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Texas Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Texas on
Q: What charges for taking documents by force in Texas?

In Texas, what charges could a person face for using physical force to take someone's passport and educational documents without consent, given that there are property camera footage and voice recordings as evidence?

0 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property and Copyright for Texas on
Q: How can I copyright my unique jewelry designs in the US?

I am a jeweler wanting to copyright a few designs I've created to prevent other jewelers from using and profiting from my design style. My designs include gemstone wire-wrapped rings with a unique technique that not only makes them stronger but also features my own specific wire-wrapping... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Personal Injury for Texas on
Q: Is lease valid if signed with only first name and issues in apartment?

My wife and I are in a very dangerous apartment with rat and bug infestations and poor air quality, which has even led to a rat bite and hospitalization. Though we've reported these issues, and minimal repairs were attempted, the problems persist. Our lease has 8 months remaining, but only my... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Uncategorized for Texas on
Q: How long to wait for a response after a background check in Texas?

I recently underwent a background check for a job, and the manager mentioned they would get back to me. I reached out for an update a week ago, but they only said they would contact me. How long should I reasonably expect to wait for a response regarding the background check completion?

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Texas on
Q: Can two companies register me for H-1B without issues?

I am currently employed at a consulting firm that plans to sponsor my H-1B registration this year. Meanwhile, I am interviewing with another staffing company that has offered to sponsor my visa as well. I'm concerned about whether both companies can register me for the H-1B lottery without... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 15, 2025

Yes, two separate companies can register you for the H-1B lottery, as long as each has a genuine job opportunity available. USCIS allows multiple registrations for the same candidate only if they are from different, unrelated employers who independently intend to hire you. Both registrations must... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for Texas on
Q: Employer refusing to pay final wages and demanding equipment return while I'm sick.

I was fired last Thursday after calling off for the first time due to illness, and my employer is refusing to pay my final wages. I offered to return the company equipment on Monday or another convenient day since I live three hours away and was sick, but my employer only responds with “I need my... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Texas on
Q: When to add spouse to I-485 application as a derivative under ROW Eb3?

I recently married my husband, who is currently under GC-EAD with a priority date of April 2022 in ROW Eb3 (other workers). I am on F1 OPT EAD now. Can he add me as a derivative to his I-485 application, and if so, when is it appropriate to do so? Should he inform USCIS now that I am a new family... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 15, 2025

Since you and your husband recently got married, he can add you as a derivative beneficiary to his pending I-485 application. You do not need to wait until his priority date becomes current; it’s best to inform USCIS promptly about this change in family circumstances.

Your husband should...
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0 Answers | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: Does the Texas Finance Code ceiling on interest apply to HOA late payment interest charges?

I am part of a young homeowners association (HOA) and we are preparing to charge interest for late payments of annual HOA dues for the first time. Our HOA documents state that we charge the lesser of 18% per annum or the maximum rate permitted by law. The policy was established around 2015, but we... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Contracts for Texas on
Q: Does the QDRO need to align with the PSA in a finalized divorce?

I am dealing with a situation where my divorce is finalized and both the Property Settlement Agreement (PSA) and a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) have been signed. However, there are minor discrepancies between the QDRO and PSA, and a revision is needed. Now, opposing counsel is... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Texas on
Q: Can I challenge a release form signed under pressure due to my status as a felon?

I signed a release form stating I wouldn't pursue any claims against someone for injuries. However, I felt pressured into signing because the person kept bringing up my status as a felon and implying legal trouble due to my past. Initially, I was led to believe something different before... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Employment Law for Texas on
Q: Seeking legal help for employment restriction at Dismas Charities in TX

I am a federal supervisee, recently released from FCI Bastrop and currently residing at Dismas Charities Residential Reentry Center in Midland, TX. I am seeking legal assistance concerning an employment restriction imposed by Dismas Charities, which prevents me from working for my family. This... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence and Criminal Law for Texas on
Q: How to get my partner out of jail after a false domestic violence report?

