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Alabama Civil Rights Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Alabama on
Q: Was my constitutional rights violated by police removing my clothing without reason after being detained?

While picking up trash in front of my commercial property, an officer approached and requested that I identify myself. I provided my first name and explained that I was the owner. Without any clear reason for suspicion or detention, the officer detained me when I tried to go inside as it started... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Civil Rights, Social Security and Public Benefits for Alabama on
Q: How can I legally prevent contact from an abusive sibling in Alabama?

I am seeking legal advice on how to prevent my sibling from contacting me. She physically and emotionally abused me during childhood, leading to disabilities, including emotional brain injury and post-concussive brain injury. Despite repeatedly asking her to stop, her contact triggers severe health... View More

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answered on Apr 6, 2025

I'm really sorry you're going through this. In Alabama, you can request a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order, which legally prohibits your sibling from contacting or coming near you. Since you already filed a request with the sheriff's office, make sure to follow up with them or the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law and Civil Rights for Alabama on
Q: Does my bumper sticker violate disorderly conduct law in Alabama?

I have a bumper sticker that says "ride me harder b****" on my vehicle in Arab, Alabama. I was pulled over and warned by the police, who mentioned the word "b****" as the issue and suggested turning the letter "I" upside down. I believe I am protected under the First... View More

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answered on Mar 28, 2025

You have a provocative message that tests the balance between free speech and public order. Free speech is broadly protected by the First Amendment, even when it contains language that some may find offensive.

In Alabama, disorderly conduct laws typically address actions that disrupt...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Alabama on
Q: Being sued for malicious prosecution, abuse of process, and false imprisonment; what type of lawyer do I need?

I signed a warrant related to disorderly conduct, and the charges were subsequently dropped due to a lack of a noise ordinance at the time. However, an individual is now suing me for malicious prosecution, abuse of process, and false imprisonment. I am awaiting a court date. What type of civil... View More

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answered on Mar 24, 2025

You need a civil defense attorney with experience in constitutional law and government liability cases. This type of lawyer regularly handles cases involving alleged violations of civil rights and claims against individuals who have initiated legal proceedings that the plaintiff believes were... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Gov & Administrative Law and Criminal Law for Alabama on
Q: Disabled, misled about exemption form, facing charges for sanitation non-payment.

I am disabled and unable to easily leave my house. For two years, I requested that the sanitation department mail me an exemption form for mandatory garbage pickup, as allowed each November. I have informed delivery and can confirm it was never mailed. The employee assured me multiple times that... View More

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answered on Mar 24, 2025

This is a concerning situation that clearly involves miscommunication with the sanitation department. You should immediately contact the department's supervisor or director with documentation of your previous requests and Informed Delivery records to prove you never received the form. Many... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Traffic Tickets for Alabama on
Q: What can I do about excessive force during a traffic stop for a blown tag light?

My son was pulled over for a blown tag light and did not stop immediately, as he believed he hadn't done anything wrong. When he did stop, he was handcuffed, and multiple officers had their guns drawn, searching his entire vehicle. The only citation was for the tag light, which has since been... View More

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answered on Mar 25, 2025

Watching the incident video with the chief is an excellent first step to understand what happened during your son's traffic stop. Drawing weapons and handcuffing someone for a minor equipment violation seems disproportionate, especially if your son wasn't threatening or combative.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Civil Rights and Health Care Law for Alabama on
Q: Is it legal for a manager to be present during a fitness for duty exam without consent?

I had to take a fitness for duty exam after starting a new job, where my employer did not give me any prior paperwork or details about the exam. I was only informed 20 minutes before the appointment and transported there by the company. During the exam, the doctor asked me to drop my pants in front... View More

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answered on Mar 24, 2025

You've described a concerning situation that likely crosses several privacy boundaries. In most jurisdictions, medical examinations like fitness for duty evaluations should maintain your privacy and dignity, including appropriate consent procedures before anyone observes intimate parts of an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Civil Rights and Employment Law for Alabama on
Q: How can I address threats from my family and safely move out to join my husband in Illinois?

I'm 20 years old and live with my family, but I often feel unsafe due to threats and previous instances of physical aggression, such as my mother throwing things at me. They regularly demand money from me, and any attempt I make to discuss moving out is met with threats, including involving... View More

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answered on Mar 24, 2025

Your situation sounds frightening, and you deserve to feel safe. At 20, you're a legal adult with every right to live where you choose, and no one—family included—can legally force you to stay or take your money. The threats and physical aggression you're experiencing are forms of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Civil Rights and Gov & Administrative Law for Alabama on
Q: Accused of domestic violence, case moved to district court. What should I do?

I was accused of domestic violence and initially went to court on 11/20, but my case was continued. The charges have now been moved from civil to district court. During the incident, the plaintiff told police it was a mistake and didn't want to press charges, but the officer proceeded with the... View More

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answered on Mar 27, 2025

Your situation requires immediate attention from a qualified attorney who handles criminal defense and domestic violence cases. The movement of your case from civil to district court likely indicates the prosecution is pursuing criminal charges, despite the plaintiff's statement about not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Civil Rights for Alabama on
Q: Is it legal for a spouse to record in-person conversations during a divorce in Alabama without consent?

