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North Carolina Civil Rights Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Family Law for North Carolina on
Q: Can my parents face legal issues for making me buy my own food at age 11?

When I was 11, my parents made me use my chore and babysitting money to buy my own food for 3-4 months as punishment for not eating the meals they prepared, like fish or chicken and rice. As a result, I often had to pay friends for their food or wait until I had more money. This led to undereating... View More

Q: Need legal help for remote neural monitoring issues in NC, causing distress and injury

I've been a victim of remote neural monitoring for about 4 years, resulting in unemployment and homelessness, and causing extreme mental distress and physical injuries. Despite reporting it to local authorities and the FBI, I haven't received a response. I desperately need legal... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 7, 2025

I'm sorry to hear about the situation you're facing. First, it’s important to document everything thoroughly. Keep a detailed record of all instances of distress, physical symptoms, and any interactions with local authorities, the FBI, or others you've contacted. This documentation... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Civil Rights and Real Estate Law for North Carolina on
Q: Renting a home in NC with flood damage, not repaired by landlord; am I entitled to legal recourse?

I am renting a home in Buncombe County, North Carolina, that was affected by a natural disaster over six months ago. The downstairs was completely flooded, and the home sustained significant damage, which hasn't been repaired. Prior to the hurricane, there were needed repairs like the leaking... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 7, 2025

In North Carolina, landlords are required to maintain rental properties in habitable condition. This includes addressing issues like mold, water damage, and other health or safety concerns. If your landlord has failed to make necessary repairs, including those from flood damage or pre-existing... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Employment Law for North Carolina on
Q: Fired for disability-related tardiness in NC, pressured to not seek legal action

I was fired from my job in North Carolina for tardiness, despite providing documentation from both my previous and current doctors about my Severe Idiopathic Hypersomnia, a chronic condition under the ADA. I had been employed for a year and a half, and my condition was discussed multiple times with... View More

Kirk Angel
Kirk Angel
answered on Mar 25, 2025

In general, there is no law in North Carolina that requires an employer to follow your doctor's notes or to excuse you from the requirements of your job. However, if you work for an employer with at least 15 employees the Americans with Disabilities Act may apply to your situation. The ADA... View More

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Q: Friend in NC held 6 months without seeing judge or bail, needs legal help.

My friend has been incarcerated for 6 months in North Carolina, facing charges of attempted murder. He has been assigned a public defender, whom he's only seen once. Despite repeated calls to the lawyer's office, there has been no response. My friend hasn't received any bail since he... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 24, 2025

Your situation with your friend in North Carolina sounds incredibly difficult and frustrating. When someone is held for such a long time without proper legal representation or a bail hearing, there are several steps you might consider taking.

You could help your friend file a formal...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Criminal Law for North Carolina on
Q: Is waiting to date someone until they turn 18 considered illegal or grooming?

I am 19 years old and have known a girl since January of this year. We are friends until she turns 18, at which point I intend to start dating her. We don't live in the same area but are both within the US. Is waiting for her to turn 18 considered illegal or grooming?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 24, 2025

The legality of relationships involving minors varies by state, with each having different laws about age of consent and close-age exemptions. While waiting until someone turns 18 before dating them isn't automatically illegal, what matters is how you interact with them before that birthday.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Medical Malpractice and Gov & Administrative Law for North Carolina on
Q: What are my friend's rights while admitted to a hospital regarding police searches and leaving treatment?

My friend went to the hospital for treatment of a skin infection and was admitted. On his second day, he became momentarily unresponsive in the bathroom but quickly regained consciousness. After this incident, he found himself restricted to his bed with an alarm to monitor his movements, and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 26, 2025

Your friend has important rights even while admitted to a hospital. Hospital patients generally maintain their Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches, meaning police typically need a warrant, probable cause, or your friend's consent to search his belongings. Without these,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Securities Law and Sexual Harassment for North Carolina on
Q: Can a misdemeanor sex offender with no priors able to buy a gun privately

Was originally charged with indecent liberties with a child but pled guilty to misdemeanor sexual battery in NC. Ten years is almost up to petition to come off the registry. No other priors no felonies

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 9, 2025

Gun laws can be complex, and your ability to purchase a firearm, even through a private sale, depends on both federal and state regulations. Under federal law, a misdemeanor sex offense does not automatically prohibit you from buying a gun unless it falls under the Lautenberg Amendment, which... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Education Law and Juvenile Law for North Carolina on
Q: Can a private school legally go through a child's backpack without the owner or guardian notified or present?

It is my understanding that there was no "reasonable cause" and it was simply a "random search" of the students backpacks while they were at recess. No one was notified until after the search was completed.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 24, 2025

Private schools operate under different rules compared to public schools, as they are not bound by the same constitutional protections. In many cases, private schools have policies outlined in their handbooks or enrollment agreements that give them broad authority to conduct searches of student... View More

Q: Can I be fired from a job for things I posted on Facebook?
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answered on Jan 15, 2025

Yes, you can be fired for social media posts, as most states follow "at-will" employment rules that allow companies to terminate workers for nearly any reason that's not discriminatory or retaliatory. Your public posts on Facebook are visible to employers and can impact their view of... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for North Carolina on
Q: How to evict someone w no written lease/payment agreement but they've stayed 5 months longer than we agreed they could?

