The Law Office of Eric K. Schillinger

2011 Tax Assessment Challenges

Eric Schillinger — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 02:06:06 +0000

2011 Deadline for Villages is Tuesday February 15, 2011. Call Now to Start Your Assessment Review.

(518) 477-5408

The challenging economic conditions of the last few years have forced homeowners to stretch their money further and further. At the same time, the cities, towns and villages in which you live have turned to raising property values and property tax rates to close big budget gaps. The result – homeowners are forced to shoulder heavier and heavier tax burdens each year by levying higher and higher tax assessments and tax rates each year. Tired of paying big tax bills each year? There’s a way to fight it.

The New York Real Property Tax Law allows homeowners to challenge their tax assessments, with the help of an attorney you have a good chance of reducing your tax bill for years to come. Its a worthwhile investment that pays you back year after year.

But there is a trick – the law has a very specific procedure that must be followed, and certain deadlines cannot be missed or the property owner will be out of luck for the year. If you live in a village your deadline is typically the third Tuesday of February. If you live in a town or city, the deadline is typically fourth Tuesday of May. Call today and we can talk about how to effectively challenge your tax assessment and what we need to do to save you money for years to come.

Of course, there’s always the question of attorney’s fees. We work on a modified contingency fee basis so you don’t have any major costs up front. We collect a percentage of the amount saved after we reduce your tax burden. In other words, we can save you a bunch this year, and then even more in years to come. If you haven’t challenged your taxes what are you waiting for?

Call us today, don’t miss the deadline – (518) 477-5408.

Eric Schillinger — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 20:17:41 +0000

If you’ve been involved in an automobile-bicycle collision you need representation from an attorney with an acute understanding of cycling. Understanding negligence law and traffic codes isn’t enough – if you’ve been hit by a car while riding your bike, you need an attorney who understands the value of your bike, the value of your time cycling, and the losses that you’ve suffered since your accident.

I am that attorney. I’ve raced and ridden road, cyclocross and mountain bikes all over the country for more than a decade. Before law school I worked as a Mavic Certified bike mechanic in Rochester and Albany New York. I’ve organized events and promoted race series and recreational rides. I’ve been team director for successful road and cyclocross teams, and I write regularly on the topic of bicycles and the law for newspapers and magazines throughout New York State. Few other attorneys understand the important role bikes play in a dedicated cyclist’s life.

This experience all adds up. I’ve heard defense attorneys in bicycle collision cases call bikes “inherently unstable.” I know better. I’ve heard police officers suggest that cyclists shouldn’t be in the road. I know the law, and I know they’re wrong. I’ve heard insurance adjusters scoff at the replacement costs of high end bicycles. I know not only what the value of your bike is, but why it cost so much. I have a track record of making sure you get what you deserve from the motorist who hit you.

If you’ve been hit by a car, you need a lawyer. If you’ve been injured, it is critical that you have someone representing you who can make sure you are compensated fairly for your loss – not just physical pain, but the emotional loss of cycling as a passion that happens to so many collision victims.

If you were not injured in the crash, count yourself among the lucky, but then call me anyway. Bicycles are not designed to sustain heavy impacts. Even if you survived a collision with a car, in all likeliness your bike hasn’t. What is stunning, is that if you haven’t been hurt, drivers and insurance companies alike will scoff at bicycle repair and replacement bills. This can prevent or seriously undercut the payment you receive for replacing your broken equipment. As an attorney who understands the finer points of bike gear, and the costs associated with it, I can make sure you receive full replacement value for your damaged or totaled bike.

If you ride a bike, and have been hit by a car, call me today. We can talk about what to do and how to make sure you get what you deserve.

518.477.5408.

Eric Schillinger — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:44:53 +0000

View Map

Located just minutes from downtown Albany, at 573 Columbia Turnpike, in East Greenbush New York, The Law Office of Eric K. Schillinger has substantial parking and is easily accessed from I-787 and Routes Nine and Twenty in Rensselaer County.

Contact the office at 518-477-5408 for specific directions or use the link above for computer generated directions from Google.

Residential and Commercial Real Estate

Eric Schillinger — Fri, 28 May 2010 20:29:46 +0000

Mr. Schillinger handles real estate matters of all kinds, ranging from closings on residential and commercial properties, to tax assessment challenges and Landlord-Tenant disputes.

When buying or selling a property it is critical to have vigorous and effective legal representation during the negotiation of the contract for the sale of the property. Without a close adherence to the terms of the contract, the deal you strike can fall through for little reason other than sloppy reading of the fine print. Mr. Schillinger takes real estate matters seriously. While other attorneys sometimes see a closing as an opportunity for little more than a quick buck, Eric looks at a closing as a key point in his clients lives, as they take on ownership of new property. He focuses on making sure his clients receive the best possible deals under the contract and rigorously enforces his clients rights after the signing of a contract for sale.

