California has seen many fires. Lately, the Silverado fire, the Dixie fire, and more have left thousands of victims stranded without their homes and many injured victims suffering smoke, chemical inhalation, and disfiguring burn injuries.

But what’s even more devastating is for those victims to come back, assess the damages, and rebuild their properties.

Ehline Law Can Help You with Your Case Following a Wildfire

Our California wildfire lawyers at Ehline Law have developed a guide for you to know what to do when rebuilding your home.

Cost of Rebuilding a Home

The cost of rebuilding a home depends on many different factors, such as:

1. Type of equipment used to extinguish the fire
2. The severity of the damage
3. Extent of heat
4. Debris removal
5. And more.

Let’s take the first point and understand how it affects the cost of rebuilding a home; for example, when there is a large fire, using sprinklers to extinguish the fire compared to hose pipes can cause less damage to the structure, ensuring the majority of it remains standing. This reduces the cost of rebuilding a home.

Get an Insurance Claim After the Fire

After the fire, get in touch with a qualified attorney to check and review your insurance policies. Your coverages will decide how much compensation you can claim from your insurance company if you are eligible for compensation.

The first step towards an insurance claim is filing the forms correctly, and our California wildfire attorneys can help collect evidence, determine your claims, and file for claims. After the claims get filed, insurers will send insurance adjusters to your property to assess the damage. Our attorneys will help negotiate with the insurance company and get you the compensation you need to rebuild your home.

Your insurance claim can include the following damages:

1. Lost wages
2. Additional living expenses
3. Property damage
4. Lost pets
5. And more.

Debris Removal Program to Get Started

The first thing to do when rebuilding a home is to remove the debris, so contact the California State Department of Toxic Substances Control to help you remove any household waste and debris on the property ensuring a hazard-free environment to work with. To get a government body to remove debris from your property free of cost, property owners must fill out the right-of-entry form and submit that to start the debris removal process. Do note that this process may take some time since many local government bodies need to coordinate with the State’s Debris Task Force.

If you’re looking to expedite this process, you can hire a private licensed contractor to remove the debris, but this will cost you considerable money.

Get in Touch with a Town-licensed Septic Evaluator

Once you have removed all the debris, you need to contact a town-licensed septic evaluator to check for any damage to wastewater treatment systems or the septic tank. If your septic tank is okay, you can start to continue using it without the need for replacement or repairs, but if the evaluator finds issues with the system, you would need to replace or repair it. For that, you need to acquire a repair permit.

Start Living in Temporary Housing

Rebuilding your home will take a lot of time, and having a temporary housing arrangement can alleviate a significant burden on your shoulders if you get displaced by a wildfire. State governments partner with companies or organizations to provide temporary housing to displaced residents.

Register with Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, and get verified to have a trailer home or temporary housing arrangement for you at identified locations.

Things to Remember Before Rebuilding Your Home

Here are a few things you should keep in mind before rebuilding your home:

1. Hire professionals to remodel your home
2. Research permit history
3. Find out if there are any incentives provided. Pacific Gas, after the fire, provided financial incentives to residents affected by the wildfire.
4. Have your home plans approved by all relevant departments
5. Submit plans to obtain permits.

Get Permit History from City Hall

You can find all permit history at city hall to help you understand if your home can get replaced, and you can also get the original building plans for your home if you wish to build the home according to the same design before the fire damage.

Start Building Your Home

Make sure you have a proper home building plan and get the right kind of permits, as it ensures that your property meets the minimum safety requirements to protect residents in any natural disasters.

Once you submit your plans to build a home and complete the process of obtaining permits, research a reliable contractor to start construction on your home, you can contact the California Department of State License Board for a list of approved contractors or check their website and remember to avoid storm chaser contractors that are not from your region.

Throughout the rebuilding process, your property will be inspected to ensure that the contractors follow the house plans submitted to the local authorities.

Future Fire Prevention – Safety Tips to Follow

In California, it is a law to have a smoke/fire detector in your home, so always check the detectors periodically to ensure they are working.

Besides that, follow the steps below to ensure safety during future fire outbreaks:

• Place a fire extinguisher inside and outside the home and learn how to use it to protect your family
• Remove all combustible vegetation around the home and within 30 feet of your home
• Create an evacuation plan and inform your family about the fire drill during a fire breakout.

Contact Ehline Law to Deal with Your Insurance Company

If your home got affected by a wildfire and now you want to rebuild it, contact us at (213) 596-9642. Our California wildfire attorneys can help insurance companies find together the compensation you need to rebuild your home.

Contact us today and get a free case evaluation with legal experts today!

