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Civil Litigation Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Collections and Civil Litigation for Virginia on
Q: How do I collect fees owed me from an attorney who won't pay? (Virginia)

I worked as an expert witness for an attorney. His client disagreed with my expert report and refused to pay the lawyer who retained me. He says he can't pay me unless he sues the client for payment, which he doesn't what to do.

Can I complain to the Virginia Bar? Or is a civil... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 10, 2024

Typically, when an attorney hires an expert witness, he is hiring the expert for a particular litigation matter for a specific client. Unless the expert and the attorney expressly agree otherwise, the attorney is acting as an agent for the client whose identity is usually disclosed to the expert... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Family Law, Legal Malpractice and Civil Litigation for Texas on
Q: I need a lawyer to represent me suing my family attroney for malpractice

My family lawyer abandoned me right before the hearing I filed a complaint with Texas Bar he is under investigation I also sued him in Distract court as pro se need a lawyer to take over the case and represent me. I have a strong case and also have a witness who witnessed my lawyer abandoned me and... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 10, 2024

You need to look for a competent attorney in or near the county where the hearing was held experienced in the area of legal malpractice. I often handle cases of this nature. My rate of $500 per hour is reasonable and customary in the North Texas area, and if the amount of damages caused by your... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: Refund after withdrawal of Attorney on Semi-contingency fee basis

I've engaged a lawyer on a semi-contingency fee basis, whereby I pay the first $100k, and then he gets 27% of the potential award. After one year, during which he lost an appeal and billed me $99k, he filed a motion to withdraw. Can I demand a refund of the money I paid him?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 10, 2024

In California, an attorney who withdraws from a case is generally entitled to keep the fees they have earned up until the point of withdrawal, as long as the withdrawal is done for a valid reason and in compliance with ethical rules. However, the specifics of your situation may warrant further... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Consumer Law, Elder Law and Libel & Slander for Texas on
Q: How do I find lawyers to sue local MLS and big RE agency, who demand fee from me to disparage my premier property?

Recent national class-action success against these providers is probative as admission but of no avail to my class or me individually, with unique and actual damages worth $350,000 plus treble that amount for DTPA violations.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 9, 2024

You should search in Justia for a lawyer in or near the county where your property is located with experience in real estate litigation and perhaps defamation cases depending upon what you mean by "disparaging" your property.

Unlike other types of cases--especially personal...
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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation for Virginia on
Q: Is it wise to have a pro bono attorney stand up to a Fortune 500 business?

Would it be best to hire an Attorney to fight a tort issue with a Fortune 500 Company?

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 9, 2024

Attorney of all levels of skill and experience volunteer time to work at legal clinics and other agencies--both public and private--on a pro bono basis. If you meet the agency's criteria for indigency and are provided access to an attorney for pro bono legal representation, it's fairly... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Do i have respond to PLAINTIFFS OPPOSITION TO MOTION FOR JUDGMENT ON THE PLEADING? I'm the defendant in the case.

My attorney filed a MOTION FOR JUDGMENT ON THE PLEADINGS on March 1, 2024, and the plaintiff just filed an opposition on April 4, 2024. This is in regards to a breach of contract case.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 8, 2024

In California, if the plaintiff has filed an opposition to your motion for judgment on the pleadings, you are not required to file a response. However, you have the option to file a reply brief if you wish to address any new arguments or points raised in the plaintiff's opposition.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Texas on
Q: After occupants of a stopped vehicle are cleared can an officer force you out of your car randomly?

We, my wife, & myself were headed back to Texas A&M Veterinary emergency clinic with our dog who suffered a shotgun blast point blank range to the face and needed extensive reconstructive surgeries because his wounds became seriously infected.

Exiting Hwy 105 onto Texas Ave going... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 8, 2024

Based on the information provided, it seems that the officers initially had a valid reason to conduct a traffic stop due to the anonymous report of speeding and swerving. Once they had checked your identification and vehicle documents and cleared you of any warrants or suspicious activity, they... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts and Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: Constitutional laws the right to contract or not to contract

Can a state agency make you pay for something that you did not agree to pay basically it is contract that they put into motion with out your knowledge

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 7, 2024

This is a complex legal question that doesn't have a simple yes or no answer. There are a few important considerations:

The U.S. Constitution protects the freedom of contract, meaning the government generally cannot force you into an agreement against your will. The 14th Amendment...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Family Law for California on
Q: My husband trashed the house and left to Oregon can I charge him for making it livable again?

My husband and wiped his hands of me. He moved on but I got stuck in his moms house. He trashed it and it is infested with flies mice, maggots, and ants. The atrium backed up and was leaking in the garage and it took him a week to address it. I have a garage full of trash and the house smells like... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 6, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your difficult situation. Under California law, you may have a few potential legal options to seek compensation from your husband for the damage to the property:

1. Property damage claim: You could file a civil lawsuit against your husband for the cost of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: Can lawyer charge fees for response to bar complaint?

