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Hawaii Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes and Personal Injury for Hawaii on
Q: How do get the sealed transcripts from a multimillion dollar Federal Case released to me, thge only victim and plaint

iff involved and a 5 m illion dollar rrcommendation was made against the Defendants in my favor. This case wron gfully dismissed by Judge Derrik Watson in Hazawaii Federal Court after he had a seald meetin g with my attorneys, MIchael Green and Earl Anzai. The JUdge dismissed rhis ccase and refuses... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 25, 2024

To obtain sealed transcripts from a federal case, especially one where you were the plaintiff and victim, you should first consult with a new attorney if you believe your previous attorneys did not represent your interests adequately. A lawyer specialized in federal court proceedings can advise on... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Education Law for Hawaii on
Q: My child is being harassed by school counselors because he has a disability (autism) which makes him not want to do P.E.

What do I tell my child to say, in terms of legality?

What steps can I take? I already put in a request for a doctor note.

IEP is included.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

First, reassure your child that they have done nothing wrong and that it's important to speak up about their feelings. Encourage them to express how the harassment from the school counselors makes them feel, emphasizing that it's okay to feel upset or frustrated about the situation.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets, Civil Rights and Municipal Law for Hawaii on
Q: Is a car in the county impound considered "free game" after 30 days, considering cars marked AV roadside, are?

My van has been stuck in the county impound since I have no paperwork for it. I've been homeless since and would like it back. They won't be having auctions for awhile but its been 30 days already.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

In most cases, vehicles impounded by the county are subject to specific regulations and procedures regarding their release or disposal. While it's true that some jurisdictions may have provisions for disposing of abandoned vehicles after a certain period, it's essential to understand the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law and Tax Law for Hawaii on
Q: If my parents claim me as a dependent but I am majority age (I am 18) can they control my salary?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 22, 2024

If your parents claim you as a dependent on their tax return, it does not necessarily mean they have control over your salary. Being 18 years old and considered of majority age means you have legal autonomy over your earnings. However, claiming you as a dependent may affect their tax situation and... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Hawaii on
Q: Trying to make a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver ins policy. They told me I must meet a $5000 PIP?!

Accident occurred in HI. Insurance carrier for at-fault driver is AAA.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Feb 5, 2024

A Hawaii attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for four weeks. I can't speak for Hawaii's PIP (personal injury protection) system - only your state's local attorneys could advise on that. I can say that different states can impose their state-specific thresholds... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Education Law for Hawaii on
Q: Is changing LRE for a SPED student a defined process or a continuum?

Does a change in placement have to have defined steps such as GENERAL EDUCATION class, then to an INCLUSION SETTING, then to RESOURCE CLASS, or is it based on the IEP team's decision on what's best for the student.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Feb 2, 2024

In Hawaii, the process of changing the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) for a special education (SPED) student is typically viewed as a continuum rather than a rigid sequence of defined steps. While there are guidelines and best practices in place to ensure that changes in placement are made in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Hawaii on
Q: Can I consult with a public defender prior to the first hearing?

I was told that I could only request a public defender at the first hearing. However, I want to consult with an attorney asap.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 29, 2024

It's understandable that you would want legal advice as soon as possible. Typically, a public defender is appointed during or after the first court appearance. However, this process can vary depending on the jurisdiction.

Before your first hearing, you might not be able to consult with...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Family Law and Juvenile Law for Hawaii on
Q: If police charge a child was in possession of a detrimental drug, do they arrest the child? What is the process? -Hawaii
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 29, 2024

In Hawaii, when a child is charged with possession of a detrimental drug, the process typically involves law enforcement and the juvenile justice system. However, the approach can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the severity of the offense.

Initially, police may detain the...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Cannabis & Marijuana Law and Civil Rights for Hawaii on
Q: Can they actually prosecute you for promoting a harmful or detrimental drug, if you have a vape with THC-p product?

There are many different types of vapes that contain THC-p, And is legally sold at regular vape or smoke shops.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 26, 2024

Based on Hawaii's current laws regarding cannabis and THC, it is unlikely that you could be prosecuted just for personally possessing or using a vape containing THC derivatives like THC-P. Some key points:

- Hawaii legalized the personal use and possession of cannabis in small amounts...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Cannabis & Marijuana Law and Civil Rights for Hawaii on
Q: Can they actually prosecute you for promoting a harmful or detrimental drug, if you have a vape with THC-p product?

