Blog - Scott A. Pullins - Ohio Lobbying, Small Business, Election Law & General Practice Attorney Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 - 740.392.3505. Pullins Law Firm LLC, 110 East Gambier Street, Suite 3, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050. - PULLINS LAW FIRM LLC - 740.392.3505

Why You Should Consider Bail Bonds

2/17/2022

Finding yourself in jail can be a very stressful situation. Not only is jail an unpleasant place to be, but you may be concerned about matters outside that you can't attend to. This is where bail bonds come into play.

Jail Time

When you're arrested for a crime, you may be sentenced to jail time until the resolution of the trial. If you're found innocent, you'll be free to go. If you're found guilty, then the time you already spent in jail will be kept in mind while sentencing. But either way, you don't want to miss out on important things before your trial. The relationships you have with your family and friends can deteriorate quickly, and you can lose the work hours that you needed. These issues can make the transition back into society harder than it has to be.

Release

Luckily, a bail bond will allow you to leave jail temporarily until your trial takes place. You can stay with your family and remain employed before your trial. You'll also have more time to work with a criminal defense lawyer who can help you with your case. Instead of sitting in a cold cell, you can work towards securing your freedom.

Costs

A bail bond's cost is significantly lower than most people imagine. Most bail bonds Scranton PA are covered by a small fee and the terms are reasonable. In fact, it's usually not even necessary to pay the full amount right away; insurance can often cover anything that is not paid immediately.

The benefits of bail bonds are endless; they can improve the quality of your present life while giving you the opportunity to make a better future for yourself. Gathering your thoughts and planning should be easier outside of jail, which can lead to better decisions down the line.

Joe Blystone's Latest Campaign Finance Report Is Worse Than His Last One

1/31/2022

The following statement can be attributed to Scott Pullins, attorney for Sarah Chambers and other whistleblowers that have filed a campaign finance complaint with the Ohio Elections Commission:

Joe Blystone’s just filed, annual campaign finance report is an almost indescribable mess. In fact, it is worse than the last one. First, it was filed over two hours late. Then, there are anonymous donors. There are donors with just first names. There are donors with first and last names but no addresses. Then, best of all he is now reporting his “cash contributions” based upon the location of the event. For example, Knox County then a flat dollar amount for an event. No addresses. No names of contributors. Nothing but a location.

It is long past time for the Ohio Secretary of State’s campaign finance division to step in and audit these reports. There is no excuse for a candidate for Governor to be able to get away with all of these obvious campaign finance violations. Thank you.

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Statement Issued on Joe Blystone Lawsuits

1/20/2022

The following statement can be attributed to Scott A. Pullins, Attorney for Sarah Chambers. Mrs. Chambers is the former volunteer
co-campaign manager for the Blystone for Governor Campaign and she has filed a far reaching complaint with the Ohio Elections Commission alleging numerous violations of Ohio’s campaign finance laws:

Joe Blystone is a bully and a desperate man.

On January 11, 2022 Joe Blystone filed a lawsuit in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court demanding that the Ohio Elections Commission be ordered to dismiss this Ohio Elections Commission complaint. On January 18, 2022 Blystone filed an amended complaint. A copy of this amended complaint can be found at the link below:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1agzn1--fmlbqadn48rt9BIi3R0x8Dsmx/view?usp=sharing

Additionally, on January 11, 2022, Joe Blystone filed a lawsuit in the Delaware County Common Pleas Court against Sarah Chambers personally alleging defamation and other frivolous and clearly false allegations. In the legal world, this is known as a SLAPP suit, or a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation. While Ohio does not have an anti-SLAAP suit law, it is well established that allegations made in an Ohio Elections Commission complaint are absolutely barred against defamation litigation. A copy of this complaint can be found below:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tCdnTkdcRi_n4_UZEzS9REgcc74lL_ea/view?usp=sharing

Finally, today, January 20, 2022, Joe Blystone filed a motion in the Ohio Elections Commission to stay all proceedings. This would include all discovery. A copy of that filing can be found at the link below:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rRpeVGL_qWeN5PdwqSALVWpLdx3J2vIV/view?usp=sharing

Let me be very clear. These are the actions of a bully and a desperate man. These are legal actions that no reasonable attorney would take on because they are presumptively frivolous and wholly without merit.

