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New Jersey Civil Rights Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for New Jersey on
Q: disqualifier for owning firearms in New Jersey

Hello!

In 2013 when I applied for my firearm ID card and permit to purchase a handgun, I was rejected because I disclosed that I voluntarily saw a psychologist for counseling. I also believed that I answered question number 26 incorrectly. I was never admitted to or committed to an... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 23, 2024

Given your previous experience with successfully appealing a denial for a firearm permit in New Jersey, it's understandable that you're concerned about the impact of the new disqualifier related to voluntarily seeing a psychiatrist. While I can't provide legal advice, it's... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Education Law, Civil Rights and Health Care Law for New Jersey on
Q: Rights of a Type 1 diabetic student at a private school and responsibilities of the school to the student -

The condition of a student who has been enrolled for over two years at a private school that does not employ a nurse or other medically trained staff has recently become dysregulated. The parent claims that a medical professional is not needed for this level of diabetes - that coaches and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 21, 2024

In this situation, the rights of a Type 1 diabetic student at a private school in New Jersey are governed by federal and state laws that protect students with disabilities, including those with medical conditions. The school has a legal responsibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Employment Law, Civil Rights and Libel & Slander for New Jersey on
Q: Contracted employee making unfounded defamatory statements about the business owner and other staff members-

Such comments include reference to another employee's sexual orientation and religious beliefs. There are other staff members (men, and additional LGBTQ staff) who have shared that this employee harasses them via text during the work day and in their off work hours. What recourse does the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 21, 2024

In the case of a contracted employee making defamatory statements and engaging in harassment, the employer, especially in a private school in New Jersey, does have recourse to address this behavior. While the employee is under contract, it's important to review the contract terms carefully to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for New Jersey on
Q: Can a detective send his son to spy on you? And gets caught doing it on separate occasion. Can I sue the PD?

I got arrested by a detective who would target me and give other police officers a tip to when I was leaving a park with my friend one time and radio'd in to a marked car to pull us over. He would even send his son to spy on me after that. Like when I would play basketball at the local court... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 21, 2024

Engaging in such behavior where a detective sends his son to spy on you is a potential violation of your civil rights. It raises concerns about privacy invasion, harassment, and possible abuse of power. If you have evidence that this detective targeted you unfairly and used his position to involve... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Employment Law, Civil Rights and Small Claims for New Jersey on
Q: Can I send a text saying since I have sent haven’t received response I will put items on curb by end of week?

Employer and guest were really rude (childcare). I quit on the spot. I was reminded that I had car seats and karate uniforms in car. I asked to confirm date time and place where he can pick up items as I don’t want to go back to their home. I have not received response I have not received... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 5, 2023

In your situation, regarding the return of items like car seats and karate uniforms to your former employer, it's important to handle this in a way that protects your interests and avoids potential legal issues. Sending a text to notify them of your intention to leave the items on the curb if... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Consumer Law, Real Estate Law and Civil Rights for New Jersey on
Q: What is PR law regarding disbursements of property as the heir of my mom who passed away(1989) before her mom(2003)?

My grandmother's property who passed away is being disbursed, and is the wish of my mom's sister to keep it; my mom's siblings have set a price for the house which is nowhere near the appraised valued. They claim that the decision was made amongst them (the living children)... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 16, 2023

In Puerto Rico, the rights of heirs in property disbursement are governed by the local inheritance laws. If your mother passed away before her mother (your grandmother), generally, you and your siblings, as her direct descendants, would inherit your mother's share of your grandmother's... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Support and Civil Rights for New Jersey on
Q: I have been disabled since 1999 and till this date am still being garnished from my SSD, NJ never changed my CS amount.

I have put in for a modification in 2000 but they say it was lost or never received. I am a very sick man and this is making me even sicker how can you help? I have also been denied a passport because of this even though I have been paying over 30yrs my support and arrears.

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Nov 8, 2023

You are probably not going to like my answer, but this is an example of where you need to spend the money to hire a competent divorce lawyer to review your file in its entirety and file an application with the court to correct your account, correct the claim of arrears and potentially close out... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Family Law and Civil Rights for New Jersey on
Q: Can a poa put in spy cameras to Alzheimer's mother home when I and minor live there with out consent of mine

Poa refuses to give a caregiver agreement and pay I live in New Jersey

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Oct 10, 2023

In New Jersey, it's illegal to record someone without their consent in places where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, like a home. This law is primarily focused on audio recordings, but video can also be invasive, especially if it captures private or intimate situations. If you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for New Jersey on
Q: What is probable cause for a cop to search your car and make you perform a field sobriety test

A cop pulled up behind me while i was sitting in my car talking to my girlfriend. He made me and my girlfriend get out of my car and wanted to search my car and made me perform a field sobriety test. He did not pull me over while i was driving, we had just gotten in the car and were about to leave... View More

H. Scott Aalsberg
H. Scott Aalsberg
answered on Aug 22, 2023

Each case is fact dependent, just because your car was on for over 3 minutes does give him the right to stop you as it is a violation of the law,but not the right to test you for a DWI, he would have needed some other articulable reason.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Criminal Law for New Jersey on
Q: How long do you have to wait for while a cop is “trying to get a k9”
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 11, 2023

The amount of time a police officer can wait to call in a K-9 unit during a traffic stop can vary based on the specific circumstances and laws in your jurisdiction. Generally, officers must have a reasonable suspicion or probable cause to believe that there's illegal activity or contraband in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for New Jersey on
Q: If I am riding my motorcycle and someone tries to take my keys by force, am I allowed to use force to defend myself?

