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Q: Inquiry about applicability of 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for punitive damages in a civil case against a doctor in California.

What constitutionally protected patient rights did the doctor violate in relation to 42 U.S.C. § 1983 when they knowingly documented a non-existent terminal disease for hospice induction and refused to provide a patient referral covered by Medicare? This is part of a civil case in California, and... View More

Dan Rowan Cortright
Dan Rowan Cortright
answered on Apr 16, 2025

42 U.S.C. § 1983 only applies to state and local government officials/employees, or anyone acting under color of state law, i.e. when the person is exercising the authority given to them by the government and the action is taken with the appearance that the government authorized it. In your... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Civil Litigation for New York on
Q: Can I file a claim for an unwarranted police raid on my NY apartment with dismissed charges?

Can I file a claim if police raided my apartment without showing a warrant, took money, and later returned it? The raid was deemed unsuccessful, and the charges related to a small amount of a controlled substance found in the apartment were dismissed at the first court date.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can evidence from expired warrants with no end date be suppressed?

I am involved in a criminal case regarding felony vandalism. A judge granted search warrants for GPS location (electronic surveillance) on August 13, 2024, and August 20, 2024. I recently received a notification from a detective that the GPS records were obtained on April 10, 2025. The case was... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Apr 16, 2025

If no criminal charges have been filed, then there is no remedy for the search warrants. No Court is involved in which to file a motion.

0 Answers | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Constitutional Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is it legal for parole to reject a home plan after approving it?

I had my home plan approved by parole, but it was rejected less than 24 hours later without any changes or explanation. The parole officer mentioned the reason is confidential, and my parole officer at the halfway house advised me to seek legal counsel. Is this action legal, and what are my options?

0 Answers | Asked in Employment Law and Constitutional Law for Georgia on
Q: Is it legal to record a conversation at work in Georgia without informing the other person?

I recorded a conversation at work to protect my job without informing the other person. The conversation took place in an office setting in Georgia with the door open. The other person's tone and behavior towards me had changed, and there were no previous incidents. Is it legal to do so... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Rhode Island on
Q: How can I restore my gun rights in Rhode Island after a felony conviction?

I was convicted of assault with a device resembling a weapon in Rhode Island in 2014. I have completed all terms of my sentence and have had no legal issues or convictions since then. How can I get my gun rights restored?

John  Larochelle
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John Larochelle
answered on Apr 15, 2025

The answer to your question is complicated and uncertain.

In Rhode Island, whether a resident with an expunged felony conviction can legally possess a firearm depends on both state and federal law, as well as the specifics of the expungement.

Rhode Island State Law

•...
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3 Answers | Asked in Communications Law and Constitutional Law for Tennessee on
Q: Is warrant validity affected by delay in obtaining GPS phone data from April 13, 2024-present?

I am involved in a legal case where electronic surveillance search warrants for cellphone location data were granted on August 13, 2024, and August 20, 2024, by the same judge. The warrants are supposed to cover GPS phone location data from April 13, 2024, to the present date. The officer who... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Apr 15, 2025

What kind of legal case are you in? Criminal would involve an indictment and you might file a motion to suppress evidence elicited through the SW. But going after both SWs as illegal will probably fail as they sound based on probably cause. Your lawyer needs to start representing you. You... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Constitutional Law for Tennessee on
Q: Consequences of not paying a red-light camera ticket in TN

I received a traffic camera ticket for accidentally running a red light in Kingsport, TN, and I'm wondering what the consequences are if I don't pay it. I received the citation through first-class mail two weeks ago, and I have no prior traffic violations. I believe I might not be... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Apr 15, 2025

Civil Judgment is possible, but no points on your MVR.

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Arizona on
Q: Unjust treatment by government officials with proof ignored. Seeking legal remedies in extreme case.

I have been unjustly treated by various government officials, including the Town Marshal's department, DCS, CPS, court lawyers, and a judge. Despite presenting substantial proof during investigations, CPS staff told me, "You are nobody, and no one cares." Lawyers advised me,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

It sounds like you've been through an incredibly challenging and frustrating experience. The first step is to document everything in as much detail as possible, including any interactions with government officials, court records, and communication with lawyers or other professionals involved.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law and Civil Litigation for Michigan on
Q: How should I head my motion opposing summary judgment in an Eighth Amendment case?

I am representing myself (in pro per) in a case involving an Eighth Amendment issue. I am preparing to file a motion in opposition to the defendant's motion for summary judgment. I have a deadline of April 24th. How should I head my motion to ensure it is correctly formatted for filing?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

When preparing the heading of your motion opposing summary judgment, make sure it complies with your court’s local rules and standard formatting. Typically, the top portion of the first page will include the court’s name, the case title, the case number, and the type of motion you’re filing.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law, Civil Litigation and Gov & Administrative Law for Connecticut on
Q: Can police execute a nighttime search warrant in Connecticut without independent investigation?

