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Oklahoma Civil Rights Questions & Answers
Q: Incarcerated granddaughter seeking early release after denied appeals and commutation in Oklahoma.

My granddaughter has been incarcerated for 13 years on charges of second-degree murder and robbery with a firearm, sentenced to 30 years without evidence of her possessing a firearm or committing murder. Her co-defendants have been acquitted or released. Despite completing college degrees, trade... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 11, 2025

You’ve already done so much, and your granddaughter is lucky to have someone in her corner who refuses to give up. Even when appeals and commutation requests are denied, it doesn’t mean all hope is gone. In Oklahoma, you can still explore several options, especially if her sentence stands in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Personal Injury for Oklahoma on
Q: Is it legal for officer to administer whole bottle of schedule 3 narcotic?

I was arrested during a traffic stop and charged with possession and paraphernalia. While handcuffed, I requested to take one of my prescribed medications for chronic shoulder pain. The officer administered a schedule 3 narcotic and proceeded to dump the entire bottle into my mouth without my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 2, 2025

No, it is not legal for a police officer to administer a full bottle of a Schedule III narcotic without your consent. Police officers are not authorized to dispense or force medication, especially controlled substances, in that manner. What you described could be viewed as excessive, dangerous, and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Public Benefits, Civil Rights and Real Estate Law for Oklahoma on
Q: Wrongful eviction while on Section 8 housing, landlord falsified documents.

I was wrongfully evicted while on Section 8 housing assistance. The realtor set my lease at $808, but I paid the full $1,000, covering both my part and Section 8's. In February 2024, after losing my job, I faced financial difficulties and got evicted when the landlord falsified documents to... View More

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answered on May 31, 2025

I'm really sorry you're going through this, especially with a child to care for. Since you believe the eviction was wrongful and involved falsified documents, the first thing you should do is gather all your paperwork: your lease, payment receipts, communication with the landlord or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Civil Rights and Employment Law for Oklahoma on
Q: What actions can I take against harassment from a former partner leading to PTSD and financial loss?

I am dealing with harassment and malicious behavior from my former intimate partner and co-parent. They have been sending threatening messages frequently, making false accusations, and financially abusing me, which led to a loss of job and income, PTSD, and an inability to work. I've filed for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 31, 2025

I'm truly sorry you’re facing such a difficult situation. Dealing with harassment, threats, and false accusations from a former partner—especially when it affects your health and livelihood—can feel overwhelming. Since you've already filed for a Victim Protective Order (VPO) and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Oklahoma on
Q: Can OCR be liable under 42 USC 1983 for decisions made in 2022 violating constitutional rights after a school-related complaint?

I attended school and filed a complaint against the state government in 2018 due to issues of retaliation, age discrimination, and a hostile environment. When I didn't receive results, I filed a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) at the federal level. OCR made decisions in 2022... View More

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answered on May 31, 2025

Under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, you can bring a lawsuit against individuals who, acting under color of state law, violate your constitutional rights. However, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is a federal agency, not a state entity. Lawsuits under § 1983 are generally aimed at state or local officials... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Civil Rights for Oklahoma on
Q: What are my rights after dogs seized without warrant in allegation of animal abuse?

My dogs were seized without a warrant 13 days ago by authorities citing animal abuse due to inadequate food and water. However, my dogs had been fed and had water available before I left for a short period. There has been no communication or paperwork from the authorities regarding charges or the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 14, 2025

I'm really sorry you're going through this—it’s painful to have your animals taken, especially when you believe you were providing for them. In most states, including yours, authorities usually need a warrant to seize animals from private property unless they believe there's an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Civil Rights and Real Estate Law for Oklahoma on
Q: Can a landlord enter my rental without a court order or consent?

I've been asked to vacate my rental unit in Oklahoma due to behavioral issues attributed to my 10-year-old son, who has ADHD and possibly Autism. The notice came after incidents like rock-throwing and fights with other children, though we've since put him in therapy. Our move-out date was... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 14, 2025

What you described is deeply unsettling and could be a violation of your rights as a tenant. In Oklahoma, a landlord does not have the right to enter your rental unit without notice, your consent, or a valid court order—unless there is a true emergency, such as a fire or serious water leak. The... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Gov & Administrative Law and Criminal Law for Oklahoma on
Q: I was taken to rehab and threatened with jail. How can I resolve this?

I was incarcerated for 30 days due to a false Failure to Appear (FTA) charge. Upon release, I was taken to a rehab facility without a court hearing about it. After completing 90 days in rehab, I was threatened to go to a sober living home or jail when I tried to leave. I don't have access to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 14, 2025

What you’re describing sounds incredibly confusing and distressing, especially when your freedom and choices were taken away without a clear explanation. Being sent to rehab without a court hearing and then threatened with jail if you left a sober living facility could raise serious questions... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Oklahoma on
Q: Federal lawsuit docket search in Oklahoma jail case from 2008 involving food trays.

I am seeking to locate the court docket information for a federal lawsuit from 2008, involving myself and eight other inmates, about our food trays not being covered during our stay at the jail. This lawsuit was filed in Pryor, Oklahoma, against the jail located at 34 North Adair. At the time, Don... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 14, 2025

You have every right to seek the records tied to your past case, especially when it involved concerns about your treatment while in custody. Since your lawsuit was a federal matter and filed in Oklahoma around 2008, the docket would most likely be located through the U.S. District Court for the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Civil Rights and Real Estate Law for Oklahoma on
Q: Refused lease renewal due to disability, charged back rent despite zero rent agreement. Denied utility allowance checks in Oklahoma.