Sarah Chambers’ health has suffered greatly from the malicious and unwarranted attacks made against her. She will be filing numerous motions for sanctions and attorney fees along with several counterclaims against Joe Blystone personally.

Sarah, the other whistleblowers, and I will not back down until the full and entire truth comes out. We will not be bullied by an angry little man that likes to attack women. Thank you.

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Joe Blystone Fails to Appear at Hearing, Ohio Elections Commission Slaps Him Down

12/16/2021

TheColumbus, Ohio – Republican Governor candidate Joe Blystone was scheduled for a preliminary hearing today at 9am before the Ohio Elections Commission. He failed to appear and sent his wife and female campaign manager in his place instead. His attorney’s motion to dismiss was denied and a complaint against him filed by his former campaign staffers will go forward to a full hearing. The vote by the Ohio Elections Commission was 7-0.

“Joe Blystone should turn in his constitutional conservative and his man cards,” said Sarah Chambers. “If this complaint was so frivolous, then why didn’t he show up to defend himself?”

Sarah Chambers was the former Campaign Manager for Friends of Joe Blystone. She and other former campaign leaders brought an extensive campaign finance complaint to the commission alleging that tens of thousands of dollars in campaign funds were not accounted for properly.

“Joe is no constitutional conservative”, continued Chambers. “All his attorney did today is blame volunteers and donors for the deliberate mistakes of Joe’s campaign. Joe will throw anyone and everyone under the bus to further his personal ambitions.”

The complaint will now be set for a full hearing where Joe and Jane Blystone, Joe’s wife and campaign treasurer, will be required to testify under oath. If violations are found, Chambers has requested that the Blystone’s be referred by the Commission to the Franklin County Prosecutor.

Sarah Chambers is represented by Scott Pullins of the Pullins Law Firm LLC. For further information, please visit www.pullinslaw.com.
The video of the hearing appears below with the relevant portion beginning at approximately the 11 minute mark.
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Three Steps to Take After Getting Injured on the Job

10/15/2021

Have you suffered a work-related accident and are now struggling to get the compensation you deserve? Injuries cause enough hurt, you should not also have to go through a painful claim process. Here are three steps to help make filing your claim go smoothly:

1. Make Sure You Qualify

Before filing a claim, check that you are eligible for the compensation you are requesting. Your claim could be denied if your injuries stem from the following:

Violence (that you initiated)
Disregard for company policies
Illegal activity
Working under the influence of drugs or alcohol

If your injuries did not occur at your place of business, but you feel your job has severely affected your mental health to the point of being unable to continue working, you might be eligible for Social Security disability. Consult with Iowa disability lawyers to see if you qualify.

2. Understand Your Injuries

Before filing a claim, you need to evaluate the grief your injuries have caused you. If you have been burned, consider the lasting consequences this affliction might have. If you have suffered orthopedic injuries, do not forget the medical bills addressing these injuries most likely accrued. Stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel, are also eligible for compensation. When filing, make sure you are specific about your circumstances.

3. Be Prepared To Take Further Action

It is not uncommon for employers to try and fire those who file a workers' compensation claim. However, it is not within their right to do so. If you are terminated on account of your claim, take immediate action. You can take your employer to civil court and be further compensated for this unjust discrimination.

Be smart when it comes to filing a workers' compensation claim. You did not deserve to be injured, but you do deserve to be appropriately compensated for your pain.

5 Answers to Pandemic Worries About Opening a New Business

9/7/2021

Starting a business during the pandemic: crazy or crazy smart? As it turns out, now may be just the right time to turn your dreams of running a business into a reality. The world is still open and the economy is still chugging along, but you may still have a few questions and concerns.

Pullins Law Firm wants to help, and we’ve put together the following guide to shine a light on what you should know as a potential entrepreneur.