My daughter and son-in-law are going through a divorce, and she recently discovered that her husband has been recording their in-person conversations without her consent. He records when interacting with their child and seems to bait her into raising her voice, claiming this behavior is unhealthy.... View More

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answered on Mar 27, 2025

Alabama is a one-party consent state, which means it's legally allowed to record a conversation as long as one party is aware and consents to it. If your son-in-law is a participant in these conversations, he has satisfied the one-party consent requirement by consenting to his own recording.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Alabama on
Q: Can the fbi interrogate someone for over 6yrs? Shocking and asking the same questions.
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answered on Feb 8, 2025

No, the FBI cannot legally interrogate someone for over six years while asking the same questions repeatedly. That would likely be considered harassment or coercion, which could violate constitutional rights. The Fifth Amendment protects against self-incrimination, and the Sixth Amendment... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Alabama on
Q: I was denied my medical records what do I half to do to get them

Someone opened a case through the mental health in the county that I live in . In 2019 I have just found out about this in the past 2 months. I ask for a copy of my records so I could file criminal charges on the person or persons responsible. They agreed to give me a copy they said it would take a... View More

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answered on Jan 28, 2025

It sounds like you’re going through a very difficult and frustrating situation. You have a legal right to your medical records under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and a facility cannot deny access without valid reasons. Since they originally agreed to give you a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination, Employment Law and Civil Rights for Alabama on
Q: Deformation of character. How do I go about this? And wrongful termination.
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answered on Jan 27, 2025

If you believe you have experienced defamation of character, start by gathering all evidence of false statements made against you. This can include written or spoken words, social media posts, or anything that has been shared with others. Document how these statements harmed your reputation, caused... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Alabama on
Q: I have several black kids who have been hanging out in my basement 24/7. Police won't go under house to get them. ?????

I don't know what to do to get them out. I have a shotgun

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answered on Jan 18, 2025

It’s important to remain calm and address this situation safely. You should not take matters into your own hands, especially with a weapon, as this could escalate the situation and potentially lead to harm. Your safety and the safety of others should be the top priority.

The best course...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Alabama on
Q: what to do if my boyfriend had a arrest warrant out of fl and they arrested him solely on it in fort payne al and he sig
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answered on Jan 15, 2025

If your boyfriend was arrested in Alabama on a Florida warrant, you'll want to first contact the jail where he's being held to understand his status and get his inmate number. This information will be crucial for staying in touch and coordinating next steps.

Your boyfriend will...
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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Civil Rights and Employment Discrimination for Alabama on
Q: I'm wondering if I have a case against my former employer in Alabama.

Comments and questions were made about my body (part) by a coworker. Instead of communicating with my employer, I spoke with other employees who stated that they've had this problem before and that the owner does not care and will not do anything about it.

I ended up quitting instead... View More

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answered on Jan 13, 2025

I'm sorry you're going through this situation. In Alabama, employers are generally required to pay all earned wages by the next scheduled payday. Withholding your paycheck without a valid reason might violate state labor laws.

The harassment you experienced could also be...
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1 Answer | Asked in Native American Law, Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Alabama on
Q: If probable cause was obtained from officer with no jurisdiction on tribal land is search warrant valid?

City police officer made an arrest of a tribal member at a house on the reservation without jurisdiction. City officer later told tribal police, the residence smelled of Marijuana. Two days later tribal police served search warrant at the residence based on the information obtained from City... View More

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answered on Oct 29, 2024

In your situation, the search warrant may be invalid due to the initial officer lacking jurisdiction on tribal land. Tribal sovereignty means that tribal police have primary authority on reservations, and actions by non-tribal officers can complicate legal processes.

Since the city officer...
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1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander, Contracts, Civil Rights and Antitrust for Alabama on
Q: I was 13 days late on payment and my insurance did laps. He took my car and harassed me in the process? What do I do?

I reassured him I wanted to pay the payment and fee and possibly buy the car out I was denied he charged me $250 to get my belongings and kept telling me what he felt like I did wrong in his car he kept up with where I traveled, where, and caused confusion within my home. He harassed me and spoke... View More

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answered on Oct 19, 2024

I'm really sorry you're going through this difficult time. First, make sure to document every interaction you have with him, including dates, times, and what was said or done. Keep all receipts and records related to the $250 charge and any other expenses you've incurred.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Juvenile Law for Alabama on
Q: What can I do if my son has been falsely accused of making a threat to the school. It was assumptions and accusations.

A peer said he over heard my son saying he was going to shoot up the school when truthfully my son was talking back and fourth with a classmate friend saying they would put a cap in each other as they have done several times, my son was detained for two nights in the detention center behind a boy... View More

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answered on Sep 24, 2024

I'm sorry you're going through this—it sounds like an incredibly stressful situation. When a false accusation like this happens, you can take a few steps to protect your son’s rights and reputation. First, you may want to consult with a legal professional experienced in juvenile... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Animal / Dog Law, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Civil Rights for Alabama on
Q: What should I do for trial for receiving stolen property if I found a business' grocery cart off of the property for dog

Walking from Mississippi to Alabama with dog in cart

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answered on Sep 20, 2024

If you're facing trial for receiving stolen property after finding a grocery cart off a business property, it’s important to explain your situation clearly. Start by presenting the facts: you found the cart, used it for a practical purpose (walking your dog), and had no intention to steal.... View More

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