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Q: Can I negotiate my severance agreement after a company-wide layoff in CA?
I worked as a Senior Art Director at Ralph Creative in Los Angeles, California, from December 2022 until July 30, 2026, when I was laid off without advance notice as part of a company-wide reorganization. My termination letter states that the layoff was not performance-related. During my... View More 
Michael R Trust
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answered on Aug 3, 2026
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 3, 2026
Hello. You can always negotiate, provided you have leverage. Without leverage, your emoloyer has no reason to consider increasing the offer. The leverage would come from the very items you're being asked to release; as you review them, if you have no actual or potential claims, you likely... View More
Q: Could booking a visa appointment before H-1B petition approval affect my change of status request?
I have a pending H-1B petition with a request for change of status from F-1 to H-1B. I've already booked a visa stamping appointment in India using my H-1B receipt number due to the backlog in India for H1B stamping. If I remain in the U.S. with my petition pending, could merely booking the... View More
Karol Dezwager Brown
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answered on Aug 3, 2026
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answered on Aug 3, 2026
Hi! Based on what you've shared, simply booking a future visa stamping appointment does not, by itself, generally determine whether USCIS approves or denies an H-1B petition or a change of status request. USCIS and the U.S. Department of State handle different parts of the immigration process,... View More
Q: What is typical plea bargain for VTL 1144-a in Suffolk County, NY?
I am seeking information about the typical plea bargains for a VTL 1144-a violation in Suffolk County, New York. There was no accident involved, and my goal is to reduce both the fine and points on my driver's license. What can I expect, and what are my options?
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Stephen Bilkis
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answered on Aug 10, 2026
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answered on Aug 10, 2026
I understand why you would want to know what to expect before deciding how to handle the ticket. In Suffolk County, there is no single guaranteed plea bargain for a violation of Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1144-a, but depending on your driving record and the circumstances, a reduction may be... View More
Q: Does the respondent's new attorney suggest a negative case development?
I'm currently in a conciliation process against a large corporation, and I'm unrepresented by an attorney. The state's enforcement attorney sent an incorrect demand letter to the opposing counsel and refused to correct it. My case has been stalled for over four months, with opposing... View More
Tim Akpinar
answered on Aug 3, 2026
answered on Aug 3, 2026
A Hawaii attorney could answer best, but your question remains open for a week. In and of itself, as a general matter, the introduction of a new attorney does not necessarily indicate a potentially negative development in your case. Without knowing more, it could be because the new attorney will... View More
Q: What are the legal implications of accidental firearm discharge damaging my own property in Colorado?
I need advice about a situation involving the accidental discharge of a firearm in Colorado. The discharge resulted in damage to my own property, but there have been no charges filed or contact with law enforcement as of yet. Could you guide me on the potential legal implications of this situation... View More
Jonathan Greenlee
answered on Aug 3, 2026
answered on Aug 3, 2026
The legal implications depend on where the firearm was discharged and the mental state (colloquially, the degree of carelessness that resulted in the accidental discharge).
Knowingly or recklessly discharging a firearm into any dwelling, occupied structure, or occupied motor vehicle... View More
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