Get free answers to your legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I was assaulted in my dorm on my college campus in New York about six months ago. I wasn't ready to report it immediately, but I did write about the incident in my diary and told a few people, including a counselor who facilitated a room change. I've attended counseling sessions since... View More

answered on Mar 12, 2025
I’m sorry to hear about the assault you experienced. In New York, you still have legal options to pursue a case, even though six months have passed since the incident. However, the legal process can be complex, and there are a few things you should consider moving forward.
First, it’s... View More
My husband, who has a prior felony, was served with a search warrant for drugs, which was the only item listed on the warrant. While he was downstairs, they found a gun upstairs and did not allow him to stay upstairs during the search. Can they legally charge him for the gun?

answered on Mar 11, 2025
In New York, the circumstances surrounding the search and the discovery of the gun in your husband's case are important to understand, especially since he has a prior felony conviction. Generally, if a person has been convicted of a felony, they are prohibited from possessing firearms under... View More
I filed a criminal case against someone for seizing money by force. The court has now ruled to consider the objection submitted by a person of Pakistan nationality and treat the judgment in absentia as if it had not been issued, obliging the person to pay court fees. This ruling was made on... View More

answered on Mar 11, 2025
In your case, it appears that the court has issued a ruling regarding a judgment in absentia, which means a judgment was made without the presence of the defendant in court. When a defendant is absent from court, a judgment can still be rendered if they have been properly notified of the... View More
I was charged with a DWI in New York and have three prior DWI convictions, all from more than ten years ago within the state. What is the maximum punishment I might face for this recent charge?

answered on Mar 11, 2025
In New York, driving while intoxicated (DWI) is taken very seriously, especially when the individual has prior DWI convictions. Since you have three prior DWI convictions, your recent charge will likely be classified as a felony under New York State law, specifically as a Class D felony charge for... View More
On November 17, 2024, I was assaulted by my neighbor's ex-husband on the property I was renting. The incident was captured on camera. During the assault, my son was injured. We were both taken to the hospital, and I sustained a shoulder injury. I have reported the incident to the police, and... View More

answered on Mar 11, 2025
I’m sorry to hear about the distressing situation you’ve experienced. In New York, there are several legal options you can pursue to seek compensation for your injuries, emotional distress, and medical bills after the assault. Since there are open arrest warrants for the individual, criminal... View More
I have NYC CARE and emergency Medicaid based on legal advice. My primary doctor tells me to go to the emergency room for my symptoms, but the emergency room directs me back to the primary doctor. This cycle has been ongoing since 2019, and I'm dealing with a pseudomeningocele that prevents me... View More

answered on Mar 11, 2025
I’m sorry to hear about the challenging situation you're facing. It sounds like you're dealing with significant medical issues and difficulties navigating the healthcare system. In New York, there are several steps you can take to address the cycle between your primary doctor and the... View More
I was assaulted by someone named Taliza yesterday, and I suffered injuries. I reported it to the police, and they have already spoken to her. What legal steps can I take next to ensure my safety and address the assault?

answered on Mar 11, 2025
I’m sorry to hear about the assault and the injuries you've sustained. In New York, there are several legal steps you can take to address the assault and ensure your safety moving forward.
Follow Up with Law Enforcement: Since you’ve already reported the assault to the police and... View More
My deceased mother left me as the proxy for her estate after I obtained legal documentation from the court. However, her boyfriend transferred the vehicle title to himself, likely by accessing her documents in her apartment. There was no will left by my mother. When I confronted him, he drove off.... View More

answered on Mar 11, 2025
I’m sorry to hear about the difficult situation you’re dealing with. In New York, you have legal options to reclaim the vehicle that was transferred without your authorization, especially given your role as the proxy for your mother’s estate. Since there was no will left by your mother, the... View More
I want to know if I can sue my dentist for dosing off twice while injecting me with local anesthesia, the most recent incident occurring last month. I'm concerned about the implications of his behavior and any potential harm it might cause.

answered on Mar 11, 2025
I’m sorry to hear about your concerns regarding your dental treatment. In New York, if a dentist’s actions—such as dosing off during a procedure—result in harm or potential harm, you may have a valid claim for medical malpractice. However, whether you can successfully sue depends on several... View More
In 2019, I had emergency surgery to remove a brain bleed, which led to complications. Now, I'm bedridden and compromised, yet the surgeon responsible is not mentioned in my reports and has been avoiding my attempts to seek follow-up care. The surgeon's office has repeatedly made excuses,... View More

answered on Mar 11, 2025
I'm sorry to hear about the complications you're facing and the lack of follow-up care. It’s important to address any concerns related to your post-surgery treatment, especially when complications arise after a serious procedure like brain surgery.
In New York, you may have... View More
I have been visiting a dental office for the past 4 years, and I had periodontal surgery about 2 years ago; however, not all teeth were operated on. My bottom incisors are now shaking, and one has swollen gums with pus underneath. I reported gum separation to the dentist at a follow-up two weeks... View More

