Get free answers to your Municipal Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
Your current state is Ohio
I am a 100% disabled veteran in Florida and I own a homestead property. I am considering renting out a space to a long-term roommate. Will this rental arrangement affect my homestead tax exemption?
I have a neighbor with a car that has a modified exhaust, and it creates loud noise daily. This noise occurs very late at night and disturbs my sleep terribly. I haven't spoken to the neighbor because they're not very friendly. What legal actions can I take to resolve this issue?
I have been experiencing noise disturbances from a garbage truck company violating the City of Martinsburg Ordinance 509.06, which prohibits noise disturbances from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Since November 2024, the violations occur 3-4 times a week between 3 and 4 AM. I have notified my apartment... View More 
I purchased a lot, and the seller's lawyer assured me that the public road servicing my lot was approved by the Municipality, as stated in the deed. However, I've since discovered that the road is not approved, according to OGEP, and does not meet the necessary requirements. Despite... View More
In Aiken, SC, I had a criminal case in municipal court for an open container charge. After failing to appear initially, I went before the judge three times, and the case was disposed of. Despite this, an estreatment hearing was scheduled due to the failure to appear. What becomes of this... View More
I have been charged with petit larceny in municipal court for allegedly taking property valued at $230. I have no prior criminal history. Should I hire a lawyer to represent me in this case?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 16, 2025
Yes, you should strongly consider hiring a lawyer for a petit larceny charge, even if you have no prior criminal history. Petit larceny is still a criminal offense, and a conviction can carry long-term consequences, including a permanent criminal record, fines, probation, or even jail time... View More
my Original ticket was 15 dollars but it wasn’t received by the court
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 16, 2025
You won’t lose points on your driving record by pleading guilty to parking on a sidewalk, because parking offenses are non‑moving violations in most states. The code you’re citing prohibits parking in that location but doesn’t carry demerit points like speeding or reckless driving do.... View More
In a mayor-council government setup, there is an ordinance that allows a council member, out of seven members, to enforce ordinances instead of the mayor, whose enforcement power is specifically assigned under Title 8. The council intends to delegate enforcement duties to the council member through... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 13, 2025
In a mayor-council form of government, the mayor typically holds the executive authority, including enforcement responsibilities. However, ordinances enacted by the council must still align with the municipality’s charter and state law. Even if the council passes an ordinance delegating... View More
In Saint Clair County, Alabama, is there a noise ordinance regarding loud music being played over speakers that's disturbing the neighborhood? There's a neighbor who randomly plays loud music for varying lengths of time during the week, whether at night, in the morning, or during the day.... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 13, 2025
It’s understandable how disruptive constant loud music can be, especially when it’s at random times throughout the day and night. In Saint Clair County, Alabama, there are noise ordinances in place to address situations like this. Typically, ordinances limit noise levels during specific hours,... View More
I'm in California and have questions about the legality of parking fully on the pavement and behind a red line painted on the street in a residential area. I haven't faced any legal actions or fines yet and have not spoken to local authorities about this issue.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 11, 2025
You're smart to look into this before any tickets or issues come up. In California, it's generally illegal to park fully on the sidewalk or pavement, even in a residential neighborhood. The sidewalk area is meant for pedestrians, and blocking it can create safety concerns and lead to... View More
I'm experiencing issues with the municipal code enforcement in Pueblo, CO. In 2024, they condemned my home, claiming my son's trailer on my property was the reason. Without any legal documentation or notice, they also cut the power to my home, removed my water meter, and took two... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 13, 2025
In Pueblo, CO, municipal code enforcement has certain powers to address property issues, but those powers are not unlimited. For property abatement, they typically need to follow a legal process that includes providing proper notice and obtaining approval from a court or relevant authorities before... View More
I want to avoid any problems related to noise levels while DJing in a residential area at 8:00 PM. What is the legal sound limit for this situation, and are there any specific local ordinances or regulations I should be aware of?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 13, 2025