Citations:

https://wildfirerecovery.caloes.ca.gov/general-info/rebuilding/

https://www.readyforwildfire.org/post-wildfire/returning-home/

https://www.readyforwildfire.org/post-wildfire/rebuilding/

https://designeverest.com/blog/guide-to-rebuilding-building-after-fire/

Although I am a California and Texas lawyer, I have represented clients incarcerated in Las Vegas County jail with an interest in CA or TX matters. My friend, Chille DeCastro of DeleteLawz, is on what many believe is a wrongful conviction. What happens when someone is arrested for a crime in Las Vegas? Law enforcement agencies round up and corral prisoners and today’s focus is the Clark County Detention Center (CCDC). In the city, this is the primary jail facility, which means any arrested person will likely find themselves there. These facilities are near the strip, and the main building is served by a parking structure about 400 yards away.

My experience visiting Clark County Detention Center on March 24, 2024, is as follows:

I had to register as a visitor at the corrections assistance window after passing through security, consisting of two officers. Although I am a lawyer, since I am not licensed in Las Vegas, Nevada courts, they refused me an in-person visit. Only Nevada lawyers and their legal team get in-person visits. Not even family can see their loved ones in person. I was not allowed to give him the books I brought him. They said prisoners can only get books directly from the publishers. I was ushered to a cubicle with a phone and screen. I was able to speak with Chille for about 15-20 minutes, and it logged us off.

Apart from those placed under arrest but not convicted, the jail is also the holding place for those sentenced to a misdemeanor and those waiting for their trial date. Below, I will cover how an individual can get a visit or even add money to the commissary for prisoners housed there.

There is also the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (IC things. At the CCDC, there is what is known as an ICE hold. If a person should be placed on it, there may be an extra 48 hours spent in the facility since there needs to be an evaluation of their legal status in the United States.

Note that the 48-hour period does not include weekends or public holidays. If ICE finds that the inmate is likely illegal, a transfer to the Las Vegas Immigration Jail. This CCDC facility is at 330 South Casino Center Drive, Las Vegas.

Is It Hard to Find CCDC Inmates?

Thankfully, inmate information is not too hard to come by for family members and other loved ones who may want to locate someone. If you want to know whether someone is at the CCDC, simply call (702) 671-3900.

Alternatively, you can head to the information search page for the facility.

Once there, you’ll need to fill out a form with either:

1. The inmate’s name
2. The inmate’s ID
3. The JC case number

Whether individuals use the phone or website, your search will allow you to find details about the inmate’s case, visiting hours, court dates, and even the amount needed to post bail. Note that if you choose to call in, you must also provide one of the pieces of information required for the web search.

However, if the inmate is under 18 years old, the facility does not reveal any information to members of the public.

When Are Family Members and Friends Allowed to Visit Inmates?

Anyone who wants to go must respect the visiting hour allowances. At the CCDC, visits are allowed between 7:30 AM to 10:and AM and 7 PM to 10:50 PM. People can also use a third window between 1:30 PM on Saturdays.

Of course, visiting is not as easy as just walking in. You must register with the CCDC first, which must be done in person. Note that doing so requires a photo ID, so please ensure you have yours. Once you have registered, though, things get much simpler going forward. You can then go online or use a lobby kiosk to schedule your visits.

A single inmate can only be viewed by one person at a time. Those older than 13 years will always need an ID and will need to be accommodated by an adult.

Remember to Follow the Dress Code

As you can imagine, there’s a dress code that you need to follow if you visit. The CCDC site has a full rundown of the visitation rules, including those shared here.

With that said, consider the following:

1. No undergarments should be visible
2. No bare feet
3. No head coverings, such as ball caps, skull caps, or du-rags
4. No sleeveless shirts, tank tops, “spaghetti” straps, or tube tops
5. No miniskirts
6. No short shorts
7. Shirts should be tuckable

Is It Possible to Contact an Inmate by Phone?

If you’re thinking of just picking up the phone and calling an inmate to see how they’re doing, that course of action may not go down as well as you would hope. The rule of thumb is that no incarcerated person is allowed to take any phone call unless there is an emergency. Assuming what is going on, you can call There700.

There is an evaluation process here, which is meant to determine the extent to which the matter falls under the urgent umbrella.

On the other hand, an inmate can phone someone using the collect call system. If you know that you are receiving calls from an inmate at the CCDC, you are advised to set up what is known as Advance Connect.

Effectively, it’s a plan designed for friends and family that allows them to get calls from those incarcerated. If you want to set up and add money to an Advance Connect or debit account (allowing inmates to call anyone), you can call Securus at -8001 or visit the company’s website.

What About Sending Mail to Inmates in Custody?

