FROM THE BENCH
Internet opens new world of useful information
DISTRICT JUDGE RANDY CLAPP

The Internet is rapidly becoming the first place to look for legal information. Here are some of my favorite sites:

1. If you own or manage a business, you should regularly visit the Texas Secretary of State, www.sos.state.tx.us; the Texas Comptroller, www.window. state.tx.us; and the IRS, www.irs.gov; for information, forms and help in running a business.

2. Even if you don't run your own business, it is amazing how much information is available at these sites and how much you can now do online. One of my favorites is the unclaimed property page on the Comptroller site.

Type in your name (and your family members) and I bet you will find some unclaimed property. (I did!). You can find information about local property taxes, Texas Tomorrow Fund, whether a company is in good standing, and even how much alcohol tax each bar in El Campo pays on a monthly basis!

3. The Secretary of State provides all the election and voter information you could ever need. You can register to vote, and find out who and what is on the ballot for each election. It also provides information about corporations, non-profits, assumed names and how to start a business.

4. If you drive or own a car, boat or trailer, visit www.txdot.state.tx.us for a world of information. You can buy, sell and register vehicles with online forms, check the status of your driver's license, find out about car insurance, sign up for defensive driving and much more. Did you know you can renew your vehicle registration with Wharton County, online with a credit card?

I love the road conditions map and the traffic cameras. Right now (when this column was submitted) there is flooding on some roads in Northeast Texas, and I can see that the traffic at Hwy. 59 and Hwy. 6 in Sugar Land looks good!

5. If you are a consumer (and who isn't?!), the AG Web site www.oag. state.tx.usis a gold mine of information: Top 10 frauds and scams, identity theft, filing a consumer complaint, list of AG lawsuits to protect consumers, crime victim assistance, nursing homes, elder abuse, public information requests, child support - the list of topics is long but well organized.

6. Visit www.txcountydata.com to view your real property valuation. Every piece of property in Wharton County is listed! You can also see the valuation history, exemptions and deed references. You can even find out who owns a particular tract of land. All of your local county government is located at www.co.wharton.tx.us.

7. The Texas Bar Association sponsors a great Web site providing information about many common legal problems. Try www.texaslawhelp.org for great resources from family law, tenant rights, CHIPS and Medicaid eligibility to immigration, worker's comp, unemployment benefits and disaster relief.

The best advice always comes from a professional, and we are blessed to have very competent and helpful attorneys and accountants in Wharton County. You should always talk to one before you decide whether you need or can afford their services. The answer is often surprisingly palatable. Your visit, however, can be much more productive if you have done your homework ahead of time.

These Web sites can help you do your homework, and they are all free! If you don't have a fast connection at home, visit the county library branch nearest you or Northside Education Center in El Campo for a free ride on the Internet.