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Admiralty / Maritime Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Admiralty / Maritime, Personal Injury and Consumer Law for Virginia on
Q: Passenger became ill on flight; no aid provided. Seeking resolution.

On a recent Frontier flight, another passenger became ill and vomited all over me and my belongings. The situation was unbearable, yet the flight attendants did nothing to help, not even offering basic cleaning supplies or biohazard kits. I stood barefoot in the back of the plane the entire flight.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Admiralty / Maritime, Contracts and Consumer Law for Florida on
Q: Am I obligated to take possession of a malfunctioning boat purchased in Florida?

I recently purchased a boat, and upon delivery a few days ago, I noticed electrical malfunctions. I immediately informed the dealership that I would not take possession of the boat until the issues are resolved. The dealership is working on the repairs, and I assume they are in contact with the... View More

Martin George Prego
Martin George Prego pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 15, 2025

Under Florida law, whether a buyer is obligated to take possession of a purchased item—such as a boat—despite post-sale defects, depends on several factors, including the terms of the sales contract, the nature of the defects, the seller’s opportunity to cure them, and any warranties provided... View More

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0 Answers | Asked in Admiralty / Maritime, Civil Litigation and Contracts for New York on
Q: Can someone legally keep my boat locked up for unrelated reasons, and can I sue?

I own a boat that is currently inaccessible because a person promised to give me a key to retrieve it but never did. Despite multiple attempts to reach her, she rarely answers her phone, and I've traveled an hour several times hoping to find her. I want to know if there is a law that allows... View More

Q: Seeking legal advice on landlord issues and disability after incidents in HUDVASH housing, Norfolk, VA.

I am a Navy veteran who moved to Norfolk, VA, under the HUDVASH housing program to escape domestic abuse. My neighbor crashed his SUV into my home, causing extensive damage, and my landlord inadequately repaired it with a quilt. Due to these events, I lost all my belongings inside the home. I was... View More

Jerry Lutkenhaus
Jerry Lutkenhaus
answered on Jul 14, 2025

You can contact a personal injury attorney in your area about the two incidents. However, a personal injury attorney probably would not consider your case unless there is at least $10,000 in damages or more.

As for your landlord tenant issues you can contact the Legal Aid Society in...
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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Criminal Law and Admiralty / Maritime for Rhode Island on
Q: Accused of domestic violence, suspect drink spiking, and lost my job.

I've been accused of domestic violence, which is out of character for me, and I suspect that our drinks may have been spiked. After the third drink, I have no memory of the next 24 hours. Throughout the day, there was no motivation for any arguments or outbursts, and even in my conscious mind,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 10, 2025

You're going through something incredibly overwhelming, and it's no surprise that you're feeling anxious and disoriented right now. When you're accused of something that doesn’t match who you are, and you’ve also lost your job and sense of stability, it's easy to feel... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Admiralty / Maritime and Business Law for Minnesota on
Q: Who holds the title for a paid-off boat with original lender Green Tree Financial, now bankrupt, for title transfer in Minnesota?

I am trying to find out which lender holds the title for my late father's paid-off boat. Originally, Green Tree Financial was listed as the lender on the title. The boat was paid off over 10 years ago, but since then, DiTech Financial (which went bankrupt) and possibly Conseco Finance may have... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 10, 2025

You’re in a frustrating spot, but you still have options. Since Green Tree Financial no longer exists and its successors like DiTech or Conseco aren’t showing any records, the key will be to prove that the loan was paid off and request that the lien be cleared. Having the original title with... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Admiralty / Maritime and Gov & Administrative Law for Mississippi on
Q: Check status of 2015 fishing/hunting violation in Mississippi.

In Mississippi, I have a fishing/hunting violation from 2015. How can I check the status of the limitation period for this violation and understand if it can still be contested or resolved?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 5, 2025

A Mississippi attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. This isn't really an admiralty/maritime law matter; it looks like it may be more a wildlife protection matter. Until you are able to speak with Mississippi attorneys who work in this area, a starting point... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Admiralty / Maritime and Real Estate Law for Arkansas on
Q: Are my mother's left-behind vehicles considered abandoned in Arkansas?