What about sending mail to an inmate? Is that an option? Letters, photos, and inmate funds can be sent directly to the CCDC at the following address:

Inmate Name – Inmate ID Number

Clark County Detention Center

PO Box 43059

Las Vegas, NV 89116

• Bear in mind that any social (non-legal) mail must be screened for contraband.
• If the CCDC deems fit, it can be returned to the sender.
• Sending cash by mail is not recommended.

With that out of the way, there are a few requirements for accepted mail to know:

1. A return address must always be present
2. Only white paper and white envelopes will be accepted with pencil, black ink, or being used.
3. The maximum envelope size is 4 inches by 9 1/2 inches
4. Letter size paper (8 1/2 inches by 11 inches) is the largest accepted size
5. Only five photos can be in a parcel, and they must be 4 inches by 6 inches. These photos should not be pornographic, partially nude, sexually suggestive, etc.

Additionally, you’ll want to be aware of the following prohibited mail materials:

• Official documents
• Newspapers
• Bulk mail
• Postcards
• Greeting cards
• Mail with glued items, stickers, or rhinestones

Is There a Commissary at the Las Vegas Detention Center?

The CDCC has a commissary. This is a store that inmates can use to buy things that are in a catalog. Based on where the inmate is, deliveries are made once a week.

You can reference the following table for a clear idea of the schedule:

Apart from the schedule, the goods that can be purchased from the commissary are also subject to change. Typical items include snacks, reading materials, toiletries, and stationery.

Aramark gift bags can be sent to inmates via the ICare website or by calling (702) 380-3118.

How Can Funds Be Put on an Inmate’s Books?

Pay attention here because there is quite a bit to cover. First, all inmates have a name where funds are kept. Typically, loved ones will use the money on their books to make purchases via the commissary alluded to above. How do the funds get there? Review the different options below.

Cash

This is a good time to reiterate that sending cash via mail is not advised. Instead, head to 330 S. Casino Center Blvd, Las Ve, gas, NV 89101, to visit the jail’s kiosk. Here, you can drop off the cash, typically posted in about 15 minutes. However, there are instances when you will need to know the inmate’s name and number alongside the CCDC Facility number, 289101.

Additionally, this process attracts the following fees:

Credit or Debit Card

The funds will be posted via credit/debit card in about a day. However, weekends and holidays do not count, so you’ll want to keep them in mind to avoid unwanted inconvenience. TouchPay is the service used here, and you can access it by calling 1-866-232-1899 or visiting the service website.

Again, the inmate ID and facility number, 289101, will be needed for a successful transaction. It is the sender’s responsibility to ensure that the information provided is correct and complete.

The remitter will then deposit the money into the inmate’s account. The CCDC states that it is not liable for payments made into the wrong account.

The applicable fees are as follows:

Money Orders

There is a 10-day hold placed on money orders, and weekends/holidays are not included. However, they will be posted within only one business day. You are required to send them to the following address:

Inmate Name – Inmate ID Number

Clark County Detention Center

PO Box 43059

Las Vegas, NV 89116.

You must make the money order payable to the “CCDC Inmate Trust Account.” Additionally, ensure that the inmate’s name and ID number are included somewhere. Note that tending cashier’s, business-issued, and personal checks are not allowed.

How Does Bailing an Inmate out of the Facility Work?

Family members, representatives, or friends may post bail upon the inmate’s arrival. Either a bonds agency or personal funds may be used. Bail depends on the court the case is with. It could be the Clark County District Court or the Las Vegas Justice Court.

Las Vegas Justice Court Bail:

Cash, card (Visa or MasterCard), or check payment options may be used. Note, however, that the process is to be done in person. This must be done at the Pretrial Services Bail Bond window, which is always open.

If cash is being used, the exact amount must be paid in full up to $10,000. Visa and MasterCard payments are allowed up to $10,000. Any money order or cashier’s check must be payable to the Las Vegas Justice; include the inmate’s name and the inmate. Personal checks are not accepted.

Clark County District Court Bail

Bail must be paid to the Regional Justice Center across from the CCDC. It is accepted between 8 AM and 5 PM. A money order or cashier’s check must be used here to make it payable to the court clerk. Again, ensure that the inmate’s name and ID number are included. Personal checks are not allowed here, either.

Do Inmates Held at the CCDC Have Access to Medical Professionals?

The CCDC is under a legal obligation to ensure that any necessary medical and prescription drug needs that inmates may have are met. If an inmate is ill, they will be placed on a particular medical ward.

If you have a friend or loved one who has been deprived of reasonable medical care, injured, or targeted, call (702) 671-5700 or (792) 671-5701 to express your concerns.

