As the year comes to a close, so did my series on Constitutional Law. On the TV Show "Open" I ended the series with a discussion on Weight Discrimination. Now it's time to do some research for the next legal series. See you in 2012! David Lesch, Esq.

A hate crime is also known as a "bias-motivated" crime and occurs when a perpetrator targets a victim because of his or her perceived membership in a certain social group. This morning on the tv show "Open" I discussed the two forms of "hate crime", a topic that will be discussed in greater detail on next week's "Today's Verdict".

Legalization of marijuana is always a great constitutional law issue. The Federal Government attempts to use the "Commerce Clause" to regulate and punish those who produce cannabis. Of course the States have a say as well and invoke their "police power". This morning on the tv show "Open" I discussed the issue. Tune in tonight at 10pm, channel 67, for the recablecast. David Lesch Esq.

With the beginning of the holiday season approaching it's time for society's perennial emotionally charged debate: Should we allow religious displays on public property? A perfect constitutional law issue for the morning show. Watch tonight, 10 pm, channel 67. David Lesch, Esq.

The Laws of Obscenity and Indecency make for a great Constitutional Law topic. This morning on the TV show "Open" I attempted to distinguish the two, while describing the impact each has on the First Amendment "Freedom of Speech". Tune in 2nite for the recablecast. David Lesch, Esq.

Interesting tidbit from this mornings co-op/condo legal segment I did on tv: It is very difficult to sue bd. members individually. Good thing to know if you are a bd. member. David Lesch, Esq.

This morning I continued my "Constitutional Law" series with a discussion of domestic violence. What I talked about is the concept of a domestic violence registry or database. No state currently has a domestic violence registry or database. It is controversial, and a perfect "Constitutional Law" topic. Tune in tonight for the rebroadcast. David Lesch, Esq.

Do you have the right to drink alcohol on the steps/or lobby of a private building? I discussed this issue as it relates to constitutional law on the morning tv show "Open". NY's "Open Container" law is very specific, but as with any statute, subject to interpretation. Tune in tonight, channel 67, for the recablecast. David Lesch, Esq.

Flu shots and attitudes toward them have changed slowly. Whether a State can require a healthcare worker to be vaccinated comes up during every flu season. This morning on the tv show "Open", I discussed the constitutional issues involved. Tune in tonight, channel 67, for the recablecast. David Lesch, Esq.

I was excited to start a new legal series on the tv show "Open" this morning. For the next few months I will be discussing Constitutional Law, specifically, as it relates to issues that affect the everyday Bronxite. Today I thought "Publicity Rights" was a good place to begin.

David Lesch, Esq.

Tonight's show was especially special. My guest, Brian Mittman, gave great advice for those seeking Social Security Disability. And to top it off, I was given a nice honor, courtesy of the Bronx Borough President. The "Today's Verdict" team makes me very proud. I am a lucky host. David Lesch, Esq.

Ended my Contractual Obligations series with a discussion on tortious interference with contract and business relations. If you interfere with a contract between businesses you may be liable for the harm that results. It is important that you speak to an attorney before engaging in this type of behavior. Now, its off to find a new legal series for the fall. David Lesch, Esq.

We had such a great "Today's Verdict" last night. I was able to combine my two favorite pastimes: law and sports. On last night's show we examined the present labor disbute facing the NBA, specifically the ramifications of a "lockout" and potentially lost season. Both our guests, Attorney Robert Brody, and Sportscaster Bobby C. helped make a great show.
David Lesch Esq.

This morning on "Open" I talked about Prenuptial Agreements. There are many couples that never make it to the altar because they began their negotiations a few weeks before their wedding day. My best advice is to have the discussion immediately after getting engaged because the closer you get to the big day, the more pressure you're going to have to get the agreement done. And remember, both sides must be represented by counsel. David Lesch Esq.

Non-compete agreements are becoming an increasingly popular way to try to limit employees and former employees from working for a competitor, or from divulging trade secrets or other proprietary data! This morning on "Open" I gave tips on what to look out for when agreeing to a non-compete clause. David Lesch, Esq.

