Get free answers to your Civil Rights legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I am based in Orlando, Florida, and have been targeted by a business operating out of Toronto, Canada, owned by an individual with South Korean or dual Canadian-South Korean citizenship. The business doxxed me by posting photos from my private Instagram account on Twitter and requested their... View More 
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answered on Apr 16, 2025
You may have grounds for legal action under several theories, including cyberbullying, targeted harassment, or libel, though specific outcomes depend on the details and evidence. Under U.S. federal law, there is no specific statute for cyberbullying; however, harassment and stalking are covered... View More
While my car broke down on a two-lane road with no shoulders, I moved it to a "no parking" area to avoid blocking traffic and left a note stating I would return with jumper cables. Upon returning, my car was towed away. I discovered, through video and witnesses, that two police officers... View More
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answered on Apr 16, 2025
You may have grounds to pursue legal action if the police searched and towed your car without justification and caused damage or loss in the process. A vehicle parked in a “no parking” zone can be towed under local ordinances, but officers must still follow constitutional standards when... View More
My boyfriend was arrested due to false allegations made by a neighbor with whom we've had ongoing problems. The neighbor claimed my boyfriend broke into his one-bedroom apartment. According to the arrest affidavit, the investigator observed that the window blinds, not the screen, were pushed... View More
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answered on Apr 16, 2025
You’re right to feel confused when the physical scene doesn’t match your boyfriend’s story, but police only need “probable cause” to make an arrest—not proof beyond a reasonable doubt. When a neighbor swears out a complaint for burglary and officers find signs (even just blinds pushed... View More
I requested ADA accommodations at work, specifically a flexible schedule, which my employer agreed to provide. However, my employer has increased my workload and is now requiring monthly accountability for hours worked, which has never been asked of me since I started in 2019. Additionally, my... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
It seems like you’re facing a situation where your reasonable accommodations under the ADA are being used in a way that may not be supportive of your needs. If your employer has increased your workload or added new responsibilities that make it harder for you to meet expectations due to your... View More
My wife works for a law enforcement agency and is pregnant. The agency is aware of her pregnancy but has advised her that wearing leggings at work is inappropriate and that she needs to wear jeans. However, she can no longer fit into her jeans due to her pregnancy. The dress code policy mentions... View More
answered on Apr 12, 2025
Possible violation. It would be helpful to know if she has faced any adverse employment action like being suspended or denied work due to the issue.
I am currently experiencing harassment by an individual whom I believe to be an informant. This person tries to enter my hotel room every time I open the door for fresh air. I have already reported this issue to hotel management. I would like to know if I can hire a lawyer to file a police report... View More
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answered on Apr 7, 2025
A lawyer cannot directly file a police report for you, as police reports are typically filed by the individual experiencing the issue or a witness. However, a lawyer can help guide you through the process of reporting the harassment. They can offer advice on how to document the situation and make... View More
I live in a building in Florida where an employee staff member threatened my life as well as the life of my cat in the lobby. I have the threat recorded. I don't have any personal relationship with her other than she works in the building I live in. The administrator told me that it... View More
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answered on Apr 7, 2025
Yes, it is illegal for someone to threaten your life in Florida. Threatening another person's life is considered a crime under Florida law. It can be classified as aggravated assault, which involves making a threat with the intent to cause fear of imminent harm. This type of threat can carry... View More
I am a disabled person who was falsely arrested on February 26th for asserting my 4th Amendment rights. My neighbor and property manager falsely reported that I was an armed combat veteran with PTSD and mental health issues holding my girlfriend and infant daughter hostage. The police acknowledged... View More
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answered on Apr 7, 2025
It sounds like you’ve been through an incredibly difficult and traumatic experience, and I’m sorry to hear about what happened. The actions you described seem to involve serious violations of your rights, and there are legal avenues to pursue justice. Given the nature of your case, finding an... View More
I am facing an issue with a mobile home park owner who refused a payment that was previously sent and received through a pay app. The owner deleted the app and pursued eviction under another occupant's name, which the court subsequently dropped. I then received a notice for unpaid rents and... View More
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answered on Apr 7, 2025
First, gather all the evidence you have, including the payment confirmation from the app, any correspondence with the park owner, and documents related to the eviction attempt. The fact that there is no signed lease agreement works in your favor, as it may limit the owner's ability to legally... View More
I have been the victim of continuous false accusations and lies told by one individual over the last 4 years. This person has filed a false police report, had my house swatted, made false claims to their attorney, filed a civil suit filled with false information, made false allegations to a... View More
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answered on Apr 7, 2025
It’s important to address the ongoing harassment and false accusations in a legal manner to protect yourself. First, consider documenting all interactions and any evidence you have, even if it seems minimal. Keep a detailed log of all communications, incidents, and any harassment. This will help... View More
