Legal Updates

Legal News Headlines by Lawyers.com

1. 03.09.2010

   How to cope as the credit card environment continues to change

   Buried in your wallet is a credit card that's older than the lava lamp in your rec room. You rarely use it, but you don't want to close the account because that could hurt your credit score. Plus, it's always nice to have an extra card on hand in case the one you regularly use is lost or stolen. Soon, though, that orphaned credit card could cost you money. Credit card companies are expected to implement a variety of new and creative fees to cushion the impact of a credit card reform bill signed into law last year. Under provisions of the law that took effect Feb. 22, card issuers can no longer increase interest rates on card holders' outstanding balances.
2. 03.09.2010

   Some Paying Cards, Not Home Loans; A study shows more current on credit cards, not on mortgages.

   CHICAGO | U.S. consumers are starting to look like a frugal, debt-fearing lot as they pay down billions of dollars in credit-card obligations. But an alarming trend is emerging: A small but growing number of people are skipping mortgage payments in favor of paying their credit-card bills.
3. 03.09.2010

   Utah Legislature: Senate votes to expand DNA collection from crime suspects

   SALT LAKE CITY ? Under proposed legislation passed Monday, Utah may be collecting DNA samples from thousands of additional people accused of violent crimes. SB277 would require the state to collect DNA samples from all people arrested for violent crimes, rather than waiting until after conviction. Similar laws have passed around the country, despite lawsuits and vocal opposition from civil-liberties advocates.