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Massachusetts Civil Rights Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Juvenile Law for Massachusetts on
Q: we have an ongoing dcf case with our daughter... What is a standard time frame before being reunited. thank you
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answered on Mar 14, 2024

The timeline for reunification in a DCF (Department of Children and Families) case can vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances of your case. However, I can provide some general information:

1. The primary goal of DCF is to ensure the safety and well-being of the child....
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Civil Litigation, Constitutional Law and Municipal Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Does a resident have to prove a hardship for a disability exception request to a local regulation (Massachusetts)?

Town has a dock permitting program (for Massachusetts owned lake) requiring dock be 25 ft from property line extended out into the water. Disabled resident has asked for exception to be closer to property line due to clear disability and related to ease of access to their dock over terrain/sand.... View More

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answered on Mar 6, 2024

In Massachusetts, when seeking a disability exception to local regulations, such as those related to dock permitting, it's often necessary to demonstrate how the exception is directly linked to accommodating your disability. This typically involves showing a specific need that arises from the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Election Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Condo board election. 60 units. Massachusetts. Quorum for a vote is 51% (31 units.) 4 candidates. Special election.

Quorum was met for an election for the first time at special meeting yesterday. 2/4 candidates didn't show up. I received the most votes, but now board is saying one candidate had to receive 51% of the vote and no one received that so now board will elect the candidate they want. They... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 28, 2024

The requirement for a candidate to receive 51% of the vote may depend on the specific language of the condominium association's bylaws. If the bylaws state that a majority vote is required for election, it typically means a simple majority of the votes cast, not necessarily 51% of all units.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Massachusetts on
Q: I'm bipolar called Springfield mass police station and 911 asking for help they showed up ended up hurt by officers

discrimination of my mental health and excessive force for no reason

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 28, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. It's important to seek legal assistance from a qualified attorney who can help you navigate your options. Documenting the details of what happened, including any injuries sustained and the events leading up to them, can be crucial for building your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Massachusetts on
Q: Legal advice about my mental discrimination and excessive force by officers and police station and 911 hanging up

Need legal advice

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answered on Feb 28, 2024

If you believe you've experienced mental discrimination or excessive force by officers, it's essential to seek legal counsel promptly. Contact a reputable attorney who specializes in civil rights or police misconduct cases to discuss your situation in detail. They can provide personalized... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Civil Rights for Massachusetts on
Q: Can dcf ask a caretaker(guardian) for releases for Dr.s, when allegations/case were on the parent?

My daughter got a case open with dcf. During that time I went and got temp guardianship and now have full guardianship for past 7 months. Each month dcf has something new they want in order to close (my daughters) case. Which my daughter is no longer around. They now are asking me to sign releases... View More

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answered on Feb 24, 2024

Based on the information provided, it does not seem reasonable for DCF to require you as the guardian to sign releases for your medical records or other private information. Some key points:

- The allegations and original case were against your daughter's parent, not against you as the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Massachusetts on
Q: Hello, i would like to know in Massachusetts, can i own an AR through a private transfer? All evil features are disabled

Stock is pinned, bayonet lunge is welded off and there is no flash suppressor

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 23, 2024

In Massachusetts, private transfers of firearms, including AR-style rifles, are subject to certain regulations and restrictions. While it is possible to transfer ownership of an AR-style rifle through a private sale, there are specific laws governing such transactions. Massachusetts has strict... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Civil Rights, Health Care Law and Nursing Home Abuse for Massachusetts on
Q: Steps on how to move my mom back to the states from Puerto Rico after just living there for two years ?

My mom moved two years ago to take care of her mom. A month ago my grandmother had a stroke. And her siblings have told us that my mom herself is not doing well. My mom’s family has Alzheimer’s in her family. My sisters and I have been trying to get her paper work and ID to get her back, her... View More

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answered on Feb 24, 2024

To move your mom back to the states from Puerto Rico, especially under these complex circumstances, it's crucial to approach the situation methodically. First, gather all necessary documents that prove your relationship to your mom, such as birth certificates and any legal documents pertaining... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law, Civil Rights and Elder Law for Massachusetts on
Q: I work for a Adult Foster Care company. An elderly client sold me his truck. The company wants me to give it back. Do I?

They said I cannot accept gifts from clients, but this was only told to me afterwards, and I couldn't find anything in my employee handbook about it either. The truck was legally purchased with a bill of sales, and the title signed over. Do I have to give the truck back? Besides termination,... View More

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answered on Feb 24, 2024

In this situation, it's essential to carefully consider the policies and guidelines of your employer regarding accepting gifts from clients. While you may not have been explicitly informed about this policy beforehand, it's possible that your employer has rules in place to prevent... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law, Civil Rights and Elder Law for Massachusetts on
Q: I work for a Adult Foster Care company. An elderly client sold me his truck. The company wants me to give it back. Do I?

