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Q: Seeking an attorney for public corruption case linked to HUD eviction and alleged management misconduct.

I need an attorney who will work on a contingency basis for a case involving public corruption. The apartment I was evicted from was funded by HUD, and the management allegedly lied during the eviction hearing. I have documents proving these lies, which seem to implicate management in misusing... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2025

It sounds like you’re dealing with a serious matter involving both housing rights and possible government misconduct. If the management of a HUD-funded property knowingly lied during your eviction proceedings and misused federal funds, that can trigger both civil and possibly criminal liability.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation, Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for Mississippi on
Q: Can I sue a company for negligence and file for workers' comp?

I have filed a lawsuit against a company for negligence related to health issues that I did not initially know qualified for workers' compensation. Some workers may have already received compensation. I am considering filing for workers' compensation now. Can I pursue both workers'... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

Yes, you can pursue both a workers' compensation claim and a negligence lawsuit against your employer, but there are some important factors to consider. Workers' compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you can receive benefits for injuries or health issues related to your job, even if... View More

Q: Time to file lawsuit after Notice of Claim with state employees and HUD issues in MS

I was evicted in November 2024 in Mississippi after issues began in April 2024. I filed a Notice of Claim with management, who handle HUD funds, on March 10, 2025, regarding their failure to enforce HUD Rules and Regulations for all tenants. The Federal Agency is investigating potential fraud by... View More

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answered on Apr 13, 2025

In Mississippi, after filing a Notice of Claim against state employees, you typically need to wait 90 days before you can file a lawsuit. This waiting period allows the state to investigate and potentially resolve the issue without court intervention. If the management or the state fails to respond... View More

Q: Can I still sue after submitting a Notice of Claim for an April 2024 eviction in Mississippi?

I submitted a Notice of Claim to Mississippi state employees in March 2025 concerning an eviction related to lease violations that began in April 2024. The eviction involved government HUD funds, and I'm aware there is a federal investigation ongoing. There's been no response from the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

In Mississippi, submitting a Notice of Claim helps preserve your right to file a lawsuit, but it’s essential to understand the time frame within which you can take further action. The statute of limitations for filing lawsuits against government entities or state employees is usually limited to a... View More

Q: Do I retain the right to sue after filing a Notice of Claim against Water Valley Housing Authority in Mississippi?

I need advice on Mississippi law regarding a Notice of Claim I submitted to the Water Valley Housing Authority in March 2025. I initiated this notice to protect my right to sue, following issues that began in April 2024 relating to my eviction from government-funded apartments. The management... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

In Mississippi, filing a Notice of Claim is an important step when pursuing legal action against a government entity like the Water Valley Housing Authority. The notice typically serves as a formal way to notify the agency of your intention to file a lawsuit, which is required before you can... View More

Q: Seeking representation for a lawsuit involving state and federal HUD compliance issues post-eviction.

I have been handling a legal matter since my eviction began in April 2024. It involves both state and federal issues related to non-compliance with HUD Rules and Regulations by an Executive Director. I submitted a Notice of Claim in March 2025 and understand that I have a year from the initial... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

Given that your case involves both state and federal issues related to HUD compliance, you’ll need an attorney who is well-versed in housing law, particularly with cases involving government agencies and violations of regulations. The fact that you have evidence suggesting the Executive Director... View More

Q: How long is the deadline to file a lawsuit in Mississippi regarding a housing authority eviction starting April 2024?

I gave a Notice of Claim to the Water Valley Housing Authority in Water Valley, Mississippi, regarding my eviction that began in April 2024. During the eviction hearing, I believe the Executive Director lied under oath, stating she was following all HUD rules, which I contest. I've contacted... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

In Mississippi, the time limit to file a lawsuit regarding housing disputes, including evictions, depends on the specific legal grounds of your case. If your claim involves a violation of federal housing laws or the violation of rights under the Fair Housing Act, you typically have one year from... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Mississippi on
Q: Split custody moving plans and court requirements in Mississippi

I have split custody of my 5-year-old with my ex-husband, and there's no stipulation about primary physical custody in our agreement. Every other week, our child is with each parent as per the current arrangement. My new husband and I plan to move about 2 hours away in about 2 years. The... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

Since your custody agreement specifies that your child must attend school in a certain county, moving to a new location could require modification of the existing arrangement. The move could impact the child’s schooling and visitation schedule, so it’s important to address these changes... View More

Q: Can I sue after Notice of Claim extension despite no response?

In April 2024, I began facing an eviction from government-funded apartments managed by state employees. I believe the management did not follow all HUD rules and regulations for tenants, despite the manager stating under oath that all rules were followed. I filed a Notice of Claim on March 10,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

Since you filed a Notice of Claim in March 2025, it's important to understand that this notice typically extends the deadline for filing a lawsuit against the government or state entities. However, the extension may be subject to specific timelines defined by state or federal law. If the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law and Civil Litigation for Mississippi on
Q: What should I do about a summons under Mississippi Code 11-17-1 for unpaid taxes?

I received a summons under Mississippi Code 11-17-1 related to unpaid taxes, which I believe amount to around $700. The summons requires me to respond by April 30. I have not received any previous communications regarding this issue. What steps should I take in response to this summons?

