Get free answers to your Civil Rights legal questions from lawyers in your area.
As an American citizen planning to marry a Japanese citizen, I am concerned about immigration and potential unwarranted deportations or detentions happening under the current administration. We haven't started any immigration or visa application processes yet but have read multiple stories of... View More 
answered on Apr 29, 2025
You definitely are watching too much television and the fear migraine that they espouse. Your Japanese fiancé would be considered in the immediate relative category. Immigrants in this category are treated like the gold standard and always will be. So you have nothing to worry about as long as... View More
I have a complex legal situation involving allegations of intentional harm by a Starbucks employee, stalking, and abuse by proxy. I suspect someone is controlling and manipulating people into harming me, known as Munchausen's by Proxy. The incident at Starbucks involved being served oat milk... View More
I'm seeking information about what happened during Rolando Cruz's first trial, particularly why evidence related to Brian Dugan was overlooked. How did these factors influence the outcomes of Cruz's initial trial, and what legal procedures are involved in addressing such omissions of evidence?
I received a ticket for jaywalking in the city where there was no crosswalk or pedestrian signal, and no cars were within at least 2000 feet except for the police officer. My girlfriend also received a ticket for the same incident. During the encounter, the officer was aggressive, threatened to... View More
I need help drafting an affidavit for a lawsuit due to harassment by multiple individuals. They have engaged in continued contact and have refused to comply with requests to stop. I am uncertain about any specific legal or court requirements that need to be met for the affidavit. What steps should... View More
My husband's aunt was hospitalized after fainting due to diabetes complications and ended up in a coma. While she was unconscious, her sister assumed control over her belongings, taking her phone and keys. She has since been discharged to a rehabilitation center, but her sister has taken up... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 16, 2025
You can call the police and insist on removal of your sister as an unauthorized occupant (trespass), and if they refuse to act immediately follow up by filing a dispossessory (forcible entry and detainer) action in magistrate or municipal court. That process lets a judge order her eviction and lets... View More
My husband's aunt, who recently recovered from a coma, cannot return to her home because her sister is staying there without her consent. Despite expressing her wishes to live independently, her sister took her keys and phone, is spreading false information about her having severe dementia,... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 16, 2025
Your sister’s refusal to leave your home amounts to trespass, so you can call the police and ask them to remove her as an unauthorized occupant. Document every call and keep a copy of your recent competency evaluation confirming you’re able to manage your affairs. That medical report will be... View More
I'm dealing with a situation where no formal EEOC complaint has been filed, but informal complaints about disability harassment have been made to a union steward. There have been past grievances from other employees about the supervisor’s retaliatory behavior, which seems to stem from... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 16, 2025
You’re protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal EEO laws when you report disability‑based harassment to a union steward or any supervisor, because opposition to perceived discrimination is “protected activity.” Even informal complaints count, and you don’t... View More
I am a 13-year-old student at St. Mary's Middle School in Camden County, Georgia, and I've noticed multiple safety concerns at my school. Recently, a student was poisoned, and there have been incidents involving students bringing guns to school. Although arrests have been made, I feel the... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 13, 2025
It's understandable that you’re concerned about your safety at school, especially with the recent incidents. The first step you can take is to talk to a trusted adult, like a parent or guardian, and share your concerns. They can help you reach out to the school administration or the school... View More
My son was in the backseat of a cab without a seatbelt, which is not required by Georgia law. During the traffic stop, he and a girl in the cab got searched. The girl had drugs in her purse and claimed responsibility, but my son was also arrested and is facing drug charges. He has a prior record... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 12, 2025
Georgia Criminal Defense Analysis
Your son's case presents concerning issues regarding both the search procedure and current legal representation. Georgia law does require backseat passengers to wear seatbelts in most vehicles, but this minor violation alone shouldn't justify a... View More
I was attacked by two men and a woman in Conyers, GA. After being injured and going to the hospital, I called the police at the scene. They said nothing could be done because witnesses claimed they didn't see anything happen and that I wasn't jumped. When I later called to get a copy of... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 12, 2025
It’s frustrating when law enforcement doesn’t take action, especially after an attack. Since the police didn’t file a report and witnesses didn’t provide supporting statements, your options for criminal prosecution may be limited, but that doesn't mean you have no legal recourse. You... View More
