Get free answers to your Civil Rights legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I need help with suing a HUD housing complex. While I was away from my apartment, they seized my possessions and changed the locks despite my continuing to pay rent through their online portal. I did not receive any notices as my mail was still being sent to my Ohio residence. I had informed the... View More 
I recently found out that the man I was dating has HIV, and he didn't inform me about his condition initially. I discovered his medication while doing laundry, and only then did he admit to having HIV. He claims that he can't transfer it to me because he takes medication that makes him... View More
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answered on Apr 16, 2025
Ohio law still requires anyone who knows they are HIV‑positive to tell a prospective sex partner before any sexual activity, even if medication has driven the viral load to “undetectable.” Nondisclosure can be charged as felonious assault, a second‑degree felony that the courts have... View More
I recently called the police on my ex-boyfriend because he threatened to beat me, as he has done to his exes. The police came but said they couldn't do anything, and one of us needed to leave for the night. Since he was from another state, had few friends, and was intoxicated, they made me... View More
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answered on Apr 16, 2025
Police officers have wide discretion and broad “qualified immunity,” so suing them for choosing to make you leave rarely succeeds. Still, you can file an internal‑affairs or civilian‑review‑board complaint and send a copy to the chief and the mayor, pointing out that you were the sole... View More
I was detained after missing a visit with my probation officer and placed in medical segregation due to the flu. During a medical evaluation, I was handcuffed and strapped to a chair, where I was severely beaten by two sheriffs and two corrections officers. This resulted in a knocked-out tooth,... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
I'm really sorry you went through something so violent and traumatic. What you described could amount to excessive force, and you may have grounds to take legal action for the injuries you suffered while in custody. The fact that you were restrained, ill, and then beaten by officers makes this... View More
I’m a PhD student registered with disability services (SAS) for ASD and executive functioning impairments. My neuropsych eval recommends structured advising, written expectations, and support with academic communication. I requested these for my dissertation prospectus, but my advisor replied... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
Under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and Section 504, once a faculty member or department has actual or constructive knowledge of a student's disability, they are required to engage in the interactive process to determine appropriate accommodations. This process involves discussing... View More
I found out that my ex has hired a private investigator to follow me after I moved out, and he has shared clips with me that were taken on my private property. There is a standard restraining order in place for behavior/financial restraint, but nothing specific for safety/proximity. His text... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
If your ex has hired a private investigator to follow you and gather footage on your private property, this is a serious invasion of your privacy. In Ohio, it is illegal for someone to trespass on private property or to use surveillance in a way that violates your reasonable expectation of privacy.... View More
I need guidance on filing a complaint against the magistrate in my child custody case. The magistrate and I share the same last name, leading to potential bias concerns. I received improper service; the only notice I got was a witness list five days before court. Without legal representation or... View More
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answered on Apr 8, 2025
First, you’ll want to file a formal complaint with the judicial conduct board or commission in your state. Focus on the potential conflict of interest due to the shared last name, the improper service of notice, and the way the magistrate allowed your ex full control over visitation. Include... View More
Can I pursue legal action against a public university for failing to coordinate accommodations under ADA/504, which led to 1.5 years of lost academic progress and potential dismissal?
I’m a PhD student with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), registered with the university's Student... View More
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answered on Apr 7, 2025
You may have grounds for legal action if the university has failed to provide the necessary accommodations as outlined under the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Since you have documented your requests and the lack of appropriate support, it could be argued that the university did not... View More
During a traffic stop in Mansfield, Ohio, a police officer took my prescribed medications from a bag because I lost the bottle lid. The medications are neither controlled nor scheduled substances. The officer did not provide any receipt or explanation for taking them, and no citations or charges... View More
answered on Apr 3, 2025
You should contact an attorney in your area who is familiar with local police custom, but you can first try the police department where the officers were dispatched from. It is not a violation typically for them to seize unbottled pills to verify them.
