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Constitutional Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for New Jersey on
Q: Victim of illegal search in New Jersey.

Victim of illegal search in New Jersey:  Someone I know (I will call him "Victim") was illegally searched by cops.  There was no probable cause and no search warrant.  The backpack of Victim was locked.  The cops removed key from Victim's neck and used key to open backpack.  The... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 7, 2024

If the Victim was my son, I would focus on building a strong legal defense to fight the charges and protect his constitutional rights. Here are some steps I would consider:

1. Hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who specializes in cases involving illegal searches and seizures....
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2 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law, Contracts and Entertainment / Sports for Illinois on
Q: I volunteerd w/ a nonprofit for adults w/ disabilities a place to make music. Shouldn't I get free CDs of music we made?

I wrote the music and helped them write words. They pressed up copies and won't well them to me at cost. I never gave permission to use any of the music I made and wrote. When I asked to buy copies st cost, they said no. That I would have to buy them. The concerts we all played made the money... View More

Giselle Ayala Mateus
Giselle Ayala Mateus
answered on Apr 7, 2024

In situations where multiple individuals collaborate on creating music, it's crucial to establish clear agreements regarding ownership, distribution, and compensation. If you've contributed to the creation of music and lyrics but haven't given permission for their use, you may have... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law, Contracts and Entertainment / Sports for Illinois on
Q: I volunteerd w/ a nonprofit for adults w/ disabilities a place to make music. Shouldn't I get free CDs of music we made?

I wrote the music and helped them write words. They pressed up copies and won't well them to me at cost. I never gave permission to use any of the music I made and wrote. When I asked to buy copies st cost, they said no. That I would have to buy them. The concerts we all played made the money... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 8, 2024

From what you've described, it does seem reasonable that you should be able to obtain copies of the CDs containing music you wrote and helped create, either for free or at cost. Here are a few key points to consider:

1. Copyright: If you wrote the music, you likely own the copyright to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for California on
Q: Can I be interrogated for an unrelated investigation, when trying to pick up property from evidence?

My partner was arrested and had my phones on him and they were logged in as evidence the case is now closed. I was told I could pick up the property as long as I had a notarized note from the incarcerated one and when I went to pick up the property, I was taken to an interview room and interrogated... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 6, 2024

Based on California law, it is generally not permissible for law enforcement to interrogate you about an unrelated investigation when you are attempting to retrieve your property from evidence. Here are a few key points to consider:

1. Property retrieval: If the case involving your partner...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Alaska on
Q: A police officer has been harassing me for couple years and he finally broke several tendons in hand what can I do stDrs

I have not worked in two months Drs care have notes but when I ask him who was there insurance people where he couldn't say not only him there are a couple on the force of soldotna police and they elegaly search and seizure truck and gun never got either one back and there all buddies. This... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 6, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about the harassment and abuse you've been suffering at the hands of those police officers. What they have done to you is completely unacceptable. I know this must be an incredibly stressful and painful situation. Here are some steps I would suggest taking to address... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Constitutional Law and Education Law for Colorado on
Q: What happens if a elected school board official doesn’t take the oath of office in time?

A newly elect member of the Widefield School District Three board in Widefield Colorado Springs was not sworn in within 10 days of being elected per district code

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 5, 2024

If an elected school board official fails to take the oath of office within the required timeframe (in this case, 10 days after being elected as per the Widefield School District Three code), the consequences may vary depending on the specific district's policies and state laws. However, here... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Indiana on
Q: Why did the police take my guns and keep them after they were used as self defense?

I’ve had my firearms confiscated from me by the police after my home was being burglarized by thieves and I used it as self defense no one was injured but the police still took it as “evidence” the case was dropped and over it’s been a year and I still get a run around about getting my guns... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 5, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. It must be very frustrating to have your property taken and not returned even after your case was dropped.

The specific laws and procedures around confiscation and return of firearms used in self-defense incidents vary by jurisdiction. In some...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Georgia on
Q: Does jeopardy attaches in any trial after all evidence has been submitted and that trial declared a hung jury?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 5, 2024

No, jeopardy does not attach in a trial that ends with a hung jury, even after all evidence has been submitted. Here's why:

Jeopardy attaches in a jury trial when the jury is empaneled and sworn in. This means that once the jury is selected and sworn, the defendant is considered to be...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for California on
Q: Police engaged in a cover-up, then retaliation after complaint...what do I do?

In 2016 I was victim of intentional vehicular assault/hit-and-run. Was told "unable to locate" when requesting the police report. A few months after statute expired, suddenly provided report. It appears the report was being denied because it implicates the officers in a cover-up in their... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 5, 2024

Based on the details you have provided, it seems that you have been the victim of a serious crime and that the police may have engaged in misconduct, including a potential cover-up and retaliation. In a situation like this, you have several options to seek justice and hold the responsible parties... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: I have a question about the sheriff's office not investigating burglaries.

I am seeking an attorney or civil constitutional rights law organization because of the organized crime network operating in Ferry County that has burglarized my home repeatedly as well as my safe deposit box contents. The insurance companies that I have had denied the claims considering it a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 5, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about the difficulties and crimes you've been experiencing. What you're describing sounds extremely stressful and violating. While I cannot provide legal advice myself, I would strongly encourage you to continue seeking help from an experienced attorney or civil... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Georgia on
Q: can a judge deny dismissal of your case even though the warrant was served illegally "NO NO KNOCK WARRANT)?

