Things like checking on loved ones, food, and shelter, and surveying the damage are at the forefront of the immediate aftermath. However, with clean-up and recovery from a natural disaster taking place over a period that could amount to several years (as the victims of the 2018 Category 5 Hurricane Michael can attest to), filing and paying taxes will become an issue sooner than one thinks. For the victims of Hurricane Ian, the Category 4 hurricane that devastated large portions of Florida, South Carolina, and North [...]