NEWS-Hodges & Davis Opening for In-Office Visits With Clients by Appointment Only

At Hodges and Davis, we continue to review how to balance client service and safety in this most unusual year.  In June, the State of Indiana entered Phase 4 of Governor Holcomb’s plan for reopening the State.  While we are encouraged by recent developments, the safety of our clients, team and community is always our top priority.

With that safety in mind, we have opened our office for visits with clients on an appointment only basis.  Our offices, though remaining operational, will continue to be closed to the general public.  As has been the case throughout these difficult times, we will remain available for meetings and other appointments via teleconferencing through the utilization of remote workspaces and other technological means, while we begin scheduling in-person office appointments.

For the safety of our attorneys, staff, and clients who will be coming into our office, we have implemented certain procedures to keep everyone safe:

  1. We ask that all clients arriving for their appointment call and let the receptionist know that they have arrived.  Because our office doors will still be locked, someone from our staff will need to meet you at the door to let you into the office.
  2. All clients entering our offices will be required to bring and wear a mask while inside.  The attorneys meeting with clients will also wear masks.
  3. Unfortunately, Hodges and Davis will not be providing beverages to our clients at this time.  However, clients should feel free to bring their own beverages with them.
  4. We ask that you take your temperature before your appointment to confirm you are not running a fever.  If you schedule an appointment and then begin to feel ill, have any symptoms associated with COVID-19 or have been in personal contract with someone with COVID-19 in the last two weeks, we ask that you please call in advance of the meeting to let us know.  We would be happy to conduct your appointment telephonically or reschedule your appointment.
  5. To ensure that we follow recommended CDC Guidelines on social distancing, we are also going to limit the number of persons allowed in our conference rooms.  In our Merrillville office, we will limit the total number of people (including our attorneys) in the meeting room to five (5).  In our Portage and Rensselaer offices, we will limit the number of people (including our attorneys) in the meeting room to four (4).

We will continue to review these procedures and will update them as needed, and as more information becomes available.  Although we understand that the above restrictions may be inconvenient, the safety of our staff, attorneys and clients is our top priority.  We hope that everyone remains safe and healthy during this unprecedented time.  We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we find new ways to interact while remaining committed to serving you.

 

Hodges and Davis, P.C. – June 2020

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ARTICLE-Exploitation of Dependents and Endangered Adults

Gregory A. Sobkowski | Hodges & Davis Law Firm Northwest Indiana

On March 18, the Indiana General Assembly passed Senate Enrolled Act No. 249.  That Act added I.C. 35-31.5-2-235.2 which addresses the exploitation of dependent and endangered adults, and the penalties that attach thereto.

The Enrolled Act prohibits a “person in a position of trust” from engaging in self-dealing with, or exploitation of, the property of an endangered adult or a dependent person.  The Act defines a “person in a position of trust” as one who has or has had the care of an endangered adult or a dependent, whether that care was assumed voluntarily or pursuant to a legal obligation.  A person may also fall under this definition if they have had a professional relationship with an endangered adult or a dependent.

A person engages in “self-dealing” if they use the property of another person to gain a benefit that is “grossly disproportionate” to the benefits received by the dependent or endangered adult.  Further, a person engages in “exploitation” if they exert control over an endangered adult or dependent’s personal property for their own personal gain, and not for the profit of the endangered person.

If a person engages in self-dealing or exploitation, that offense constitutes a Class A misdemeanor.  The offense elevates to a Level 6 felony if the person has a prior unrelated conviction.

 

This article provides a brief summary of Senate Enrolled Act No. 249. The information contained herein does not constitute legal advice, nor does it establish an attorney/client relationship. If you have any questions with regard to the new law, please contact the attorneys at Hodges and Davis.

Hodges & Davis- June 2020

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ARTICLE-2020 Distracted Driving Law

On July 1, 2020, a new law will take effect that bans the use of mobile phones while operating a motor vehicle, subject to a few narrow exceptions.  The law provides that a person may not hold or use a cellular device while operating a moving motor vehicle.

The following actions are excepted from the ban on the use of mobile phones. A person may hold or use a cell phone to call 911 in an emergency.  A person may also use their phone in conjunction with a Bluetooth or “hands-free” device.  Finally, a person may also hold a phone while their vehicle is at a complete stop.

The new law takes effect as a growing number of states wish to draw attention to the hazards presented by texting and driving. Currently, 21 states have similar laws on their books.  The statute does not directly address penalties.  All drivers should be prepared to comply with the new law by July 1, 2020.

 

This article provides a brief summary of Indiana’s new Distracted Driving law. The information contained herein does not constitute legal advice, nor does it establish an attorney/client relationship. If you have any questions with regard to the new law, please contact the attorneys at Hodges and Davis.

Hodges & Davis- June 2020

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