Once you purchase a property, real estate taxes can become a major issue. Mr. Schillinger works closely with a tax assessor in challenging tax assessment proceedings and can almost always reduce his clients tax burden through a properly litigated tax certiorari proceeding. If you have questions regarsding tax law contact Mr. Schillinger at (518) 477-5408.

The Law Office of Eric K. Schillinger

Quality Affordable Legal Services

attorney, lawyer, albany, new york, capital district, troy, rensselaer, Schenectady, affordable, cheap, traffic ticket, speeding ticket, criminal defense, divorce, real estate closing, estate planning, wills, probate, tax assessment, landlord tenant, contracts, personal injury, bicycle, dmv, dwi, driving while intoxicated, dwai, drugs, felony, misdemeanor, violation, disorderly conduct, marijuana, upm, possession matrimonial law

The right to remain silent…

Eric Schillinger — Tue, 25 May 2010 03:44:30 +0000

May 25, 2010

You have a right to remain silent. If you give up this right, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You also have a right to consult with an attorney and have an attorney present during questioning. If you cannot afford an attorney the court can appoint one.

- Arizona v. Miranda (1966)

The instructions above are familiar in American society today. The proliferation of shows like “Cops” and “Law and Order” have made Miranda rights common knowledge. However, all to frequently, individuals accused of a crime make the decision to waive their Miranda rights and make a statement during police interrogation that can later hurt them as they are prosecuted. While people hear about being “Mirandized” few actually take the time to think about what it means and how it affects their rights. Lets take a look at the basic concept of Miranda, and break it down so you can quickly wrap your head around it in the event you are ever read your rights.

First, keep in mind that Miranda is a constitutional rule of procedure, not a right in and of itself. That means you have various constitutional rights (the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney), but Miranda in itself isn’t one of those. Instead, its a rule the US Supreme Court has created, instructing the police to inform you of your constitutional rights before they question you.

But, its not exactly that simple. Miranda only covers “custodial interrogation,” meaning that the police must actually have you in a position where you’re not free to leave. This isn’t necessarily a jail cell, but if you’re just walking down the street and announce a confession within ear shot of a cop, Miranda is irrelevant. Similarly, if the cop is asking you questions, but you are free to leave and you understand that among your options is to not answer the cop’s questions and leave at any time, again, Miranda is irrelevant.

If you’re in custody, a cop has to read you your rights before he can ask you questions. If he doesn’t do this, anything thing you say in response to these questions can be suppressed in court. In other words, if they don’t tell you that “anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law,” they can’t later go and use what you said against you. Makes sense, right?

So, what do you do if you are in custody, and you’ve been Mirandized, and now there’s cops asking questions. Well, if you’re not 100% innocent, your best bet is probably to say you want a lawyer present then keep your mouth closed until one shows up. If you are literally 100% innocent and have no idea why you’re in police custody, then, and only then do you maybe try to explain that. The rest of the time, keep your mouth shut.

If you have questions about Miranda or anything related to police interrogation, give me a call at 518.477.5408, or email eric@schillinger-law.com and I can answer your questions.

The Law Office of Eric K. Schillinger

Quality Affordable Legal Services

Eric Schillinger — Mon, 17 May 2010 01:39:20 +0000

Talking about what do with your property after you pass away is not an easy subject for most people, but it is an important one. In New York State, the Estates, Powers and Trusts Law controls the distribution of property after its owner passes away. New York State provides for two basic options. Property may either pass through” intestacy,” or it may pass via a will in a “probate” proceeding.

If you die without a will, your property passes through the laws of intestacy. Intestacy laws are designed to be generally fair on average, allowing for surviving spouses and children to get the property of the decedent. It is important to remember that in an intestacy proceeding, the state’s laws decide how property is divided and who gets what percentage of that property, not the family members of the decedent.

When you write a will, you gain control of what happens to your property, ensuring that it is handled properly after you pass away. When dealing with substantial wealth, aggressive estate management plans can save large amounts of money in death taxes and transfer taxes. Many of those plans need to be implemented years before a person passes away to be fully successful. If you have a substantial amount of wealth, you should contact Mr. Schillinger to discuss the best way to protect your legacy with your loved ones.

You don’t need to have a fortune to benefit from having a will either. Sometimes, its most important to create a will when you’ll only be leaving a small estate. This makes sure the people you care about receive your property, not the people the state thinks should get it.

If you have questions about estates law please contact Mr. Schillinger at (518) 477-5408 or eric@schillinger-law.com and he’ll be happy to answer your questions.