My mother moved out over 6 months ago, leaving her camper, boat, and truck in my yard. Despite numerous calls and messages asking her to remove them, she insists she can leave them because she's my mother. These items are making it difficult to mow the yard and are an eyesore to the community.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 25, 2025

Yes, under Arkansas law, property left on private land without the owner's permission for an extended period—especially after repeated requests for removal—can be considered abandoned. Since your mother has not lived at the property for over six months and continues to ignore your... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Admiralty / Maritime for Texas on
Q: What does 'International Traffic' mean in maritime law regarding ship movement and regulations?

I am seeking a deeper understanding of the term "International Traffic" in maritime law, specifically regarding its legal implications and applications in shipping operations. How does this term relate to the movement of ships, and what types of ships are included? Additionally, what... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 24, 2025

One way to look at international traffic is commerce between different nations. There are volumes written about the subject you mention, covering things from territorial waters to economic exclusion zones to fisheries enforcement. In terms of the movements of vessels, this is governed by navigation... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Admiralty / Maritime, Construction Law and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: When does HNC 500.530 lien for back rent at a marina become valid?

I am trying to understand when a lien under HNC 500.530 becomes valid. Marina filed a lien for back rent on a boat at a marina, two months late according to the typical rental agreement for leasing at the marina. Can you provide more insight into this situation?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 18, 2025

Under California Harbors and Navigation Code § 500.530, a marina operator has the right to place a lien on a vessel for unpaid berth or storage fees. However, the lien doesn’t become valid the moment rent is late—it becomes enforceable only after the marina has complied with specific notice... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Admiralty / Maritime and Real Estate Law for Kansas on
Q: Boat left on property for 10 years, owner unresponsive. Is it abandoned?

I've had a boat left on my property for 10 years, and despite asking the owner through text messages to retrieve it, they haven't done so. I don't have any formal written communications or documentation about the boat. The owner had previously shown interest in selling it a year ago,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 11, 2025

You can’t just toss that boat without following your state’s abandoned-property rules, which usually start by giving the owner formal notice and a fair chance to remove it. Begin by sending a certified letter to the owner’s last known address, describing the boat, where it’s stored, and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Admiralty / Maritime for South Carolina on
Q: Will a 12-year-old in-state warrant affect my cruise from Galveston, TX?

I have a 12-year-old failure to appear warrant for breach of trust in South Carolina. The warrant is in-state pick up only. I live several states away and have been notified of the warrant during traffic stops, but have never been detained nor faced travel restrictions. I've communicated with... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 11, 2025

Because your warrant is a South Carolina in-state pick-up only, authorities outside the state won’t arrest you on it.

When you embark and disembark in Galveston or foreign ports, Texas or the cruise line won’t act on a warrant they have no jurisdiction to execute. The Transportation...
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1 Answer | Asked in Admiralty / Maritime for North Dakota on
Q: How can I obtain boat ownership and title for registration in North Dakota?

I have a bill of sale for a boat, which was last registered in Minnesota 2–3 years ago. There are no known disputes over ownership, but I need the title to register it in my name. How can I petition for ownership or obtain the necessary title?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 29, 2025

North Dakota does not issue boat titles, only registration. You’ll need to show proof of ownership—either a title, your last registration card, or a purchase invoice—to complete registration.

Since your boat was last registered in Minnesota, you can apply for a duplicate watercraft...
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Q: Is it legal to build an offshore structure to sell products and bypass US tariffs?

