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I work at a nightclub where a shooting recently occurred. I witnessed the crime and went to the car to check on the person who was shot. The police took me to the station, collected my DNA, and informed me that I am considered a person of interest. I also saw the shooter. What are my rights and... View More

answered on Jul 7, 2025
If you are considered a person of interest, it will not be held against you if you invoke your right to remain silent and your right to counsel .At this point, you don’t have a duty to talk to the police, and so you should retain a criminal defense attorney.
I'm facing an issue with my condominium, which refuses to consider my emotional support animal documentation, claiming it "does not apply to them" because they are a "private condominium" under the federal Fair Housing Act. I'm considering legal action to ensure my... View More

answered on Jun 23, 2025
The Fair Housing Act applies to condominiums, homeowner associations, cooperatives and other types of private corporations furnishing housing. Just be sure your ESA letter is from a mental health provider that has treated you and not obtained from one of those internet sites that will provide an... View More
In February, I had a contract agreement with a company related to a vehicle, which was paid off and removed from my credit report as closed. In April, the company re-added it to my credit report, claiming a reversal of payment, without providing documentation for the reversal or details of the loan... View More

answered on May 30, 2025
You’re describing a troubling situation. If a company is re-reporting a paid-off vehicle loan without providing proper documentation and is threatening you for payment you don’t owe, it may be violating several federal and state laws.
First, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA),... View More
I was given a counterfeit bill by a privately-owned gas station, which I then reported to the authorities. A month later, when I returned to the gas station, the clerk publicly yelled at me to leave the premises on the owner's instructions, despite my innocence in the counterfeit bill... View More

answered on May 26, 2025
What they're doing is immoral, but probably not unlawful. A private business can refuse to serve anyone for any reason or nor reason, unless that refusal to violates laws prohibiting discrimination (such as discrimination based on race, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, etc.).... View More
I am facing a complex situation at my church where the former Pastor, due to adultery, has not yet been reinstated because of opposition by members, including myself as the Vice President of the Board. His spouse, the acting Pastor, barred me and my family from entering church premises without due... View More

answered on May 19, 2025
There is no "due process" with non-governmental entities, nor are there violations of your right of association and religious freedom. These are rights which protect you against the government, not private entities like your church. What you describe are basically issues of contract law;... View More
I requested specific accommodations under the ADA, specifically asking for meeting notes due to my ADHD and ASD conditions. My employer refused, citing privacy concerns, and claimed they are not subject to federal or state laws. I have supporting documentation, but they did not ask for it. Is... View More

answered on May 18, 2025
We are located in New York, but here are a few things to consider under federal law. You say that your employer claims that the federal ADA and State law do not apply to them. Note generally speaking, once you make an accommodation request, your employer:
• Must engage in... View More
In 2023, a sheriff called me a "waste of life" on live television and on social media. These statements were related to my arrest, where I was held for two years before winning at trial despite lacking probable cause or evidence. This defamation led to the loss of my job, kids, and... View More

answered on May 13, 2025
You may have a potential viable claim against the Sheriff if you file suit within two years of the date of the defamatory communication. The statute of limitations period for defamation is two years. Another issue to look into is whether the TV station(s) might have liability, though that is... View More
My house was foreclosed, and we were given ten minutes to leave the premises. Animal control took our valuable horses, claiming it was necessary because we couldn't move them ourselves, despite us having the means to do so with some additional time for arrangements. The sheriff threatened me... View More

answered on May 12, 2025
I'm sorry you had that experience and I understand how difficult it is to relocate horses on short notice.
Technically, the horses were not stolen and were likely considered abandoned just like any other personal property left on the premises. The sheriff has to post a 24-hour notice... View More
I received a homophobic comment in a text message from someone I met yesterday. This person works at a law firm. I have evidence of the text message. I'm considering what actions I can take regarding this situation. What legal options do I have?

answered on May 9, 2025
This could be considered an extreme and outrageous act sufficient to expose the sender to a cause of action for intentional infliction of emotional distress. However, I doubt that any attorney would be interested in taking the case because there’s no physical injury. You could sue him in small... View More
I received a homophobic comment in a text message from someone I met yesterday. This person works at a law firm. I have evidence of the text message. I'm considering what actions I can take regarding this situation. What legal options do I have?