They said I cannot accept gifts from clients, but this was only told to me afterwards, and I couldn't find anything in my employee handbook about it either. The truck was legally purchased with a bill of sales, and the title signed over. Do I have to give the truck back? Besides termination,... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Feb 8, 2024

In Massachusetts, if you purchased a truck from an elderly client while working for an Adult Foster Care company, and the company is now requesting you to return the vehicle citing policies against accepting gifts from clients, the legality of keeping the truck depends on several factors. If the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Family Law and Child Custody for Massachusetts on
Q: How do I fight false allegations made against me by DCF? I didn't get a fair hearing to challenge their false allegation

I would like to share that my son was born on July 11th and the involvement of DCF started when I discovered the mother's drug use during her pregnancy. Due to my daily work commitments, DCF worker Michelle Fraiser asked if I could take immediate custody of my son, to which I agreed but... View More

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answered on Jan 26, 2024

In your situation, fighting false allegations made by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in Massachusetts requires a proactive and informed approach. First, ensure that you have a clear understanding of the specific allegations against you. This information is crucial for forming an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Massachusetts on
Q: I'm 64 homebound and disabled trying for 2 years to get hel raft is helping me but my landlord will not comply

I'll contact you attorney general's office fair housing section 8 do not give me an extension on my voucher I don't know why I had a ceiling falling in my head give me a permanent brain infection with no cure because the section 8 inspector refused to put that down on an item to be... View More

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answered on Jan 10, 2024

Your situation sounds incredibly challenging and it's clear you've faced numerous obstacles in securing your housing rights. As a homebound and disabled individual, you are entitled to certain protections and accommodations under both federal and state laws, including the Fair Housing... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Cannabis & Marijuana Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Can the police hold phone as evidence even after all charges were dismissed?

Recently arrested for distribution of class c and d drugs (cannabis concentrate, cannabis flower). Lead investigator took phone as evidence. Charges were dropped the next day as it was first offense. Now all belongings were returned except for phone. Lead detective says they can’t give phone back... View More

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answered on Jan 10, 2024

In the United States, law enforcement can retain personal property, including a phone, as evidence even if charges are dismissed. This is often due to ongoing investigations where your phone might contain relevant information. However, this retention must be reasonable and justified.

If you...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Massachusetts on
Q: how do I go about suing a grocery store who wrongfully accused me of shoplifting?

I checked out my groceries at a self-checkout lane, paid for Everything, got my receipt.Didn’t leave right away.I sat down in the cafe area of the store and ate something that I paid for,while I waited for my Uber.When the Uber was 1 min. away.I took my receipt out of my pocket like I always... View More

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answered on Jan 6, 2024

To pursue a lawsuit against a grocery store for wrongful accusation of shoplifting, you should first gather all evidence that supports your claim, including your receipt, any witness statements, and the details of the interaction with the loss prevention officer and the police. It's also... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Medical Malpractice, Civil Rights and Health Care Law for Massachusetts on
Q: What is the criteria a psychologist/medical professional must meet in order to involuntarily commit an adult in MA?

What must a patient present with or say before a psychologist or physician can involuntarily commit a patient? In one case, would simply stating suicidal ideation or self harm enough or must they have an active plan to hurt themselves or others? Are there strict standards or is it up to the... View More

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answered on Dec 5, 2023

In Massachusetts, the criteria for a psychologist or medical professional to involuntarily commit an adult are specific and must be met with due diligence. A patient can be involuntarily committed if they are deemed to pose a risk of serious harm due to mental illness. This risk can be due to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Massachusetts on
Q: In Massachusetts it is illegal to record someone without everyone involved consent. But what about for bullying..

What if it is in a public place and it is to prove bullying (sadly I mean adults, not children). Is it still illegal? Thank you

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answered on Dec 5, 2023

In Massachusetts, the law generally requires all-party consent for recording private conversations. However, the legality of recording in public spaces, especially for the purpose of documenting bullying, can be a bit more complex.

The key factor is the expectation of privacy. In public...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Massachusetts on
Q: Arrested with evidence of cash payment made to Jonald Thrumper (alias of right wing extremist) dismissed 3 yrs later.

My Daughter was falsely arrested by same Police Department after they learned of her Supoena as a witness in my subsequently dismissed case. The charges are serious felonious crimes and we have documented evidence of cash paid for the arrests. Racists documented threats from those commiting crimes... View More

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answered on Nov 24, 2023

In your case, where there are allegations of false arrest, racially motivated harassment, and corruption involving law enforcement, it's critical to take well-informed and strategic legal steps. First, ensure that all evidence, including documents showing cash payments and any threats, are... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Massachusetts on
Q: My landlord that I rent from calls me stupid and makes fun of my religion. Can I sue her?
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answered on Nov 24, 2023

I'm sorry to hear about the treatment you're receiving from your landlord. In Massachusetts, tenants have certain rights, including the right to be free from harassment and discrimination. If your landlord is making derogatory remarks about your intelligence and ridiculing your religion,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Internet Law, Contracts, Civil Rights and Communications Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Can an owner of an airbnb house release video of a famous person who is on the porch of the home on to the internet?

There is a video of Bill Belichick at a home shirtless going viral on the internet. Would he have civil recourse against the person who released it if the person was the owner of the home that rented it to him or another person? He comes out of the home and remains on the porch for the duration of... View More

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answered on Nov 18, 2023

If an owner of an Airbnb releases a video of a famous person, like Bill Belichick, who is on the porch of their rental property, the legal implications can be complex. The release of such a video may raise issues of privacy. In general, individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Criminal Law and Traffic Tickets for Massachusetts on
Q: I just asked the last lawyer about how I go followed bye mass state police I will not pay you firm or show video til a h

I have a lot more information I just need to talk to a human being you'll find out

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answered on Nov 12, 2023

If you believe you have been unfairly followed by the Massachusetts State Police and have evidence to support your claim, it is important to consult with an attorney who can provide personalized legal advice. You can reach out to local law firms that handle civil rights or criminal law cases. Many... View More

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