There are many different types of vapes that contain THC-p, And is legally sold at regular vape or smoke shops.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 26, 2024

In Hawaii, the question arises about the potential prosecution for promoting a harmful or detrimental drug when possessing a vape with THC-p (delta-8 THC), a product legally sold in regular vape or smoke shops. The issue centers on the legality and classification of THC-p, a specific form of THC... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Family Law for Hawaii on
Q: What are your rights as a parent when your child is facing criminal offense investigation? - Besides having an attorney
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answered on Jan 26, 2024

When a child faces a criminal offense investigation in Hawaii, parents have rights and responsibilities beyond securing legal representation. Parents should stay informed about the charges, legal proceedings, and potential consequences, with the child's attorney serving as a crucial source of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Small Claims and Civil Litigation for Hawaii on
Q: I was apart of this class action lawsuit and did everything asked yet never received any settlement or even a response

I'm wondering what I should do because I honestly feel let down once again basically by the DOE who really didn't give me the education I deserved or could have gotten and now the state of Hawaii although technically we won, it feels like I'm yet again getting a high school... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 18, 2024

In a situation where you were part of a class action lawsuit and have not received any settlement or response, your first step should be to contact the law firm that represented the class in the lawsuit. Ensure that they have your current contact information and inquire about the status of the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Hawaii on
Q: My sibling is living in a house that is part of my parents trust. There are several beneficiaries. Can I remove him?

As a trustee, I need to distribute the property equally. He is one of the beneficiaries but he unable to buy out the others' share of the property. As a trustee, can I evict him to be able to sell the property and equally distribute the proceeds to each of the beneficiaries? He used to pay... View More

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answered on Jan 8, 2024

As a trustee, your primary obligation is to manage the trust's assets in the best interest of all beneficiaries, following the terms of the trust. If the trust's goal is to distribute the property equally and your sibling, a beneficiary, is living in the house without contributing to its... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Hawaii on
Q: If the Attorney General turns a blind eye to serious issues among multiple non profits serving homeless what can I do?
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answered on Dec 17, 2023

If you're concerned that the Attorney General is not addressing issues with nonprofits serving the homeless, there are several steps you can take. First, document your concerns clearly and comprehensively. This should include specific instances of the issues you've observed, along with... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Federal Crimes and Identity Theft for Hawaii on
Q: My x-husbands wife has been writing crazy sounding msgs to my parent’s & others as me, by way of spoofing my number.

For the past 13+ years my x-husbands wife has been spoofing my phone number & writing crazy sounding messages, as me, to my parents, bosses, landlords & posed as me when she called my bank to obtain checks to my equity line which she proceeded to steal $171,000.00 for herself by giving my... View More

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answered on Dec 5, 2023

Your situation involving identity theft and spoofing by your ex-husband's wife is both serious and legally complex. The first step is to gather as much evidence as possible. This includes phone records, messages sent, and any other documentation that can help establish a pattern of behavior.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes, Identity Theft and White Collar Crime for Hawaii on
Q: I was questioned by detectives in custody checked didn't want to discuss the case I wanted lawyer, was that a statement?

2 times in one day in custody detectives came and first one I told I never got my miranda rights read to me. she pulled out a paper with 3 check boxes 1. want to discuss the case I (*checked NO). 2 I don't remember but checked no. 3 was I want a lawyer(*checked YES) then initial she told me... View More

Mark Simonds
Mark Simonds
answered on Nov 28, 2023

What you did was assert your rights under the United States Constitution and the Hawaii State Constitution. Assertion of your rights does not constitute a statement, and, in a trial, that assertion cannot be used against you as evidence of guilt.

Typically, if you are advised of your...
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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Hawaii on
Q: I need to get my trademark registered back in my name ASAP
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answered on Dec 4, 2023

To regain a trademark that was previously in your name, the first step is to understand how and why the trademark is no longer under your ownership. If the trademark was inadvertently abandoned or transferred to someone else, the specific circumstances will dictate the course of action.

If...
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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Hawaii on
Q: When should an individual file for bankruptcy?

I have unpaid debts and owe money to my former landlord from my business which lost a lot of money during COVID and never recovered.

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answered on Nov 15, 2023

Filing for bankruptcy is a significant decision that depends on various factors. If your debts are overwhelming and you can't foresee a way to pay them off, bankruptcy might be a viable option. It can offer relief from debt collectors and provide a fresh start. However, it's important to... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Hawaii on
Q: Is it alright to use an airhorn to deter someone when they are getting aggressive?

There is this person who I've had words with that often times starts arguments from nothing, i.e. minding my business than they show up to yell about something. If I've had history of this person being verbally aggressive to start fights, can I use an airhorn as a way to fend them off?

Mark Simonds
Mark Simonds
answered on Nov 12, 2023

You are better off filing an ex Parte Petition for a Temporary Restraining Order, pursuant to Section 604-10.5 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Once filed, and, if granted, follow through with service and attend the court hearing.

The self-help center of your local courthouse can...
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1 Answer | Asked in Collections for Hawaii on
Q: Can a repo person take your vehicle if your gate was closed?

A repo person opened up our gate (signs of no trespassing was visible), drove onto our property and towed our car off our property while we were home. No permission to come onto our property was given.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 9, 2023

Under Hawaii law, a repo person generally cannot trespass onto private property or break into a locked gate to repossess a vehicle. Some key points:

- Hawaii Revised Statutes §480-13 prohibits trespass by a repo agent to effectuate a repossession, except with express permission from the...
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