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Florida Civil Rights Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Rights, Construction Law and Federal Crimes for Florida on
Q: is it unconstitutional to be arrested 30 yrs after a crime that you have already plead to and done your time?

My fiance was in his last year of high school and had sexual contact with the schoolmate who was 15 more than once it was sentenced to 5 years to register on the sexual registry for two counts of sexual contact with a minor but law was revised after he was sentenced and made him a lifer he lives in... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Nov 13, 2024

There's a bad news opinion about that issue from the US Supreme Court, but to be certain, your fiance must consult a criminal defense attorney who handles sex offender cases. In the 2003 Supreme Court case Smith v. Doe, a retroactive state statute on registration requirements was challenged... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Florida on
Q: Someone working at a dollar general grabbed my throat and I shoved him away is there anything I can do?
Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Oct 22, 2024

If someone grabbed your throat, and it was not for self-defense purposes, you are a crime victim, so you may contact the police in the jurisdiction for the store. They should then investigate to determine if the aggressor should be charged with battery. I am assuming from your description that... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Civil Rights for Florida on
Q: How can I protect myself if my opposing party IS city hall?…and friends…?…and family members…?

myself and safely get my children returned to my custody after 3 years of a battle against the court employees and authorities, who ARE running this town, my childrens cases, no due process exists and judges simply don't respond to emergencies modification custody? Not even a personal letter... View More

Kay-Ann  Waite
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answered on Oct 17, 2024

Based on the allegations, it would be in the best interest of the child(ren) that you request the Court to appoint a Guardians ad Litem (GAL) to advocate for the minor child(ren). The Guardians ad Litem will have the ability to review all the evidence and prepare a report and send to the Judge... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Personal Injury for Florida on
Q: Can my friend sue for negligence after a detox facility and police mishandled his Baker Act?

I helped my friend check into a detox and mental health facility one afternoon. The next morning, when I called to check on him, they had no idea where he was. I later learned from a corrections officer friend of mine that my friend was in jail for petty theft… stealing water and a sandwich,... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Oct 13, 2024

You are obviously a very good friend to that person - but your friend must be the one who seeks legal advice. You may assist your friend by looking for a lawyer for him to consult with, and your friend can include you in the communications with a lawyer if he wishes, but it would not be lawful for... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Florida on
Q: Does the fact that I couldn’t afford therapy strengthen my emotional distress claim?

I plan to visit the dealership again to secretly record conversations regarding the $3,000 down payment, terms of financing, and other details for my case.

As Florida is a two-party consent state, I am concerned about whether it is legal to record these conversations inside the... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Oct 8, 2024

You first posed a question about the affect of not affording therapy on an emotional distress claim, and you then stated a concern about recording a conversation, which I take to mean a question asking if you can record in the setting you described without asking permission. You did not connect... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Florida on
Q: My dad is in jail for a probation/cc violation he's been in there since the end of July, he denied the vop and they set

A vop evidentiary hearing and rescheduled it twice now. How long can they hold him in jail without actually charging or convicted him of the violations. And they have charges on his score sheet that aren't his, my father hasn't been in trouble in 36 years besides a traffic ticket.... View More

Rod Caruco
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answered on Sep 28, 2024

It sounds like your issue is very fact-specific, and I would encourage you to engage with a criminal defense attorney to dig in and figure it out.

Generally, a conviction comes with a confinement sentence that is suspended (probation). Think, for a misdemeanor, one year in jail, suspended,...
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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: There is a contractor who repaired my house, he has recorded my meeting with him on audio (phone). without my permission

Can i sue him? If that recording is shown to judge I will have to pay $10,000 to him. Now what do I do?

Erik A. Perez
Erik A. Perez
answered on Sep 30, 2024

Possibly. It is a 3rd degree felony in Florida to intentionally intercept or record a private conversation without all parties' consent. As it relates to civil law, it is debatable whether you have a cause of action. I would recommend identifying the monetary damages you have suffered as a... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights for Florida on
Q: Can some one video record me and my children coming into our apartment while we are conversating in the state of Florida

The neighbors who couldn't be seen yet his phone could be was recording us while we were talking after school coming into our apartment.

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Sep 20, 2024

It depends on how public or private the setting is. Audio recording a conversation in a place where there's an expectation of privacy is a crime in Florida. That is something that should be reported to the police. Video (without sound) may or may not be lawful depending on the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights for Florida on
Q: My mom made a callout post on instagram with a picture of me attached. I don’t want her using pictures of me for this.

I’m 18 and I don’t know how to go along with handling this. She constantly threatens to kick me out for shutting down her mistakes when she involves me. I just want advice of how I’d deal with this so I can rest easy knowing I won’t be in danger because of her actions online.

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Aug 28, 2024

If you were not in a public place when your photo was taken, it's unlawful for someone to publicly post your image without your consent, and action may be taken to put a stop to it. However, regarding your mom's threat to remove you, an adult, from her home, she has the legal right to... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Florida on
Q: Can I go to the gun shop with my son?

We don't live together, he just wants my insight on what gun he should get

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Aug 18, 2024

There is in general no prohibition against either if you going to the gun shop, either together or separately. It is unclear what difference you suspect it might make that he is your child or that you don't reside together. One could go shopping with a complete stranger; again, it makes no... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Florida on
Q: Do I need to provide video evidence to the police after I file a complaint against them?

