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Alaska Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Alaska on
Q: If cop in Alaska ask for help, can I refuse?

If a cop asks for information about a crime in progress, can I refuse to help? Can I refuse to give him/her information?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 21, 2024

In Alaska, if a police officer asks for information about a crime in progress, you generally have the right to refuse to provide information. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind:

Right to Remain Silent: You have the right to remain silent and not incriminate...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for Alaska on
Q: The Anchorage Museum, partially funded by the City, has introduced race-based fee waivers. Is this legal?

The Anchorage Museum is now (2024) free for Alaska Natives but no other residents or tax-payers.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 9, 2024

The legality of the Anchorage Museum's policy of offering free admission exclusively to Alaska Natives, while partially funded by the city, raises questions under both state and federal law. Such policies must comply with anti-discrimination laws, including the Equal Protection Clause of the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for Alaska on
Q: Located in Alaska-I work at a union Safeway location. I am 8 months pregnant. I have accommodations in place for a stool

I have had reduced hours for the last several months. My store is currently stating that I cannot work at self checkout due to my stool as it is a "tripping hazard". Are they legally allowed to claim this and use the stool accommodation as a reason for not being scheduled for this... View More

Sara L Bloom
Sara L Bloom
answered on Jan 2, 2024

I would speak to your union if your company is violating the CBA by violating seniority rights. You may also want to contact the Anchorage Equal Rights Commission and/or the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights or EEOC and file a claim for discrimination based on pregnancy or sex. You can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation, Contracts and Employment Law for Alaska on
Q: Hired as an employee but the contract signed said Independent contractor covenants and proprietary rights agreements

I want to know if the contract would still be legally binding when trying to get unemployment the company won't give unemployment my Paystub I never received copies either I want to know if I can go after them legally. The Company was in Mississippi but I was hired from Alaska I would like to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 1, 2024

In your situation, the distinction between being classified as an employee or an independent contractor is crucial, especially in terms of unemployment benefits. If your contract stated you were an independent contractor but you were treated as an employee, this could be a misclassification issue,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Alaska on
Q: If a job I am being hired for has an Associates or Bachelors degree requirement can I be sponsored for H1b?

I am a CT Technologist and I have a Bachelors degree in my field of study. My employers lawyers say I may not be eligible because the hospital has hired others in my same position and they only have an Associates degree.

Carlo Franco L. Borja
Carlo Franco L. Borja
answered on Jan 28, 2025

The job must normally require/must be the industry standard to require a bachelor's degree to qualify for H1B. If the employer hired employees who didn't have a bachelor's degree then it would be difficult to establish eligibility

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Civil Rights, Divorce and Family Law for Alaska on
Q: My disability benefits were garnished even though the child support order clearly said no support to be taken. What now?

I am unable to modify the case because the court the case is out of (Oklahoma) refuses to give me or tell me what to file, the only tell me to get an attorney. I also don't think the divorce was done with legal jurisdiction. The state enforcing the order (Alaska) was garnishing 45% of my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 24, 2025

It sounds like you’re dealing with an incredibly difficult situation, and it’s understandable to feel frustrated and unheard. Since the court in Oklahoma is refusing to provide guidance on filing, you may want to try contacting a legal aid organization. Many provide free or low-cost assistance... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Alaska on
Q: What do I do if I am intentionally charged with the crime police. No, I cannot and will not be convicted of.

Know I cannot be convinced of. (Correction)

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 21, 2025

I've carefully considered your question and want to ensure I provide helpful guidance within legal bounds. Let me help you understand your options if you believe you're wrongly charged:

Your first step should be securing strong legal representation immediately - this is crucial...
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1 Answer | Asked in Native American Law and Probate for Alaska on
Q: My brother passed 2015 in california. He had no will, he had no spouse, he had no children.

I did not find out he passed until 2019.

He owns native stock in alaska through

Cook inlet regional Inc (ciri). He had dividend checks from ciri sent to him in the mail, they were returned by mail back to ciri, Uncashed.

Ciri told me I would need to open a general probate... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 18, 2025

You might begin by confirming whether your brother had any other assets in California that require a separate probate. If there are no substantial assets in California, opening a probate in Alaska could be enough to address the uncashed dividends and the stock. You can request guidance from the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Uncategorized for Alaska on
Q: can a mechanic put a lien on a vehicle other than the one he worked on

i had a mechanic work on my car. i recently sold the car but now he wants to put a lien on my truck

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 14, 2024

No, a mechanic typically cannot put a lien on a vehicle other than the one they worked on. A mechanic's lien, often called a "garageman's lien," is specifically tied to the vehicle that received the repairs or services. The lien allows the mechanic to hold that particular... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law and Contracts for Alaska on
Q: What legal protections do I need to take if I am managing donations and money for a college student who is not my child?

One of my former studetns (i'm a teacher) is attending college and we have been helping manage their finances and assisting them in navigating college (parents arent involved at all, we have permission from them to assist, student is 18), and we've gathered support from a variety of areas... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 7, 2024

To protect yourself legally when managing donations for a student, start by creating a written agreement between you and the student. This agreement should clearly outline your role, responsibilities, and how the funds will be managed and used. It can also specify that the student has given you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Alaska on
Q: Am I allow to ask for copies of receipts for parts the auto mechanic purchased in Alaska?