The Law Office of Eric K. Schillinger

Quality Affordable Legal Services

Eric Schillinger — Mon, 17 May 2010 01:34:35 +0000

Divorce can be one of the most difficult experiences an individual is faced with. It doesn’t also need to be one of the most expensive. Mr. Schillinger is dedicated to making sure you receive cost effective representation in your matrimonial matter, ensuring you your divorce leaves you with good footing to continue your life.

New York State has unique laws regarding divorce and its important that you be represented by a skilled attorney to ensure you preserve your assets and have the greatest opportunity for success following what can be a traumatic life change.

If you have questions regarding the grounds for divorce in New York or New York State’s new no-fault divorce law you should contact Mr. Schillinger. Think twice before relying on do-it-yourself divorce kits or non-legal assistance in this extremely important and life changing situation.

Contact Mr. Schillinger at (518) 477-5408, or email eric@schillinger-law.com if you have any questions.

The Law Office of Eric K. Schillinger

Quality Affordable Legal Services

Eric Schillinger — Mon, 17 May 2010 01:33:43 +0000

If you are accused of a crime it is absolutely critical that you obtain legal representation as soon as possible after arrest. You have an absolute constitutional right to be represented by an attorney. Its important to remember that our justice system is an adversarial system and its fairness is based on the assumption that both the prosecution and the defense are represented by knowledgeable and skilled trial lawyers. Without a skilled defense attorney, few options are available to the defendant to preserve his or her constitutional rights during prosecution.

Mr. Schillinger’s primary practice area is criminal defense. He has handled hundreds of criminal matters for clients, and has experience handling felonies, misdemeanors, and non-criminal violations. Mr. Schillinger handles all criminal charges at all levels including:

Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle (AUO 3rd)
Assaults
Burglaries
Criminal Contempt Charges (violations of orders of protection)
Disorderly Conduct
Domestic Matters
Drug Related Charges
Driving While Intoxicated (and DWAI)
Harassment
Homicides
Larcenies
Menacing Charges
Sex Related Charges
Violations of Probation

If you have been accused of a crime, you can make no wiser decision than to retain qualified legal counsel as quickly as possible. Mr. Schillinger’s approach to criminal law is unique in that he provides very affordable rates to his clients, making sure their rights are protected without drowning them in legal fees.

Contact Mr. Schillinger at (518) 477-5408 if you have any further questions.

The Law Office of Eric K. Schillinger

Quality Affordable Legal Services

Eric Schillinger — Mon, 17 May 2010 01:31:06 +0000

A traffic ticket can ruin your day, don't let it ruin your driving record.

Receiving a traffic ticket is one of life’s major hassles.

Costly fines and state surcharges ensue even after some of the most minor violations on the road.

The fines are just the first part of the hassle. Appearing in traffic court can eat up your day; you can be forced to miss work, losing precious personal or sick time. In worst case scenarios, you can even be docked pay or fired for missing work. All simply to take care of a traffic ticket.

Even after paying the fine, the hassle can continue. The cost of car insurance increases substantially when you have a speeding ticket or other moving violation on your record. In some cases, car insurance companies will drop you from their coverage completely if you receive a ticket. These increased costs will be paid out for years following the ticket, making a ticket’s cost far more than the fine you pay up front.

If you receive three speeding tickets in an 18 month period, or more than 12 points on your license, it will be revoked. It is critical that you not accumulate points and speeding violations, not only to keep the cost of insuring your car low, but also to ensure you will always be able to drive. Even if this is your first ticket, there is no reason to risk getting points or a speeding conviction, as you never can predict what will happen down the road.

Hiring an attorney to represent you in traffic court is the only reliable way to minimize the risk of losing your license and paying both high fines and big insurance premiums. In most instances, an attorney can handle the case without your having to appear in court, thus saving the hassle of missing work to take care of the ticket.

Some attorneys charge as much as $600 to handle traffic tickets. When factored over 5 years of paying high insurance costs, or the potential loss of a license, even that cost represents a respectable value.

But to shell out $600 while still likely paying a fine of some sort is a lot of money. It can be done for less, and I do it for less. I’ve come up with a standard pricing structure to handle tickets that allows you to have the advantages of a licensed attorney, without having to pay an exorbitant fee to get them.

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Schillinger at (518) 477-5408.

The Law Office of Eric K. Schillinger

Quality Affordable Legal Services

Eric Schillinger — Mon, 17 May 2010 01:17:57 +0000

Mr. Schillinger is an experienced teaching fellow with a unique style and an ability to break the law down to its simple forms. He brings a sense of humor and strong desire to help make the law more accessible to his audiences. In many cases, Eric will speak at no cost to groups looking for explanations of legal concepts on a range of areas including:

- Estate Planning

- Constitutional Law

- Criminal Law

- Personal Injury, Negligence, and other Tort areas

If you would like to bring Mr. Schillinger in to speak to your group contact him today at (518) 477-5408.

The Law Office of Eric K. Schillinger

Quality Affordable Legal Services