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Q: Will I be charged for a $38 shoplifting incident despite no police involvement?
I was banned from a store in New Jersey for shoplifting items valued at $38.00. The store gave me a ban notice but did not involve the police when the incident occurred. I have no previous interactions or convictions related to shoplifting. The store did not mention any future actions they might... View More 
Anthony J. Vecchio
answered on Oct 5, 2026
answered on Oct 5, 2026
In New Jersey, shoplifting merchandise worth under $200 is a disorderly persons offense, which can carry up to six months in county jail, up to a $1,000 fine, and mandatory community service. A ban notice does not prevent the store from filing a criminal complaint afterward, and the store can do so... View More
Q: Can I sue a law firm for misrepresenting the personal representative of an estate in Florida?
I am the legal representative of an estate in Florida. I am considering filing a lawsuit against a law firm for drafting documents claiming someone else as the personal representative of the estate. As the legal representative, I have documentation showing misrepresentation by this firm. I've... View More
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Sep 10, 2026
answered on Sep 10, 2026
If this is Florida, then you need to file a Caveat minimally if the probate has not yet commenced or otherwise if you want to be sure to be kept notified, Filing a lawsuit against law firm will not accomplish much, you would be better served making timely and proper filing sin the probate case. You... View More
Q: What are the legal outcomes for my ex-boyfriend's arrest while on probation in NJ?
Earlier today, my ex-boyfriend and I got into a minor physical altercation. He accidentally pulled off my glasses, injuring my nose piercing, and I slapped him in retaliation. He then slapped me back and slightly busted my lip. When we arrived at a friend’s house, the neighbors called the police... View More
Anthony J. Vecchio
answered on Oct 5, 2026
answered on Oct 5, 2026
When someone on probation in New Jersey is arrested on a new charge, two things generally happen at once: a new criminal case for the new charge, and a possible violation of probation. Simple assault is a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey, and an arrest like this can lead probation to file a... View More
Q: What are the legal outcomes for my ex-boyfriend's arrest while on probation in NJ?
Earlier today, my ex-boyfriend and I got into a minor physical altercation. He accidentally pulled off my glasses, injuring my nose piercing, and I slapped him in retaliation. He then slapped me back and slightly busted my lip. When we arrived at a friend’s house, the neighbors called the police... View More
Mark Cheser
answered on Sep 10, 2026
answered on Sep 10, 2026
More nformation is needed. It sounds like he is charged with a simple assault. That charge is a violation of his probation. The PO may write him up or not. It depends on the PO and how he was otherwise doing. If he is written on a VOP your input may decide the out come.he could be continued on... View More
Q: How can I gain custody of my daughter in Illinois?
How can I gain custody of my five-year-old daughter in Illinois under these circumstances: There are no current formal custody agreements or court orders, except for a pending court date for DNA results on November 2, 2026. My child's mother has taken actions such as filing false DCFS cases... View More
Rebecca LaRocque
answered on Sep 13, 2026
answered on Sep 13, 2026
You need a schedule outlined in a court order. Start by asking the court for specific relief, but not "custody". Illinois now uses “allocation of parental responsibilities” and “parenting time,” not “custody.”
Try starting with asking for immediate temporary parenting... View More
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