Get free answers to your Civil Rights legal questions from lawyers in your area.
Two days ago, I was at a Wells Fargo ATM when an officer approached me and demanded I go outside with him. Despite my insistence on finishing my transaction and stating I hadn't done anything wrong, he threatened to handcuff me and take me to jail. The encounter lasted about a minute before he... View More

answered on May 14, 2025
What happened to you sounds deeply upsetting and should not be ignored. If you were physically harmed by a police officer without cause, and especially in front of witnesses with video evidence, you have grounds to pursue both a civil rights complaint and a potential personal injury claim.... View More
A police officer was conducting a warrant search at a house where my son was present. As my son walked out of the house, he was automatically detained. During detention, he attempted to flee in a vehicle at the house, but officers yanked him out by the throat. Multiple officers then wrestled with... View More

answered on May 14, 2025
You have a viable claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for excessive force, since dragging your son by the throat and punching him repeatedly—resulting in a broken nose and jaw—goes well beyond what a reasonable officer may do during a lawful detention.
Start by preserving all evidence:... View More
I'm seeking a lawyer for a 1983 civil rights violation related to a dismissed case. The case was dismissed with prejudice due to lack of admissible evidence negating a reasonable probability of conviction. During a traffic stop, the officer used LPR technology, which is against Utah laws, and... View More

answered on Mar 31, 2025
Your case presents several compelling legal issues worthy of further exploration. The allegation that law enforcement utilized License Plate Reader technology contrary to Utah statutes, combined with what appears to be a Fourth Amendment violation during the traffic stop, establishes preliminary... View More
I have received a petition for divorce and I am concerned about Civil Rule 109, which requires me to disclose my address. I'm hesitant because my spouse has previously stolen from me and stalked me. I haven't taken any legal actions yet regarding these incidents, and I am planning to... View More

answered on Mar 24, 2025
You have valid concerns about disclosing your address given your safety situation. Many states and jurisdictions have protective measures for individuals in your circumstances, often allowing you to use an alternative address or file confidentially when there's documented harassment or... View More
I have been living peacefully in my apartment for 15 years. Recently, new tenants moved in upstairs, and their excessive noise has become unbearable, requiring constant adjustments in our home. Although we contacted management last week about this issue, it has worsened, and they have now stated... View More

answered on Mar 24, 2025
Your situation is deeply troubling, especially after being a model tenant for 15 years. The sudden refusal to renew your lease following legitimate noise complaints could potentially be retaliatory action, which is prohibited in many jurisdictions. The racism accusation adds another troubling... View More
I am 21 years old and live with my parents, who pay for my phone. They use the app Quistodio to monitor my phone usage and can lock my phone completely or restrict it to select apps. I believe I am listed as a user on their phone plan. I have offered to contribute financially, but my mother... View More

answered on Mar 27, 2025
From a legal perspective, your situation involves property rights since your parents own and pay for the phone service. When someone owns a device and pays for the service, they typically have the legal right to control how that property is used, even if the user is an adult. This applies to the... View More
I have lived in a family-owned condo in Utah for about 7 years, initially placed here by my brother, who covered my living and medical expenses. After his passing, his daughter, who now handles my expenses, told me a few months back that I need to take over the overdue power and gas bills.... View More

answered on Mar 27, 2025
You're facing a challenging situation that touches on several legal areas including property law, contract law, and possibly elder law.
Based on what you've shared, you likely aren't personally responsible for HOA fines since you aren't the property owner - these... View More
3 workers at the shelter asked me to take all my cloths off so they can search me. but the 3 people where all women. There wasnt a male presant at no point on any of this and when i refusued i was told to leave and never come back but told wife to stay and not leave

answered on Feb 9, 2025
That situation sounds extremely unfair and possibly illegal. No one should be forced into a strip search, especially without proper procedure, consent, or a same-gender staff member present. If they kicked you out for refusing, that could be a violation of your rights, depending on the shelter’s... View More
I was given warnings for speeding and failure to stay in one lane and my registration was expired. The policeman also found firecrackers in my trunk from another state which he said were illegal. He called my mom the next day.

answered on Oct 18, 2024
When you are 18, you are legally considered an adult, and generally, law enforcement does not need your permission to contact your parents. However, there are situations where officers might choose to inform your family, especially if they believe it could help resolve the situation or ensure your... View More
We currently have police report documentation, witness statements and a letter of declination from the City Prosecutor.

