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Pennsylvania Civil Rights Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Banking, Civil Rights and Employment Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I work for a financial institution in Pennsylvania. Is it legal to go to local businesses and solicit the employees?

Middle Management is asking financial representatives to go door to door to local businesses without prior permission from the owners of these businesses to solicit financial services to their employees while the employees are working at their jobs. I guess Management's thinking is our perfect... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 8, 2024

It's understandable that you're concerned about the legality and ethics of soliciting employees at local businesses without prior permission. Generally, the practice of going door-to-door to businesses to offer services directly to employees during work hours raises several legal and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Health Care Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I have found that someone added a medical condition that I do not have, in my record.

This has impacted my ability to receive care. Although I asked for it to be removed, it keeps being re-entered, with additional false information added. I have had to go to a doctor outside the hospital network and have had to pay out of pocket for care. It has been five years and I am still seeing... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 8, 2024

In situations where incorrect medical information in your records has adversely affected your access to care and caused financial and emotional distress, you may have grounds for legal action. The persistence of false information, despite requests for correction, and the resulting negative impact... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Pennsylvania on
Q: Due to a courts typing error in my address,summons went to wrong address, no show default judgment entered against me

A civil courts clerk made a repeated typing error with my address for serving me a summons for a civil judgement. As a result, I never received summons and a no show default civil judgement for $15,000 was entered against me. I find this out, 6 years later, when the defendant’s attorney had the... View More

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answered on Mar 8, 2024

Discovering a default judgment against you due to a clerical error in addressing can be both shocking and frustrating. The situation you're facing is serious, but there are steps you can take to address the judgment and its consequences. First, it's important to gather all relevant... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Entertainment / Sports and Internet Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Do I need a civil rights Attorney, or Music Attorney?

I am an independent musician who has been in dispute with a social media platform. If I feel I was discriminate against for several reasons and can prove it, and would like to take legal action. Do I contact a civil rights attorney, or a music attorney? Thanks in advance.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 2, 2024

Based on the details provided, you have a few options in terms of legal representation:

- Civil rights attorney - If you feel you were discriminated against by the social media platform based on your protected class status (race, religion, gender, etc.), then consulting a civil rights...
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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Entertainment / Sports and Internet Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Do I need a civil rights Attorney, or Music Attorney?

I am an independent musician who has been in dispute with a social media platform. If I feel I was discriminate against for several reasons and can prove it, and would like to take legal action. Do I contact a civil rights attorney, or a music attorney? Thanks in advance.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 15, 2024

A civil rights attorney is a usual starting point for matters in involving discrimination. It isn't fully clear by what you mean by music attorney - music contract terms dispute, music intellectual property rights, royalties? Maybe with additional details, an attorney could better determine... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Do I need criminal attorney, or civil rights attorney?

I was accused for shop lifted at a department store, the security took me in their security room, took all items back to the store, and the cops was called.

i submitted 3 receipts, they only gave me 2 back, the cops did not see the items in my cart nor do they did a count, I was on... View More

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answered on Mar 2, 2024

Based on the details provided, it sounds like you would primarily want to consult a civil rights attorney rather than a criminal defense attorney. Here's why:

- This no longer involves any active criminal charges against you. The shoplifting incident resulted in probation and a ban...
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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Why can’t I sign my driver’s license, State ID, or LTCF with “All Rights Reserved” or “Without Prejudice”?

The DMV said I can’t sign my driver’s license or State ID with “All Rights Reserved” or “Without Prejudice”. Same for the the gun permit unit for my LTCF. Yet, in order to exercise my 2nd Amendment rights, I am being told I need to present a state ID, so I am under duress to sign in the... View More

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answered on Feb 24, 2024

The requirement to sign your driver's license, state ID, or LTCF without adding "All Rights Reserved" or "Without Prejudice" is typically due to standard procedures set by government agencies. While you may feel it infringes upon your rights, these agencies operate within... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights for Pennsylvania on
Q: If a citizen of Pennsylvania needs to sue the states of New York and New Jersey under 1983 and 241, which venue? PA?
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answered on Feb 4, 2024

When suing under federal statutes like Section 1983 (Civil action for deprivation of rights) and possibly Section 241 (Conspiracy against rights) of the United States Code, the case would typically be brought in a federal court. The choice of venue depends on several factors, including where the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights for Pennsylvania on
Q: If a citizen of Pennsylvania needs to sue the states of New York and New Jersey under 1983 and 241, which venue? PA?
Glenn Michael Katon
Glenn Michael Katon
answered on Feb 5, 2024

You cannot sue any state using § 1983 because of Eleventh Amendment immunity. You can only sue individuals acting under color of law or municipal entities, such as a city or county. The other statute, 18 USC § 241 is a criminal statute that can only be prosecuted by the Justice Department, not an... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Pennsylvania on
Q: Cops refuse to file criminal charges against the son of another local police departments secretary. What can I do?