It was nice being back at the "Open" tv studio this morning. Now that there is same-sex marriage in NY State, I gave a synopsis of the new law during my interview with Daren Jaime. As of June 28, 2011, gay marriage is now allowed in six US States. But there are several untested legal issues that proponents of the new law now face. Tune in tonight at 10pm, channel 67, to hear the latest.

This morning I thought it would be a good idea to review the basic elements of a "contract". Once that was done, it was time to get back to business, my "contractual law series". Today's main topic: Dating Services ant the law that protects you. A good place to look is "The Better Business Bureau" which has important questions you should ask a perspective dating service company. Check out their website! David Lesch, Esq.

This morning I concluded my series on the New York State Consumer Protection Laws by discussing the recent cases interpreting those same statutes. In 2010 the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Acts were signed into law. It has taken some time, but the Courts have begun interpreting those statutes. Tune in 2nite at 10 pm, channel 67, to see how the judges have given the average consumer additional rights. David Lesch, Esq.

Many of the Consumer Protection Statutes I discussed on tv this morning should be referred to when in Small Claims Court. The most popular statute: The General Business Law, section 349. This law deals with small claims that arise from defective or misrepresented goods and services. Remember, a misleading business practice can be dealt with. You just have to know your rights.

Prepaid debit cards are cards that can be purchased online or at your local store. They are "pre-loaded" with a monetary amount. The problem is, most consumers do not know about the high fees that come with the card. Today on "Open" I discussed those fees, and the laws enacted by Congress to protect users. Meanwhile, as an aside, it was wonderful to meet Ambassador Suzan Cook in the studio. As an Ambassador at Large for International Religous Freedom she promised to be a guest on my legal show, soon to air with a different name: "Today's Verdict with David Lesch". Can't wait to have her discuss our First Amendment Freedom of Religion. David Lesch Esq.

This morning I filled in as the host of the morning show "Open". A few of the guests I interviewed: Eileen Remor, a Volunteer Events Manager with the Partnerships for Parks and Brian Farragher, an Executieve VP with Andrus Children's Center. Thanks so much for being a part of the show. Tune in tonight to watch the recablecast, channel 67, 10 pm.

There are some credit card laws that cardholders should be familiar with. These include "The Equal Credit Opportunity Act", "The Fair Credit Billing Act" and "The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act". In addition, President Obama signed a federal law last year that protects millions of customer who rely on their credit card. This morning on the television show "Open" I discussed the sweeping changes and how you can protect yourself from falling victim to your charge card. David Lesch, Esq.

With the beginning of May comes a new legal series: Contract Law. This morning on the television show "Open", I began discussing the consumer protection statutes that protect purchasers of new and used automobiles. There are two statutes that afford the most protection: The New Car Lemon Law (General Business Law 198-a), and The Used Car Lemon Law (198-b). But remember, the dealer always has a right to "cure the defect", so make sure you bring your vehicle back to the seller as soon as you think your car is not working properly. David Lesch, Esq.

I concluded my "municipal liability" series on the television network Bronxnet with an often misunderstood topic: Eminent Domain. This government power is awesome. It gives a municipality the power to take away private property for public use. But more often than not, the property is merely transferred from one private entity to another, with the idea of creating jobs...etc. for the community. It sounds like a great idea....until it happens to your private property. Tune in tonight to see what you can do to prevent this type of seizure.
David Lesch, Esq.

School violence is on the rise. Whether it is student on student harassment, or teacher on student assualt, a parent must be aware of their legal rights. A "spontaneous act" will bar a litigant from successfully prosecuting the case. Therefore it is important to document all potential threats with the school. In this way the Bd. of Education, or private school, cannot claim that the violent act was random.....and "spontaneous". David Lesch, Esq.

School related injuries are on the rise. On this morning's tv show "Open", I gave my tips on how a parent should make sure their child is protected while participating in a school sponsored event. The best advice I can give, go to the school and meet with the coach to make sure he/she understands the medical history of your child. David Lesch, Esq.