This is simply out of curiosity based on a video I saw today.

Michael A. Smolensky
Michael A. Smolensky
answered on Jul 27, 2023

New Jersey law recognizes defense of oneself as justification for conduct that would otherwise be considered criminal. One thing that many people seemingly fail to realize, however, is self-defense is not self-executing. This means that a person can be charged, for example, with assault even if he... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for New Jersey on
Q: if a person is under survillance do they have the right to ask and see the police report that started the survillance
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jul 24, 2023

If you're under surveillance by the police, you might be curious to see the police report that led to it. However, police reports are considered law enforcement records, and access to them is regulated by state laws. So, you may not have an automatic right to see the report that initiated the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Civil Rights for New Jersey on
Q: How can my husband keep being charged with a suspended license when he paid the restoration fees and surcharges?

My husband grew up in New Jersey and left when he was 16 . He never obtained a driver's license in this state, but had a non drivers ID His wallet was stolen when he was 15 that had is SSN card and a state non drivers id. Upon his father's death he came back to his childhood home.... View More

Michael A. Smolensky
Michael A. Smolensky
answered on Jul 21, 2023

This is an important question, and the explanation I would like to offer is somewhat difficult to write here is all the necessary details. I would mention, however, that when anyone is issued a ticket a New Jersey, the Motor Vehicle Commission generates a license number for that person. To resolve... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Landlord - Tenant for New Jersey on
Q: Can a maintenance technician unlock an apartment door for police and then change tenant lock without a request/notice

The Grande at Metropark in Iselin did this to my apt

Morris Leo Greb
Morris Leo Greb
answered on May 2, 2023

No for several reasons. The right of quiet enjoyment means that no one can enter your apartment without your permission. The only exception is when there is an emergency situation such as pipes leaking water or gas. Secondly there is no self help for residences, any action to evict as tenant can... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Domestic Violence for New Jersey on
Q: Can I sue the police department for failing to protect my rights?

As of July of 2022, I was granted an FRO from a Bergen County judge against my ex. This past Friday, my ex went to the Little Ferry precinct and showed officers a fake text from the judge stating that the FRO was lifted and he was allowed back into my home. They believed him and allowed him to come... View More

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on May 1, 2023

I would contact the domestic violence office for the county courthouse where you obtained the restraining order and ask if you can file an application with the court for a violation of the restraining order and when they say that you should report it to the local police, tell them that you want to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Family Law, Business Law and Civil Rights for New Jersey on
Q: Hello I live in New Jersey and my fiancée decided we should cancel our wedding venue as the wedding was set for 10/21/23

We cancelled while still health emergency on 12/31/22 but venue states they will Sue us if not able to rebook and they of course kept our 5000 deposit. What should I expect or am I able to get out of this? I also do not have a copy of any signed contract only deposit copy and an email from venue

Morris Leo Greb
Morris Leo Greb
answered on May 1, 2023

The best option is to retain an attorney experienced in contract law.

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law, Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for New Jersey on
Q: Can a management company of an apartment complex, demand you alter modifications made on your vehicle?
Morris Leo Greb
Morris Leo Greb
answered on Mar 21, 2023

This is a very fact sensitive situation. If the modifications result in loud noise that disturbs other reidents, the Landlord can and should demand that you remove the modification. This is pursuant to the lease provision of quiet enjoyment which imposes a duty on the landlord.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, DUI / DWI and Identity Theft for New Jersey on
Q: Someone used my name and identity during a police call and arrest for CDS and DWI. What type of lawyer should I seek?

Criminal Identity Theft

Defamation

H. Scott Aalsberg
H. Scott Aalsberg
answered on Dec 15, 2022

To fight the DWI you will need a DWI lawyer. When you find out who used your name you will need a civil litigation lawyer to sue that person. Most of us DWI lawyers offer a free in office consultation during normal business hours.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Civil Rights for New Jersey on
Q: I got a ticket in NJ for having a handheld device active but I wasn't in use when I was driving

The officer only saw it when I pulled my window down can I fight it. And i also got a ticket by the same officer for failing to not stop at a stop sign when I locked both way before moving and did come to a complete stop

H. Scott Aalsberg
H. Scott Aalsberg
answered on Nov 4, 2022

We would need to know more information to properly answer your question. But you are not allowed to have the phone in your hand while driving unless to turn on or off a function of the phone. Even for that however, many judges will still find you guilty these are tough tickets to win without a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Criminal Law and Personal Injury for New Jersey on
Q: Can any civil attorney help me with a police misconduct case?

I am currently living in Jersey City, NJ. In Nov 2021, several NJ state police officers searched my home ("Unit #1") and arrested me for two possessing/distributing criminal charges. During the search and arrest, the police officers didn’t show me neither the search warrant nor the... View More

H. Scott Aalsberg
H. Scott Aalsberg
answered on Jul 23, 2022

Yes a civil attorney can help you but unfortunately most will require you to pay a retainer and pay their hourly rate. A few that I know of will reduce the hourly rate if you give them a percentage of the case but they are few and far between.

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