Some thoughts on the Dorner Party

The story of Christopher Dorner has captivated us here in the office. If you haven't heard what's going on, here's what we understand has happened:

In 2008 Mr. Dorner was working as a police officer in Los Angeles and says he witnessed another officer beating a suspect. Mr. Dorner reported it, and was later terminated by the department for making a false allegation. Mr. Dorner took that rather hard and has allegedly killed some of the people involved with his termination. Further has written a long and rambling manifesto declaring both his love for the Hangover movies and the "high value targets" whom he is planning on assaulting next.

Mr. Dorner was in the military and apparently is very well trained. The police in LA are obviously on edge as they recently shot into a car that looked like Mr. Dorner's injuring two people. Here's a story about it. I know that if I was in that city, I'd be a little nervous, as its hard to tell where the violence is going to come from next.

I actually understand Mr. Dorner's frustration, but he clearly has more problems than just a possibly unjust termination. In my position as an attorney I've dealt with a lot of people who felt they had been wronged, and a few who took that perceived injustice into their own hands. It never ends well.

For Mr. Dorner, I don't see any ending except for his death. From his manifesto it seems as if he's prepared for that as well. If asked, I'd tell him he should turn himself in. Though, at this point, judging from the edginess of the police, its possible even that could be dangerous.

His entire story seems like its something out of a movie, and it's one that hopefully won't have any sequels or remakes.

Loss of Power(s) and Rhodes-side Service

One of the benefits of being an attorney is the opportunity to help people solve their problems.  It is a key motivator and one of the most rewarding aspects of our work.  Unfortunately, it can be easy to forget how it feels to be the person needing help, forced to rely upon someone else.

This past week this feeling was brought home to me as my vehicle slowly rolled to a halt next to the interstate.  As the cabin filled with gas fumes, I was quickly trying to think through my options and figure out my course of action.  Fortunately, though it was after the business closed, I was able to call the service department at the local Dodge dealership and reach a person who I can gladly describe as a friend, Mr. Philip Washington.  Mr. Washington sprang into action, calling a tow truck and quickly coming to pick up both me and my law partner.  Other than a slight loss of time, the problems were handled quickly and efficiently.  By the next day, my vehicle was repaired and it was as if nothing had happened.

While everything worked out well in the end, this experience provided a humbling touchstone of my need to rely upon others.  I was unable to fix my vehicle and was forced to sit idly by while waiting on the expertise of others.

Similarly, an unexpected legal issue can leave you stranded and panicking, forcing you to quickly consider and weigh your options.  Much like an automobile in the hands of a driver lacking the expertise to repair it, the law can be a complicated and twisted problem causing your life to slowly coast to a halt, hopefully without the gas fumes.

If you find yourself facing such a situation, turn your problems over to an experienced "mechanic" of the law, a local attorney.  Of course, Powers and Rhodes will be more than glad to offer you a consultation and steer you towards a quick and efficient resolution of your problem.  Much like Mr. Washington was a friend I could rely on, we will gladly be your friends in law places.

Lycanthropy and the Law.

Welcome to the official blog of Powers and Rhodes, LLP.  Do not be fooled by any other blogs with similar names, as this is the official blog.  Ignore the charlatans! 

We are looking forward to providing more in-depth and helpful information regarding legal issues that often arise, and some legal issues that very seldom arise.  For example, if you are injured at work, you should immediately report the injury to a supervisor or company representative.  Injuries at work happen fairly often and it is important that such injuries are reported quickly.  For an example of an issue that does not often arise, it is not an absolute defense to allege that you committed a crime due to suffering from lycanthropy when the moon is not even full.  So do not do that.  

In all seriousness, we understand that legal issues can be more frightening than a werewolf.  We are your silver bullet.  It is what we are here for and we look forward to killing your legal werewolves.     

www.powersandrhodes.com

Yes, we know the website is not chock full of information at this time, but rest assured we are diligently working on it.