Tough topic discussed this morning on "Open". Teacher molestation and actions against a school system. Besides the immediate physical and emotional toll it takes on a life, there's no way of knowing what the long-term effects will be on a child who has been molested. If you bring an action against a school you will probably have to allege a "Negligent Hiring". This means that the school did not do the proper background check, etc. Look for the warning signs. Your child may be too ashamed to tell you the truth. David Lesch, Esq.

Police Brutality can be devastating with long lasting psychological effects. Today on the television show, "Open", channel 67, I discussed your ability to bring an action against the City of NY and the NYPD for "excessive force". Most cases involving police brutallity lead to claims for "false arrest", "malicious prosecution" and "false imprisonment". Each claim has its own elements that must be proven. Please make sure you file your notice of claim within 90 days to protect yourself. David Lesch, esq.

During my second part of the "municipal liability" series I touched on the many accidents that occur on City buses. Once again the culprit is the New York City Transit Authority, not the City of New York. The accident that I see most often is the classic fall on a bus as a result of a "violent and sudden stop". Beware of the "emergency doctrine" and "interlock defense". Both have been used by the TA to avoid liability. David Lesch, Esq.

Kicked off a new series this morning on "Open", channel 67. For the next few months, I will be discussing 'Municipal Liability", which covers a wide range of topics. Interestingly, I began with "Subway Liability", which does not really involve the city, but rather the Transit Authority. Many train and subway accidents occur as a result of preventable human error and some are even due to defective equipment. Make sure you file your notice of claim within 90 days, with the NYCTA, or you will be barred from bringing any action. David Lesch, Esq.

It was time to end my "Winter Series" this morning. The weather is too beautiful to not start thinking about Spring! However, with the warmth comes the issue of moisture buildup in apartments. This might bring mold, sometimes "toxic", which can be very dangerous to your health. This morining on "Open" I discussed your right to a "mold free" apartment, and the possibility that an action exists against your landlord for failure to maintain your "warranty of habitability". Next week, the beginning of a new series. David Lesch, Esq.

This morning on "Open" I discussed "Carbon Monoxide" poisoning and your legal right to a detector installed by the homeowner. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause brain damage and, in severe cases, death. NY now has a strict law mandating the placement of a detector within 15 feet of a bedroom. So make sure you comply. Your life may depend on it. David Lesch, Esq.

It was great hosting "Open" this morning. Three different segments, all equally interesting. Discussed Egypt with our political correspondent, the death penalty, and biodiesel fuel. In two weeks I will continue discussing Winter Dangers and Your Legal Rights. Until then, I have to work on three trials. David Lesch, Esq.

What a day to discuss ski accidents. The city is in a state of blizzard! There are five types of ski cases: Collision Cases, Lift Cases, Fall Cases, Instructor Cases, and Equipment Cases. Your biggest obstacle as a plaintiff is avoiding the "Assumption of Risk" defense. The best advice I can give you, keep a proper lookout when on the slopes, and wear a helmet. David Lesch, Esq.

This morning on "Open" I continued my discussion on "Winter Dangers and Your Legal Rights". It was only fitting to dicuss "snow and ice" in lieu of the weather outside this morning. The best advice I can give: if you are a landlord or homeowner, shovel fast and often. If you are a pedestrian and slip and fall, document your injury at the hospital or doctor. David Lesch, Esq.

Great show tonight. My guest on "BronxLegal with David Lesch" was Steven Goldman, a criminal defense attorney. Mr. Goldman gave a great interview on the subject of false arrest and false imprisonment. Also, we took questions from viewers, and Mr. Goldman answered each over the air. Thank you to my Producer, Melissa Johnson, as well. Well done. David Lesch

Yes, a new year, a new legal series. Kicked off today's show with my new topic: Winter Dangers and Your Legal Rights. This morning on "Open", I discussed "Heat and Hot Water". By law, building owners must provide all tenants with adequate levels of heat and hot water. Tip: The NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal is authorized to reduce the rent of any rent regulated apartment in NY City when required heat and hot water services are not maintained. David Lesch, Esq.