Is the pandemic really over?

We’re so close, but we’re not 100 percent there just yet. The emergence of a new variant has caused a pause in plans for many startups in the U.S., but the news remains hopeful. Still, business has returned to a semblance of normal in many countries. This means that if you are thinking of starting a business, you should be able to do so without too much worry about further lockdowns.

Should I start a business now?

Starting up during the pandemic era can be a tricky proposition, but some say doing so during such perilous times is a good move. But you’ll need to first consider how your operation will be structured. Many small businesses operate as LLCs due to the protection of personal assets, the tax advantages, and less paperwork required during formation and later for filing. LLCs are easy to manage and provide the benefits of a corporation while lacking their complex structure. Pullins Law Firm can easily help you prepare the necessary paperwork so you can formalize with the state.

Are businesses still struggling?

Yes, things are still tough for many businesses across the world, but entrepreneurs have also found some pretty innovative ways to survive. Some are even thriving with expanded offerings, online options, and marketing efforts that have let them tap into a global community of support.

As you make plans for your own business, try to keep these innovations and lessons in mind. Remember, even though the pandemic is waning, you should still be prepared to change up your business model and approach to fit the fluctuations.

Can businesses find good employees?

Honestly, this depends on what sort of business you intend on opening. If, let’s say, you would like to open a new restaurant, reports show that you may have a harder time enticing quality workers to join your team. Many people cite fears around job security as their reason for avoiding service and hospitality jobs, but poor management can also be a factor.

If you want to avoid issues with your employees, no matter the industry, one strategy is to use an accurate and simplified payroll system. You will need the ability to check on employee time records on the go and also to complete payroll processing from mobile. Look for a service that provides both, as well as allows for error-free tax filing and reporting, and will work with iOS and Android devices to ensure compatibility.

What else should entrepreneurs owners know?

This list could be several miles long, but we’ll stick to some important tips. For instance, if you’re not sure what type of business to start in the post-pandemic world, consider what consumers have grown accustomed to, such as online ordering (ecommerce) and curbside delivery of almost every product imaginable. The pandemic has presented an entire new set of challenges for consumers across the globe, so think about starting a business dedicated to helping solve them. You could deliver healthy foods to underserved communities, or you could plan parties for peoples’ pets (no, seriously!).

Maybe you need to pad your business knowledge first

Starting a business is obviously a risk, and in the current climate, it can feel especially risky. If you’re disinclined to take the leap into entrepreneurship now, there are other avenues that can help propel you toward your future business goals. For example, returning to school for an advanced business degree could be the perfect choice. Through an MBA program, you’ll be able to learn everything there is to know about management, operations, leadership, marketing, accounting and communications. This lays a solid foundation for you to open and successfully run a business. Plus, online programs provide the flexibility working professionals need when it comes to tending to work responsibilities while also affecting change in their careers.

The pandemic may not be completely over but we’re so much closer to the end! Even if you don’t start your business just yet, now is the time to put together a plan so you will be prepared for when things really get back to business as usual. Hopefully, the resources and answers in this guide will give you the confidence to do so and to make your dreams come true.

Photo Credit: Rawpixel

The How & Why of Hiring Veterans for Your Business

7/23/2021

Are you searching for dedicated, diligent, and trainable employees for your team? Quality employees are at the top of every company's wish list, yet there's an enormous talent pool that's getting overlooked.

Veterans account for 6% of the U.S. workforce, or around 6 million workers. Yet one in three veterans are underemployed at jobs that fail to utilize their unique skills and experience.

Whether your business is just starting up or working to stay competitive in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, here’s what you’ll gain from adding military veterans to your team.

Why Hire Veterans? Benefits & Challenges

Why aren't firms hiring more veterans? A variety of factors contribute to veteran underemployment and unemployment.

The challenges facing transitioning veterans include:

Difficulty translating military skills and job titles to the civilian workforce.
Lack of civilian degrees and credentials.
Limited networking connections to the civilian workforce.
High concentration of veterans in a small number of industries (e.g., defense and government administration).
Mental health and disability stigma.

