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Iowa Civil Rights Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Adoption, Child Custody and Civil Rights for Iowa on
Q: DHS discriminated against me because I was a single grandmother raising 2 of my late daughter’s children.

I was never found guilty of anything yet the DHS worker & the children’s therapist came up with the false allegations of child abuse WITH NO PROOF!!! And I can’t find someone to help get my daughter la children back!! I can’t even see or talk to them.. and the courts let a meth felon... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Iowa on
Q: Can police lie on their application for a warrant, and subsequent police department narrative?

The Shenandoah police lied about the time that they obtained a search warrant for my house. They were conducting a controlled buy using a CI, and an "individual". They did not find any drugs at my house, nor did they find any drugs on my person or in my vehicle. They did not find anything... View More

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

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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

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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...
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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

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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

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Iowa on
Q: If I go to jail for a warrant an they find paraphernalia an don't charge me with it and weeks later so they're are
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 6, 2024

If you are facing potential charges, the best thing to do is consult with a criminal defense attorney who can advise you on your specific situation and legal options. An attorney can review the details of your case and help protect your rights. In general, if you are concerned about outstanding... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Civil Rights for Iowa on
Q: My current job is denying me opportunities to advance or make more money.

Started with my current employer on 3/29/21. I am trained to do a higher-paying job however, when the opportunity comes up I am replaced with a new employee even though I have seniority. This has happened 3 times on the line that I currently work on. I decided to bid to another job to get away... View More

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answered on Mar 23, 2024

It sounds like you're experiencing significant challenges at your workplace, especially with career advancement and training opportunities. This situation can be frustrating, particularly when you feel ready and capable of taking on higher-paying roles. It's important to recognize that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Libel & Slander for Iowa on
Q: unlawful entry by an officer who then later made false statement to CPS worker

2 officers came to daughters house..male on porch at door, female out on sidewalk pacing..he stated had a call in complaint, I wasn't being detained or under arrest, just wanted to ask question...I stepped out on porch shut door...answered male officer truthfully and honestly, female officer... View More

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answered on Mar 15, 2024

It's important to address this situation by gathering all available evidence, including the video your daughter recorded and any documentation from CPS. Document your interactions with the officers and CPS, noting dates, times, and details of the conversations. This information will be vital... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Domestic Violence for Iowa on
Q: If I want to file harassment charges on someone even if it's not physical to the police not have to file those charges?

I have no contact order with my husband. His girlfriend and his family are constantly harassing me filing false CPS reports. False welfare checks and every time it is proven that they lied nothing's ever done. However, I wanted to file a report and the sheriff told me there's two types of... View More

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answered on Feb 25, 2024

When you're facing harassment that's not physical, such as filing false reports or other actions aimed to annoy or intimidate you, it's understandable to seek help from law enforcement. While the sheriff indicated that what you're experiencing falls under "annoyance"... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for Iowa on
Q: Is there any aggressive attorneys that will take on police misconduct in iowa. "Dismissed in the interest of justice"-DA

I was stopped in pdc, wi, arrested on unknown warrant, charged with 4 felonies and 1 mis, extradited 15 miles to Clayton county, IA, charged with 1 felony, $10,000 cash only nationwide extraditable warrant for less than $100 in dope that I wasn't home when "buy" happened, first... View More

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answered on Feb 23, 2024

It sounds like you've been through a challenging and unjust situation involving law enforcement. It's crucial to find a competent attorney who is experienced in handling cases of police misconduct and civil rights violations. While I can't recommend specific attorneys, you may want... View More

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