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District of Columbia Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Residency date error on green card impact on future naturalization

I recently received my green card, but I noticed that the date of residency printed on it is incorrect; it's marked as 10/12/20, whereas my approval notice date is 8/7/24. I am concerned that this error might affect my eligibility for naturalization when I apply in the future. What should I do... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

If there is an error in the residency date on your green card, it could potentially cause issues when applying for naturalization. The residency date is important because it helps determine when you can apply for U.S. citizenship. Naturalization requirements typically include a certain number of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Can a former president serve as VP and then president again?

I am curious about the scenario where a former president, such as Trump, might run for vice president. Suppose he becomes vice president and then is elevated to the presidency if the standing president resigns or steps down. In this situation, would Trump's eligibility to serve as president... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

That’s a thoughtful and interesting question, and you're not alone in wondering how the Constitution applies to this kind of scenario. The 22nd Amendment limits a person to being elected president only twice, and Donald Trump has already served one full term. He is eligible to run for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for District of Columbia on
Q: Could reprinting entire volumes of US Reports without modification be copyright infringement?

Could commercially reprinting entire volumes of the United States Reports without modification constitute copyright infringement?

I believe that 17 U.S.C. § 105 excludes the opinions of justices, headnotes, syllabi, etc. from copyright.

However, there are times where justices quote... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 27, 2025

Reprinting entire volumes of United States Reports raises nuanced copyright questions that merit careful analysis. While 17 U.S.C. § 105 explicitly places federal government works in the public domain, this protection does not automatically extend to third-party copyrighted materials quoted within... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Need pro bono help to access old US passport in Washington DC.

I am seeking pro bono assistance with a file search process to access my old US passport. I need help in Washington DC and any lawyer willing to assist may need to dedicate up to ten hours to this complicated case.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

To access your old U.S. passport, you will need to reach out to the U.S. Department of State’s Passport Services. They handle passport records and can guide you on how to obtain a copy or retrieve your old passport. Since your situation may be complicated and requires significant time, seeking... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for District of Columbia on
Q: Need to file probate
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this. Filing probate can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already grieving the loss of someone close to you. But once you take that first step, the rest becomes a little more manageable.

To start, you'll need to file a petition...
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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination, Employment Law and Civil Rights for District of Columbia on
Q: Was my termination due to ADHD and anxiety a violation of ADA and D.C. Human Rights Act?

I believe I was wrongfully terminated due to my mental health disability (ADHD and anxiety). On April 9, 2025, I had a severe panic attack and couldn't communicate with my supervisor for several hours. My impulsive response was to lie about my whereabouts, driven by shame and fear linked to my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 14, 2025

I'm really sorry this happened to you. It sounds like your employer acted quickly and harshly, even though your supervisor was aware of your ADHD and anxiety. When someone is fired without a chance to explain their mental health crisis or ask for accommodations, it can raise serious concerns... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Employment Discrimination for District of Columbia on
Q: I believe I was wrongfully terminated due to a mental illness. Do I have a good case?

I believe I was wrongfully terminated due to a mental health crisis. I experienced a panic attack and was unreachable for a few hours. Out of fear and embarrassment, I gave an inaccurate explanation for my absence. The next day, my employer asked for evidence to support my explanation, which I was... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 14, 2025

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this. Being let go while struggling with your mental health can feel overwhelming and deeply unfair.

Under federal law, most employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with mental health conditions, as long as the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Seeking advice on exiting marriage due to pressure for divorce.

I am seeking legal advice for myself as I am facing difficulties in my marriage. I married a year ago, but I now believe my husband may not have entered the marriage with sincere intentions. During our marriage, I had friendly conversations with a few people, which included affectionate chats with... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

It sounds like you're going through a difficult and emotionally stressful time, and it’s important to approach this situation carefully. If you're considering ending the marriage, the first step is to consult with a lawyer to understand your rights and options. They can guide you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Gov & Administrative Law and Employment Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Can my federal employer demand proof of activities on leave?

I am a federal employee who took annual federal leave to attend various appointments, including medical ones. Before my leave, I completed paperwork for Reasonable Accommodation and provided it to my employer. I informed her about my medical appointments and gave documents that would not infringe... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 8, 2025

Your federal employer cannot generally demand proof of your specific activities during your annual leave unless there is a clear and specific policy requiring it. As long as you have provided the necessary documentation for your Reasonable Accommodation request and your medical appointments without... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for District of Columbia on
Q: Misleading pay-to-work scheme by Appointment Setting Company in DC, paid $1,961, no response or refunds. What next?

I saw an ad on Facebook for a company called the Appointment Setting Company, which promised earnings from sales and recruitment. They claimed that I could earn $100 for booking an appointment and a 10% commission if the appointment led to a close. I paid $1,961 for their program with an initial... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

It’s incredibly upsetting to invest nearly $2,000 into what sounded like a legitimate opportunity, only to be met with silence and broken promises. If the company emphasized recruitment over actual appointment setting, that could indicate the program is structured more like a pyramid scheme,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Extent of federal judges' authority and state compliance?