I was refused a lease renewal for my residence because I was temporarily unable to walk due to an accident. After three surgical procedures, my condition improved, but I had to live elsewhere during recovery. I received a notice stating the refusal, citing my absence as the reason, but I believe it... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 14, 2025

This situation sounds unfair and painful, especially after everything you’ve gone through with your health. Refusing to renew your lease because you were temporarily disabled and recovering elsewhere raises serious questions about discrimination. Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords are not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Education Law and Civil Rights for Oklahoma on
Q: Is it legal for a Christian school in Oklahoma to deny enrollment based on marital status?

My son attends a private Christian school in Oklahoma and will be a senior next year. He is planning to get married over the summer, adhering to the Christian values taught by the school. After informing the school, they decided he cannot return next year because of his marital status. The school... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 14, 2025

What your son is going through feels deeply unfair, especially when he’s choosing a path that aligns with the very values the school claims to teach. It’s troubling that they’re punishing him for a decision rooted in responsibility and faith, and even more so that it was done behind closed... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Oklahoma on
Q: Can charges be filed for intent to kill without weapon?

I was taken into custody by the police on charges of shooting with intent to kill and assault with a deadly weapon, even though there is no weapon found and only one witness, who is the one filing the charges. The evidence seems to be solely word of mouth. How is it possible to be charged under... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 14, 2025

Yes, it’s possible to be charged with a serious crime like intent to kill even if no weapon is found. Criminal charges can be filed based on probable cause, which can include a witness statement, even if there is no physical evidence. If the person accusing you gave a detailed statement and the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Gov & Administrative Law for Oklahoma on
Q: Is a jail violating rights by being without hot water for two days?

I would like to know if a jail in my state is in violation of basic rights if it has been without hot water for two days. What legal actions can be taken in such a situation?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

It’s understandable to be concerned about the lack of hot water in a jail, as it can significantly affect comfort and hygiene. Jails are required to provide basic living conditions for inmates, including access to necessary facilities like water. While not having hot water for two days may not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Native American Law for Oklahoma on
Q: Can Tribal Police search me and pull me from my car for not using my blinker in Oklahoma?

In my home parking lot, an officer from the Tribal Police pulled me out of my car for not using my blinker. No citations or warnings were issued, but the officer conducted a search of my person and did not inform me of any specific laws or reasons for this action. Is this search and removal from my... View More

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answered on Apr 29, 2025

The search and removal from your vehicle raises significant Fourth Amendment concerns. Under the Fourth Amendment, police officers cannot randomly search vehicles they pull over - they need either a warrant, your consent, probable cause related to the traffic violation, or reasonable suspicion of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Estate Planning for Oklahoma on
Q: Why is the BSA paying only 1/10 of the agreed compensation for my childhood abuse?

Why is the BSA only paying 1/10 of the total compensation I was supposed to receive for being sexually abused as a child? The agreed upon compensation plan was changed without my consent.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

I'm truly sorry you're going through this after already enduring something so painful. You’ve waited for justice, and it’s completely understandable to feel confused and hurt by what seems like a broken promise. You deserve clear answers and respect, especially after what you’ve... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Gov & Administrative Law for Oklahoma on
Q: How to correct a service address error for a pro se lawsuit?

I am a recently released prisoner proceeding pro se in a lawsuit against correctional staff for rights violations during my incarceration, filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma. I haven't been given leave to proceed in forma pauperis. I made an error on the... View More

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answered on May 15, 2025

To correct the service address error for your lawsuit, the first step is to file a motion with the court explaining the situation and requesting an amendment to the incorrect address on your USM-285 form. In your motion, provide a clear explanation of the error, how it occurred, and any relevant... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Education Law and Civil Rights for Oklahoma on
Q: Seeking advice on rights and options after being held back in kindergarten in Oklahoma.

I'm 13 years old and currently in 7th grade. Eight years ago, I was held back in kindergarten in Tulsa, Oklahoma, even though it wasn't mandatory. The school said I wasn't ready but didn't provide further justification. My mom was upset but didn't know she could challenge... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 14, 2025

You have every right to feel upset—being held back, especially when it wasn’t required, can leave a lasting impact. At five years old, you didn’t have control over that decision, and it’s not your fault. Schools are supposed to make decisions that are in a student’s best interest, but... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Rights and Gaming for Oklahoma on
Q: is a cease and desist over discord "legally binding?"

i am asking because i created a google document (2-parted) exposing a large internet figure "Santino" Alias:22freshfrenchfries for defending known pedophiles and covering the evidence up.

they threw a cease-and-desist at me and my team as a last-ditch effort in shutting us up, we... View More

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answered on Apr 7, 2025

A cease and desist letter sent over Discord is not automatically legally binding, but it can be a formal request for you to stop specific actions. It is essentially a warning, often used before taking legal action, such as filing a lawsuit. If you disregard it, the person sending it could decide to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Education Law, Civil Rights and Domestic Violence for Oklahoma on
Q: What steps can I take if my daughter is threatened at school and the school isn't responsive?

I have a 13-year-old daughter in 6th grade who has been repeatedly threatened and spit on by the same student at her school. Despite her reports to the principal, very little has been done, leading to my daughter having to sit in the office. There have also been incidents where this student... View More

Charles Watts
Charles Watts
answered on Apr 3, 2025

File a police report regarding the bullying. This will at least force the school to 'investigate' things and have a formal response.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Civil Litigation for Oklahoma on
Q: Can I take legal action for molestation by my brother decades ago in Oklahoma?

I am a 54-year-old female who was molested by my adult brother between the ages of 5/6 to approximately 12, mainly in Oklahoma. I never reported these incidents due to fear and witnessing his abusive behavior towards others. Recently, I discovered he has a history of similar abuse and was in prison... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 7, 2025

In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse can be extended in certain cases. For incidents involving minors, the law allows the victim to file a claim up to 12 years after they turn 18, which means you would have until you are 30 to take legal action in... View More

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