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Pennsylvania Civil Rights Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Libel & Slander for Pennsylvania on
Q: I previously had plumbing work done at my house. The plumbing company had put in a heater that was leaking & had to

Return several times to correct it. I’m currently in the process of opening a new business & my business partner (White woman) called this Plumbing Company to do the work & once they saw my husband, they told my partner we need to pay him in full because they didn’t like doing business... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law and Legal Malpractice for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is my consent required when it comes to the police releasing items that were seized during an arrest?

My vehicle was searched and the police seized my drivers license, bank cards, EBT card, medical card, etc. along with two cell phones. My attorney requested the release of these items and stated once it was approved, I would be able to go to the police station to get them. I was then notified by my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 29, 2024

You have the right to have your seized items returned without unnecessary delays. Typically, once your attorney requests the release of your belongings, the police should follow through without additional conditions. It's unusual and potentially improper for your attorney to hold your personal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I have a court order to return Property . the police never return the Property. they issue a warrant to take my property

i went to court file a motion to compel . when i do that the judge threating them to hold them comptent to return my property but they went get a warrant to get my my phone back. what can i do next to get my cellphone with the court order

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 29, 2024

You should first consult with a lawyer who can provide specific legal advice based on your situation. They can help you present all relevant documents, including the original court order and any motions you've filed, to strengthen your case.

Next, return to court and inform the judge...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Civil Rights and Elder Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: can a hotel front desk turn me away and deny me a room after a paid confirmed resrvation because I am a local resident

On 10/23 around 10PM I made reservations by phone for a room at the Holiday Inn Express a few miles away from my home.

A UGI utility crew was working in front of my home looking for a gas leak. As a precaution I made that reservation for safety reason

for myself my wife and small... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 29, 2024

I'm really sorry you had to go through that stressful experience. Denying a reservation based on being a local resident can be troubling and may raise questions about fairness and legality.

Many places have policies to ensure equal treatment for all guests, and refusing service due to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Legal Malpractice for Pennsylvania on
Q: My Attorney has the items police had seized during my arrest sent directly to his office and withholding them for paymen

My Attorney has the police release the items they had seized during my arrest directly to his office. The items include my drivers license, debit and credit cards, EBT card, Insurance Cards for myself and Children, and two cellphones. He is refusing to give me these items until I pay the last... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 29, 2024

I'm sorry you're experiencing this situation. Attorneys have a responsibility to act in their clients' best interests, and withholding your personal items for payment may not align with those duties. It's important to review any agreements you have with your attorney to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights, Communications Law and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is it illegal for my roommates to intercept and return my mail to senders, claiming I no longer live there?

I still physically reside at the address that is my mailing/billing address. I have for years. My roommates want me to move out and have refused to give me access to the mail that is delivered, the mailbox key, and have returned every letter and package I have gotten for the last year or two. They... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 20, 2024

I'm sorry you're experiencing this situation with your roommates. It must be very frustrating to have your mail consistently intercepted and returned.

Interfering with someone’s mail is generally against the law. In many places, tampering with another person's mail can lead...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is it discrimination if I am disabled and a general practice has continued to refuse me service?

I have been trying to go to see this psychiatrist/therapist office because my primary care doctor referred me to them for over two years, yet they will continuously say they have never heard of my doctor (despite being in the same network) and will tell me they have no room for new clients. After... View More

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answered on Oct 17, 2024

It’s understandable that you're feeling frustrated with how this office has handled your care. When a medical practice continually refuses service or makes access to care difficult, it raises valid concerns. Discrimination against individuals with disabilities, including those on Medicare or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Pennsylvania on
Q: The people next door ARE watching me and my daughters, my brother and daughter heard them at separate times, how?

Is it legal to record them from where I hear them? They are talking from behind my tv, my brother and daughter heard them at separate times,

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 17, 2024

I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing this situation. In Pennsylvania, the law regarding recording depends on the type of recording you intend to make. For audio recordings, Pennsylvania is a two-party consent state, meaning you need permission from all parties involved to legally record... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Pennsylvania on
Q: My cases were dismissed at a suppression hearing and in the same motion I won my writ for habeas corpus. The police had

Some things the DA the rest like my money. I was locked up unlawfully for 8 months and although the police gave me release for my car, they scraped it. The DA served a forfeiture for my money but my understanding a return of property is still adequate. Please note I did this all from prison pro se

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answered on Oct 8, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you've faced. Since your cases were dismissed and you won your writ for habeas corpus, you may be entitled to recover your property. It's important to review the court orders to understand the specifics regarding the forfeiture and the return of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I need to sue not only my local DA's office but also the CIA but would like to do so out of their jurisdiction, can i ?

