Articles Posted in Public Service Announcements

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Gunfire erupted outside a “gas station at 3090 W. Sunrise Blvd.” August 23, 2018, leaving one man critically injured, according to the Sun-Sentinel. Police told media the shooting occurred “as the victim was leaving the gas station and convenience store and may have been the result of a robbery.”

The Florida Sheriff’s Association warns, “there has been an increase in reports of theft at gas stations around the country.” Valuables are often left in plain sight inside unlocked vehicles while customers are distracted at the pump or paying inside, creating an easy target for thieves and carjackers. Unfortunately, these crimes can escalate into violence with tragic consequences.

The FSA urges patrons to take safety precautions at the pump:

  • Pick stations that are well-lit and have video surveillance cameras at the pump.
  • Keep valuables out of plain view in your vehicle and lock the doors, even if you are going inside for a moment.
  • Don’t let your cell phone distract you.
  • Always remove your keys and lock the doors while you are pumping gas.

Victims of Florida Gas Station Violence: Know Your Rights

Gas station patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment they are visiting. By law, Florida gas station owners are required to protect all patrons legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm.

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Hookah lounges are often targeted for criminal activity given late hours of operation, typically low levels of lighting, and (frequently) impaired patrons.

Security measures are now in question following several tragic hookah lounge shootings across the country.

A 20-year-old man was shot and killed during an exchange of gunfire outside a Tucson hookah lounge on July 27, per Tucson News Now reports.

According to ABC 13, “three people were shot at the Ultra Hookah Lounge” in southeast Houston on July 22.

Two people were shot “at the House of Hookah” in Atlanta on July 1, 2018, per CBS 46 reports.

A 2017 Denver Channel investigation explores why “hookah bars” appear to be “magnets for crime” and what bar owners and city officials can do to deter violence. Denver City Councilwoman, Kendra Black, told media, “[t]he problems usually start after bars close, when people go to hookah lounges that don’t have a closing time.” As such, city officials are considering regulating hours. Some Denver hookah lounge owners are implementing preventative measures, such as “a strict dress code, posting warning signs in the parking lot to stop cruising, and hiring off-duty officers for security.”

Victims of Hookah Lounge Violence and Sexual Assault: Know Your Rights

Hookah lounge patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment they are visiting. By law, property owners are required to protect all patrons legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. Should a hookah lounge owner fail in this critical responsibility, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries, sexual assaults, or wrongful deaths which occur as a consequence.

Can I Afford an Attorney?

Our Clients frequently come in concerned that they won’t be able to afford legal help. We believe everyone has a right to exceptional legal service. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. This means our interests are always tied to that of our Clients. Be sure to ask any potential personal injury attorney about their fee schedule and whether they represent Clientele on a contingency basis before signing a contract.

You Deserve Justice. We Can Help.

The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims and families of negligent gas station security. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and we offer our legal assistance, if desired. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 888.842.1616. Consultations are free and confidential.

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ApartmentCrime-300x200When one Arizona rape survivor found herself trapped in an apartment lease next door to her attacker, she fought to free herself and the hundreds of other victims suffering a similar, unjust circumstance.

Starting on August 3rd, AZ Central reports, new legislation will now allow victims of sexual assault to break their leases without paying costly terminations fees, which can often total into the thousands of dollars. A state statute already allowed victims of domestic abuse to break their leases. This new legislation, “pushed by state Rep. Daniel Hernandez, D-Tucson, and Rep. Maria Syms, R-Paradise Valley,” expands the exception to include victims of rape and sexual assault. AZ Central explains:

How to Break a Lease if You’ve Been Abused, Raped or Sexually Assaulted in Arizona

  • File a police report or seek an order of protection as soon as possible.
  • Request the lease termination within 30 days of the domestic abuse, sexual assault or rape, unless your landlord grants more time.
  • Tell your landlord that you need to break your apartment lease under Arizona Revised Statute 33-1318, which allows victims of sexual assault and domestic violence to leave without paying termination fees.
  • Provide the landlord with a written request to vacate on a mutually agreed upon date along with copies of the police report or order of protection.
  • If you wish to change the locks on your apartment while you stay, let the landlord know. You will need to pay for installation.
  • The landlord cannot charge termination fees or rent after you vacate and must return your security deposit. However, if you have prepaid rent for the month of your departure or if you have damaged the apartment, the landlord can withhold money.
  • Roommates on the lease can sign a new rental agreement if they wish to stay and are not the perpetrator.
  • A landlord may legally pursue the perpetrator for the cost of terminating the lease. A false accuser can be liable for three times the cost.

Survivors of Arizona Apartment Sexual Assault: Know Your Rights

Apartment residents should not be afraid in their own homes. While Arizona law makers improve legislation to protect rape and sexual assault survivors rather than property owners, local apartment owners must also do their part to protect their residents. By law, apartment complex owners and property managers have a duty to protect residents from any foreseeable harm. For example, should an apartment complex owner have knowledge of break-ins or assaults on or near property, they have a responsibility to warn their residents and to implement additional security measures to protect them. Should a property owner fail in this critical duty, they may be held civilly liable for any sexual assaults, injuries or deaths which occur as a consequence.

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