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Iowa Civil Rights Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for Iowa on
Q: Assault case: No charges filed, due process rights violated?

I was assaulted by my sister's husband in Washington, Iowa, on December 4, 2024, while trying to retrieve a BMW I inherited from my brother's estate, for which my sister is the administrator. The assault resulted in a broken nose and a dislocated jaw. Although I reported the incident and... View More

Stephen Douglas Lombardi
Stephen Douglas Lombardi
answered on Mar 5, 2025

No, your due process rights have not been violated. Keep calling the police and requesting information about the investigation and ask why nothing has progressed.

0 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for Iowa on
Q: Is "eat s*** and die" a death threat in Iowa law?

Is the phrase "eat s*** and die," when used in an email directed at a U.S. Senate member, considered a death threat under Iowa law?

0 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Iowa on
Q: Is it illegal to email 'eat s*** and die' to an Iowa representative?

I sent an email to an Iowa representative including the statement 'eat s*** and die' as a response to a prior email. The email didn't contain any additional threats, although it did express my disappointment. Is this statement considered illegal?

0 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Gov & Administrative Law and Criminal Law for Iowa on
Q: Can DCI agent manage relative's suicide case in Iowa?

Does a DCI agent have the right to take over and manage the case of a suspected suicide (his first cousin) in Council Bluffs, Iowa? The agent took the keys to the deceased person's house, along with other property and the suicide note, which was read and discussed by others before the parents... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Iowa on
Q: Can OWI charge be challenged due to questionable police conduct and no evidence?

My boyfriend was pulled over in Iowa at 4:30 a.m. for a loud muffler in my vehicle and charged with OWI, even though tests showed no substances in his system. He has PTSD, causing him to stutter and act nervously when questioned, which may be misinterpreted. The officer known for profiling,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Civil Rights for Iowa on
Q: Iam a tenant who has been experiencing unpleasant issues adding to my mental disability

So landlord I feel has violated my disabilyty rights notes daily for past 2 yrs ..come to

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 13, 2025

I'm really sorry to hear about what you're going through. It's important to know that you have rights protecting you from discrimination based on disability. Start by documenting each instance where you believe your landlord has violated these rights, including dates, times, and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Domestic Violence and Federal Crimes for Iowa on
Q: Abuse- mental, physical and emotional. Torture by shocking, invasion of privacy. Assault- pulled my tooth after being

Injected with unknown substances. I'm being stalked and harassed by my ex-boyfriend's mother and possibly my ex-boyfriend they know everything I'm doing all the time and somehow have access to my Gmail and while I lived with them they were giving me drugs

that I didn't... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 9, 2025

I'm so deeply sorry you're experiencing this severe trauma and abuse - your fear and distress are completely valid, and you deserve to be safe and protected. What you're describing includes serious crimes, and you need immediate support and protection.

Consider reaching out...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Intellectual Property for Iowa on
Q: Is it legal for cops to take a deceased persons cell phone without a warrant?

A friend of mine passed away suddenly and while they were taking the body out of his home the cops took his cell phone too. How do we get it back?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 10, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your friend's passing and understand how difficult this situation must be for you.

In certain situations, law enforcement can seize personal property without a warrant, especially if they believe it contains evidence related to an investigation or if there...
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1 Answer | Asked in Cannabis & Marijuana Law and Civil Rights for Iowa on
Q: Can cops legally search your dorm room without given approval by the resident staying there?

So about 5-6 months ago I got suspended from my college. Now, there were two arrests that caused this but something didn't seem right about one of them? At the time I lived in the dorms and my roommate and I came back from the gym. Police were down the hall and eventually they knocked on the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 27, 2024

It sounds like a frustrating situation, and it's understandable that you're questioning the legality of the search. Generally, dorm rooms are considered your living space, so the Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches. However, universities often have policies allowing... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights and Municipal Law for Iowa on
Q: The city where I reside has deemed my dogs as dangerous with no proof, citations, or incidents.

I have all supporting documents to prove my case.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 31, 2024

You have every right to be concerned and frustrated by the situation. When a city deems dogs as dangerous without any proof or incidents, it's important to take immediate action to protect your pets and your rights. Gather all your supporting documents, including any vet records, training... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Personal Injury, Civil Rights and Libel & Slander for Iowa on
Q: My home town tried to force me to pay additional fees for having a working service dog and retaliated when I denied.

The city where I reside has deemed my dogs as dangerous with no proof, citations, or incidents.