I am seeking legal advice concerning actions taken by my 12-year-old son's school in Florida. My son, who has special needs and is non-violent, experienced distressing treatment from the school staff. They forcibly attempted to take his backpack without explaining the reason. When... View More
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answered on Apr 2, 2025
Your case presents multiple potential violations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Florida education law. The forcible attempt to take your son's backpack without explanation and subsequent removal of it during schoolwork may constitute inappropriate intervention... View More
Is it legal for the principal of a school to demand my child turn over their backpack without providing a reason, then forcibly attempt to pry their hand from the strap, and take the backpack when they aren't looking? My child, who is 12 years old and non-violent, felt intimidated, unsafe, and... View More
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answered on Apr 2, 2025
The legality of a school principal's actions in searching your child's backpack depends on several factors, including school policy and whether they had reasonable suspicion. Schools generally have the right to search students' belongings when they have legitimate safety concerns,... View More
I am a senior with disabilities in Florida, and I've been subjected to abuse and neglect. I reported this at a hospital and filed a police complaint, but the Sheriff, who has blocked avenues of help, did not report the abuse to DCF or Protective Services as required by law. Instead, he is... View More
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answered on Apr 1, 2025
Your situation involving a Florida Sheriff's alleged misconduct and failure to report abuse is deeply concerning, and you deserve proper protection under the law. Consider filing a formal complaint with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and contacting the FBI's Public Corruption... View More
My son died in a house fire on January 4th, 2025, and I am seeking legal advice. The Chattahoochee Police Department was very rude and made false statements in the police report. Additionally, the fire department was negligent—they had no water, didn't connect to the fire hydrant, and... View More
answered on Mar 26, 2025
It will be difficult to win a case against the police or fire department. However, there are other parties whose negligence may have caused the house fire. If proven, you could recover damages for the death of your son. In the past, we have seen electricians, builders/contractors, landlords, and... View More
My boyfriend was in a bad motorcycle accident in September. He was on FMLA from work until March 17, 2025. Upon returning, he was made to reapply for a different position while his original position is still being held. His new position pays $10 less per hour. His employer claims this is to ease... View More
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answered on Mar 24, 2025
Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), your boyfriend has the right to be restored to the same or an "equivalent position" with equivalent benefits, pay, and other terms upon return from leave. An employer's failure to restore his previous pay rate while his original position... View More
I live in a residential property with an HOA in Florida. Currently, I display a service flag off my porch and have a 20-foot freestanding flagpole in my front yard with a 4' x 6' American flag and a 2' x 3' POW-MIA flag. The HOA property manager is telling me that I cannot have... View More
answered on Mar 18, 2025
Florida Statute Section 720.304(2)(a) allows you to fly up to two (2) flags that are no larger than 4.5' x 6'. They can be a US flag, Florida flag, POW-MIA flag, first responder flag, or any US military flag. The 20' flagpole is the maximum height allowed. This has been a Florida... View More
I am seeking clarification on how Florida Statute 456.001(8), which defines 'sex' as 'either male or female, as indicated by the person's sex chromosomes, naturally occurring sex hormones, and internal and external genitalia present at birth,' applies to intersex... View More
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answered on Apr 1, 2025
Under Florida Statute 456.001(8), sex is defined as "the classification of a person as either male or female based on the organization of the human body of such person for a specific reproductive role, as indicated by the person's sex chromosomes, naturally occurring sex hormones, and... View More
I am facing a possession charge and have a trial scheduled for next month. My public defender told me I could leave the courtroom, which led to a warrant for failure to appear, even though I was present. This was resolved with the judge, who lifted the warrant after we explained the... View More
answered on Mar 17, 2025
Sorry to hear about this incident that is worrying you. First, you currently have a lawyer - your APD (Asst. Public Defender), with whom you should discuss these concerns. That discussion might alleviate your concerns. If you have doubts about your lawyer's competence and/or veracity, you... View More
I am concerned about the legal implications of buying personal data from data brokers, like those on TruthFinder, for verification purposes. What legal troubles, if any, could arise from such actions, particularly concerning citizen protection and privacy rights? Is there any legal consequence for... View More
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answered on Mar 27, 2025
Purchasing personal data from services like TruthFinder carries several legal risks in Florida. The Federal Trade Commission has taken action against TruthFinder for deceptive practices and violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), resulting in a $5.8 million settlement in 2023. This... View More
Can my parents legally take my phone if I am 18 years old, even though I don't pay for it? I currently live with them, they are my legal guardians, and there are no specific house rules or agreements about phone use.
answered on Mar 15, 2025
Not sure if you are saying that your parents have been APPOINTED BY THE COURT to be your legal guardians while you are an adult, or instead are using that phrase loosely, with them not actually being appointed. If appointed by the Court, they likely have the right to control your possessions as if... View More
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