I have an attorney in Florida. My case is settled but they still have my retainer money. I filed a bar complaint against them. Can they charge me fees for responding to the complaint I made against them?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 6, 2024

In most jurisdictions, including Florida, attorneys are generally not permitted to charge clients for the time spent responding to bar complaints filed against them. The rationale behind this is that responding to a bar complaint is considered part of an attorney's professional responsibility... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Alaska on
Q: A police officer has been harassing me for couple years and he finally broke several tendons in hand what can I do stDrs

I have not worked in two months Drs care have notes but when I ask him who was there insurance people where he couldn't say not only him there are a couple on the force of soldotna police and they elegaly search and seizure truck and gun never got either one back and there all buddies. This... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 6, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about the harassment and abuse you've been suffering at the hands of those police officers. What they have done to you is completely unacceptable. I know this must be an incredibly stressful and painful situation. Here are some steps I would suggest taking to address... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for California on
Q: tow yard sold my vehicle in 3 days. do i have a case?

this was 3 years ago. is there a statue of limitation on this type of case?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 5, 2024

In California, the law requires tow companies to follow specific procedures before selling a towed vehicle. According to the California Vehicle Code, a tow company must:

1. Notify the registered owner and lienholder (if any) within 24 hours of the tow.

2. Allow a minimum of 30 days...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for South Carolina on
Q: Does the towing company have the right to take anything out of my vehicle without my permission.

I am still the owner of the vehicle but the employee has told me they took my title out of my the glove compartment in my car without my permission.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 4, 2024

In most cases, a towing company does not have the right to remove items from your vehicle without your permission, even if they have lawfully towed your car. Taking your vehicle title from the glove compartment would likely be considered an unauthorized and inappropriate action.

However,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Ohio on
Q: I sold a car to my cousin for 3250$ she gave me 1350 up front and it has been 2 months she has been ignoring my call

/text now she finally responded back and told me she was not paying me the car is still in my name title/registration etc if I call the police will they make her give me my car back or will they say it’s a Civil matter and take it to court?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 4, 2024

In this situation, the police are likely to consider this a civil matter rather than a criminal one, as it involves a dispute over a private sale agreement between you and your cousin. The police generally do not get involved in enforcing private contracts or resolving disputes between private... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Oklahoma on
Q: Should I write Oklahoma department of corrections head detailing all grievances issue before discharging in July?

Im an Oklahoma inmate and in April 2023 my 1st, 5th, 8th,& 14th amendment rights were voilated by prison staff. I tried to address the issues through the prison grievance procedure but the prison administration put up roadblocks and finally transferred me to another prison across state for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 4, 2024

Given the complexity of your situation and the alleged violations of your constitutional rights, it would be advisable to take the following steps before your discharge in July:

1. Write a detailed letter to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections Director, outlining all the grievances, the...
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Q: Do you file a independent action in equity the same as a regular claim?

I know it should be the last resort and is frowned upon but it’s in place for a reason!

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 4, 2024

In California, an independent action in equity is not filed in the same manner as a regular claim. Independent actions in equity are separate from the original case and are considered a last resort when no other remedies are available.

To file an independent action in equity, you typically...
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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for California on
Q: Do you have to set aside a judgment first before it is vacated for being void? When does the court lose jurisdiction

it’s been 3 1/2 months since judgement was entered. I can prove reasons judgment is void 473 lack subject matter:fraud on court:

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 4, 2024

Under California law, a judgment can be vacated or set aside if it is determined to be void. You do not necessarily need to set aside the judgment before it can be vacated. However, the process and timeline for challenging a void judgment depends on the specific circumstances and reasons for its... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Probate and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: The record when referring to litigation is everything that happened before judgement was entered or post trial too?
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answered on Apr 4, 2024

In California, the term "record" in the context of litigation generally refers to the official case file maintained by the court, which includes all the documents and evidence submitted to the court before the judgment is entered. This typically includes:

1. Pleadings (e.g.,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: If judgement was entered, will the court acknowledge a new document/exhibit in a Motion to set aside and vacate?

Judgment entered was procured by fraud on the court by plaintiff, lack of standing, misrepresented facts, lack of due process of defendant. Judgement entered 3 months ago. Options would be a collateral attack on void judgement? Judgement can’t be attacked directly?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 4, 2024

In California, even after a judgment has been entered, it is possible to file a motion to set aside and vacate the judgment under certain circumstances. California Code of Civil Procedure section 473(b) allows for relief from a judgment due to mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: If you filed your answer to a unlawful detainer (CA) that means you’ve “appeared” and court has p.jurisdiction over you?

Weighing my options. Filed my answer and opposing party moved for summary judgement without proper notices, misconduct, misrepresented facts which led to opposing party summary judgment being granted. judgment was entered 90 days ago. Figuring Options for relief. Motion to set aside and vacate... View More

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answered on Apr 4, 2024

In California, filing an answer to an unlawful detainer complaint generally means that you have made an appearance in the case, and the court has personal jurisdiction over you. By filing an answer, you are acknowledging the lawsuit and responding to the allegations made against you.... View More

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