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?

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

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

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?

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

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James L. Arrasmith Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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

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

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

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James L. Arrasmith Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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... View More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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James L. Arrasmith Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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

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
answered on Mar 15, 2025

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

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
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.

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
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,... View More

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

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
answered on Mar 15, 2025

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

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
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.

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

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Anthony M. Avery Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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