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Have a Good Time during the Holidays
Get a Designated Driver!
The legal alcohol limit for drivers in Santa Clarita and throughout the state is .08-percent blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Drivers who have a commercial driver's license (CDL) are not allowed to drive with a BAC of .04 percent or higher and underage drivers are not allowed to drive with a BAC of .01 percent.

Any person who drives or operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol will be subject to serious criminal penalties under the law. Even though drunk driving is a criminal offense, there are thousands of people who are arrested for DUI every year. The penalties for a DUI conviction are severe and include months in jail, hefty fines, driver's license suspension, installation of an ignition interlock device and more. If you or your family are injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, it is imperative that you seek justice and compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured. Drunk driving accidents can leave lasting scars, both physically and emotionally, and you need a legal advocate who will stand up for your rights.

One of the most tragic things about drunk driving accidents is that they are completely avoidable. When a driver is found to have a BAC of .08 percent or higher, he or she will be liable under criminal law and possibly civil law as well. A skilled car accident attorney can help you hold the drunk driver accountable for the suffering that you have endured by filing a personal injury claim.

When you contact the caring lawyers at The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus, you will receive the reliable counsel and guidance that you need during the challenging time following an accident. Drunk driving accidents involve more than just negligence, they are caused because someone has broken the law. Our firm will work tirelessly to hold drunk drivers responsible for their actions and to seek full and fair compensation for you and your family.
The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus 296-2992

Guide to Financial Planning in 2014
A common New Year's resolution is to take control of finances. Start by consulting with your Trusted Advisor. Here are a few simple steps that Mission Valley Bank's President/CEO Tamara Gurney has learned from one of her own Trusted Advisors, Darlynn Morgan, president of the Morgan Law Group. Divide your financial planning into quarters and take a few steps each month to easily streamline your financial future. This helps you achieve your goals by year's end.

First Quarter: January to March
Planning ahead requires looking back. Major changes in your personal and professional life in 2013 affect your finances in 2014. Review and revise legal and financial considerations. Adapt your budget accordingly. Update outdated estate planning documents, as estate tax rules can change every year.

Second Quarter: April to June
Reevaluate retirement plans: Ask yourself how much you have and how much you need. Consult your Trusted Advisor to ensure saving and investment strategies align with personal goals. Review and update all insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage.

Third Quarter: July to September
Conduct a mid-year review of income and expenditures. Check your credit report and report any discrepancies to appropriate agencies.

Fourth Quarter: October to December
Start taxes in October. Estimate taxes and take appropriate steps to minimize them before year's end. Start year-end planning and resolve major issues before December 31. Finally, review your entire year. Recalculate net worth; compare against the beginning of the year and determine how well you did.
Mission Valley Bank Valencia Office 775-4112
Centre Pointe Business Banking Office 753-5680