Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Legal Audit Checklist for 2015
Numerous laws governing non-profit activities, management, and internal policies make non-profit corporation law a legal minefield. Setting off any one of these metaphorical mines can have catastrophic effects on the viability and legitimacy of your non-profit organization. Legal audits are invaluable tools which can be utilized to manage risk and ensure legal compliance with… Read More »
Four Considerations for Managing Your Non-Profit Board
The non-profit attorneys from Simms Showers discuss the management of a non-profit or a church and its board. Serving as the chairman of a non-profit or church organization can be a truly rewarding experience; however, every leadership position comes with its own fair share of difficulties. One of the most labor-intensive responsibilities is managing… Read More »
Excise Tax Goes Into Effect for Small Employers on June 30, 2015
It was common practice for small churches and nonprofits to allow their employees to purchase insurance on their own, then seek reimbursement for the cost of the premiums from the church or nonprofit. This arrangement had been considered a non-taxable fringe benefit for many years and was a favorable arrangement for all the parties… Read More »
Legal Hotspots for Churches with Rob Showers
Rob Showers, the managing partner of the Northern Virginia/Metropolitan D.C. branch of Simms Showers LLP, and Daniel Hebda, an associate attorney with the firm will be presenting a seminar on “Legal Hotspots for Churches” at Antioch Baptist Church on June 13thfrom 9:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. Mr. Showers is a former Chief Assistant US Attorney with… Read More »
What’s In A Name?: Non-Profit Branding And Trademarks
“What’s in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet….” (Romeo and Juliet, Act II, Scene II). Although I cannot disagree with Shakespeare’s words when it comes to affairs of the heart, a name means everything concerning the favor and reputation of a church or non-profit. Protect your “rose” by… Read More »
Broken Trust: Protect Your Church from Embezzlement
Jim, a local police officer nearing retirement, was an usher at his church for over fifteen years. The community trusted Jim, and the church leadership gave him the responsibility of counting the offerings after services each Sunday. No one even imagined that Jim would steal money from the collection plate. Until, that is, a… Read More »
Ways for Churches to Approach Same-Sex Marriage
On June 26, 2013, the Supreme Court handed down two landmark decisions involving same-sex marriage. Because of these decisions, the federal definition of “marriage” can no longer exclude same-sex couples who were legally married under state law. Similarly, this summer the Supreme Court is expected to review four same-sex marriage cases which may definitively… Read More »
Six Common Defenses to DUI and DWI
Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI) are common charges in Virginia. Many people think that if they are charged with either of these offenses there is no point in defending the charges, but that is not true. A knowledgeable DUI and DWI lawyer can help you craft a persuasive defense… Read More »
The Juvenile Justice Process in Virginia
Depending on the age of the person and the crime and circumstances, some offenses are referred to the juvenile justice system for prosecution. For this purpose, “juveniles” include anyone under the age of 18 at the time of the offense. Some juveniles are transferred to the adult criminal justice system if they are charged… Read More »
Most Common Causes of Reckless Driving Charges
In Virginia reckless driving can be a criminal offense. Reckless driving is usually a misdemeanor charge, though felony reckless driving does exist. The Virginia traffic and criminal codes provide many different sections and kinds of violations that can lead to a reckless driving charge. Some of these behaviors are more common than others and… Read More »