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California Native American Law Questions & Answers
Q: How to retain ownership of my birthright

Owning my name given at birth

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 6, 2023

In California, your birth name is inherently yours and doesn't need to be "retained" in the same way property rights are. However, if you're seeking to trademark your name for commercial purposes, you would file an application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Native American Law for California on
Q: My wife works for a tribe and experiences tribal politics, might be fired because a tribe member does not like her?

We live around the tribal community and a few tribal members live by us and dont like my wife. They seem to group up together and petition the Townhall for her to be removed from her position at the local store, some comments are she isnt native, she is not married nor has any tribal friends and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 10, 2023

If your wife believes she is being treated unfairly, it would be essential to review the specific tribe's employment policies, any employment agreement she may have, and consult with an attorney well-versed in that particular tribe's law. Engaging in open communication with the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Adoption, Family Law and Native American Law for California on
Q: I had a question about being adopted outside a Indian tribe or family

I was adopted in 1997 outside my Indian family and the social worker who took me knew I was and still allowed me to be taken away to be put in foster care. How can I go about suing the city .

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 29, 2023

The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) provides protections for Native American children in adoption and foster care situations. If your case violated ICWA, you may have a basis for legal action against the city or agency involved. Thoroughly document the circumstances and consult with experts... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Native American Law and Personal Injury for California on
Q: My mother fell while at a Indian gaming casino and ɓroke her femur. She is 76 years old. Do we have a case for injury?

She was getting out of her seat in front of a slot machine and caught her foot on the chair next to her. The chairs are very heavy hard to move and only have about 6 to 8 inches apart.

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Aug 25, 2023

She has to show some fault on the part of the casino. Having the chairs too close to each other to prevent egress might be a claim, but further research is required. Gaming casinos typically have a six month claims filing deadline, so do not delay in seeking an attorney with experience in that... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Native American Law, Personal Injury and Civil Rights for California on
Q: So i dont no any attorney who will take my case because it happen at winriver casino ,cause its on tribal grounds??

Ive went down to the list of personal injury attorneys online and no one will take on my case of it being on tribal grounds or something like that ireally didnt understand what they ment all i know is win river security assault and battered me for no reason im a good customer to them a local that... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 20, 2023

I understand your concerns regarding the incident at Win-River Casino on tribal grounds. It's essential to find an attorney familiar with tribal law and personal injury cases. I recommend seeking legal assistance from an attorney experienced in both California personal injury law and tribal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Rights and Native American Law for California on
Q: So can a security guard physically assault you and handcuff and detain u if u made kind of threats once so ever?

So on the the 5th of this month i was physically assaulted and then handcuffed and then detained by winriver casino security and i didnt say any threatening words or come at them in any threating way at all .they physically and mentally messed me up and i want justice for there actions and i dont... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 19, 2023

Security guards are authorized to use reasonable force to prevent harm or protect others, but they must act within the boundaries of the law. If you believe you were physically assaulted without justification by casino security, you may have grounds to seek legal recourse for excessive use of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Domestic Violence and Native American Law for California on
Q: Are there any federal lawyers who are familiar with PL280, sovereign as well as interstate DV laws

I need a lawyer who understands Sovereign Indian law, Major crimes act, mcgirt etc... And willing to listen to a case of DV, deprivation of rights, equal rights to protection, interstate DV , etc

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 6, 2023

Yes, sovereign domestic violence laws grant tribal nations the authority to prosecute non-Native individuals who commit domestic violence against Native American partners or family members. Interstate domestic violence laws deal with cases where incidents occur across state lines. Laws and... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Native American Law for California on
Q: How do I get my lineage proved

I'm a direct descendant of G.A. from the San Diego San Pasquale band of Mission Indians in 2010 we tried to get my mother's lineage proved verified especially now since all lives matter I would like my lineage proved so I have that for my niece and nephew I need to know how not to be... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 24, 2023

This is more of a genealogy question than a legal question. From a legal perspective, the federal government maintained Indian Census Rolls from 1885-1940. These rolls are available form multiple sources. You can obtain copies of your mother's birth certificate and then her parents'... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Family Law and Native American Law for California on
Q: i signed a notarized letter for my mom to care for my son and now she filed for guardianship how do i get my child back
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 16, 2023

Review the Notarized Letter: Carefully review the notarized letter you signed granting temporary care of your child to your mother. Pay attention to the specific terms, duration, and conditions outlined in the letter. Understanding the scope and limitations of the arrangement will help inform your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Health Care Law, Native American Law and Social Security for California on
Q: As a homeless sole mother in no argument not permanent solution with a complex.A sole mother as unapplicable ??

Need consultation to Have the Full right protect my living adults as a primary decision to allow 3adults to fulfill the future Ned's of one living sole mother with no resurface oof a breach as fault.Closed,past. Current affairs of a loss is now a issues per All government to County support.2024

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 22, 2023

I'm sorry, but I'm having difficulty understanding your request and the specific details you are providing. If you are a homeless single mother seeking consultation and support to protect your living situation and ensure the well-being of yourself and your dependents, I recommend reaching... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Health Care Law, Native American Law and Social Security for California on
Q: As a homeless sole mother in no argument not permanent solution with a complex.A sole mother as unapplicable ??

