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Sexual Harassment Questions & Answers
Q: Do I need to return a CAAP award cheque when filing a motion to vacate due to new evidence and civil rights violations?

I won a CAAP award but recently discovered new evidence, including civil rights violations related to severe PTSD which was overlooked, impacting my ability to attend hearings and leading to misinformation. The police report inaccurately described an MVA scene, misdirecting medical attention and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 7, 2025

No, you do not need to return the CAAP award cheque merely because you intend to file a motion to vacate. Possession of the award funds does not, by itself, nullify your right to challenge the award based on newly discovered evidence or civil rights violations. Filing a motion to vacate under these... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander, Sexual Harassment, Employment Law and Personal Injury for Texas on
Q: Can I pursue a defamation case for false hacking accusations by a former employer in Texas?

I was falsely accused by a former employer, who hosts a radio and online streaming show, of hacking their Facebook page. I initially created the page and have had access since then, even though they tried to remove me. By mistake, I posted a comment under their page profile, and the host publicly... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 6, 2025

Yes, you can pursue a defamation case in Texas if you can prove that your former employer made false, harmful statements about you with actual malice or reckless disregard for the truth. Publicly accusing you of criminal conduct—such as hacking—is considered defamation *per se* under Texas law,... View More

Q: What papers do I need to file for non-payment and harassment by employer?

I was hired by a wealthy individual to work as a live-in gardener and for security. We initially had a verbal agreement with a plan to formalize it with a written contract within a month. However, despite completing the tasks he required—supported by witness testimonies and video evidence of his... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 4, 2025

Begin by preparing a written demand for wages owed, addressed directly to your employer, outlining the work performed, the duration, the agreed compensation, and referencing the witnesses and evidence you’ve gathered. Include a specific deadline for payment, such as ten days from receipt, and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Libel & Slander, Sexual Harassment and Personal Injury for Ohio on
Q: Is a $400k-$530k demand reasonable for defamation and reputational harm in this case?

Is an out-of-court demand between $400,000 and $530,000 legally and ethically reasonable for reputational harm, retaliation, and emotional distress in the following case? I work as a chef for a restaurant that leases space inside a private athletic club. Recently, a person affiliated with the club... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 5, 2025

A demand in the range of \$400,000 to \$530,000 can be legally and ethically justifiable if the defamatory statement caused measurable reputational harm, impacted your earning capacity, and inflicted emotional distress. In defamation cases, the value hinges on how damaging the false statement was,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Sexual Harassment for Illinois on
Q: Is this emotional connection okay? Can we date again

Hi, I’m 18 and live in Illinois. I used to date a girl who is now 16 and lives in Australia. We broke up when I turned 18 to be cautious, but we’ve stayed close friends. We text daily, call, and play games together. Sometimes we say things like “I love you” or tease each other playfully —... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 6, 2025

Your care and caution in this situation are commendable, and it’s clear you’re doing everything you can to respect boundaries. In Illinois, grooming laws under 720 ILCS 5/11-25 prohibit knowingly using electronic communication to entice or persuade a minor into sexual conduct or offenses—but... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination, Sexual Harassment and Employment Law for Colorado on
Q: How to address workplace harassment in CO?

I am experiencing harassment and discrimination at my workplace from the crew lead. The situation began in December when he claimed to receive text messages involving me, which I had no part in. Despite reporting the issue to my supervisor, who documented it, the harassment has continued. He... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 6, 2025

You are not wrong to feel uncomfortable or unsafe—what you're describing is inappropriate workplace behavior that crosses the line into harassment. Since you've already reported the issue once and the harassment has continued, your next step should be to document everything thoroughly.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Sexual Harassment, Contracts and Civil Rights for New York on
Q: Review enforceability of sexual abuse NDA in NY