answered on Mar 11, 2025
I'm sorry to hear about the issues you’ve been experiencing with your dental treatment. It’s understandable to feel concerned, especially when there are ongoing problems with your gums and teeth, and when important information, like bone loss, was not disclosed to you earlier.
In... View More
I have been dealing with a stalking issue involving Jackie Lynn Jenkins and Mr. Joseph since 2014. They currently live next to me at 169-03 89 Ave, Jamaica, Queens, NY 11432. I have video evidence showing a woman with a mysterious device, and I've involved law enforcement, including the 103rd... View More

answered on Mar 11, 2025
I’m sorry to hear about the distress you’re experiencing. Stalking is a serious matter, and it’s good that you’ve involved law enforcement to address the situation. In New York, stalking involves intentionally following or engaging in a course of conduct that causes the victim to fear for... View More
My husband is currently in detention awaiting his third hearing. He assaulted me with an illegal 15-gauge rifle while he was drunk, resulting in an injury to my jaw. I reported the incident to the police, and now I've invoked my right not to appear in court or testify. However, the district... View More

answered on Mar 11, 2025
I'm sorry to hear about the difficult and distressing situation you’re facing. In New York, assault with an illegal firearm, especially under the circumstances you described, can have serious legal consequences.
Based on the details you provided, your husband is facing several... View More
I believe the organization financing and overseeing an assisted housing facility in NYC is liable for negligence that contributed to my mother's death. The facility neglected infection and COVID-19 precautions, dehydration, unattended falls, and cleanliness, resulting in severe health issues.... View More

answered on Mar 11, 2025
I'm sorry to hear about the difficulty you are experiencing and the loss of your mother. The situation you describe is deeply troubling, and it's important to ensure that those responsible for her care are held accountable. To legally proceed against a New York City-based organization for... View More
My son was injured and hospitalized after being hit by a rental car driver in New York. The police report was filed, and he's been in contact with the insurance company. However, due to the Graves Amendment, the insurance company claims he's only entitled to a maximum of $25,000. How does... View More

answered on Mar 11, 2025
I’m sorry to hear about your son’s injury and the difficult situation you’re facing. It’s understandably frustrating when dealing with insurance issues on top of an already challenging recovery process. The Graves Amendment, a federal law passed in 2005, can impact rental car accident... View More
I was injured on a tour bus in NYC when I hit my head on a TV screen at the front of a 'hop on hop off' bus. I needed two staples in my head, which we paid for and are trying to claim back through our travel insurance. The incident happened on February 22nd, the day we arrived, and has... View More

answered on Mar 11, 2025
I’m sorry to hear about your injury and the ongoing headaches you’re experiencing. It’s understandably frustrating when an accident occurs during what should be an enjoyable experience. In New York, you may be able to claim compensation for a head injury that occurred on a tour bus, but there... View More
I'm seeking advice on obtaining compensation for medical bills after an individual fell on my foot and broke it in three places. The incident happened in a school, and there is potential footage available. It was entirely his fault, and witnesses were present. I have medical bills that need to... View More

answered on Mar 11, 2025
I’m sorry to hear about your injury and the financial strain that comes with it. In New York, if someone else’s actions cause you harm, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other related damages. Since the injury occurred due to another person’s actions, it sounds... View More
In our 2023 divorce decree, we agreed that each of us would claim one child on our taxes. Last year, we filed accordingly without any issues. This year, my ex-spouse filed first and claimed both children for the Earned Income Credit (EIC), stating his lawyer advised it was permissible because he is... View More

answered on Mar 13, 2025
I understand how frustrating this situation must be, especially when you have a clear agreement in your divorce decree regarding claiming the children for tax benefits. The issue you’ve encountered involves the Earned Income Credit (EIC), which is a valuable tax benefit for custodial parents.... View More
I would like to know if I need to go to court to remove my ex-wife from the mortgage and deed on our home. She has not lived in the home or made any financial contributions toward the mortgage since she left last summer. Despite her lack of involvement, her name is still on both the mortgage and... View More

answered on Mar 13, 2025
I understand that this situation is causing you significant stress, especially with your ex-wife’s name still being on the mortgage and deed of the home despite her lack of involvement. Removing her from these documents can be a challenging process, and it’s important to address the matter... View More
I got married in NYC and later discovered that my wife was still married in the Philippines five years before we met. Her mother was aware but kept it from me. I've since filed for divorce and have obtained full legal custody of our children. I'm concerned about the implications on our... View More

answered on Mar 13, 2025
I understand that discovering your wife’s prior marriage has created a lot of confusion and concern, particularly regarding the validity of your marriage and the division of assets. The situation you described has legal implications, and it's important to clarify the status of your marriage... View More
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.