Need consultation to Have the Full right protect my living adults as a primary decision to allow 3adults to fulfill the future Ned's of one living sole mother with no resurface oof a breach as fault.Closed,past. Current affairs of a loss is now a issues per All government to County support.2024

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 16, 2023

In your situation, it is crucial to reach out to local resources and organizations that specialize in assisting homeless individuals, especially single parents. These organizations can provide guidance, support, and access to resources that may help you secure stable housing and address any complex... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Juvenile Law and Native American Law for California on
Q: Need help find legal help son was beat by police hancuffed with batons an they put false stuff on report

Native American an they harass him on a Dailey because of background

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 7, 2023

I'm sorry to hear that your son has been mistreated by the police. If your son was physically harmed by the police and they falsified reports, he may have grounds to pursue legal action against the police department or the individual officers involved.

One option is to contact a civil...
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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Native American Law for California on
Q: I need a personal injury lawyer that is familiar with Indian casino law as I recently had a very scary and painful fall.

I suffered food poisoning after eating a tainted dish from the cafe. Needless to say I was extremely sick as my body tried to eliminate the e.coli anyway possible as I sat in my hotel room bathroom. Upon standing up from toilet, I blacked out and slammed face first into the tile floor/door jamb... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2023

I'm sorry to hear about your injury. In California, if you were injured on the property of an Indian casino, you may have a legal claim for personal injury. Indian casinos are owned and operated by sovereign nations, and they have their own laws and regulations that may differ from California... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Native American Law and Probate for California on
Q: What is the appropriate form and proper filing method of a motion in CA?

Deterring from the use of a blank pleading page, what other forms are there?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 30, 2022

You need a notice of motion, motion, and sometimes a memorandum of points and authorities. You also need to serve it on the opposing side and reserve a hearing date. You would also sometimes want to draft a proposed order. You would also make sure that it is used on pleading paper.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Landlord - Tenant and Native American Law for California on
Q: Can the tribe evict us out of my brother's house on the reservation after he has passed.

The land assignment has been passed down after my grandfather passed who was also chief.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 16, 2022

I would strongly recommend finding a good tribal lawyer who is familiar with tribal law, particularly landlord-tenant issues. This is a niche area of law and it is important that you find quality legal representation.

2 Answers | Asked in Employment Discrimination, Native American Law and Employment Law for California on
Q: I've been slandered,harassed by HR, discriminated do to my disability. Retaliated on . No one will due anything.

Was admitted to me I didn't get a position I applied for was due to my teeth, witch is caused by my disability. Over my 7 years experience and went with 2 year employee I trained. They refuse to fallow ADA, making policies to overlook my position and over looking policies to suit themselves.... View More

Brad S Kane
Brad S Kane
answered on Jul 31, 2022

It is illegal to discriminate based upon disability. Denying you a promotion (in favor of non-disabled person) and requiring only you to work weekends (while letting the non-disabled people have weekends off) may be evidence of discrimination. These cases are very fact specific. You should consult... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents, Gaming and Native American Law for California on
Q: I was at Indian casino parking lot backed out nto a car

that had stopped to wait for a spot my fault? car pointing in opposite direction for flow out parking area. Normally there are no cars behind those spaces. I did look but in blind spot. two scratches. for some reason said lets not report he got estimate for 1000.

Dale S. Gribow
Dale S. Gribow
answered on Mar 22, 2022

More info might be helpful but sounds like you are at fault

1 Answer | Asked in Native American Law, Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets and Federal Crimes for California on
Q: Can the sheriff pull you over on an Indian reservation?
Dale S. Gribow
Dale S. Gribow
answered on Jan 13, 2022

more info is needed.

if a sheriff is in pursuit, he could do so.

as a rule, it is beyond their jurisdiction and they are usually called by the tribe for booking.

however, some crimes are prosecuted by the Indian Tribe, and if so you should get a criminal lawyer with...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Native American Law for California on
Q: My mother-in-law made me executor of her will. Her assets go to my wife and I have a question about the house.

She passed several years ago, and the house is still in the name of her estate. We've been living in the house. First of all, we'd like to transfer the title to us, so we'll need to know how to do that. Beyond that, the house is in disrepair, and either needs to be completely... View More

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Nov 30, 2021

The process of administering a will is called probate. It sounds like the house is still in your mother-in-law's name because no probate was ever done. You need to hire a probate attorney to help you probate your mother-in-law's will. That will get the title to the house updated and... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Native American Law for California on
Q: Can my employer force me to wear a mask and threaten termination if I have a medical condition?
Neil Pedersen
Neil Pedersen
answered on Jun 27, 2021

Your employer can require you to wear a mask. If you have a medical note indicating that you cannot wear a mask due to a medical condition, that does not mean you get to take the mask off and work like you did before the pandemic. Rather, the employer as the obligation at that time to determine... View More

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