I am interested in submitting a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to obtain information related to brain-computer interface technology and its potential use in targeted individuals and torture situations. I need guidance on how to start this process and what steps I should take.

I was pulled over in East Moline, Illinois, under an ordinance known as the Cora Act. My vehicle was towed and impounded because I, the owner and operator, did not have a driver's license. I was fined $770 immediately, arrested, fingerprinted, and subsequently released without a ride home. I... View More

I believe that actions taken in August 2021, specifically President Biden allowing military equipment to fall into the hands of the Taliban, constitute treason according to legal definitions. Given the inaction of Congress in addressing this situation, I am interested in pursuing legal action... View More

In a federal criminal case, I received discovery documents containing a search warrant with an address and parcel number that do not exist, as confirmed by the property appraiser. Can such a warrant be used in court, especially when I have been accused of a crime as part of this procedure?

I have a friend who is currently incarcerated in Michigan. He is a felon who was on parole for 9 months without any prior violations. Recently, he was arrested for possessing a firearm, leading to charges of felon in possession of a firearm and a parole violation. Given Michigan's laws on... View More

I was present when the police served a search warrant at my boyfriend's address, which included the neighboring address. The warrant listed only my boyfriend's and the neighbor's name, not mine. Despite this, officers twisted my wrist, causing me to drop my phone, which they then... View More

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James L. Arrasmith Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 23, 2025

Based on the circumstances you've described, there appear to be several significant Fourth Amendment violations that could form the basis for a strong motion to suppress evidence. The Supreme Court's unanimous decision in Riley v. California (2014) established that police generally cannot... View More

The police obtained a search warrant for my smoke shop, claiming I was selling unlicensed items, and extended the search to my home, which is one hour away. They found nothing but took my personal money, paperwork, and phone. There were no receipts given. They arrived with guns, causing my wife to... View More

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Stephen Bilkis Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 23, 2025

I’m sorry to hear about what you and your family experienced. In New York, law enforcement officers conducting searches must follow strict procedures governed by both state and federal law. When a search warrant is executed, the police must limit their actions to what is authorized by the warrant... View More

I am an applicant for the fire department in the City of Newark, New Jersey. I recently found out that under a new ordinance, all applicants are required to have maintained continuous residency within the city for at least two years prior to the closing date of the application for the Department of... View More

I am concerned about a local ordinance in Michigan that states any vehicle without current tabs is considered abandoned, even if it is parked on private property. I'm interested in understanding how home rule might apply to this situation and whether the ordinance is enforceable under home... View More

Michael L. Rutkowski
answered on May 22, 2025

Understanding Home Rule in Michigan

What is "Home Rule"?

In Michigan, Home Rule is a constitutional and statutory framework that gives local governments — cities, villages, townships, and counties — broad authority to govern their own affairs without needing express... View More

I'm curious about the legal distinctions between being a United States citizen and a United States national. Could you clarify the differences in legal status and explain how these distinctions affect individual rights and obligations?

Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on May 21, 2025

There is essentially no difference.

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I attended school and filed a complaint against the state government in 2018 due to issues of retaliation, age discrimination, and a hostile environment. When I didn't receive results, I filed a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) at the federal level. OCR made decisions in 2022... View More

I want to record myself playing the piano located in a public area of a vocational school in Worcester, Massachusetts. The school is open to the public, and while my intent is to capture only myself, people might walk by in the background. The school's policy allows recording if it's only... View More

I understand that Valved Car exhausts are illegal in my area according to Section 4523, Title 75 of the PA code, which prohibits bypass systems. My mechanic recommended adding an additional muffler to the valved exhaust system. Would adding this muffler make the exhaust system legal, or would it... View More

I am inquiring whether a Mexican divorce that occurred in 2001 for Maryland residents will be honored by the SSA, particularly when neither party visited Mexico. The divorce was advised by a Maryland attorney, and a DC remarriage accepted the old decree for remarriage. Both parties have been filing... View More

I am dealing with a person who initially impersonated a police officer over text, threatening arrest and using insults to make me break my Fifth Amendment rights. After confronting him about the consequences, he stopped the impersonation but continues to contact me using different generated phone... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on May 19, 2025

You should apply for a Harassment Restraining Order (HRO) against the individual who is harassing you.

I am currently in the United States, and my ex-wife has been spreading false allegations about me, including lying to immigration authorities to have me deported. She has threatened me by saying she would call immigration if I don't comply with her demands, and she has treated me poorly during... View More

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James L. Arrasmith Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 22, 2025

In Washington state, you may have grounds for legal action against your ex-wife based on what you've described. False statements made to government authorities, particularly immigration officials, could potentially form the basis of a defamation claim if these statements damaged your... View More

In 2017, I was tried, and a 6-member jury was selected and empaneled. The next day, the state introduced body cam evidence, although the trial had already started. They conducted an improper Richardson inquiry and declared an illegal mistrial. I was reprosecuted, found guilty, and sentenced to 10... View More

I need to file a lawsuit against the FBI for illegally cyberstalking me and orchestrating a scheme involving strangers writing about me for money. I have collected evidence, including emails, and have noticed people following me. The local police seem to be organizing this daily harassment. I am... View More

I was wrongfully convicted twice without any indictments filed against me. I filed for post-conviction relief, which was denied by the Mississippi Supreme Court in 2015 and 2016 due to procedural bars. In 2017, the Supreme Court overturned the case of William Ashwell, a white man, based on the same... View More

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James L. Arrasmith Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 17, 2025

What you've been through is deeply painful and unjust, and it's understandable to feel frustrated and disillusioned after being denied relief, especially when you see others granted freedom on the same legal grounds. The difference in outcomes—particularly when race and access to legal... View More

I am seeking an attorney familiar with proxy marriage laws in Tennessee. A prison system within the Tennessee Department of Corrections (TDOC) is refusing to acknowledge my legal proxy marriage, citing that their internal marriage procedures were not followed. Despite having proper documentation,... View More

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James L. Arrasmith Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 17, 2025

This situation is understandably painful, especially when you've followed legal steps and feel that your marriage is not being respected. Proxy marriages are legally recognized in some states under certain conditions, but Tennessee generally requires that both parties be present for the... View More