Question: Thanksgiving and fires. Is that a real thing? JASON: Thanksgiving is becoming a hotbed for blazes. See what I did there. Now, I don't want to make light of this, but home fires around this time of year have even gotten the attention of the American Red...
Allen Ritchie
Victim’s Dad Can Help You
I hope you never, never have to watch a grieving parent explain the details of their child's death. It is perhaps the most awful thing I have had to do in all my years practicing law. You cry, you try to talk, and you cry some more. Parents are not supposed to outlive...
Helping Veterans with a Special Court Here in Mobile
Question: I am very proud of my brother's 20+ years in the military. He is now going to retire and move back to the Mobile area. What does Alabama do for veterans? JASON: We are very pro-military here in South Alabama. Plus, the state has done quite a lot to provide a...
Mobile Police Looking for Drivers Who Hold Their Phone
There are real people on real Mobile streets who have been stopped and fined for holding a phone while driving. Why? It is against the law. The state-wide ban began in 2023, but it was not until this year that police and state troopers began the search for...
Halloween Safety for Your Kids from a Guy Who Knows Trouble
Question: My grandson is coming to spend Halloween week with me. It's been 40 years since I took a little one out for trick or treat. Any legal changes over that time? JASON: Halloween is one of my favorite holidays – especially shared with a young child. But...
Hit By a Drunk Driver. Do I Get More?
It depends on several factors, but the answer may be yes. I'll get to why in a moment. One of my greatest joys is being able to help Mobile area people injured by the negligence of drunk drivers. This type of accident really angers me. It is truly a type of accident...
Crash. Report or drive away? Do you know the Alabama law?
Question: My sister hit a guy's car on Government Street here in Mobile. She gave him her number and then left. Has she broken the law? JASON: She may not have been required to call the police. But she should have. In Alabama, you don't have to call 911 if the car...
Do You Want Alabama to Decide Who Gets Your Stuff?
You dead yet? Well, Alabama is waiting around like in a movie scene where they read the will … except you don't have a will. Know what happens? The state of Alabama has written one for you, and you might not like what it says. Really, you think the Alabama legislature...
Alabama Law and Your Kid Being Hurt Playing Sports
Question: If my kid is hurt playing football, what can I do under Alabama law? JASON: Alabama loves its football. OK, that's not the most shocking statement I have ever made. But here is what might surprise you. Alabama is at the forefront of protecting children in...
AL’s Safety Rails May Not Hold Back Electric Cars
Those highway safety rails you see across the Mobile area may be worthless if you have an electric car. What did you say? Here is the shocking part: Electric cars would seem to be lighter since they do not have an engine. In reality, they are heavier—maybe thousands...