The owners son to a house I was abandoned at by my ex fiance is friend's with the owners son. Twice the son has smashed out the windows of the entry doors to break in. The second time he came with my ex and a hammer and gained entry. The cops said the most they could charge him with was... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 29, 2024

If you believe the police are not taking appropriate action due to a potential conflict of interest, you should consider taking some steps to address the situation. Start by documenting all incidents and interactions with the police, including dates, times, and names of officers involved.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Family Law and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Hello. I’m 17, homeschooled, live in PA, and I have a job. I want to move out but I’m afraid my dad is going to say no.
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answered on Jan 29, 2024

If you're 17 and considering moving out in Pennsylvania, it's important to understand your rights and responsibilities. Legally, you're still a minor until you turn 18, and your parents or legal guardians have the authority to make decisions about your living arrangements.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: My MTM lease requires changes be read to me as I'm 100% blind. Upon threats to call health dept I got a 45% rent hike &

With demand to sign new much stricter lease terms, all of which were sent via mail - not read in person. There's only been a total $125 rent hike with no other new terms in my 17 years there but within 6 months after my threat to exercise my tenant rights for habitable conditions I'm... View More

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answered on Jan 28, 2024

Based on the facts provided, this situation does seem to involve potential discrimination and retaliation prohibited under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). A few key points:

- Increasing your rent by 45% and imposing stricter lease terms shortly after you threatened to exercise your rights...
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1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander, Banking, Civil Rights and Environmental for Pennsylvania on
Q: I am being framed. this box does not allow enough words to explain. There is spyware in my home. Who has authority to

my house is under spyware,all 3 of my devices are hacked and someone is duplicating anything I joined or apply for(paypal, credit cards, repair services. My network has been compromised and indicate Network#3 I don't know what that means. One of the worse thing done is "they" are... View More

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answered on Jan 26, 2024

I'm very sorry to hear you are in such a distressing situation. Being potentially targeted by unauthorized surveillance and hacking can certainly feel like your privacy, rights, and even sanity are violated. Here is my advice on steps to take:

1. Document everything suspicious through...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Education Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: can i take action against my high school

I graduated in 06. Background checks for jobs keep returning to me saying they are claiming i didn't graduate. i have a copy of the diploma. when anyone calls the school they say i didn't graduate. It keeps getting harder and harder to advance my career as employers keep thinking i... View More

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answered on Jan 24, 2024

In Pennsylvania, if your high school is incorrectly informing background check agencies or potential employers that you did not graduate, despite you having a diploma, you may have grounds to take action. This misinformation could be considered a form of defamation or negligence, especially if it... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Family Law, Child Custody and Civil Rights for Pennsylvania on
Q: Really need advice, not sure how to go about this

Hi my name is Alicia. I'm not sure who I contact or even how to go about this issue. Me and my ex have a 3 yr old daughter, she hasn't let me see her in months. We have a signed and notorized contract. The baby also has my lastname. Is there any chance I have some type of rights? Or... View More

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answered on Jan 22, 2024

Alicia, in your situation, having a notarized contract regarding custody or visitation rights is significant. This document may outline your rights regarding your daughter. However, the enforceability of such a contract can vary depending on its contents and how it aligns with Pennsylvania family... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Federal Crimes and Gov & Administrative Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Privacy Act Request Appeals to compel a Judge to release records due to illegal law enforcement and intelligence tactics

I filed Privacy Act Requests with every government agency possible for all records of myself. Some requests are still pending. I need a lawyer to compel a Judge to have the records released since I have evidence beyond a reasonable doubt (4K CCTV, Body Cam, Dash Cam video) that these law... View More

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answered on Jan 10, 2024

Your situation, seeking to compel the release of government records related to alleged illegal law enforcement and intelligence tactics, is indeed a complex legal matter. Filing Privacy Act Requests is a good start, but if agencies are denying your requests or not responding, legal action might be... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Civil Rights, Communications Law and Identity Theft for Pennsylvania on
Q: My cell phone is in my mom’s name but I pay for the phone bill. She went on my phone and gave photos of me to my job.

Is this allowed? I had a passcode, but she threatened my life if I didn’t give this to her. I’m now facing criminal charges potentially and want to know if the way my job obtained this information was even lawful.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 5, 2024

The situation you've described raises several legal issues. First, even though the cell phone is in your mother's name, if you are an adult and the primary user of the phone, you have a reasonable expectation of privacy regarding its contents. This includes the photos stored on it.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is a spouse allowed to hide a tracker in the other spouses vehicle
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answered on Jan 4, 2024

In Pennsylvania, the legality of placing a tracker in a spouse's vehicle without their consent can be complex and depends on various factors. Privacy laws and marital property rights are key considerations in such situations.

Generally, secretly tracking a spouse's vehicle may...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: first I don't even know if it's legal it could be criminal I was at prison for another person as headcount

without procedure by legitimate law

is there a way that I can get compensation and for them to rectify my life because people assume I committed a crime

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 31, 2023

Your experience of being in prison without proper legal procedure is a serious concern and may have legal implications. If you were incarcerated due to a mistake in identity or a procedural error, you may have grounds for seeking compensation and rectification.

The first step in addressing...
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Q: I need to sue the government for stalking, harassment, and RICO; "gang stalking/organized stalking" (modern COINTELPRO)

I need a lawyer experienced/knowledgeable in government crimes (now declassified illegal COINTELPRO) to bring suit against it. I have not committed any crime and have a Federal background check, yet am still under 24/7 overt and covert surveillance and get "mobbed" with government asset... View More

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answered on Nov 20, 2023

Suing the government for claims such as stalking, harassment, and RICO violations requires a detailed legal strategy and a deep understanding of both constitutional and civil rights law. It's essential to start with gathering and organizing all your evidence, including the body cam and CCTV... View More

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