What is the extent of federal judges' autonomy, especially concerning their authority to issue orders? Do federal judges have the power to require all states to comply with their decisions if the federal government chooses to ignore such orders? Additionally, how might these orders be... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 31, 2025

Federal judges possess substantial autonomy within our constitutional framework, deriving their authority from Article III which establishes an independent judiciary empowered to interpret laws and issue binding legal orders. Your question touches on a fundamental aspect of our constitutional... View More

Q: Can Elon Musk legally access Treasury and Social Security resources?

Can Elon Musk legally have access to resources or information from the Treasury and Social Security? I know judges have ruled in some cases he couldn’t, but how might he have gained access in the first place? Why are government workers in these bureaus not stopping him?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 28, 2025

Judges have actually placed restrictions on Musk's team (Department of Government Efficiency or "DOGE") from accessing sensitive government systems. Most recently, a federal judge temporarily blocked DOGE from Social Security Administration systems containing personal data of... View More

Q: How can I ensure my appeal and evidence are properly considered in Circuit Court after a renter's false accusations and questionable consolidation of cases?

I am an elderly, disabled, widow landlord dealing with a situation where my basement renter demanded early lease termination without penalty and the return of her security deposit without valid cause, using false accusations as blackmail. Despite a signed lease agreement and no prior issues... View More

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Mar 27, 2025

It sounds like you are asking this after it is already all over. It sounds like you represented yourself and did a very poor job. If you aren't a lawyer, the chances that you preserved your objections so that you can appeal are miniscule. I'd say fire your lawyer and get a new one … next time.

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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Civil Litigation for District of Columbia on
Q: Can a family abuse case against my sister be dismissed if I did not want to press charges?

If my sister received a court case for family abuse against me in Washington, D.C., but I informed the police not to press charges because the incident involved property damage rather than strangulation, is there any way to have the case dismissed? No previous legal incidents occurred between us,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

In Washington, D.C., once a police report is filed and a case is brought to court, the decision to proceed with charges is ultimately up to the prosecutor, not the victim. Even if you do not want to press charges, the prosecutor can still move forward if they believe there is enough evidence to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Estate Planning for District of Columbia on
Q: How to add my name to the deed of our house due to wife's health?

I need to add my name to the deed of our house, which is currently only in my wife's name, due to her current health situation. There are no liens or mortgages, and we have no disagreements about this decision. We do not have a will or estate plan, and we have not consulted a real estate... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

To add your name to the deed of the house, you and your wife will need to execute a new deed that transfers part of her ownership to you. This can be done using a "quitclaim deed" or "deed of gift," which allows her to transfer ownership to you without a sale. The deed should be... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Estate Planning for District of Columbia on
Q: How to add my name to the deed of my wife's house in DC?

I live in a house in Washington, DC, which is in my wife's name because she owned it prior to our marriage. We both agree on adding my name to the deed. There are no existing liens on the property. We are concerned about possible future circumstances in which my wife could become incapacitated... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Mar 19, 2025

It’s a simple process of your wife executing a deed from herself to you and her as tenants by the entirety. Any real estate lawyer can draft the deed and record it for you. However, deeding the property alone will not address how either one of you may manage the property (sell or borrow against... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Elder Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Looking for a lawyer to help with power of attorney for my elderly mom's health and finances.

I'm seeking a lawyer to create a power of attorney for my 91-year-old mom to ensure decisions regarding her healthcare and financial matters are covered. She is currently capable of making her own decisions. Could a lawyer assist with the process and advise on any specific conditions or... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Mar 19, 2025

Make an appointment with a lawyer who drafts estate planning documents in your jurisdiction. Your mother (and you, really) needs four documents at least: (1) a last will and testament; (2) a durable statutory-compliant financial power of attorney (POA); (3) a healthcare POA; and (4) an Advance... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law for District of Columbia on
Q: What is the constitutional basis for DOGE's authority?

I am curious about the constitutional basis for DOGE and its legal authority. What aspects of DOGE's authority are considered legal, illegal, or questionable under the constitution?

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answered on Mar 24, 2025

The legality of Elon Musk's government involvement is currently being challenged in several courts. His role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has sparked significant constitutional questions, particularly regarding the Appointments Clause which requires certain... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Civil Litigation for District of Columbia on
Q: Can a company sue for disputing a charge via Affirm after non-delivery and stopped communication?

Can the company take legal action against me for disputing a charge through Affirm due to non-receipt of a product for almost a year? The company stopped communicating via email and disconnected their phone line.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

It sounds like you’re in a frustrating situation where you’re trying to resolve an issue with a company that hasn’t delivered a product. If you disputed the charge through Affirm because the company stopped communicating and didn’t send the product, you're within your rights to do so.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law for District of Columbia on
Q: How to find a federal case online in the District of Columbia if PACER asks for a client code?

I am trying to find a federal case online in the District of Columbia, and I have the case number. However, I've tried accessing it through PACER and encountered an issue because PACER is asking for a client code which I do not have. Are there alternative methods or resources I can use to... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Mar 19, 2025

I believe any individual can register an account to use PACER.

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