answered on May 9, 2025
Unwanted text messages of any kind constitute cyberstalking IF you make it clear that the messages are unwanted. Therefore, make a writing (either on your own or through an attorney) that demands the person to stop sending texts (or, if you desire, to stop communicating with you by any means) and... View More
My 22-year-old stepdaughter died in a car crash in Central Florida last April. She had previously been involved in a DUI incident, where she refused a breathalyzer, but was released on her own recognizance without immediate license suspension. Despite this, she was able to legally buy and register... View More

answered on May 5, 2025
In Florida, a stepfather may not automatically qualify to sue for wrongful death unless he was legally recognized as the child's parent or financially dependent on her. The claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased's estate on behalf of eligible survivors.
Can a police officer search my car just because he thinks he can? I was pulled over because they claimed my tag came back as a black Cadillac, but I proved this to be incorrect. The officer searched my car after I showed the tag was good, without any other violations being mentioned. I believe... View More

answered on May 5, 2025
It depends on what you mean by "he thinks he can." No police officer may lawfully search a vehicle without consent or warrant just because the officer feels like it. The non-consent, non-warrant circumstances that may legally justify a search include search incident to an arrest (which... View More
I'm involved in a civil rights lawsuit where my rights under the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 14th Amendments have been violated and deprived under the color of law. Additionally, there has been evidence tampering, specifically with the alteration of sheriff bodycam footage.... View More

answered on May 3, 2025
The issue of the maximum amount you can claim by law and the predictable monetary value of a claim are two different questions.
For police/sheriff misconduct incidents, there are potential claims under both State (Fla.) law and Federal law. State law claims against State or local entities... View More
My son is currently incarcerated after being charged with battery by his domestic partner, an immigrant from Venezuela, who wanted him to marry her so she could remain in the U.S. When he refused, she called the police and accused him of battery. He has witnesses to prove he was not present at the... View More

answered on Apr 29, 2025
You could retain a skilled lawyer who will focus on your son's case. A significant fact, which you might not know, is that immigration law gives nearly automatic status to a person claiming to be a "victim" of domestic battery. So your son's former domestic partner can get what... View More
I am based in Orlando, Florida, and have been targeted by a business operating out of Toronto, Canada, owned by an individual with South Korean or dual Canadian-South Korean citizenship. The business doxxed me by posting photos from my private Instagram account on Twitter and requested their... View More

answered on Apr 16, 2025
You may have grounds for legal action under several theories, including cyberbullying, targeted harassment, or libel, though specific outcomes depend on the details and evidence. Under U.S. federal law, there is no specific statute for cyberbullying; however, harassment and stalking are covered... View More
My son died in a house fire on January 4th, 2025, and I am seeking legal advice. The Chattahoochee Police Department was very rude and made false statements in the police report. Additionally, the fire department was negligent—they had no water, didn't connect to the fire hydrant, and... View More

answered on Mar 26, 2025
Your only option if you want ANY chance of prevailing at all is to retain a personal injury law firm, and you can look state-wide. Taking on something like this is very complex and would be extremely difficult for you to undertake on your own. Not only would there have to be an investigation of... View More
My son died in a house fire on January 4th, 2025, and I am seeking legal advice. The Chattahoochee Police Department was very rude and made false statements in the police report. Additionally, the fire department was negligent—they had no water, didn't connect to the fire hydrant, and... View More

answered on Mar 27, 2025
Suing a government agency like the fire or police department for negligence can be difficult due to sovereign immunity, which limits such lawsuits. To succeed, you would typically need to prove gross negligence or failure to meet a legal duty, and strict legal deadlines apply.
It may also... View More
My son died in a house fire on January 4th, 2025, and I am seeking legal advice. The Chattahoochee Police Department was very rude and made false statements in the police report. Additionally, the fire department was negligent—they had no water, didn't connect to the fire hydrant, and... View More

answered on Mar 26, 2025
It will be difficult to win a case against the police or fire department. However, there are other parties whose negligence may have caused the house fire. If proven, you could recover damages for the death of your son. In the past, we have seen electricians, builders/contractors, landlords, and... View More
I live in a residential property with an HOA in Florida. Currently, I display a service flag off my porch and have a 20-foot freestanding flagpole in my front yard with a 4' x 6' American flag and a 2' x 3' POW-MIA flag. The HOA property manager is telling me that I cannot have... View More

answered on Mar 18, 2025
Florida Statute Section 720.304(2)(a) allows you to fly up to two (2) flags that are no larger than 4.5' x 6'. They can be a US flag, Florida flag, POW-MIA flag, first responder flag, or any US military flag. The 20' flagpole is the maximum height allowed. This has been a Florida... View More
I am facing a possession charge and have a trial scheduled for next month. My public defender told me I could leave the courtroom, which led to a warrant for failure to appear, even though I was present. This was resolved with the judge, who lifted the warrant after we explained the... View More

answered on Mar 17, 2025
Sorry, had typo in my previously-posted answer: Second line from bottom "ability to remove one for cause...." should read "ability to remove any for cause...."
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