Colorado Law Blog

Don't neglect to protect your business's proprietary information

On behalf of Pearson & Paris, P.C. posted in business law on Friday, November 9, 2018.

Most businesses have some type of proprietary information. It may be a secret recipe or plans for a new product. However, your financial data and customer records are also proprietary information. The health of your business depends on safeguarding all of that information.

That doesn't have to be a complicated, expensive process. However, it has to be done right. If you don't draft documents like nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) correctly or don't have the appropriate people sign them, people can sell or use your valuable confidential information and you may find yourself with no legal recourse.

When can the government claim eminent domain over your property?

On behalf of Pearson & Paris, P.C. posted in real estate on Wednesday, October 24, 2018.

Most people don't give much (if any) thought to eminent domain until it impacts them. Then it's essential to understand what rights the government has to take land owned by private citizens for public benefit.

Those rights are granted to local, state and federal governments. They're addressed in the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution under the "Takings Clause" as well as in the Fourteenth Amendment. However, the Constitution puts limits on that power. It also requires that the government fairly compensate people for the land it takes.

New state cybersecurity laws are among strictest in nation

On behalf of Pearson & Paris, P.C. on Wednesday, October 17, 2018.

Internet data privacy protections were introduced to every state across America since the Internet took over. However, as of September 1, 2018, Colorado has raised the standard for taking tighter action in protecting sensitive information throughout the network of cybersecurity systems.

As a small business owner, you are held accountable for protecting information clients and employees submit online or have uploaded. Colorado is holding businesses accountable for complying with the new stricter cybersecurity laws. Otherwise, state government officials may take businesses under heavy investigations.

Colorado ranch developed by Michaels co-founder sold at auction

On behalf of Pearson & Paris, P.C. posted in real estate on Thursday, October 11, 2018.

The sprawling Pitkin County, Colorado, ranch owned in part by one-time billionaire Sam Wyly has recently been sold for $12.75 million -- a figure far below the initial asking price back in 2014 of $59.5 million. That price continued to drop after that because, as one real estate professional noted, "The market for large acreage and high-end luxury property is a very small market."

The 244-acre Woody Creek property, called Circle R Ranch, was finally auctioned off last month in what was the latest financial hit for the Texas entrepreneur who co-founded Michaels Stores Inc. -- the chain of arts and crafts stores.

Owning a side business very common in the U.S.

On behalf of Pearson & Paris, P.C. posted in business law on Thursday, September 27, 2018.

It is very common these days for individuals to start a business on the side. This is what a recent survey by The Hartford suggests.

In the survey, over 4,000 U.S. adults throughout the nation were polled. Around a quarter of these survey respondents indicated that they have a side business. This would suggest that around 57 million people here in the U.S. own and run a company on the side.

DUI checkpoint tips: Be sure to keep these in mind

On behalf of Pearson & Paris, P.C. on Wednesday, June 13, 2018.

The best way to avoid trouble at a DUI checkpoint is to ensure that you are 100 percent sober every time you get behind the wheel. With this approach, the chance of being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol is very low (although not impossible).

Unfortunately, it's not out of the question that you could make a mistake. For example, maybe you have a drink at a restaurant and then decide to drive home. While you're pretty sure your blood alcohol level is below the legal limit, you're not 100 percent certain.

Legalization doesn't mean people can drive while stoned

On behalf of Pearson & Paris, P.C. on Wednesday, June 6, 2018.

One of the biggest concerns for the general public associated with marijuana legalization is the potential for an increased number of marijuana impaired drivers on the road. People think about the risk caused by drunk drivers, and they worry that with more people using marijuana, more people will also get behind the wheel while under the influence.

It's important for everyone to understand that Colorado's laws are very clear about impaired or drugged driving. It is absolutely against the law to operate a motor vehicle when impaired by any substance, including marijuana. Just because you can legally use something doesn't mean that you can legally drive while under the influence.

A mild traumatic brain injury can kill your career

On behalf of Pearson & Paris, P.C. posted in blog on Thursday, March 8, 2018.

Any time a person experiences a car accident or some other kind of injury or accident, it is important to seek out medical attention as soon as possible. All injuries require attention, but especially any blow to the head, which may produce mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

TBIs are difficult to identify and are often devastating if left untreated. Our brains are actually very fragile, breakable organs, and a blow to the head can injure the brain in surprising ways. In some ways, a mild TBI can prove even more devastating in the long run than a moderate injury with more severe immediate symptoms. Many of the most serious dangers surrounding mild TBIs revolve around just how invisible the injuries can be until the damage is already done -- often to the victim's personal and professional relationships.

Prepare now for dangerous Colorado winter road conditions

On behalf of Pearson & Paris, P.C. posted in blog on Thursday, December 7, 2017.

Driving in the winter can be dangerous, even in the warmer states. For those living around Lakewood, Colorado, however, the chance for serious winter road conditions is a very real threat. While the average city in the Unites States sees a little over 25 inches of snow every winter, the Lakewood area averages nearly three times more, with almost 77 inches of snow each winter.

That much accumulation means that driving during the winter can be particularly dangerous. Snow on the roads can lead to a host of dangerous conditions, including black ice in areas where snow melts and re-freezes onto the pavement and white-outs caused by drifting and blowing snow.

Your injuries may not be apparent after a car accident

On behalf of Pearson & Paris, P.C. posted in blog on Thursday, September 7, 2017.

Car accidents happen each and every day, doling out many injuries to victims. Some of these injuries may not appear obvious at the scene of the accident, and may not cause pain or discomfort until hours or days after the accident itself.

These injuries, known as delayed onset injuries, can take many forms. In some cases, victims may feel discomfort or pain in their neck and back, or shooting pain in their arms and legs. Other victims may experience disorientation or abdominal pain.