I made a false report regarding a fight involving my partner and a friend in July 2024, which resulted in my partner being charged with domestic violence. We were both arrested on February 14, 2025, but my charges were dismissed, while my partner remains in jail. I can't communicate with him... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law and Contracts for Texas on
Q: Can I work as a contract manager in the US with a law degree from India?

I have completed my law degree in India and have 6 years of experience working in contracts. I am planning to work as a contract manager in the IT or staffing industry in the US. I have not yet started any applications or inquiries about the visa or work permit process. Can I work in the US in this... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 15, 2025

You can definitely work as a contract manager in the U.S. with your Indian law degree, as the role usually does not require a U.S. law license. Employers generally value practical experience and knowledge in contract drafting, negotiation, and management, all of which your background in India has... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Consumer Law for Texas on
Q: How do I file an insurance claim after an injury from an unhinged door at Staples in Texas?

I was hit by a door at a Staples store in high winds, causing it to become unhinged. I suffered minor injuries to my left leg. I've reported the incident, but I'm unsure how to proceed with filing a claim with my insurance provider. Can you guide me through the steps involved in filing... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 15, 2025

Typically, you just need to go to a healthcare provider who accepts your particular health insurance plan or policy.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Probate and Business Law for Texas on
Q: Probate advance company not fulfilling payment obligations.

I was approved for a loan by a probate advance company, but they've only sent one payment and haven't fulfilled the rest of the payments as promised. They've stopped responding to my emails and calls. I have the loan agreement and written communication. What steps can I take to resolve this issue?

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 15, 2025

You can sue the lender for breach of contract. Check your loan agreement to see if you agreed to mediation, arbitration, or a particular forum for the resolution of your dispute. These type of provisions are common in such loan agreements and are almost always enforceable.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Libel & Slander, Landlord - Tenant and Personal Injury for Texas on
Q: Can I sue ex-roommate in TX for taking belongings and damaging reputation?

I filed a police report because my ex-roommate took my collectable coins without my permission, adversely affecting my financial stability, emotional health, and overall life. She refuses to allow me back on the property to retrieve my belongings, claims all my properties as hers, and has tarnished... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 15, 2025

You can sue her for the fair market value of the collectible coins she took.

You may or may not be able to sue her for injury to your reputation depending upon what was said, to whom, whether they believed it, and took some sort of action against you because of what was said. For example,...
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0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Civil Litigation for Texas on
Q: How can I retrieve belongings from an ex-roommate's property in Texas?

I recently moved out of my ex-roommate's house, where she is the owner, and I am struggling to retrieve my personal belongings left behind. Although I wasn't on the lease, we had text messages and letters outlining our living arrangement. She refused to allow me to enter the property to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Texas on
Q: How to correct a 50-year-old transcription error on a real estate deed listing "Roberts G S L Roberts," where the person is deceased and no heirs or descendants are involved.

I've discovered a transcription error on a real estate deed from over 50 years ago. The deed lists "Roberts G S L Roberts," but there is no known connection to the "S" in our family history—only George and Lennie Roberts are recognized. The person named on the deed is... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 15, 2025

It is most likely not possible to rectify this error at this time.

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law, Education Law and Civil Rights for Texas on
Q: Can I sue for emotional distress over school violating 1st Amendment rights?

I believe my school violated my First Amendment rights when I expressed my opinion about reading logs. I sent my teacher 8 reasons why reading logs are bad and, as a result, received a lunch detention and was required to rewrite my email by hand. I couldn't find any specific policies regarding... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 15, 2025

No. “Emotional distress” is not a legally compensable form of damages. Mental anguish is, but it has a high threshold which is not met under the facts presented.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Texas on
Q: How to transfer a land deed from my deceased great-grandfather to my name in Texas?

I want to change a land deed into my name; it is currently in my great-grandfather's name, who passed away over 50 years ago. The deed lists the name as "Roberts G S L Roberts," which seems to be a garbled mix of family names. My great-grandfather was George Roberts, his son was... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Mar 14, 2025

You will need a competent TX attorney to search the title, determine heirship, draft an Affidavit of Heirship and hopefully a Deed from other tenants in common over to you. Check the taxes, as they have to be paid or you lose the land. Determining Heirship may need many witnesses, death... View More

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