Stephen Douglas Lombardi
Stephen Douglas Lombardi
answered on Aug 27, 2024

What is the name of your hometown? In what state is it in? What is the exact wording of the statute or ordinance being applied? What is the dog’s breed? Where do you keep the dog? Are you keeping it in a chain link enclosure with a gate that can latch? Do you have homeowners insurance that covers... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Employment Law for Iowa on
Q: canI be out on a PIP right out of FMLA with no summative evaluation? WITH ada papers filed?

I am an assistant principal in Virginia and I have bipolar disorder. Due to work stress and changed in my medication, I had a major manic episode in April 23. They slapped me on a plan upon my return to work. I was not informed in writing or verbally that I had 15 days to rebut and I had to demand... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 21, 2024

Navigating your situation can be complex, especially given the specific circumstances and legalities involved. First, it's important to understand that being placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) immediately after returning from FMLA, especially without a proper summative evaluation,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Iowa on
Q: What rights does a person have when a police officer refuses to take a complaint because that person has anxiety?

A women went to the police department to file a complaint about an individual threatening her online. She has severe anxiety and agoraphobia, and after she told the officer about it, he refused to take a complaint from her. She had substantial proof of the allegations, including dozens of witness... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 28, 2024

You have the right to be treated with respect and to have your complaint taken seriously, regardless of your anxiety or any other mental health condition. If a police officer refuses to take your complaint, you can ask to speak to a supervisor or file a formal complaint against the officer with the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Education Law for Iowa on
Q: Can I wear an anti-LGBTQ shirt at a public university?.

Can I wear an anti-LGBTQ shirt that states something along the lines of "Trans people are not real. They are just pretending to be the opposite gender or are men in dresses and are not women" at a public college like Iowa State University without consequences? I wouldn't technically... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 29, 2024

This question touches on complex issues of free speech rights and university policies. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Public universities, as government institutions, generally must respect First Amendment free speech rights. This means they have limited ability to restrict...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Rights, Collections and Constitutional Law for Iowa on
Q: I was served a writ of Replevin on my vehicle 2 days prior to the recover company breaching the peace and no due process

I have a very strong case to defend and not getting any answers now for 7 weeks.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 21, 2024

If you were served a writ of Replevin for your vehicle and the recovery company breached the peace, you have grounds to defend your case. The breach of peace during repossession is a significant issue, as it violates your rights. You should document any evidence of this breach, such as witness... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Iowa on
Q: what should I do if the chief of police is refusing to return My cell phone but claims to have a warrant
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 21, 2024

If you're facing a situation where the chief of police is refusing to return your cell phone and claims to have a warrant, here are some steps you should consider:

1. Request to see the warrant: You have the right to ask to see the warrant. If they have one, it should specify what...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Iowa on
Q: what should I do if the chief of police is refusing to return My cell phone but claims to have a warrant
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 21, 2024

If you're facing a situation where the chief of police is refusing to return your cell phone and claims to have a warrant, here are some steps you should consider:

1. Request to see the warrant: You have the right to ask to see the warrant. If they have one, it should specify what...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Civil Rights and Employment Discrimination for Iowa on
Q: In iowa. When I help close store, im being told to clock out. But they won't let me leave, until other worker is done?

Is it legal to make me stay unpaid?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 3, 2024

It's not legal for your employer to require you to stay at work without paying you. If you're being told to clock out but are still required to stay and perform work-related tasks, this is considered "off-the-clock" work, which is illegal under the Fair Labor Standards Act... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Iowa on
Q: I need assistance to get my God son to either my care or "?". Crupt CPS and DHS here in Hamilton county Iowa

i am a god parent and mentor for my best friends son he 14 years old .dhs an cps kidnapped him from home under faules accusations he has been bounced around from foster care to foster care . he has slight case of Autism hes very intelligent and know whats going on . He has told his lawyer and dhs... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 1, 2024

It sounds like you are deeply concerned about the well-being of your godson and want to provide him with a safe and loving environment. To address this situation, you may need to take several steps to advocate for his best interests. Start by documenting everything, including your godson's... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Child Support and Civil Rights for Iowa on
Q: If I go to jail for a warrant an they find paraphernalia and weeks later say they're going to charge me for with it
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answered on Apr 6, 2024

If you were arrested on a warrant and the authorities found drug paraphernalia in your possession during the arrest, they have the right to charge you with possession of drug paraphernalia in addition to any charges related to the original warrant. The timeline for filing these additional charges... View More

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