What is Legal versus what is Right

In every state, Connecticut included, it is not unlawful for a person with a valid carry permit to possess a legally obtained firearm.  However, just because you know that you are entitled to carry, does not mean that it is always a good idea to do so.  With the memory of the tragedy that befell a Colorado showing of “The Dark Knight Rises” last month not yet diminished, a Connecticut attorney’s judgment failed him last week when he brought a loaded firearm to a late night viewing of “The Dark Night Rises” in New Haven.   While Attorney Sung-Ho Hwang is correct, in a statement made to the press and reported in the Hartford Courant, that “[t]here is no posting at Criterion-Bow Tie Cinemas that states that weapons are not permitted. As far as the law is concerned, [he] ha[s] a right to carry there," Mayor John DeStefano may be equally correct that "[j]ust because something is legal, it doesn't make it right."  Attorney Hwang was charged with breach of peace and interfering with police.

Anti-Blight Action Being Taken in New Haven

The city of New Haven has made use of a 2009 municipal law allowing them to foreclose on abandoned problem properties. Known as the “Anti-Blight and Property Maintenance Ordinance” or simply the “Anti-Blight Bill” this law grants the city of New Haven the power to aggressively fine property owners, including the Housing Authority of New Haven, and place liens on those properties if the fines are unpaid and, in extreme circumstances, the power to foreclose on blighted properties. The ordinance also addresses cosmetic aspects of property ownership by prohibiting owners from leaving garbage or shopping carts on their property and requiring that they maintain basic appearances by fixing broken windows and having proper drainage for their driveways. 

Although the law was passed in 2009, the city has not taken advantage of the foreclosure option included in the bill until recently. Its first foreclosure was initiated in June 2012 after years of complaints regarding the “eyesore” of the neighborhood. The target property, 129 Clay St., has been neglected since 2003 and has since been the home to many homeless and criminal individuals according to local residents. The city has announced its intention to foreclose on the property and will put out a Request for Proposals from developers and housing agencies who would possibly develop the property into owner occupied housing.

Brown Paindiris & Scott Attorney Files Class Action Lawsuit Against Waggin' Train Chicken Jerky Pet Food Treats

Bruce Newman, of Counsel Attorney at Brown, Paindiris & Scott, has filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of Elizabeth Mawaka against Nestle Purina, Waggin' Train, LLC, Wal-Mart, and Sam's Club following the death of Ms. Mawaka's two boston terriers after they ingested chicken jerky treats. Over a thousand complaints have been made to the FDA because of pet illnesses and deaths after ingesting this food, and currently over a dozen other affected pet owners may be joining the suit, which is currently pending in the US District Court in Connecticut. The chicken jerky treats cause neurological symptoms, liver and kidney failure and may also cause pancreatitis in dogs. Newman has requested that these dog treats be immediately recalled. The case has been accepted by the Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation as another action is currently pending in Chicago and it may be transferred to another Judge in the next 6 weeks.

If you, a family member, or friend has a dog affected by this contaminated food, contact Attorney Newman at 860.583.5200 or bnewman@bpslawyers.com.