News from March 2018
9th Circuit seeks answers from D.C. court in bankruptcy case
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit on Feb. 27 issued an order to stay a case until the District of Columbia Court of Appeals can answer three certified questions the 9th Circuit says will determine how to rule in a bankruptcy case.
A California resident is suing business operators for violation of the ADA
SACRAMENTO — A disabled California man who requires a wheelchair for mobility, is suing property owners of a Chuck Wagon restaurant, alleging disability discrimination and failure to uphold Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations.
Indio, Coachella aren't the only places where code violations can lead to huge legal bills, lawyer says
COACHELLA – A law firm that was contracted to prosecute code violations in Indio and Coachella is alleged to have taken residents to criminal court for small crimes and later billing them weighty prosecution fees.
Consumer accuses telemarketer of phone harassment
LOS ANGELES — An Arleta man has filed a class action lawsuit against a telemarketer and seller of loans, alleging violation of telephone harassment statutes.
Retirement fund board accuses printing business of violating ERISA
LOS ANGELES — A retirement fund's board of trustees is suing a printing business, alleging violation of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
Vallejo police officer accused of violating suspect's civil rights
SACRAMENTO — A California man is suing a Vallejo police officer, alleging excessive force and violation of the plaintiff's civil rights.
Bank accuses L.A. borrower of defaulting on more than $300,000
LOS ANGELES — A Florida banking corporation is suing a Los Angeles borrower, alleging breach of contract in failing to pay more than $300,000.
California consumer accuses Capital One of violating TCPA
SACRAMENTO — A California woman is suing Capital One, alleging violation of the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices, and violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
Paraplegic customer accuses Starbucks store of violating ADA
SACRAMENTO — A paraplegic man who requires a wheelchair for mobility is suing the owners of a Kettleman City Starbucks store, alleging disability discrimination, failure to uphold Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations and violation of the Unruh Civil Rights Act
Disabled customer accuses Fresno car repair shop of disability discrimination
SACRAMENTO — A disabled man who requires a wheelchair for mobility is suing a Fresno car repair shop, alleging disability discrimination and failure to uphold Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations.
Los Angeles attorney faces disbarment following probation violations
SAN FRANCISCO — Los Angeles attorney Raaqim A. S. Knight, suspended in 2016 after he disappeared and abandoned his clients amid "marital and financial difficulties," faces disbarment over probation violations, according to a recent State Bar of California recommendation.
Manhattan Beach attorney faces disbarment following allegations he tried to defraud creditors
SAN FRANCISCO — Manhattan Beach attorney Drago Charles Baric faces disbarment following a State Bar of California recommendation after he was found culpable in three counts of misconduct in a personal bankruptcy proceeding.
Torrance attorney faces disbarment after allegedly telling client to trust him with $18,000
SAN FRANCISCO — Torrance attorney David Paul Hutchens faces disbarment by default following a State Bar of California recommendation after he was charged with seven counts of misconduct in a single client matter.
State bar recommended suspension of Chatsworth attorney be lifted
SAN FRANCISCO — Chatsworth attorney Bradley Howard Spear may soon be relieved of a 2015 suspension handed down over issues caused by excessive drinking of alcohol, according to a recent State Bar of California recommendation.
Atascadero attorney faces suspension, found culpable in 4 counts of misconduct
SAN FRANCISCO — Atascadero attorney Frederick James Wood faces a minimum 60-day suspension and a requirement he pay thousands in restitution following a State Bar of California recommendation after he was found culpable of misconduct in a single client matter.
Probation recommended for Los Angeles attorney who missed filing deadline
Los Angeles attorney Lisa Michelle Bassis, practicing in California for more than 38 years, faces a stayed suspension of one year and two years' probation after she failed to file a timely petition in federal court on behalf of a convicted child molester, according to a recent State Bar of California recommendation.
Probation recommended for Los Altos attorney who admitted misconduct in Colorado
Los Altos attorney Steven James Foster faces stayed suspension and probation after he admitted to misconduct in Colorado and was censured in that state, according to a recent State Bar of California recommendation.
2 consumers accuse debt collector of violating FDCPA
SACRAMENTO — Two California consumers are suing a debt collector, alleging violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Mixed martial artist accuses competitor of trademark infringement
LOS ANGELES — A mixed martial artist is suing a distribution group, alleging trademark infringement, unfair competition and false advertising.
Francesca's Collections scores partial win in former manager's overtime complaint
SAN FRANCISCO — A federal judge has dismissed part of a former Francesca's Collections store manager's complaint that she is still owed for unpaid overtime accrued during almost four years of working for the retailer.