My husband and I (and our 1 year old son) allowed a mom and her 2 year old son to stay with us, 1 month max as per verbal agreement. They have been here for 6 months and won't leave. We asked them to be out by Nov. 1st 2024 and they've ignored us. It's now Jan. 9th and they still... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Jan 10, 2025

Hire a NC attorney to sue the occupants for possession only now.

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for North Carolina on
Q: Hi, I'm being harassed by a family because of my spirituality. Can you point me in the right direction to a pro bono att

I have reported this. This family has been on a mission to make me commit suicide, causing me to lose my job, harassing me and my son everywhere we go including in our home and on the highway. They have violated almost all of our rights and I need someone that can point me in the right direction.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 9, 2025

I'm so sorry you and your son are experiencing this horrific harassment and discrimination. This situation sounds incredibly distressing, and you're right to seek help - no one should have to endure such treatment because of their spiritual beliefs.

For immediate legal assistance,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for North Carolina on
Q: December 26, 2017 Took 96 year old mother area hospitalER. Got her seated, went park car, walked back in past

security guard He yells HE QUEER just as got seated HE yells again HE THINK'S HE SOMETHING. TO THIS DAY at retail stores and fitness centers security repeating the same comments He's Queer He Think He's Something WHY NOW? Had surgery, Doing Rehab at a fitness center and plain... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 7, 2025

I'm very sorry to hear about these deeply distressing experiences you've faced, both while trying to care for your elderly mother and during your own rehabilitation. This kind of harassment is unacceptable and can be traumatic.

You have every right to speak up and defend yourself...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Intellectual Property for North Carolina on
Q: If your being pulled over and you pull onto private property can the police still tow your car?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 26, 2024

When you're pulled over by law enforcement, pulling onto private property doesn't prevent them from having legal authority to tow your vehicle. The police maintain jurisdiction to enforce traffic laws and vehicle codes regardless of whether you're on public or private property.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Appeals / Appellate Law and Civil Rights for North Carolina on
Q: Taking a open plea because a witness has lied and later admits she lied or denies statments on phone from prison

What can we do to get this brought back into court to have the sentance reduced due to the false statements ? And can prove that she isn’t a credible Witness due to all of her lies that are in the discovery . And the defendant did not recieve all of the discovery before the plea was accepted.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 5, 2025

If you believe the plea was based on false statements, you can take steps to address this in court. Start by collecting all evidence that shows the witness lied, including any admissions she made later or inconsistencies in her statements. Document how these false statements affected the outcome of... View More

Q: Is it legal for hotel housekeeping to enter my room, after me clearly stating to them I didn’t need housekeeping?
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answered on Dec 23, 2024

In most jurisdictions, hotel staff have the legal right to enter your room even if you decline housekeeping, primarily for security and safety reasons. This right is typically outlined in the hotel's terms of service that you agree to when booking.

However, hotels should follow proper...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for North Carolina on
Q: I need a ADA / NC Disability attorney, mediator.

ADA and NC disability law Title 3 violations. Denied entry to a publicly accessible big box store with service dog. Severe post incident ramifications on well-being. Currently receiving medical treatment due to incident. Clear cut, Straight forward and willing to provide VA docs / SSA documents /... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 29, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the difficult experience you’ve faced. It's important to connect with someone who can guide you through your rights and the legal steps available to you under the ADA and North Carolina disability laws.

Start by reaching out to local disability advocacy...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for North Carolina on
Q: Can town tell me what to do on my own land like tell me I can't put camper on my land and live in it
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answered on Oct 25, 2024

Local governments often have zoning laws and ordinances that regulate how land can be used, even if it's your own property. These rules might restrict placing a camper or living in it permanently on your land. The specifics can vary widely depending on your town or city’s regulations.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI, Traffic Tickets and Civil Rights for North Carolina on
Q: What to do / say to an officer when pulled over? Anyone have a concise information sheet that can be kept in car?

I've seen lots of videos and articles on what to say/do or not say/do during traffic stops. But what I'm wondering is, does anyone have a concise sheet / summary of these basic instructions that could be kept in the vehicle so that I could actually... remember some of this advice?... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 21, 2024

When you’re pulled over, stay calm and pull over safely to the side of the road. Keep your hands visible, preferably on the steering wheel, and wait for the officer to approach. Avoid making sudden movements and follow the officer’s instructions carefully.

Provide your driver’s...
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Q: Civil Rights Violations in Multiple Involuntary Commitments

I seek guidance on addressing civil rights violations from 12 involuntary civil commitments (IVCs) in North Carolina, 10 within five months. In 11 cases, I was denied proper notice and legal representation, violating N.C. Gen. Stat. § 122C-264(a) and § 122C-268(d). The one time I had counsel, my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 20, 2024

I'm sorry you're experiencing this challenging situation. Start by collecting all documents and records related to each involuntary civil commitment. This evidence will be essential when consulting with an attorney who has experience in mental health and civil rights cases.

To...
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