Inmates whose safety is threatened may be placed in protective custody. For example, persons who are a part of the homosexual or trans community are typically under that umbrella, considering that they tend to be harassed frequently.

Can an Inmate Release Funds?

If a CCDC inmate is in permanent housing, funds may only be released to businesses or legal entities. This rule does not apply to those in Boocan who can send funds to outside persons. However, inmates are not allowed to do transfers to other inmates.

Monetary releases are held for 24 hours, and the party receiving the money must show a government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver’s license.

Help Is Available for Those Arrested!

I hope you enjoyed learning about my experience as a visitor yesterday. Are you or someone you know booked at the CCDC who lives in California or Texas? Don’t hesitate to call Ehline Law Firm today! We will ensure you understand the confusing bail process in Nevada while ensuring that the best possible outcome for your case is secured. Give us a call today at (213) 596-9642!

With so many online scammers out there, this valentine’s day or any other day, you may fall victim to romance scams anywhere in the United States if you’re not careful. Although these romance scammers are active all year round, it is the weeks leading up to Valentine’s day when they work full-time to take advantage of emotional people and their vulnerabilities. It is crucial to remain cautious about what you share online, as con artists are everywhere.

Ehline Law is a leading and superior personal injury law firm that has been helping protect the rights of Californians and Texans since 2005. In this article, Mike Ehline, Founder of Ehline Law, has some essential tips for Californians and Texans looking for love online to help them identify scammers and avoid becoming victims of romance scams.

Fostering New Connections Has Led to 79,700 Reports of Romance Scams

The Federal Trade Commission, an independent agency that has protected America’s consumers for over 100 years, reported 79,700 reports of online romance scams, which totaled $547 million in financial losses, an average of $2,400 per victim. What’s shocking is that these figures are an 80% increase since 2020!

The most vulnerable to online romance scams are older people, especially those over the age of 70. In 2021, elderly people suffered financial losses of an average of $7,600 per victim. There was a case involving Borin Khoun, who scammed two older people from California and Arizona for $230,000 and, in June 2022, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of theft.

Tinder Swindler: Online Romance Scammers and Their Dirty Tactics

Online scammers create fake profiles on social media platforms and dating sites with attractive pictures to grab the attention of lonely men or women looking for love. 

These scammers quickly let victims know they’re either serving in the military or outside of the country to avoid meeting the victims in person. Once they interact with the victims, they often take the conversation over email, moving away from social media platforms.

During email conversations, the scammer’s only goal is to gain the victim’s trust and friendship, while the victim keeps believing that there is some romantic connection between the two. Once they’ve earned their trust, the romance scammers ask the victims to share sensitive data, send money, perhaps for a flight ticket or visa, or to get them out of serious trouble.

Using a fake online identity, the scammers will ask the victims to wire them money or send gift cards or cryptocurrencies, which makes it extremely challenging to trace the money to the scammers, making it nearly impossible to get the money back. 

Some romance scammers disappear immediately after the victims send money, while others stay a bit longer and continue to pry into the victim’s vulnerabilities and emotions in a bid to leech more money out of them.

Tips for Avoiding Romance Scams

Here are a few tips you should follow to avoid online romance scams:

• When the person in an online relationship over the dating app or social media platform cannot meet in person after the online dating gets serious, that’s a sign of caution.
• Tineye.com and images.google.com are two websites that can assist you in doing a reverse image search which can help reveal whether the pictures have been used for multiple online identities.
• Avoid sending money to or sharing financial information or personal details, such as a social security number, with online romantic partners you have not met.
• Never open a bank account for an online romantic partner, as you may be assisting them in laundering money.
• Avoid giving your telephone number to online romantic partners and stick to the dating app instead.
• Limit your social media profile to people who can see you. It can help avoid scammers searching and reaching out to you.
• When you meet someone new online, it’s best to go slowly, ask them a lot of questions, and have a vetting process in place before starting a relationship.
• If you suspect something is off about your online romantic partner, it is best to reach out to a close friend and family member and talk to them about it. Having a second opinion on a relationship from a different perspective can help you identify online scammers.

If you’ve lost money to a scammer or believe that your online romantic partner may be a scammer, you may want to consider following the tips below:

• Cut off all communications with the scammer.
• Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to find out if they can get back your lost money.
• Inform the online dating website or report the scammer on the social media platform.
• File a complaint with the FTC by visiting the following link: https://ftc.gov/complaint.
• Inform the Federal Bureau of Investigation about their Internet Crime Center at http://ic3.gov/.
• Visit the Consumer Protection Division website to learn more about what you can do if you’ve become a victim of an online dating scam.