In Alabama, noise regulations can vary depending on the specific city or county you are in. Many municipalities have noise ordinances that restrict sound levels during certain hours, especially in residential areas. Typically, the regulations focus on preventing excessive noise that disrupts the... View More
I'm dealing with a situation where a commissioner at our local housing authority is not serving another term. The housing authority's bylaws state that the mayor should appoint a new commissioner, but state statute 17-2341 seems to suggest that the authority should decide on the... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 13, 2025
In this situation, the key is to determine which rule takes precedence: the local housing authority bylaws or the state statute. State statutes typically hold greater authority over local bylaws when there is a conflict, unless the local bylaws are specifically authorized by the state. Kansas... View More
I have lived on a property in Puerto Rico for over 30 years. The hereditary deed holders attempted to evict me, but the case was dismissed in my favor. I have made improvements to the property and maintained it throughout my occupancy. There was a rental agreement between the hereditary deed... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 12, 2025
It sounds like you’ve put a lot of time and effort into this property, and it’s important that you understand your rights in this situation. In Puerto Rico, adverse possession is a legal principle that can allow someone to claim ownership of property after a certain period of continuous, open,... View More
I believe that I lost my home due to fraudulent actions taken by the city, specifically involving a lawsuit against the Detroit Land Bank. I have not yet reported the fraud but intend to do so now. I am looking for an attorney who can help me with this situation involving allegations of property... View More
answered on Apr 6, 2025
The first step is that you would want to speak with a real estate lawyer who litigates. You don't mention when this fraud happened, so there may be limits on when you can sue. Fraud allegations are not taken lightly, and proving fraud has a very high threshold of proof, so you would need to... View More
I am wondering if a city can legally charge me a $250 deposit for a water meter. They hold this deposit for 2 years, and it was explained to me that it is specifically for the meter. Is this practice generally acceptable?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 11, 2025
Yes, in Michigan, it is generally permissible for a city to require a deposit for a water meter, especially when the meter remains the property of the city. For instance, the City of Lapeer mandates that all water meters used or installed in its water system remain the personal property of the... View More
I would like to know if, in Maryland, the police can issue a ticket for drinking alcohol on the porch of a single-family home, especially if the porch is visible from the street and there are loud voices but no previous warnings have been given.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 12, 2025
In Maryland, consuming alcohol in public places is generally prohibited. Public places include areas such as streets, sidewalks, parks, and other locations accessible to the general public. However, private property, like the porch of a single-family home, is typically not considered a public... View More
I'm seeking clarity on whether it was appropriate for a municipal court judge to order a drug test for my wife when her case was unrelated to drugs or child custody. She is now jailed for 180 days for contempt of court connected to the drug test order, after shoplifting an item valued at $2.... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 12, 2025
The court’s order for a drug test may seem unusual if your wife’s case had no direct connection to drugs or child custody. However, there are instances where a judge might order a drug test if they believe drug use could be a factor in a case’s underlying issues, even if not explicitly... View More
I am currently a legal resident of Tennessee and active duty in the military, planning to establish residency in Mississippi as my permanent home after service. I won't be living there until retirement, but I want to take preliminary steps such as obtaining a Mississippi ID. I do not have a... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 8, 2025
It’s possible to begin the process of establishing Mississippi residency before physically living there, especially with your situation as a military service member. Using a relative’s or trusted friend’s address temporarily can be a valid step, as long as you intend to make Mississippi your... View More
I would like to know if the reason for an executive session in town meetings in Oklahoma has to be specific? Can the reason encompass multiple options such as discussing the employment, hiring, appointment, promotion, demotion, disciplining, or resignation of any individual salaried public officer... View More
answered on Apr 1, 2025
Executive sessions in Oklahoma are permitted only for specific purposes, such as discussing personnel matters, legal advice, or confidential information. The purpose of an executive session is to allow for confidential discussions that may not be appropriate for public scrutiny. However, they... 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.
