The South Carolina Court of Appeals issued an opinion this morning in Singletary v. Shuler, which is a wrongful death and survival action arising from a fight between Singletary’s decedent and Shuler in Shuler’s house following a get together. The case was tried before the Charleston County master-in-equity, who awarded $1.5 M for the wrongful death … Continue Reading
Traffic Violations
Despite flashy headlines about AI machines serving as defense attorneys in speeding ticket trials, thus far no AI lawyer has appeared on behalf of a client in an United States Courtroom. In January of 2023, Joshua Browder, the CEO of tech startup DoNotPay planned to use Bluetooth devices to allow speeding ticket Defendants to have arguments, written by AI, broadcast into their ears during their trials. This scheme would have allowed the Defendants to act as their own defense attorneys and argue the facts and the law as the AI presented it to them via the Bluetooth earphones. This plan was shelved, however, after prosecutors and state bars throughout the country began to threaten Browder with criminal penalties related to the unauthorized practice of law. The unauthorized practice of law (“UPL”) refers to the act of practicing law without a license or the necessary credentials required by a jurisdiction’s legal system.
White Collar Crimes
Theft
Drug Crimes
As law enforcement in the 2020s focuses on the rise in drug trafficking and other offenses, criminal organizations have increasingly turned to retail crime to generate illicit profits by using internet-based tools to steal merchandise, sell stolen goods, and move money. Simply stated, organized retail crime and the related losses have reached epidemic proportions for … Continue Reading
Assault
Murder
“In short, we will paint a clear and compelling picture of a man who committed an act of unspeakable violence against our nation’s leader, and who deserves to be held accountable for his actions. We ask that you carefully consider all of the evidence presented in this trial, and that you return a verdict of guilty for the murder of President Abraham Lincoln.”
Shoplifting
This type of crime typically occurs in two phases: the initial theft and the subsequent reselling of stolen goods. During the initial theft stage, a group of criminals will make a coordinated effort to steal items from a particular store or chain. This theft can occur through a variety of methods, ranging from standard shoplifting to flash mobs. ORC typically focus on stealing high-value items that can be easily sold for a profit. Electronics such as tablets, smartphones, and laptops are particularly popular targets. Clothing, luxury items (such as watches or handbags), cosmetics, food, and alcohol are also common targets of organized retail crime.
Collins & Lacy is a statewide business defense firm in South Carolina relentlessly focused on the client experience by delivering unwavering legal representation through solid preparation, consistent execution, and client-oriented service aimed at success. The firm represents local, regional and national clients in the areas of construction, corporate and business law, retail/hospitality, insurance/bad faith, products liability, professional liability, commercial transportation, and workers’ compensation.
Business Disputes
The basic premise of machine learning and artificial intelligence is that a human must program the computer to intake data, synthesize it, and spit out a result based on that data. While machine learning has taken great leaps and bounds in the last decade – and can now search for and identify data from across the internet on its own accord – it still relies on the programing of human beings. As explained by Matthew Stepka, the Managing Partner of Machina Ventures, an investment firm focused on early stage AI stated in an article for Business Law Today...
Federal law prohibits discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or past, present, or future status in the uniformed services of the United States in all employment practices, including conditions of employment. It is our policy and intent to comply with all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination.
Our team is experienced in all facets of litigation relating to this practice area, including: premises liability, third person tort/assault, alcohol liability/Dram Shop, adulterated food claims, asset protection, and regulatory agency sanctions. We represent the leading national and regional companies in the retail, hotel, food service, bar and private club, and entertainment industries focusing on the protection of their brands and assets.
Construction Litigation
Highly experienced, with a keen insight into commercial and residential construction claims, the Collins & Lacy Construction Practice Group has a comprehensive approach to the complex litigation needs of the construction industry. Our attorney team is well-versed in commercial and residential construction claims focusing on litigation and risk avoidance for: Contractors Subcontractors Engineering consulting and … Continue Reading
Retailers – Retailers face exposure with personal injury and tort litigation from patrons alleging injury in stores. Retailers also deal with an ever-changing regulatory environment, including the need to comply with numerous state and local employment regulations. These types of situations arise every day and require legal counsel to guide retailers through these potentially serious issues that can disrupt or even end their business venture.