As you can see, most of a veteran's struggles revolve around accessing employment opportunities, not meeting the demands of the job. In fact, according to LinkedIn's Veteran Opportunity Report, veterans are a valuable asset to the companies that hire them.

Compared to nonveterans:

Veterans perform at higher levels and have lower turnover on average.
Veterans are 39% more likely to move into a leadership role within three years.
Veterans with bachelor's degrees have 2.9x more work experience.
Veterans are 160% more likely to have a graduate degree or higher.

Those numbers are compelling, but they're not the only reason to add veterans to your team. Not only are military veterans profoundly resilient and skilled at working under pressure, they bring fresh perspectives to an industry historically resistant to change.

Tax credits and incentives for hiring veterans

Employers that hire veterans can also take advantage of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. Veterans who are unemployed, receive SNAP benefits, or have a service-related disability qualify for the WOTC. The WOTC reduces an employer's tax bill dollar-for-dollar during the first year of employment. There's no limit to the number of employees that can qualify for the tax credit.

Other programs designed to incentivize and support veteran employment include the Special Employer Incentives program, GI Bill Registered Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training, and the HIRE Vets Medallion program.

How to Hire Military Veterans

Are you convinced that veterans are an asset to your team? Hiring military veterans is a smart move for businesses. However, recruiting this undervalued talent pool requires a careful approach.

Preparing to hire your first employees

If your company is hiring employees for the first time, start here:

Register your business. Any business entity can hire employees, including sole proprietors. However, for liability reasons it's best to switch to a limited liability company before adding staff. Registering an LLC also gives business owners the option to be taxed as an S Corporation and avoid self-employment tax.
Obtain an Employer Identification Number. An EIN is required to file business and payroll taxes. Business owners can apply for a free EIN at IRS.gov. Businesses also need to apply for a Tax ID with their state's Department of Revenue.
Register as an employer with your state. The OH JFS offers a guide to obtaining an employer account number and filing quarterly tax returns.
Complete employee paperwork including IRS Form I-9 to establish employment eligibility, Form W-4 for employee withholdings, and Form W-2 to detail earnings and taxes. Businesses must keep Form I-9 on file for three years and tax records for a minimum of six years.
Establish a good payroll system by utilizing payroll software. It will not only pay the accurate amount to your employees, but software like this will also handle your payroll taxes and let you manage time tracking.

What to know about benefits for veterans

Veterans are entitled to certain government benefits as a result of their military service. As an employer, it can be confusing to know which benefits to offer veteran hires.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), employers are required to offer the same benefits to veteran and nonveteran employees. It's possible these benefits will overlap with military benefits such as VA Health Care and GI Bill benefits. However, military benefits aren't all-inclusive and many veterans value affordable healthcare, educational support, and other benefits appreciated by nonveteran employees.

Two benefits highly valued by military veterans are a clear path to advancement with opportunities for professional development and flexible work arrangements that help veterans balance work and family life. Flexibility is also a top priority for candidates with disabilities.

Tips for recruiting and hiring veterans

These tips will help your organization design an effective veteran recruitment and retention initiative:

Promote your company as a military-friendly employer, participate in veteran job fairs and hiring events, and advertise openings on military job boards.
Include veterans in the hiring process. Many hiring managers are unfamiliar with military terms and titles. Bringing veterans into the hiring committee bridges the gap and helps employers translate veteran candidates' skills and experience.
Address misconceptions regarding military veterans among management and employees, particularly when it comes to PTSD. Make sure everyone understands the purpose and goals of a veteran hiring initiative.
Communicate job descriptions and expectations clearly, avoiding industry jargon or generalizations. Write job descriptions that are competency-based rather than mandating years of experience.
Avoid yes-or-no questions. Open-ended questions provide an opportunity to explore a candidate's transferable skills and experience.
Understand your obligations under the ADA and what employers can and cannot ask regarding a veteran's disability during the hiring process.
Provide veteran employees with onboarding, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to enhance loyalty and retention.
Track veteran recruitment and retention metrics to evaluate and improve upon veteran employment initiatives.