I got the estimate for repairs on my car. Some of the parts were on the high side. I requested if I could get a copy of the purchase order once the parts are purchased and I was told that they do not give out purchase orders to customers. Are they allow to refuse that since I am paying for those... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 31, 2024

In Alaska, mechanics aren't legally required to provide you with copies of the purchase orders or receipts for parts they buy, unless it’s specifically stated in a contract or agreed upon beforehand. However, as a paying customer, you have the right to inquire about the pricing and quality... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Banking, Business Formation and Business Law for Alaska on
Q: Received information one won that of dispute. Curiou[s] a[s] to how to collect financial reguard[s].

Medical Malpractice dispute requesting 049,999.099 curiou[s] a[s] to how to collect that of finance after winning. In Example: Court Fee[s] v[s] Credit Score, Federal Building[s] and Mailing Instruction[s] v[s] Postal Service Insurance.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Aug 3, 2024

An Alaska attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. Some of the details of your post aren't fully clear. Are you saying you received information that you won a medical malpractice case for an amount in the order of [$49,999.099 - ??] Be careful - it seems like... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Alaska on
Q: Is AS 12.72.020(a)(3)(a) and AS 12.72.020(a)(6) Punitive Ex post facto Statutes
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 28, 2024

Alaska Statutes AS 12.72.020(a)(3)(a) and AS 12.72.020(a)(6) are not considered punitive ex post facto statutes. Ex post facto laws are those that apply retroactively and change the legal consequences of actions that were committed before the enactment of the law. In the case of these statutes,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Energy, Oil and Gas for Alaska on
Q: Have cases to rescind a Separation Agreement been won in Alaska, and how would I request public information to review?

First, I am aware that Alaska is an At Will State. Second, I would like to know if there have been any cases in Alaska where a Separation Agreement rescind was granted. If so, how would I go about requesting to review any public information of the case? My husband received a Separation Agreement... View More

Sara L Bloom
Sara L Bloom
answered on Jun 11, 2024

If you are over 40 you have 7 days to revoke the separation agreement per the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act.

You can contact me directly to set up a consultation- however, I do charge $300 for an up to an hour phone consult.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Alaska on
Q: In Alaska can you sue the police department?

If so would you be suing the police department itself, the chief of police, or the officer in charge?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 5, 2023

In Alaska, it is possible to sue a police department, but the specifics depend on the nature of your claim and the details of the incident. When suing for actions like misconduct or violation of civil rights, the lawsuit can be directed at the police department, the specific officer involved, or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Education Law for Alaska on
Q: If my friend robs someone and I'm unaware and I shoot the person believeing they were going to shoot me can I be held

This is for a friend

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Dec 4, 2023

An Alaska attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for four weeks. You should repost under Criminal Law; this is not an education law (the posted category) matter. It might still go unanswered, but you'd have a better chance of a response under the new category. Good luck

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Alaska on
Q: Is it against the law for a probation officer to force you to work,when you've already payed off everything

All I have left is being on probation time,11 more months.Plus I live off grid on generator & propane and get 30-40 ft and it reaches -40 out.She told me to ride a bike to get a job!! Its not court ordered and my fiancee is providing all financial needs,shelter and food.My fiancee works from... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 12, 2023

As a probationer, you are subject to the conditions set by the court and the probation officer overseeing your case. Generally, probation officers have some discretion in setting conditions that they believe will aid in rehabilitation and ensure compliance with the law.

However, these...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Civil Rights for Alaska on
Q: I was arrested on May 23 2023 for a crime I didn't do I have videos proving my innocent

I have videos of the police trying to frame me by throwing drugs into my car and lied on police report where they arrested me I was followed 6 city blocks and was beaten badly...I now have TBI AND PTSD AND IMPULSIVE DISORDER AND PERMANENT NERVE DAMAGE IN MY LEFT HAND AND ANKLE because they tried... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 12, 2023

In Alaska, if you were arrested and have evidence, like videos, that suggest police misconduct and prove your innocence, it's crucial to take immediate action.

First, secure the videos in a safe place and make copies. You should present this evidence to your attorney as soon as...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for Alaska on
Q: In Alaska can the police search and impound our vehicle without permission/warrant cuz a passenger is on probation?

Also can a cop remove your purse after telling us to exit the vehicle and set it back in the vehicle before the search?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 12, 2023

In Alaska, as in other states, the legality of a vehicle search by the police can depend on various factors, including the specific terms of a passenger’s probation. If a passenger is on probation, and if their probation terms include consent to searches, the police may have the authority to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Military Law and Probate for Alaska on
Q: I wasn't told until about a year ago that my dad passed away. Am I still entitled because I was not informed

It was held information from me about my Dad's passing. And I've been going through a lot of stress lately and haven't been able to deal with it and I have TBI so it's hard to deal with anyway. What can I do about this I don't have the money for a lawyer who do I contact... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 7, 2023

If you were not informed of your father's passing, you might still be entitled to a portion of his estate or benefits, especially as an only child. Your first step should be to obtain a copy of the death certificate and any will or estate documents. Contact the probate court in the area where... View More

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