answered on Oct 12, 2024
I'm sorry you're facing this situation. It's important to reach out to a qualified attorney who can review the details of your case and provide guidance tailored to your circumstances.
You might also consider contacting civil rights organizations for support and resources.... View More

answered on Oct 11, 2024
It's difficult for attorneys here to take up your offer to represent you. The format is brief Q & A - no solicitation or attorney referral. The closest thing to an attorney referral here is the "Find a Lawyer" tab above, which lists attorneys by region and area of practice. You... View More
Judge otherwise terminated property lien without jurisdiction nor authority.. judge and property owner were golfing buddies prior to permanent injuries sustained on 2 7 91. The property lien filed in summit County for 7 m, 1995. Lien soon thereafter terminated.......

answered on Oct 10, 2024
I'm sorry you're facing this situation. To address fraud on the court in Utah for a case from 1991, you should first gather all relevant documents, including court records, the property lien, and any evidence of the relationship between the judge and property owner. This documentation... View More
I see that Utah has changed the law recently where if your felony is non violent and only a single episode that you are no longer a prohibited person from owning a firearm after 7 years (Utah Code 76-10-5) . However, seeing that the felony would still be on one's record, how does it work... View More

answered on Sep 30, 2024
Under the recent changes to Utah Code 76-10-503, if your non-violent felony is from a single criminal episode and more than seven years have passed, you are no longer considered a prohibited person from owning a firearm in Utah. This means your firearm rights are effectively restored under state... View More
The local drug enforcement team came into my apartment looking for drugs. When I asked for a warrant, the officer had to go and get it from outside. When he returned, he showed me the warrant. In the middle of the front page was my address, which indicated where the warrant was to be served. Next... View More

answered on Sep 7, 2024
It sounds like you went through a very distressing experience. If the warrant was specifically for your neighbor's apartment and not yours, you may have grounds to challenge the validity of the search of your apartment. The alteration made to the warrant, especially after it was issued by the... View More
I have the paperwork saying the record has been expunged, I don't get why it's showing up. It didn't show up when they did a deep background check when joining the army. Did someone at court make a mistake while expunging my record.

answered on Aug 31, 2024
It can be frustrating to see an expunged juvenile record still affecting your background check, especially after successfully passing other checks, like for the military. Expungement typically means that the record should not be accessible or considered during most background checks, including... View More
Approximately three weeks ago at 9:30 PM three cops came into my locked house WITHOUT my permission for what they claim was a "welfare check" they CLAIMED that "someone had called them that evening and reported that they hadn't seen or been able to get ahold of me for over a... View More

answered on Aug 31, 2024
You have every right to feel concerned about this situation. When law enforcement officers (LEOs) enter your home without a warrant or your permission, it can be a violation of your constitutional rights, especially if there was no imminent threat or emergency justifying their entry. In general,... View More
I'm in a homeless program and they moved us up to a motel most recently as state of Utah and I'm being told I cannot have my window curtain shut it must be opened at all times their rules they have to be able to see in what rights do I have toprotect my privacy

answered on Sep 7, 2024
In Utah, your right to privacy, even in a homeless program, is important. While programs and shelters may have rules to ensure safety and security, they must also balance these with respecting your dignity and privacy. If a rule requires you to keep your curtains open at all times, you can ask for... View More
I get paid two times a month and they force me to give them 160 and I'm 19 and they have been doing it since May last year

answered on Jul 27, 2024
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. At 19, you are legally an adult, and your earnings are your property. Your parents should not take your money without your consent, and doing so could be considered theft.
You have the right to seek legal advice to understand your options better.... View More
Losing full custody due to a 34(e), dcfs involvement with little to no progress in 2 years time, mentally ill mother (bpd), needing to fight back against childs mother and dcfs maybe find a way to withdraw/change the 34(e) plea.

answered on Jul 27, 2024
To address a 34(e) plea in juvenile court, you should start by consulting with your attorney about the possibility of withdrawing or amending the plea. It's important to gather all evidence of any abuse or mistreatment and any documentation showing efforts made towards improvement over the... View More
Its was 2 against 1 i had no chance of defending myself, which means it was planned no officer of the law or emt attended to my injuries instead I was told to leave the lantern house shelter for 3 years before i was able to come back its there purposely keeping me from getting the xrays and mri... View More

answered on Jun 29, 2024
I understand you're describing a serious incident that occurred on September 11, 2019 at the Lantern House shelter, where you were assaulted by two individuals. This sounds like a very distressing and traumatic experience. I'm sorry to hear you went through that.
Based on what... View More
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