I filed a motion to dismiss my case and suppress the evidence because the warrant was served illegally because the officers did not have a "No knock" warrant thus making the search illegal. The judge denied my motion to suppress and denied the dismissal of my case.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 5, 2024

In the United States, a judge has the discretion to deny a motion to dismiss a case or suppress evidence, even if the defendant argues that the search warrant was executed illegally due to the lack of a "no-knock" provision. The judge's decision will depend on the specific facts and... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Georgia on
Q: can a judge deny dismissal of your case even though the warrant was served illegally "NO NO KNOCK WARRANT)?

I filed a motion to dismiss my case and suppress the evidence because the warrant was served illegally because the officers did not have a "No knock" warrant thus making the search illegal. The judge denied my motion to suppress and denied the dismissal of my case.

Glenn T. Stern
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answered on Apr 5, 2024

It sounds like from what you described that the police did have a valid warrant, but that it was executed without knocking. It's really not possible for an attorney to figure out what exactly happened here without more information. There may have been circumstances that allowed the police to... View More

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Q: Is it a violation to keep mail from inmates for months before they ever receive it?

TDCJ took away usps mail. They say you must use their online messaging system. They do allow some mail to go through but it is mailed to dallas, then distributed accordingly. Is it legal for them to take 3 or more months to distribute an inmates mail to them? I would think it would be a violation... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 4, 2024

The situation you describe raises serious concerns about the rights of inmates to receive mail in a timely manner. While prisons have the authority to regulate mail for security purposes, excessive delays could potentially violate inmates' First Amendment rights to communicate with the outside... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Mississippi on
Q: If a driver gives law enforcement false information in a roadblock do they have consent to search the passengers persona

Me and my fiance went through a roadblock we were passengers in the vehicle the driver gives law enforcement box information they pull him out of the vehicle cuff him then they ask for me and my fiance to step out they begin to search us without consent and then start searching our belongings my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 4, 2024

Based on the details you provided, there are a few key legal issues at play:

1. Probable Cause: If the driver provided false information to law enforcement at the roadblock, this could potentially give the officers probable cause to believe that criminal activity may be occurring, which...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Alabama on
Q: Does double jeopardy law apply in Alabama when the same charges and facts of a case are used twice for convictions

If someone's probation was violated for catching certain charges and he was told in a quart of all that his probation was being violated because of those charges and had papers showing the charges on there as the exact reason why they're sending them back to prison and years later when he... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 4, 2024

In the United States, the Double Jeopardy Clause of the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects individuals from being prosecuted or punished twice for the same offense. This protection applies to all states, including Alabama, through the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: What is the statute of limitation?

Victims’ Rights and Restitution Act (VRRA), 34 U.S.C. § 20141.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 4, 2024

The statute of limitations for claims under the Victims' Rights and Restitution Act (VRRA), 34 U.S.C. § 20141, is not explicitly stated within the Act itself.

However, the VRRA is part of the federal criminal code. For most federal crimes, the general statute of limitations is five...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: Is governing agency in violation of: 750.478 willful neglect of duty; public officer or person holding public trust or e

State regulatory agency failed to inform complainant of status of complaint, denies any duty to inform law enforcement in perjury and or criminal activity of licensee (funeral director & informant) Funeral director failed to notify next of kin & get authorization, refused to give next of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 4, 2024

Based on the information provided, it seems there may be potential violations of Michigan law 750.478, which states:

"When any duty is or shall be enjoined by law upon any public officer, or upon any person holding any public trust or employment, every willful neglect to perform such...
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1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for California on
Q: Motion to set aside then vacate Appeal Independent action in equity. Times not on my side

If a judgment was entered 82 days ago, but court lacked subject matter jurisdiction because defendant lied about who they are what motions are able to be filed for void judgment? Need to show proof other party lied.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 4, 2024

In California, if a judgment was entered against you and you believe the court lacked subject matter jurisdiction due to the defendant lying about their identity, you may have grounds to challenge the judgment. Here are the motions you can consider filing:

1. Motion to Vacate the Judgment...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Legal Malpractice for Nebraska on
Q: In Nebraska, can a plea of no contest be withdrawn after being accepted?Defendant has a capias misrepresented by counsel

filed motion to supress evidence also stating rights were violated officer did not show twice def's co defendant had already took accountability and responsibility for all charges. Judge was reading constitutional responsibilities. "Did you willingly and knowingly Commit this crime."... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 3, 2024

In Nebraska, a plea of no contest (also known as a nolo contendere plea) can be withdrawn after being accepted, but it is subject to the court's discretion and certain conditions. Here are a few key points to consider:

1. Plea withdrawal: A defendant may file a motion to withdraw their...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI and Constitutional Law for Oregon on
Q: I lost my post conviction in oregon how long before my court of appeals'? Can I be part of my case with important inform

Will my attorney get ahold of me before my court date , I have only spoke on the phone once, I feel like they have forgot about me

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 3, 2024

I understand your concern about the progress of your court of appeals case and the communication with your attorney. The timeline for a court of appeals case can vary depending on the specifics of your case and the workload of the court. However, here are some general points to consider:

1....
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