America’s veterans risked life and limb serving the country. Now, it’s our turn to serve them. When you launch a veteran hiring initiative at your company, you’ll do more than support veterans and bolster your firm’s reputation. You’ll gain talented, dedicated employees that never take their eye off the mission ahead.

Don't let a disgruntled customer, ex-employee or competitor damage your brand reputation online! Defamation Defenders' Business Reputation Defense is all your company needs to remove bad reviews, repair repuåtation damage and maintain a positive brand image online.

The Top Administrative and Legal Mistakes Made by New Business Owners

7/15/2021

The world of small business is a tough one. There’s so much pressure to find success that many new entrepreneurs end up rushing in and making mistakes they could have avoided if they had time to stop and do better research — especially when it comes to legal and administrative issues, as these tend to be less fun and seem less pressing in the day-to-day.

If you’re thinking of starting a new business, here are the most common administrative pitfalls we see people fall into as small business owners.

Ignoring taxes. The IRS has many different tax forms that need to be filled out annually by every business owner. Plus, you might have tax deductions you can take advantage of, so make sure you understand how taxes work as a small business owner, including deductions, credits, and filing deadlines.

Ignoring the importance of an accountant. Hiring an accountant is a must-have for most small business owners. Unless you have formal accounting training or are very proficient at using accounting software, you’ll likely miss something. And missing your accounting deadlines and requirements can have very costly consequences, so it’s a good idea to hire a professional accountant to keep track of it for you.

Not registering your business entity correctly. Firstly, you must be clear on the different business structures available to you, such as sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability, and corporation. Many business owners choose an LLC because of the flexibility, limited liability, and tax advantages, but make sure that you’re aware of your state regulations, as they can differ. You can also hire someone to take care of setting up your business and registering an easy LLC in OH.

Not getting business insurance. It can be challenging to set money aside for expenses that you might not even need. Still, if you do suffer from unusual events such as fire, earthquake damage, or flooding, you’ll be glad that you had a business insurance policy in place.

Not having a lawyer review your contracts and agreements before signing them. We’ve always been told not to sign anything without reading it. But when it comes to business contracts, the stakes are higher, and they can be very technical, so it’s always good to have Pullins Law Firm review them.

Failing to maintain accurate records of company finances and operations. Even if you hire accountants, they will only keep track of the information you actually provide them with. Make sure you review with them precisely what records from the day-to-day operations you need to keep hold of and set up a process to ensure that nothing gets lost.

Failing to get professional advice when needed. As your business grows, you’ll likely have to make decisions as to the business structure, tax payments, employee hiring, and many other things. As a rule, when you have to make decisions that could be costly in the long run or have serious consequences, if you’re not sure of the implications, seek professional advice from the right consultants.

If you’re ready to take the next step forward and start your own small business, keep these tips in mind. Not only can they save you a lot of trouble later on down the line, but they’ll also help increase your chances for success! Let Pullins Law Firm be a part of your journey! Call 740-392-3505 for a consultation.

Image via Unsplash

Senior Financial Concerns? Help is Available

3/12/2021

Image link: https://pixabay.com/photos/senior-elderly-people-couple-3336451/
Image credit: Pixabay.com

When seniors face financial concerns, it can seem as though there is no way out. With a fixed income and limited earning options, seniors may feel as if they are barely hanging on, and this can cause great worry and distress. Pullins Law Firm LLC frequently encounters clients who have financial concerns. The firm offers fiscal advice and financial consulting. Through budgetary adjustments and advice from professionals, seniors can reduce financial stress.

Possible Budgetary Cuts

Seniors who are looking for ways to trim the fat from their budget may find that there are some simple ideas that can reduce expenses without sacrificing much. Shop around for lower interest rates on loans such as vehicles or consider refinancing your mortgage. You may be able to reduce unnecessary spending by unplugging electronics when not in use and setting up automatic payments for bills to avoid late fees.