I was forced to resign from my position as a state employee after drugs were discovered in a common area. I was told to resign or things would get "messy" for my family if this got out. Despite denying the allegations initially and offering to take a drug test—which was denied—I... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 8, 2025
You’ve been put in an incredibly difficult and unfair position, and your instinct to fight back is valid. Being forced to resign under pressure—especially when there’s no proof linking you to the drugs—is a serious issue. The fact that you offered to take a drug test and were denied raises... View More
I am writing a court statement about an incident where someone told me to leave my own property, insulted me, and began shooting a firearm into the sky. There was no physical harm or property damage, and the police were called but there were no witnesses. The officer informed me it was a civil... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 8, 2025
If someone fired a gun into the air while on your property, they likely violated state or local firearm discharge laws. In many jurisdictions, discharging a firearm in a reckless or unsafe manner—especially within city or residential limits—can be considered unlawful discharge of a firearm or... View More
I have been experiencing ongoing harassment from my ex-partner for about a year, and it has intensified again over the past five days. Despite repeatedly asking him to leave me alone and blocking his numbers, he continues to contact me using different phone numbers. I have documented the texts and... View More
answered on Apr 8, 2025
A protective order is the correct first step, and I advise you also consider involving your local law enforcement agency, if only to make them aware, as that behavior is concerning.
A detective should provide available resources as well as guidance when it comes to best practices in... View More
I'm 18 and currently away at college, living independently but with my mother still having access to my bank account. She has been verbally abusive, threatens to kick me out, and has even threatened to admit me to a hospital if I don't comply with her demands. I plan not to return to her... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 7, 2025
Once you turn 18, you are legally an adult and are no longer under your mother's control. She cannot force you to return home or dictate how you live your life. If you're living independently, she has no legal grounds to stop you from leaving or cutting ties, even if she makes threats.... View More
I live in Atlanta, GA, and my neighbors are repeatedly accusing me of a crime I did not commit. They yell through my door that I'm under surveillance and have begun following me to public places, making these accusations loudly. The police have not been able to help as no evidence supports... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 7, 2025
Dealing with false accusations and harassment can be incredibly frustrating, especially when the authorities don't seem to be taking action. First, document everything. Keep a record of the incidents, including dates, times, and what happened. If possible, get photos or video recordings of the... View More
I've been stalked and harassed by my neighbors for months, and it's intensified this month. They've accused me of a crime I didn't commit, causing severe emotional distress. I've documented instances with the police and have a witness, my mom. We obtained a temporary... View More
answered on Apr 7, 2025
If the DIY remedies are not working, you need to consult with a LOCAL lawyer one who knows the lay of the land and the important people involved) regarding potential additional civil and criminal actions.
Facilitating with local law enforcement can be very effective, and in lieu of that... View More
I am a 15-year-old who was adopted by my uncle and aunt. Due to a violent incident where my uncle threw me around, I had to call the police. They relocated me to my grandma's house. My uncle and aunt took my phone, and my grandma won't let me talk to the police or ask questions about my... View More
answered on Apr 7, 2025
You can ALWAYS call the police. ALWAYS.
If you are in danger you can ALWAYS reach out to Police, Fire and other State Agents as there are protections for you due to your age.
A teacher is another safe pathway, as they are trained how to deal with these issue and get the right... View More
After the shooting of my toddler nephew, the city police department refused to request assistance from the county sheriff's office. I filed an open records request asking for summaries or statistical reports on the number of criminal investigations where the Police Department requested or did... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 7, 2025
You are right to seek transparency, especially in such a serious case. If the police department initially claimed they didn’t have the requested data but later provided an estimate for a fee, this could be an attempt to discourage further action. You can challenge the cost estimate by referencing... View More
I am a survivor of a sexual assault incident that happened in February 2025 in Gwinnett County, Georgia. During a medical appointment, a doctor at a clinic rubbed his genital area against me without my consent. I reported this to the police, but the sergeant declined to investigate and instructed... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 7, 2025
I’m really sorry you’re going through this. It can be extremely difficult to navigate the justice system when you feel like your voice is being dismissed. In cases like this, where there are no witnesses, it's important to focus on gathering any available evidence that could support your... 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.