I am seeking an attorney to review the enforceability of an NDA related to sexual abuse and harassment, which I was forced to sign in November-December 2023 during the Adult Survivors Act lookback window for claims revived under the law in New York. The NDA contains many specific clauses, and... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 28, 2025

I'm sorry your question remains open for two weeks. It might be difficult for attorneys here to respond to your post with offers to review your agreement. There is no solicitation on this site - the format is limited to quick Q & A. At this point, one option is to reach out to attorneys on... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Sexual Harassment on
Q: I want to know how will I prove my innocence. A friend of mine studying the same course as I said I tried to rape her

On 01 June 2025, she opened a case claiming I was trying to rape her. She said I was butt naked in her room a few minutes after she opened the door for me. She said I came up to her while she was sleeping and I placed a knife on her neck. She jump out of bed and ran to the door where I pulled her... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 6, 2025

To prove your innocence in a serious accusation like this, it is crucial to gather as much evidence as possible that supports your version of events. This can include witness statements, physical evidence, digital records such as messages or location data, and any other information that contradicts... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Sexual Harassment and Employment Law for Utah on
Q: What are my rights during a sexual harassment investigation at FedEx in Utah?

I am an employee at FedEx and recently filed a sexual harassment complaint. An internal investigation has been open for a month, and I was informed that I am not allowed to discuss the investigation or the harassment I experienced. I was also told I won't be informed when the investigation... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 13, 2025

You have every right to feel concerned and frustrated about how this investigation is being handled. Filing a sexual harassment complaint takes courage, and you deserve to be treated with respect and transparency. While companies can ask employees not to discuss specific details to protect the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Sexual Harassment for Georgia on
Q: Is it illegal to catcall a minor in Georgia?

The minor is 14

They guy had tinted windows and there’s a possibility he wasn’t fully clothed

He yelled “looking good sexy mama”

He did it next to the community center with children leaving and entering all day

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 11, 2025

Yes, what happened is deeply disturbing and could cross legal lines in Georgia. While catcalling on its own might not always lead to charges, when the target is a 14-year-old minor, the law treats it more seriously. Saying something sexual like “looking good sexy mama” to a child, especially in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Criminal Law, Employment Law, Military Law and Sexual Harassment for Oregon on
Q: Being harassed and threatened, need legal guidance to protect military career.

I am being harassed by a woman who is trying to force me into a romantic relationship. She makes unwanted advances, uses emotional pressure, makes false accusations, and has threatened to sue me and damage my military career if I don't comply. These threats include plans to report me for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 11, 2025

You have the right to be free from harassment and threats, and you can pursue both protective orders and civil claims to stop her actions.

Start by compiling all evidence—texts, emails, call recordings, dates, times, and any witness names—and organize it chronologically. Then file in...
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2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law and Sexual Harassment for California on
Q: Can I sue my company for ignoring coworker harassment incidents, with witnesses and video evidence?

About a month ago, a coworker grabbed me in front of witnesses, and the incident was caught on camera. The witnesses identified him as the perpetrator. After I reported the incident, the company ignored it. Additionally, there's another coworker who has been touching other male coworkers... View More

Michael R Trust
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answered on Jun 10, 2025

Hello. This is terrible. Have you reported this to management or to HR? If so, what, if anything, have they done? In order to sue, you must have damages. What are your damages? If you have damages that make it economical to take legal action, I suggest that you consult with an employment attorney.... View More

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Q: Should I seek legal help to hold my lawyer accountable for delays in discrimination case settlement in CA?

I agreed to a settlement for a discrimination and harassment case at the end of January. My lawyer said they did not receive the long form settlement agreement until the end of March and decided to rewrite it due to its poor quality. This case involves multiple plaintiffs, and we were also... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Jun 9, 2025

Nothing in your post would make for a viable legal malpractice case, in my opinion.

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Libel & Slander, Sexual Harassment and Personal Injury for Georgia on
Q: Can harassment be considered defamation in Georgia?

