Orrin Fullerton

Happy New Year everyone. Remember, it is the time of year for inclement weather, which means icy roads, parking lots and sidewalks, which can be the cause of automobile accidents and slip falls. Be sure to drive and traverse carefully! Also, home and business owners be sure to keep sidewalks, walkways, driveways and parking lots in safe condition. Personal injury lawsuits are not enjoyable no matter what side you're on.

The Supreme Court ruled last week that absent a trial by jury, a defendant's violation, whether it be of their supervised release, parole, or probation, may not be punishable by imposition of a new higher mandatory minimum than that of what was statutorily authorized by the original conviction. Imposing a new higher mandatory minimum based on a "preponderance of evidence standard" rather than the "reasonable doubt standard" adhered to by a jury violates the 5th and 6th Amendments. United States v. Haymond.