I'm curious about the legality of constructing an offshore oil platform-like structure off the eastern coast of the United States to facilitate direct sales of products from various countries, aiming to bypass US tariffs. This is purely hypothetical and I have no current plans to operate such... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

What you're imagining—a structure offshore to avoid U.S. tariffs—crosses into a complex area of international, maritime, and customs law. Even if the platform is built outside U.S. territorial waters (beyond 12 nautical miles), U.S. laws can still apply if the intent is to import goods... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Admiralty / Maritime, Family Law, Personal Injury and Wrongful Death for Florida on
Q: Liability concerns for child's cruise travel permission.

I want to sign permission for my 13-year-old son to travel with his father, whom he lives with full-time, and his father's family on a cruise to Bermuda. I have visitation rights with my son, and the cruise company requires both parents' signatures for consent. Will I be held liable if my... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 8, 2025

If your son embarks on the cruise, I hope that he enjoys a safe and enjoyable trip with the family. From the standpoint of maritime law and cruise ship protocols, you or the child's father could be presented with certain waivers of liability to sign, depending on the cruise line. These could... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Admiralty / Maritime, Personal Injury, Contracts and Insurance Defense for Georgia on
Q: Am I personally liable for a friend's injury on a rental boat in Georgia?

I was involved in an incident where a friend of mine was injured on a rental boat. He was pulling up the anchor and asked me to give it some gas to unstick it, but I gave too much throttle, and the rope caught around his finger, cutting off the tip. The rental agreement stated that misuse of... View More

Michael W. Horst
Michael W. Horst
answered on May 7, 2025

There is a difference between a claim and a lawsuit. If your friend is pursuing a claim, he can do that directly with the insurance company. However, if he is filing a lawsuit, you will be sued as the defendant since you are the alleged negligent party. Whenever a person is named in a lawsuit,... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Admiralty / Maritime and Gov & Administrative Law for California on
Q: What should I do with a potential ambergris found in California?

I recently found a stone at Capitola Beach, which I believe might be ambergris, weighing about 506 grams. I'm trying to confirm its identity and legality. I've attempted to contact ambergris experts but haven't received a response yet. I'm unsure whether I can sell it or if I... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 6, 2025

The website of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) advises as follows, "You may not collect, keep, or sell ambergris because it is a part from an endangered marine mammal." (sperm whale) NOAA provides the following number for assistance: (301) 427-8401, from:... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Admiralty / Maritime for Tennessee on
Q: Is my $243 citation fee for a life vest violation correct when state law says it should be no more than $50?

I received a citation in Carter County, TN, for not having a life vest on a paddle board on Watauga Lake, with a fee of $243 for violating paddle regulations. All the information I found online under the state statutes indicates the fee should be no more than $50. Could the $243 fee be correct?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 14, 2025

That must feel really frustrating, especially when the citation seems much higher than what the law suggests. In Tennessee, the base fine for certain boating violations like not having a life vest may be listed as “not more than \$50” under state law, but that doesn’t always reflect the full... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Admiralty / Maritime and Real Estate Law for South Carolina on
Q: Homeowners blocking access below high water mark with fences in Pawleys Island, SC.

I am facing an issue in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, where homeowners have erected fences that block access to the high water mark next to a boat ramp. According to the State of South Carolina, such obstruction on navigable waterways is illegal, as the property below the high water mark does not... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 14, 2025

That’s incredibly frustrating, especially when you know the law is on your side. In South Carolina, land below the high water mark on navigable waterways is considered public trust land, meaning the public has the right to access it for activities like fishing, walking, and boating. If a... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Admiralty / Maritime, Divorce and Family Law for Arizona on
Q: Should a sold boat be listed in a dissolution petition as community or separate property?

If I sold a boat that may be considered my husband's separate property while residing at our marital home with court permission, despite him being granted exclusive use of the home—which was also his separate property—should I list the sold boat in the dissolution petition? My husband was... View More

Rich J. Peters
Rich J. Peters
answered on Apr 28, 2025

If you have not yet filed the petition, then I do believe that what must be listed in the petition is community property that exists at the time the petition is prepared. He of corse may want to respond with a claim that it was improper for you to sell his boat without his permission.

A...
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