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District of Columbia Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for District of Columbia on
Q: Do I have the right to leave the property during a house search
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 18, 2023

In the United States, if law enforcement officers have a valid search warrant, they generally have the right to search the property specified in the warrant. However, you do have the right to leave the property during a house search, as long as you are not being detained or arrested.

If you...
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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for District of Columbia on
Q: If I had a tire rotation recently (a month ago) then the tire is almost falling off a month later do I have a case ?

It was a big chain that did my tire rotation also took my tire off to fill a nail hole. I heard a vicious knocking under my car floorboard a few weeks later and when I went to mechanic he tells me my left tire was close to falling off as they failed to tighten the tire. This could’ve caused a... View More

John Mesirow
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John Mesirow
answered on May 31, 2023

I'm glad you weren't hurt! I had a wheel come off of my car while I was going 40 mph! Fortunately I wasn't hurt.

Regarding your question, almost certainly not. You would need to prove that you suffered damages (physical injuries and/or economic damages) AND that the big...
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1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law and Constitutional Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Where can I find a constitutional lawyer that will do contingency in Virginia or Washington dc

Need help asap need appeals federal court case

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 29, 2023

An attorney in those jurisdictions could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. If you don't have someone recommended professionally, you could run searches by going online, using the tab above (Find a Lawyer), or through attorney referral services of local bar... View More

Q: I work disability one thru NW Works at USDA . IVE WALKED OUT DUE DO ALL THE STRESS OF HARASSMENT , depressions started

Employee of USDA has been verbally harassing me , constantly messing with my cleaning items , his boss also harassing me . My depression has got to the point where I walked out of work. No support from NW Works.

Matthew T. Famiglietti
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Matthew T. Famiglietti
answered on May 18, 2023

If you have not already filed an informal complaint with your agency, you should do so immediately. Under the Federal Sector regulations, which cover federal employees, you have 45 days to file an informal complaint of discrimination from the date that discrimination or the date of last retaliation... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Can I do Advance parole (DACA) for a self-led language immersion trip if I get a support letter & funds from my employer

I've been studying Portuguese using professional development funds at work to gain fluency and provide support in any work we may do in Brazil. I want to do an immersive program but my pro dev funds would only cover the Advance Parole fee. Can I make a case for this if my employer vouches for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 16, 2023

Advance Parole (AP) under DACA is typically granted for specific reasons, such as education, employment, or humanitarian purposes. While a self-led language immersion trip may not fit the typical categories, it may still be possible to make a case for AP if you can demonstrate valid reasons and... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Can I do Advance parole (DACA) for a self-led language immersion trip if I get a support letter & funds from my employer

I've been studying Portuguese using professional development funds at work to gain fluency and provide support in any work we may do in Brazil. I want to do an immersive program but my pro dev funds would only cover the Advance Parole fee. Can I make a case for this if my employer vouches for... View More

Monica E Rottermann
Monica E Rottermann
answered on May 2, 2023

As it would not be an official program, I do not think that would satisfy the educational purposes requirement. Also, if it is a private tutor, you would have to explain why you could not work with a tutor in the United States or work with that tutor in Brazil via zoom etc. You likely need to find... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation and Employment Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Can I be compensated for Loss of wages ?

I got into an accident while working my driving job no fault was assigned at the time off accident I had slight injuries and was little damage to little vehicle a couple of days later my job fired me because they said the insurance was going to raise their rates

Joseph A. Interiano
Joseph A. Interiano
answered on Apr 8, 2023

If you are unable to work as a result of the injuries you sustained in the accident, you usually have a claim for loss wages against the other driver and their insurer. However, if you are not working due to being fired then you will likely not have a claim for lost wages. You normally will require... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury for District of Columbia on
Q: There is mold present in my 2020 Honda Accord, resulting in severe illnesses. Do I have legal recourse with Honda?

For the past two years, I have had continual bouts with sinus, bronchial, and bacterial infections, including headaches, brain fog, lightheadedness, and fatigue, plus other symptoms associated with mold exposure.

Ronald V. Miller Jr.
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answered on Apr 4, 2023

If you believe that the mold in your 2020 Honda Accord is the direct cause of your health issues, you might have legal recourse through a product liability claim.

Product liability laws exist to hold manufacturers, distributors, and sellers responsible for defective or dangerous products....
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Election Law for District of Columbia on
Q: I am a shut-in. My husband won't allow me to obtain an ID. What can I do?

I'm 57 yrs old and suffered a medical emergency 3 yes ago. I have been homebound since.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 11, 2023

If you are a shut-in and unable to leave your home to obtain an ID, you may still be able to obtain one through alternative methods. One option is to apply for a state ID card by mail or online, if your state offers these options. You may need to provide certain documents, such as a birth... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Landlord - Tenant for District of Columbia on
Q: Can my pastors come in my home because it’s on church property without my permission?