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answered on Apr 12, 2025

Receiving a summons under Mississippi Code 11-17-1 indicates that the state is seeking to collect unpaid taxes, and the first step is to carefully review the summons for details on the amount owed and the specific tax year in question. Since you were not notified previously, it is important to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Environmental, Personal Injury and Wrongful Death for Mississippi on
Q: Potential lawsuit for water contamination in Brookhaven, MS

I'm concerned about potential water contamination in Brookhaven, Mississippi, which may have caused my mother's cancer. She recently passed away, and doctors mentioned it might be due to the drinking water, not genetic factors. Other relatives have also suffered unusual tumors. Is there a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

If your mother's cancer and your relatives' health issues are potentially linked to water contamination, you may have grounds to pursue legal action. The first step would be to gather evidence of the water contamination, including any historical data, reports, or studies showing that the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI, Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Mississippi on
Q: Is sitting in a vehicle under marijuana influence considered a DUI in MS?

I am inquiring about an incident involving someone else in Mississippi. The individual was in a stationary vehicle parked on a public street in a subdivision in front of a relative's house, under the influence of marijuana. They were in the driver's seat with the keys in the ignition but... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

Mississippi DUI Elements Analysis

Under Mississippi Code § 63-11-30, being in "actual physical control" of a vehicle while impaired constitutes a DUI offense, even without driving. Mississippi courts have consistently interpreted actual physical control to include situations...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Traffic Tickets for Mississippi on
Q: Does an incorrect vehicle year on a ticket invalidate it?

I received a ticket for driving with a suspended license and no insurance on 4/11/25. The officer also recorded my truck, a 2014 F150, as a 2025 model. I've had previous offenses for driving with a suspended license. Does the incorrect vehicle year on the ticket invalidate it?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

In Mississippi, a minor error on a traffic ticket, such as an incorrect vehicle year, doesn't automatically invalidate the citation. Courts typically view such mistakes as clerical errors unless they significantly affect the case. For instance, if the vehicle year discrepancy leads to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law for Mississippi on
Q: Response time for notice of claim to Mississippi state government.

In Mississippi, how long does a state government have to respond to a notice of claim? I filed a notice because of wrongful actions by management, and it's been about a month with no response. There have been no further communications or legal actions initiated yet.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

It can be frustrating when you're waiting for a response and not sure what to expect. In Mississippi, when you file a notice of claim against the state government, they generally have **90 days** to respond to your claim. This period is set by the **Mississippi Tort Claims Act**, which gives... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Mississippi on
Q: Served Notice of Claim on eviction, no response. Next steps?

I served a Notice of Claim on the Water Valley Housing Authority on March 10, 2025, concerning an eviction related to government funds from HUD managed by the Housing Authority. I have not received any response. I prepared this claim myself and do not have legal representation. I possess all the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

You’ve already taken some important steps by serving the Notice of Claim and gathering your documentation. In Mississippi, after serving a Notice of Claim to a public entity like a housing authority, you typically need to wait 90 days before filing a lawsuit to give them a chance to respond.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Civil Litigation for Mississippi on
Q: What should I do if I submitted a Notice of Claim in Mississippi regarding a compensatory lawsuit and haven't received a response?

I submitted a Notice of Claim to a state government agency in Mississippi regarding a compensatory lawsuit on March 10, 2025. I haven't received any response yet. I believe my deadline to file the lawsuit is today, April 11, 2025, based on Mississippi law, which requires a Notice of Claim with... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

You’re in a time-sensitive situation, and it’s important to act promptly. Under Mississippi law, the state government typically has **90 days** to respond to a Notice of Claim before you can proceed with filing a lawsuit. Since you submitted your notice on March 10, 2025, your 90-day period... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Mississippi on
Q: Can divorce papers be voided due to incorrect name?

My wife filed divorce papers using the name Sarah Sellers Walters, which includes my last name, even though she never legally changed her last name to Walters. Her legal documents all list her name as Sarah Mackenzie Sellers. Can the divorce papers be thrown out due to this discrepancy in her name?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

A discrepancy in your wife's name on the divorce papers, such as using your last name when she never legally changed it, is unlikely to void the divorce itself. Courts generally focus on the substance of the case, and a minor clerical error in a name will usually not invalidate the divorce... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate and Real Estate Law for Mississippi on
Q: Executor's right to reside in estate and heirs' buyout dispute in MS

I am the executor of an estate currently in probate and residing in the estate as outlined in the will. There are disputes among the heirs, as they now wish to buy me out and take ownership of the house and land. I wish to continue living in the estate and get my share of the land. How should I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

It sounds like you’re in a challenging situation, especially with the disagreement among the heirs. As the executor, you have the responsibility to manage the estate according to the will, but that doesn’t automatically grant you the right to stay in the estate if the heirs wish to sell or buy... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Traffic Tickets for Mississippi on
Q: Charged with possession of open container as passenger, not intoxicated.

I was charged with possession of an open container in Mize, MS, while I was a passenger during a traffic stop. I was not intoxicated, and the driver received the same charge. We both passed all sobriety tests. I have a court date on April 10, 2025. What should I expect, and how should I prepare for... View More

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answered on Apr 12, 2025

Being charged with possession of an open container in Mississippi, even as a passenger, means that you could face fines or other penalties if convicted. In Mississippi, the law prohibits the possession of open containers of alcohol in vehicles, and this applies to both drivers and passengers. Since... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Agricultural Law, Employment Law, Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Mississippi on
Q: Threatened eviction after being fired; no formal documentation.

I have been an employee for a farmer who owns Sistrunk Farms, LLC. Recently, after a meeting, our boss told everyone we "quit," even though we did not, and he fired us. My boss also threatened to turn off our utilities by Monday if we are not out of the house, even though there is no... View More

James Blount Griffin
James Blount Griffin
answered on Apr 4, 2025

The problem for the landlord is that labor law and eviction law are under different statutes and standards. I would go to the local legal aid office; look up "Mississippi Center for Legal Services Alabama" on the web.

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