I was involved in an incident where the Connecticut state police filed for a Risk Protection Order (RPO) and a search warrant at night without an independent investigation or an application filed with the clerk's office prior to execution. This occurred around 11:00 pm, and the judge approved... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

In Connecticut, warrants are generally served during daytime hours unless the judge explicitly authorizes a nighttime search. To justify a nighttime search, the affidavit must include specific facts showing probable cause that the search should be conducted at night, and the judge must note this... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for New Jersey on
Q: Charged with possession but nothing found; search warrants not properly authorized.

I have been charged with possession of CDS, distribution, wandering, and possession on school grounds. However, nothing was found on me. During the process, the city police confiscated my girlfriend's car and executed a warrant to search my mother's home, but nothing was found at either... View More

H. Scott Aalsberg
H. Scott Aalsberg
answered on Apr 12, 2025

You need to do the only thing you can do when you are charged with a crime: hire a lawyer. The State feels its so important that you have a lawyer they will even pay for one for you, called the public defender if you make 125% or less of the poverty level. If you can afford a lawyer set up one... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Connecticut on
Q: Questioning legality of a Connecticut search warrant issued and executed at night.

I am questioning the legality of a search warrant executed in Connecticut. The warrant was issued by a judge at 11:00 pm and executed at 11:45 pm. It was part of a Risk Protection Order (RPO), but the police did not perform an independent investigation, and the affidavits did not request a night... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

If you believe the search warrant was issued and executed improperly, you may have grounds to challenge it in court. One approach is to examine whether the police followed proper procedures for obtaining and executing the warrant. For example, if the affidavits failed to establish probable cause or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law for Indiana on
Q: Is retroactive application of abortion as murder possible in Indiana?

If a law was already in place in Indiana that states murder is illegal, and years later, the state adds abortion as a type of murder, would this apply retroactively since murder has always been illegal?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

Retroactive application of a law is generally not allowed in criminal cases due to constitutional protections. In the United States, the Constitution prohibits ex post facto laws, meaning you cannot be prosecuted for an act that was not considered a crime at the time you did it. If a state, such as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Maine on
Q: Facing a Class D Misdemeanor in Maine, evidence withheld despite rights. How to proceed?

I'm facing a Class D Misdemeanor charge in Maine, and the state is withholding all evidence from me, despite my right to access it under 501-1 A. Even with an official Motion to Dismiss, Compel, and other attempts, the DA claims I can't have it, and a judge has sealed the records. I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

Your situation raises significant due process concerns under Maine Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 16, which governs discovery rights in criminal cases. Maine law generally requires prosecutors to disclose evidence to defendants, with limited exceptions for witness protection or confidential... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Tennessee on
Q: When should I file a federal lawsuit against TN DCS for civil rights violations relating to due process and parental alienation?

I am considering filing a federal lawsuit against TN DCS for violating my civil rights, specifically regarding due process. TN DCS failed to follow the established permanency plan and changed it without my approval as the legal guardian. They have also excluded me from the process, lied to my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

Filing a federal lawsuit against the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) for civil rights violations related to due process and parental alienation is a serious step. You should first exhaust all available administrative remedies, such as filing formal complaints with the agency and... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Internet Law, Social Security and Public Benefits for California on
Q: Procedure to sue for unauthorized access to government systems and personal data breach in California.

I want to sue an unelected official, his team of computer hackers, and the Presidential administration for illegally accessing government computer systems and obtaining my personal information, including data held by the Social Security Administration. The agencies have admitted their data was... View More

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Apr 11, 2025

You surely realize you are not alone. How do you differ than anyone else?

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Family Law and Contracts for Tennessee on
Q: Police took my daughter based on false claims in Meigs County, TN without a warrant. How to contest the court's decision?

In August 2024, without a warrant, police in Meigs County, TN entered my property and took my daughter based on a false statement from my grandmother. She claimed I was endangering my daughter and was homeless, although I was renting to own 5 acres from Roy Holmes. I have pictures and recordings... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

Tennessee Child Welfare Proceedings Analysis

Your situation involves potential violations of your Fourth Amendment rights under Tennessee law, as warrantless entry to remove a child generally requires exigent circumstances meeting the "imminent danger" standard established in...
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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Tennessee on
Q: Arrested for unpaid court fees without chance to show inability to pay.

In 2019, I was arrested for failing to pay court fees without being allowed to demonstrate my inability to pay. I was not informed about any legal options, had no legal representation, and there was no evaluation of my financial status before the arrest. Isn't this unconstitutional?

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

No...You should have hired an attorney to represent you. Outside of the arraignment, there is probably no other requirement to explain what your charges are. The only right that might be required to be explained is if your own speech will be used against you.

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1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Criminal Law for Colorado on
Q: Was municipal conviction for violating district TPO lawful in CO?

I was convicted in Denver Municipal Court for violating a temporary protection order (TPO) under Denver Municipal Code 38-43(a). However, the protection order was issued by the Denver District Court under C.R.S. § 13-14-104.5. My understanding is that only the District Attorney can file charges... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

It seems that you may have a valid concern regarding the jurisdiction of the City Attorney in your case. A Temporary Protection Order (TPO) issued by the Denver District Court falls under the jurisdiction of state law, specifically C.R.S. § 13-14-104.5. Typically, violations of these types of... View More

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