Depending on local practice, they may... View More
I sustained personal injuries from a beating by sheriffs at the Stark County jail, where I was handcuffed to a chair. My injuries included broken ribs, severe wrist wounds, and a knocked-out tooth. I received medical treatment at a hospital, where my wounds were documented. There were other... View More
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answered on Apr 7, 2025
It’s understandable that you want to seek compensation for the injuries you sustained at Stark County jail. The first step in this process is to document everything in detail. Keep a record of your injuries, medical treatments, and any evidence such as photographs or hospital records. If there... View More
I have extensive documentation proving systematic targeting and misconduct by the Marion Police Department, CPS, the sheriff's department, and Marmet, including records manipulation, evidence withholding, and obstruction of justice. On the day of my unlawful arrest, I was ambushed by... View More
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answered on Apr 1, 2025
To address the alleged misconduct by Marion law enforcement agencies, you should immediately file a motion for preservation of evidence in the relevant courts, explicitly listing all documents, digital records, body camera footage, and communications that must be preserved. This legal mechanism... View More
I am 18 and living in Ohio with my dad and his girlfriend. She searches my room and accuses me of stealing without evidence. She also threatens to withhold access to rights and necessities. My father is indifferent and typically agrees with her to avoid conflict, and her name is on the house deed.... View More
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answered on Mar 27, 2025
Your situation involves complex legal considerations since you're an adult but still financially dependent and living in a home where the girlfriend is a property owner. In Ohio, you have some basic rights to privacy even without paying rent, similar to those of a tenant-at-will, though these... View More
I was a former employee at Walmart, where I was accused of stealing and felt forced to write a confession under pressure, leading to my termination just before receiving a bonus. Despite visiting the store a couple of times post-termination to say goodbye to friends, I was warned against... View More
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answered on Mar 24, 2025
Your situation with Walmart involves several potential legal issues that merit exploration. You might have grounds for legal action based on the circumstances surrounding your forced confession, termination before bonus payment, and the subsequent treatment you've received when visiting the... View More
I recently ended a relationship with my ex-girlfriend, whom I met about 3 weeks ago. She is now threatening to falsely accuse me of stealing money she willingly sent to my bank account for clothes she bought me. I have written evidence of her threats through text messages. I was released from... View More
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answered on Mar 24, 2025
This situation sounds incredibly stressful, especially given your recent release. The text messages with her threats are valuable evidence—immediately back them up by taking screenshots, emailing them to yourself, and storing them in a secure cloud location. Also gather any bank statements or... View More
I have been attempting to delete my profile and data from a UK-based company after my account was compromised, exposing my financial and personal information. The company has refused contact due to not providing "ample evidence for identification," although they never requested any... View More
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answered on Mar 24, 2025
Under UK data protection law, you have the right to request erasure of your personal data (known as the "right to be forgotten") by submitting a formal Subject Access Request to the company. Document all correspondence and send a final letter via recorded delivery clearly stating that... View More
I am receiving dialysis treatment in a center where all patients are treated in a large, open room, and the doctors discuss personal medical information within this setting. Despite expressing discomfort and requesting a private meeting due to privacy concerns and my hearing issue, my request was... View More
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answered on Mar 24, 2025
Your concerns about privacy in the dialysis center are valid and important. What you're describing may constitute a violation of privacy laws, particularly the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States, which requires healthcare providers to take... View More
I'm a first-time offender who sent a text message saying I'd beat up someone and her friends. She filed a police report against me. This person has been talking negatively about me for over a year, causing issues where I lived, which led me to move. A police officer has contacted me... View More
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answered on Mar 15, 2025
Hello, charges are possible depending on the language in the text and/or whether or not you’ve been told to not contact the receiver of the text message.
I've been experiencing severe harassment, including unauthorized RFID implantation, constant stalking, threats, and several invasions of privacy. Law enforcement has refused to take my reports, and my vehicle has been tampered with to affect its operability. My phone has been hacked to... View More
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answered on Mar 24, 2025
I understand how distressing and isolating these experiences must be for you. When facing situations where you feel your safety and privacy are compromised, documenting everything is crucial. Keep detailed records of all incidents with dates, times, and descriptions, and if possible, gather any... View More
I am a victim of voyeurism by the owner of a store, who has been charged, and the third pretrial is set for tomorrow. I am currently not represented by an attorney and have not been informed of any victims' compensation programs. I wish to pursue restitution and consider suing both the store... View More
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answered on Mar 24, 2025
You need a victims' rights attorney who focuses on privacy violations and sexual misconduct cases. This type of lawyer can help you navigate the criminal case, pursue restitution, and advocate for your rights throughout the legal process. Many victims' rights attorneys offer free initial... View More
I work at Walmart, and I've noticed that a bearded man with a ponytail is using the women's restroom. I haven't discussed this with anyone and am concerned about bringing it up because I fear losing my job. This situation is very shocking to me, and I'm uncertain about the... View More
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answered on Mar 27, 2025
I understand your concern about this sensitive workplace situation. It's natural to feel uncertain when facing something unfamiliar, especially in shared spaces like restrooms. Before taking any action, you might want to review Walmart's official policies on gender identity, which... View More
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