If you have credit card debt, consider paying off higher-interest cards first to avoid accumulating more debt on your balance. A method known as the snowball strategy is a highly effective method of debt reduction and involves making minimum monthly payments on all but your lowest debt. You can then take the additional funds you would normally pay on the other cards and apply it to the one with the lowest amount due. Paying additional funds will knock the debt down faster, at which time, you shift to the next-lowest and use the same strategy.

Mortgage rates can be paid down more quickly with bi-weekly payments as it reduces the amount of accumulated interest. Splitting your mortgage into bi-weekly payments is simple — you can contact your mortgage company to get started. This method can take years off your mortgage and does not cost anything.

Finding a Financial Consultant

Financial consultants can offer advice for budgeting and reducing debt. There are endless choices when it comes to finding a financial consultant, and it can be challenging to know where to start. Hiring a firm is an option, but that may be costly and require a contract. Independent financial consultants may be a less expensive option. It is important to check the reputation of a financial advisor prior to hiring someone since their advice could have a significant impact on your financial decision-making. Check out reviews of their work, their price range, and the skills they can offer before making a decision.

Many highly-skilled, reputable independent contractors and freelancers are out there at a fraction of the cost of hiring a firm. In today’s economy, many freelance financial advisors have found that the flexibility and autonomy of self-employment are priceless — you can benefit financially from their decision to go solo with their practice. For as many upstanding advisors you find, there are just as many scammers waiting to prey on unsuspecting victims. Never give out your bank account numbers and password information — professional financial advisors will not need this information and should not ask for it. Unfortunately, there are more things to beware of as you explore financial recovery as a senior.

Things to Watch Out For

Scammers prey on seniors relentlessly. As the public becomes aware of their schemes, they continue to create others. National Council on Aging (NCOA) offers suggestions on how to avoid being scammed. Suggestions include watching out for strangers, as well as those close to you, who have access to your accounts. Pay attention to account withdrawals, and set limits with loved ones who ask you for money — it is not your responsibility to take care of everyone else’s financial needs and your loved ones should not put you in that position. Make a simple rule to never take calls or visits from solicitors. You can weed out these types of calls by setting up a blocker on your phone line. For your cellular phone, consider an app like Hiya, which will show that the call is a potential scammer before you even answer it.

Seniors can make budgetary cuts and change payment arrangements to reduce debt and may benefit from a reputable financial consultant. Financial stress doesn’t need to be a way of life — there are solutions that can help. For more advice on legal matters and budget tips, explore services offered by Pullins Law Firm LLC today! Call 740.392.3505 for assistance.

How Do Bail Bonds Work?

11/30/2020

After an arrest, a judge sets a bail amount appropriate for the accused crime. Although presumed innocent until proven guilty, someone awaiting trial will need to stay in jail until the assigned court date.

What is Bail?

This fee is essentially a refundable deposit necessary for a defendant to go free leading up to court proceedings. It mitigates the risk of an individual not showing up to a required court date. If the defendant appears for the trial, the court refunds the money but keeps the funds if the defendant does not attend.

What is a Bond?

Pennsylvania residents can pay the amount directly or get the money through a Montgomery County bail bonds company. A bond is an arrangement where an agency loans the money on behalf of the accused, who pays only a portion of the total amount upfront.

What is a Bondsman?

A bail bondsman typically acquires 10% of the total amount from the individual, pays this to the court, and secures the remainder with collateral from the accused. Relatives and friends often assist by supplying collateral assets to guarantee the amount.

An agent essentially vouches for the defendant's ability to appear in court and becomes the financially responsible party. If a person fails to attend a court appearance, the agency uses the collateral to pay the bail's remainder to the court. If the defendant does appear, the judge dissolves the requirement, and the bondsman keeps the fee.

What is the Advantage of a Bond?

Montgomery County bail bonds professionals understand the process and work hard to ensure a person can get back to work or family as soon as possible. They are available to help explain how everything works and take on all the risks. An agent works to prepare and inform the defendant, so he fulfills all the court's requirements.

A knowledgeable bondsman provides skilled, comprehensive services to ensure a smooth process after an arrest.