The police are investigating our complaint of negligence, assault & battery, and trespass. A lawsuit has not been filed yet. They have asked if video evidence exists. Do I need to provide now or wait for the lawsuit and provide as part of discovery?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 20, 2024

You are not obligated to provide video evidence to the police immediately upon filing your complaint. You have the right to withhold evidence until a lawsuit is formally filed and the discovery process begins. This allows you to present your evidence in a controlled legal environment.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: If I have 14 year old felonies in Florida… can I own a black powder pistol for home security and defense?

I would also like to get my rights back to bear arms… in Florida… how successful is it with a specialized attorney in actually getting your gun rights back… with no violence and no gun charges in my history…?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 29, 2024

In Florida, felons are prohibited from possessing firearms, including black powder pistols, regardless of how old the convictions are. This includes firearms defined under federal law, and black powder pistols fall into this category. So, you cannot legally own a black powder pistol for home... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Identity Theft for Florida on
Q: a name that is attached to me keeps showing up as associated with me and us living together. i dont know him. worry?

I came across something very concerning while looking myself up online. I'm hoping to get some advice on how to proceed. I found that a website called fastbackgroundcheck.com associates me with a man named Chad. I’ve never met this man, but the website says I live at an address I've... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 26, 2024

This situation is certainly concerning, and I understand your worry. Here are some steps you might consider taking:

1. Document everything:

- Take screenshots of all the websites showing this incorrect information.

- Keep a record of when you discovered this and any steps...
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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights, Small Claims and Health Care Law for Florida on
Q: Is there a law that prohibits a person from entering into a hospital? I received a Cease and desist letter.

I visited an Emergency room as a patient. I was subjected to Blood borne substances, unknown fluids and used bed sheets. When I filed a complaint, an Attorney wrote a letter stating I am not to enter into the hospital until this dispute is investigated. So, in essence am I being denied medical... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 26, 2024

Based on the information provided, here's an analysis of the situation:

1. Generally, there is no law that broadly prohibits a person from entering a hospital. Hospitals are typically open to the public, especially emergency departments which are required to provide emergency medical...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Military Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Florida on
Q: I am 19 years old and I am in the Florida national guard. Can I buy a handgun

I am a service member under FS 250.01 (19), according to FDACS website I am also allowed “to carry a concealed weapon or concealed firearm if you are 18 years of age or older”. And under FL Statue 790.0655 (2)(d)(9) I am allowed to purchase a rifle or shotgun under 21. My question is am I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 26, 2024

This is a complex question that involves federal and state laws, as well as specific exemptions for military members. Let's break it down:

1. Federal law: Generally, federal law prohibits licensed firearms dealers (FFLs) from selling handguns to individuals under 21. This applies...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Florida on
Q: In Florida can you be trespassed from somewhere you have never been or havent been in over 1 year?

I got a trespass warning tuesday from a location I have never been, and all the statutes it sources say you were already on the property without consent, and based off of the wording in chapter 810 (burglary and trespass statute) I needed to be on the property and asked to leave, or told I'm... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 21, 2024

To provide a concise response to this legal question:

In Florida, it's generally not typical to receive a trespass warning for a property you've never visited or haven't been to in over a year. Trespass warnings are usually given when someone is on a property without...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Copyright, Civil Rights and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: as a photographer can photos of people in a public space be added to my website without the permission of the person?

as a freelance photographer, do i really need someones permission to add the pictures i take in a public setting to my website? or would this not be allowed for any reason?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 19, 2024

As a photographer, you generally have the right to take photographs of people in public spaces without their permission. This is based on the legal principle that there is no reasonable expectation of privacy in public places. However, there are some important considerations and potential... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Florida on
Q: We made a Lease-purchase agreement with the owner of the house we live in.The city will condemned the house in ten days

What can we do to stop this process of eviction

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 21, 2024

Based on the situation you've described, here are some steps you might consider taking:

1. Review your lease-purchase agreement: Carefully examine the terms of your agreement to understand your rights and obligations, especially regarding property maintenance and condemnation....
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Florida on
Q: What do I do if my personal property was damaged by officers during the intake process in the jail

I was recently arrested and booked into bay county Jail. During the booking process I was directed to relinquish possession of any personal property I had with me and due to the staff's careless handling of my personal property, my phone screen was severely damaged as was a ruby ring that is... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 10, 2024

If your personal property was damaged by officers during the intake process at Bay County Jail, you have a few steps you can take to seek compensation for the damages. Start by documenting everything, including taking photos of the damaged items and keeping any paperwork or receipts related to your... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Copyright, Civil Rights and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: need help taking videos down on multiple websites that were not consented to post

i was on a camgirling website as a guest and to my surprise the videos were posted long ago, i want to know if i can have help to remove them all

Jennifer Newton
Jennifer Newton
answered on Jun 3, 2024

To address this issue, you'll need to take the following steps:

Contact the website and send a formal request to the website's administration, demanding the immediate removal of the videos. This request should include:

-Identification of the specific videos in question....
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