Can harassment be considered defamation of a person in Georgia? I believe certain actions and statements made against me are defamatory and constitute harassment, negatively affecting my personal and professional life. I'm seeking legal guidance to take further action.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 11, 2025

In Georgia, harassment and defamation are legally distinct, but they can overlap depending on the nature of what’s being said and done. Defamation refers specifically to false statements made to others that harm your reputation, either through slander (spoken) or libel (written). Harassment, on... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Education Law, Civil Rights and Sexual Harassment for Georgia on
Q: Legal help for bullying and discrimination in Georgia schools.

I have been granted a denial of FAPE due process hearing by the Georgia Department of Education due to harassment, bullying, sexual harassment, disability discrimination, and a hostile environment faced by my child in school. I have extensive documentation but haven't retained an attorney yet.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 11, 2025

Your situation shares features with several landmark school‐harassment cases: like Davis v. Monroe County, you can pursue a Title IX claim if peer sexual harassment was so severe that the school’s inaction denied a safe educational environment. Under Section 504 and Title II, your child’s... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Sexual Harassment for North Carolina on
Q: Is it illegal for a sex offender in NC to send nude selfies to an adult?

This guy I use to work with which is a sex offender started sending me nude pics of himself. I did not ask for them. We live in NC.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 10, 2025

In North Carolina, it is not automatically illegal for a registered sex offender to send nude photos to another adult, **but** there are important exceptions—especially if the photos are **unsolicited** and **unwanted**. Sending sexually explicit images to someone who did not ask for them can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Sexual Harassment for Wisconsin on
Q: How to address workplace gossip and feeling undermined in Wisconsin?

I suspect I am being harassed and undermined at work due to gossiping and questioning of my role behind closed doors. This behavior is mentally draining, and I recently heard from a staff member that there's growing resentment toward me. There is a noticeable pattern of this behavior, which is... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 11, 2025

I'm really sorry you’re dealing with this—it takes a toll on your confidence and peace of mind when you feel like you're being talked about or undermined behind your back. It’s even worse when that behavior starts to affect how others treat you or how safe you feel doing your job.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Sexual Harassment for Missouri on
Q: Is sending sexually explicit messages to a minor illegal in Missouri, and what is the statute of limitations?

I am a case manager in Kansas City, Missouri. A client of mine received sexually inappropriate text messages from her mother's boyfriend when she was 17 years old. She now has copies of these messages. Is sending such messages to a minor illegal, and if so, what is the statute of limitations... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 12, 2025

You're right to be concerned, and your client has every reason to want answers and protection. In Missouri, sending sexually explicit messages to a minor—even one who is 17—is potentially a criminal offense. While the age of consent in Missouri is 17, there are still laws against using... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Sexual Harassment and Employment Law for Florida on
Q: Can I sue for retaliation after quitting due to harassment?

I was sexually harassed by my supervisor on April 30, 2025. After I reported him, I discovered he retaliated against me with write-ups that I was unaware of, brought to my attention on June 2, 2025. I spoke with the head of HR, who said she would ensure more discussions. I have not reviewed the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 12, 2025

What you’ve been through is incredibly difficult, and it’s understandable that you’re thinking about stepping away from that environment. The law protects employees from retaliation after reporting sexual harassment, even if they choose to leave the job. Quitting because of a hostile or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Sexual Harassment and Criminal Law for Oklahoma on
Q: Is asking for inappropriate pictures from a minor considered sexual harassment?

I'm 12 years old, and a 14-year-old kid keeps asking me to send inappropriate pictures. Despite knowing that I have a boyfriend, he continues to make these requests and says if we dated, he could get them. Is this considered sexual harassment?

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answered on Jun 12, 2025

Yes, what he is doing is considered sexual harassment, and it may also be against the law. Asking someone your age to send inappropriate pictures is not just wrong—it can be very serious. It doesn't matter that he's only a little older; what matters is that he keeps pressuring you to do... View More

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