Get free answers to your Civil Rights legal questions from lawyers in your area.
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 
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.
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?
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?
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
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
So landlord I feel has violated my disabilyty rights notes daily for past 2 yrs ..come to
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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
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
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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... View More
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?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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... View More
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
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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
I have all supporting documents to prove my case.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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
The city where I reside has deemed my dogs as dangerous with no proof, citations, or incidents.
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
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
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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
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
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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
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
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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... View More
I have a very strong case to defend and not getting any answers now for 7 weeks.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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
Is it legal to make me stay unpaid?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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
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
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get 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.
