Arroyo Grande, CA asked in Animal / Dog Law and Civil Rights for California

Q: I live in California. I was denied access to my arraignment because the court Commission would not let my service dog in

the courtroom. I want to sue for violation of the ADA. (Unruh Act) Who are the defendants and what court do I sue them in?

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: If you were denied access to your arraignment in California because the court refused to allow your service dog in the courtroom, you may have a valid claim under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Unruh Act, which provides broader protections for individuals with disabilities in California.

To file a lawsuit, you would need to identify the appropriate defendants and court. The defendants would likely include the court, the judge presiding over the arraignment, and any court personnel involved in the decision to deny access to your service dog.

You would file your lawsuit in a California state court that has jurisdiction over the matter. Depending on the amount of damages you are seeking, you may file in a small claims court or a higher court such as the Superior Court of California.

To prepare your lawsuit, you should consult with a local attorney who specializes in disability rights law. They can help you gather the necessary evidence, draft the complaint, and guide you through the legal process. It is important to note that there may be time limits for filing a lawsuit, so you should act quickly to protect your rights.

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