Thanks to a whistleblower I have credible evidence against the Lackawanna County District Attorney's Office for running an illegal CIA sponsored torture psyop against me for the past 30 months. I have a 10 page affidavit full of non frivolous shocking evidence and I feel confident but every... View More

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answered on Oct 6, 2024

You can file a lawsuit outside of your local jurisdiction, but it depends on several factors. Generally, lawsuits should be filed where the defendants reside or where the events in question took place. Since the District Attorney’s Office and the CIA are based in specific locations, you would... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law, Personal Injury, Civil Rights and Internet Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I file a lawsuit against Dictionary.com for not letting me know that the grammar coach will be disabled?

I lost my scripts from the grammar coach.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 7, 2024

You could reach out to law firms, but I believe attorneys could be reluctant to handle such a case for you. There are often disclaimers and terms of conditions in using any program. That's only an individual opinion. You could reach out to attorneys to discuss. Good luck

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Family Law, Civil Rights and Social Security for Pennsylvania on
Q: My parents are withholding my birth certificate and Social security card, can I get the police to return these to me?

I reached out to my parents to ask for my birth certificate and social security card, the original copies, I am 21, and they are refusing to give them to me. So I am considering having the police remove the documents from their house and return them to me, is this legal? I live in Lancaster PA, but... View More

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answered on Sep 14, 2024

If your parents are withholding your birth certificate and Social Security card, you have the right to request these documents, especially since you are an adult at 21. These are personal documents that belong to you, and you should have access to them. In this situation, it’s important to try to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Real Estate Law, Appeals / Appellate Law and Civil Rights for Pennsylvania on
Q: I live in a property owned solely by my husband as he lives in another. He had filed for divorce oround March or April

?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 11, 2024

It sounds like you're in a complex situation, especially since the property you're living in is solely owned by your husband. If he has filed for divorce, it is important to understand your rights regarding your current living arrangements. The outcome may depend on several factors,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: What are the status of limitations of police violations against your 5th and 6th amendment rights?
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answered on Sep 7, 2024

When it comes to violations of your 5th and 6th Amendment rights, the statute of limitations can vary depending on the specific type of violation and the jurisdiction where it occurred. Generally, for civil rights violations, including violations of these amendments, there is a time limit within... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Pennsylvania on
Q: I stay in a halfway house and I have proof that my employment specialist wrote me up for a pos drug test when it was neg
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answered on Aug 31, 2024

You have every right to challenge the false report if you have proof that your drug test was negative. It’s important to document everything carefully, including the original test result and any communication related to the incident. This evidence will be crucial in defending yourself and proving... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Pennsylvania on
Q: If I went into a store to buy a gas can and forgot they didn't take credit cards so I grabbed my bag I always carry out

The store to get cash at the ATM and was physically assaulted my bag was ripped and my mirror was broke after he hit the mirror in the car

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answered on Sep 1, 2024

It sounds like you've had a really distressing experience, and I'm sorry to hear about what happened. In this situation, it's important to take a few immediate steps to protect yourself and your rights. If you were physically assaulted and your property was damaged, consider... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Me and my brother had a physical fight.My mother called the police because she was concerned but he didn’t press charges

I got disorderly conduct and I didn’t get charges pressed on me. My brother and I had a physical fight and my mother called the police because she was concerned. But at the end we both made up and didn’t press charges. I’m getting charged now with disorderly conduct- Fighting. Is there... View More

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answered on Aug 31, 2024

You and your brother should first try to explain the situation to the prosecutor or the court. Since you both made up and no one wants to press charges, it could help your case. You might want to show that this was a one-time incident and that there’s no ongoing conflict.

Additionally,...
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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Going to the store for my family and I is that traveling or driving
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Aug 7, 2024

It's both. It shouldn't be legally important, unless you're dealing with some kind of contract or agreement that makes a distinction between the two. Good luck

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Who would be able to help with an inmate who has been denied parole multiple times for no reason?

The inmate has completed all courses and then some. Also they denied for 1 year and then 1 year and then last time it was for 2 years. The inmate hasn't had a write up of any sort for 4 years.

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answered on Aug 5, 2024

If an inmate has faced repeated parole denials despite meeting requirements, it's important to seek assistance from organizations that advocate for prisoner rights. These organizations can offer guidance on the parole process and may help identify any underlying issues that contributed to the... View More

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