Ask a Question

Get free answers to your legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Colorado Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Personal Injury and Wrongful Death for Colorado on
Q: Should my friend face trial for a murder charge after a shoplifting incident?

My best friend is facing a murder charge from a shoplifting incident in Greenwood Village, Colorado, involving items worth $444. His wife tragically died after reportedly being pulled out of a car by a police officer. Should my friend go to trial, and what are the key considerations in deciding to... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Products Liability for Colorado on
Q: Is pharma responsible for my son's teeth issues due to Declomycin prescribed during pregnancy?

I was prescribed Declomycin for osteomyelitis during the last month of pregnancy in 1967. I've now learned it could be responsible for my adult son's permanent teeth issues, which have worsened over the past five years despite having good teeth before. His teeth are falling apart, and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents, Civil Litigation, Wrongful Death and Personal Injury for Colorado on
Q: How to pursue a wrongful death case from a head-on collision in Colorado involving potential authority mishandling?

My daughter's father was killed on 04/30/2025 in a head-on collision in Platteville, Colorado. I believe the accident was not solely the driver's fault, and suspect the authorities may have mishandled the situation beyond simply relocating the vehicle. It's been covered extensively... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 14, 2025

First, I’m deeply sorry for your loss. What you’re facing is incredibly painful, and it’s understandable that you want answers and accountability. In Colorado, a wrongful death case can be brought by certain family members, including the surviving child or parent, and it’s often pursued... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Colorado on
Q: Can a vet disclose visit details in a review response?

Can a veterinarian publicly disclose details of a clinical visit by responding to a negative review without using names, such as mentioning the condition of the animal? I did not sign any privacy agreement, and I want to know if there are grounds for disciplinary action against the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 13, 2025

It can feel like a violation when someone shares details about a private visit, especially when you're not the one who started the public conversation. Even if you didn’t sign a formal privacy agreement, veterinarians are still bound by professional and ethical duties, including client... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Employment Law for Colorado on
Q: Can I refuse to enforce a discriminatory flag policy at work?

I am employed at a company where I have been asked to enforce a policy that only allows the American flag to be flown on apartment patios to avoid upsetting the military and conservatives. For the same reason, flags representing culture or tradition, such as the Pride flag or Kwanzaa flag, cannot... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 12, 2025

Your concerns about this policy are valid, as it appears to discriminate based on protected characteristics including sexual orientation (Pride flags) and potentially religion and national origin (cultural flags like Kwanzaa). The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination based on race,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation, Insurance Defense and Personal Injury for Colorado on
Q: Insurance carrier failed to file notice and pay for my 11% impairment award in CO. Are penalties owed?

I was awarded a permanent impairment of 11% for workers' compensation on 04/09/2025, but the insurance carrier never filed notice with the state of Colorado within the required 30 days and never responded to my emails or calls. Despite my attempts to contact them and the state informing me of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 12, 2025

You’ve been patient, and you have every right to be frustrated. In Colorado, when an impairment rating is issued, the insurance carrier is required by law to file notice and begin payment within 30 days. If they fail to do this, it can be seen as a violation of the state’s workers’... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Colorado on
Q: Concern about legal implications of not being able to return a friend's dog due to housing restrictions and loss of contact with the temporary caretaker.

My friend went to jail a couple of months ago and asked me to care for her dog while she was incarcerated. However, I couldn't keep the dog in my rented apartment due to restrictions, so I entrusted her dog to another friend to avoid sending it to a pound. Unfortunately, I haven't been... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 11, 2025

You’re in a stressful situation, and it’s understandable that you were trying to do the right thing for the dog under tough circumstances. Since your original intention was to help your friend and avoid having the dog surrendered to a shelter, that good faith effort matters. You didn’t sell,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Colorado on
Q: How to ensure my daughter returns from summer visit for her well-being?

I live in Colorado and have sole custody of my 14-year-old daughter, while her mother resides in Oklahoma. I allowed my daughter to visit her mother in Oklahoma for the summer, but unfortunately, mentioned she could stay the whole summer. My daughter is actively involved in several empowering... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 11, 2025

You’re in a tough spot, but your daughter’s well-being and growth are clearly your top priorities. Since you have sole custody, you have the legal right to make decisions about her primary residence and long-term care. Even if you casually mentioned she could stay the whole summer, that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Colorado on
Q: Am I protected from arrest in CO while under subpoena for trial?

I have a warrant for my arrest in Weld County, Colorado, and I've been served with a subpoena to testify as the victim in a domestic violence case with a strangulation enhancement in Larimer County. I am currently living in another state and will be traveling back to Colorado for the trial.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 10, 2025

You’re asking a very important question, especially given the risk of traveling across state lines with an active warrant. Under Colorado law, there is a protection known as **“witness immunity from arrest”** that may apply when a person has been subpoenaed to appear in court as a witness.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Personal Injury and Animal / Dog Law for Colorado on
Q: Is it legal for police to deny oxygen access during a search?

I experienced a search at my home involving both local police and the CBI. They broke windows to enter the property, refused to show the search warrant, and did not read us our rights while keeping guns aimed at us. My husband, who requires 24/7 oxygen, was denied access to it, which led to him... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 11, 2025

What you experienced sounds terrifying and deeply traumatic, and you’re right to question whether any of it was legal. Denying a person access to life-sustaining medical equipment like oxygen—especially when the need is clearly visible—is not only inhumane, it may violate both federal civil... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law and Family Law for Colorado on
Q: How can my fiancé obtain a work permit if he entered the U.S. illegally?