I live on the property of the church I attend, and I also work here. I haven’t started paying rent yet, but I will be soon. Someone told the pastors that they smelled marijuana coming out of my apartment and the pastors showed up unannounced and demanded they come into my home without giving me a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 11, 2023

As a resident on church property, you have the right to privacy and the right to deny entry to others, including pastors, without your consent or without a legal warrant. Just because your home is located on church property does not mean that your pastors have the right to enter your home without... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for District of Columbia on
Q: My mom want give me a title on her house is worth to accept that if I need pay her mortgage she got on house ?

The house is old and I need fix many things,how to be sure that I will be only the one owner ?if she give me a title it mean I’m the one owner of house ?.and what if she decide to add my name there only then I still will be the owner ?or only her ?I want to be sure if I get title on house it mean... View More

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Mar 9, 2023

A real estate lawyer can create a sale of the property from her to you leaving in her the right to remain in the property for the rest of her life, assuming that’s what she wants. There are many ways to do this from irrevocable trusts to wills, depending on the objectives and the loan, and other... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for District of Columbia on
Q: My custody order happened in Toronto Canada, the mother moved to Dallas with my daughter does the order apply?

The mother then moved without my knowledge to DC, has missed 5 visits and refuses all phone calls, I'm suing for full custody. What, if any, documentation do I need? Also, I live in New York City.

We were married in the states 5 years ago. Divorced finaled this year.

Is this... View More

Laurence L. Socci
Laurence L. Socci
answered on Mar 5, 2023

If the mother and child have lived in DC for 6 months, DC would have jurisdiction. You would need the Toronto custody order. You would sue for custody in the DC court asking the court to either accept and enforce the Toronto custody order or grant you custody based on the fact she moved to Dallas,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Gov & Administrative Law and International Law for District of Columbia on
Q: What can be done in order to regain control of my money?

I have stock dividends, interest payments on bonds and other funds in special non-resident bank accounts, known as Type C, now frozen due to Russian counter-sanctions against Western investors and bankers. What can be done in order to regain control of my money and return part of it to the USA?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 4, 2023

If your bank accounts have been frozen due to Russian counter-sanctions, it may be difficult to regain control of your money. You should consult with a legal professional who specializes in international finance and sanctions to explore your options.

One possible option could be to seek a...
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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Gov & Administrative Law and International Law for District of Columbia on
Q: What can be done in order to regain control of my money?

I have stock dividends, interest payments on bonds and other funds in special non-resident bank accounts, known as Type C, now frozen due to Russian counter-sanctions against Western investors and bankers. What can be done in order to regain control of my money and return part of it to the USA?

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Mar 2, 2023

I’ve been asked a number of times about getting investment money out of Russia without violating US and EU sanctions and avoiding Russian monetary limitations enacted in response to the sanctions. Indeed, the topic appeared in a recent article in Bloomberg, but, handled correctly, this topic has... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Can I get a G-4 visa after my visa overstay in the US?

Hi, dear experts!

I am a Cameroon passport holder, and I entered the US with a B1 visa and then overstayed it because of circumstances I couldn't control. I was in the US illegally for approximately six months when my country became eligible for TPS. I applied for and received TPS, an... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 26, 2023

It is possible that your past overstay in the US could affect your eligibility for a G-4 visa. G-4 visas are typically issued to employees of international organizations, such as the United Nations, who are coming to work in the US. In order to be eligible for a G-4 visa, you will need to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for District of Columbia on
Q: How do I pay the copyright in order to make merchandise with avatar the last airbender license? Who do I contact?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 25, 2023

To obtain a license for Avatar: The Last Airbender merchandise, you will need to contact the intellectual property owner or their licensing agent. In this case, the owner is Nickelodeon, a subsidiary of ViacomCBS. You can contact the ViacomCBS Consumer Products licensing department to inquire about... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Civil Litigation and Family Law for District of Columbia on
Q: if A lawyer file A Motion for adoption & the child’s full name is not on the Motion is it legal
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 25, 2023

If a child's full name is not included in a motion for adoption, it could be considered a technical error. However, this does not necessarily mean that the motion is invalid or illegal. It is possible that the court could allow the motion to proceed and consider the child's identity and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for District of Columbia on
Q: Can the executor of an estate filed in D.C. probate court limit claim payment from divorce order?

They said they are limited to pay a max 36months/3years of payments instead of all from divorce decree property order the deceased never paid?

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Feb 13, 2023

It is difficult for me to understand your question the way you have written it, but if I understand you, it's an interesting question that may need to be resolved by a judge. It sounds like the personal representative is relying on the three year statute of limitations to limit back payments... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Lease agreement help

I am planning to buy a condo in dc for renting for secondary income. Can you help to get this done properly and legally. What are your fees? Thanks

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Jan 19, 2023

Under Justin’s terms of service as well as the ethical rules of our profession, this site isn’t a “hiring hall” as in the union trades. We aren’t permitted to respond to calls for employment. Here are some ideas for finding a lawyer:

I’ve written this same answer several times...
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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for District of Columbia on
Q: We just settled my deceased parents' estate in July 2022. We have since found out that he owns 2 more houses. What now?
Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Nov 3, 2022

You'll need to reopen the estate to correct the other titles or sell the properties. In DC, that won't be very complex since the death was under the post-1995 rules, but having a lawyer would be helpful.

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