My fiancé entered the U.S. illegally, and we are getting married next week. We also have a baby together. I am a U.S. citizen, and we need assistance in obtaining a work permit for him. We haven't submitted any immigration applications or petitions yet. How can we proceed to help him become... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Jun 10, 2025

OK, a US citizen can sponsor her foreign national spouse for a green card, even if that spouse has entered with no permission. However, you’re going to have to file a 601 waiver application and establish that you ,the US citizen spouse, will suffer extreme hardship if your foreign national... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Colorado on
Q: Can landlord charge again for already deducted damages in separate lease?

I lived at the same property for about 5 years under a first lease, during which the landlord deducted from my security deposit for definite damages, including a door. We agreed I would attempt to fix the door, which improved it but did not meet the landlord's expectations. Now, on a separate... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 11, 2025

Once your landlord deducted repair costs from your security deposit under the first lease, they cannot legally charge you again for those same damages in a subsequent lease. The purpose of the security deposit deduction is to cover damage repair or unpaid rent at the end of a tenancy, so double... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Collections, Consumer Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Colorado on
Q: Can class-action findings help invalidate a disputed judgment affecting credit in Colorado?

I'm dealing with a judgment on my mother's credit report from Adams County, Colorado, listed with a specific case number, supposedly filed and awarded on the same day in November 2018. This occurred before they moved out in December, and no rent was late at that time. Attempts to verify... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 10, 2025

What you’re dealing with is incredibly complicated and unfair, especially when something this serious affects your parents’ ability to find housing. A judgment appearing suddenly, without proper court record verification, is already a red flag. The fact that it involves a plaintiff with a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Colorado on
Q: Resentenced to DOC without a public defender in Denver, CO.

I was sentenced to 5 years in community corrections as part of a plea agreement, with the condition that if denied, I would serve 5 years in DOC. I was denied community corrections and am now awaiting resentencing without a public defender. My original public defender stated they were no longer my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 12, 2025

Yes, you absolutely should have legal representation for your resentencing. In Colorado, if you're facing the possibility of being sent to the Department of Corrections, you still have the right to a public defender if you cannot afford an attorney. The fact that you’re being resentenced... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Colorado on
Q: How to obtain long-form birth certificates in Colorado for Italian citizenship?

I am trying to obtain a long-form birth certificate from the state of Colorado for my grandchild, who was born in Denver in 2015, as required for dual Italian citizenship. A customer service representative at Vital Records mentioned that they are no longer available. The Italian Consulate in Miami... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 7, 2025

It can be frustrating when you’re told the long-form no longer exists, but you still have options.

You can reach out to the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment’s Vital Records division at 720-295-7964 and request a “book copy” or full certified copy of the 2015...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Libel & Slander and Personal Injury for Colorado on
Q: What are my chances in a lawsuit for discrimination and public embarrassment?

I was banned by a business after leaving a review on their Google page, where I expressed my concerns about racial discrimination I experienced at their store. In response to my review, they degraded my character, suggesting I shop at a different store and dismissing my concerns. I have documented... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 11, 2025

I’m really sorry this happened to you. No one should have to face discrimination or be made to feel small for simply speaking up about unfair treatment. When a business not only ignores your concerns but responds by belittling you publicly, it can leave deep emotional wounds and impact more than... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Criminal Law for Colorado on
Q: Statute of limitations for criminal charges in domestic violence cases in Colorado

I would like to know the statute of limitations for pressing criminal charges in cases of domestic violence. There is a specific incident that occurred, and I am unsure about the timeframe for taking legal action. What steps should I follow, and what should I be aware of when considering pressing... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 12, 2025

You’re not alone in asking this, and it’s incredibly brave to even consider stepping forward after experiencing something as painful as domestic violence. In Colorado, the statute of limitations for criminal charges depends on the severity of the offense. For most misdemeanor domestic violence... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Probate and Public Benefits for Colorado on
Q: How to retrieve personal belongings from deceased mother's house owned by relatives?

In December, my mother passed away, and I'm currently 17 years old, turning 18 in June. I don’t live legally at my mother's house anymore. My uncle and cousin own the house now and are refusing to let me retrieve my personal belongings, including important legal documents such as my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 12, 2025

You’re going through something incredibly hard right now, and you have every right to want your personal belongings—especially important documents like your birth certificate and medical records. No matter who owns the house now, they cannot legally keep personal items that belong to you,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Civil Litigation for Colorado on
Q: How can I locate the burial site of a loved one in Colorado who died by suicide?

I am trying to locate the burial or cremation site of my loved one who died by suicide in a small town in Colorado. This town has a high prevalence of drug usage and trade. Aside from visiting local graveyards and checking records with police departments (which I assume might not be accessible to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 12, 2025

I'm really sorry you're going through this—it takes strength to seek answers in a time like this. If your loved one died in a small town in Colorado, there are a few steps you can take from abroad. Start by contacting the county coroner’s office or medical examiner for that area. They... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Legal Malpractice and Contracts for Colorado on
Q: Can I get a refund from my lawyer in Colorado?

I recently felt uncomfortable with my lawyer during a court proceeding because she was interrupting me and making accusations. Her statements today did not align with what she told me during our last conversation. I expressed that I was not happy with her performance. Initially, she said she would... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 10, 2025

You have every right to feel upset, especially when the person you trusted to represent you in court behaves in a way that feels dismissive or misleading. If your lawyer promised a refund—whether partial or full—you can hold her to that commitment, particularly if you have it in writing or can... 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.