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Washington Civil Rights Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Municipal Law for Washington on
Q: Is it illegal for a hotel manager to enter my room after she already spoke to me n waited for me to exit me hotel room.

She assumed there was drugs being smoked but that was not the case at all.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 29, 2024

The legality of a hotel manager entering your room depends on several factors:

1. Hotel policies: Most hotels have policies allowing staff to enter rooms for specific reasons, which guests typically agree to when booking.

2. Reasonable suspicion: If there's a legitimate concern...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Landlord - Tenant and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: landlord unlawfully trespassed me police denied my rights under RCW 4.24.355 landlord is selling everything i own

On June 1st, the Puyallup police, acting upon landlords request, unlawfully trespassed me from my property without due process. Additionally, I was denied my rights under RCW 4.24.355 by the police officer to gather the legal documents necessary to prove my tenancy/occupancy, resulting in the... View More

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answered on Jun 26, 2024

I understand this is a serious and distressing situation for you. Based on the information you've provided, it appears there may have been several potential legal violations. Here's an overview of the key issues and some suggestions on potential next steps:

1. Unlawful eviction:...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: I am in community custody for 36 months but my statutory maximum has passed. According to RCW 9.94A.701 I should be off
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answered on Jun 26, 2024

To properly address this question, it's important to understand the specific details of your situation and the relevant Washington state laws. Here's a general overview that may be helpful:

1. Community custody and statutory maximum:

- Community custody is a form of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Health Care Law for Washington on
Q: i think my privacy rights have been violated by Columbia River Mental Health, they helped me get housed.

i dont believe i signed a disclosure for them to discuss my addiction status with my potential landlord, I know that her and I said we didn't know why it would be important for them to know that information just to rent to me. all I know is that my second month rent wasn't paid and I got... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 26, 2024

I understand you're dealing with a sensitive and frustrating situation regarding your privacy and housing. Let's break down the legal aspects of your question:

1. Privacy rights and health information:

Your health information, including addiction status, is protected under...
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1 Answer | Asked in Education Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: Did my school violate my 1st amendment rights by making me remove my lai just because they saw I was white?

My school told me just before I walked for graduation that I couldn't wear my flower lai (which was given to me by my bestfriend who is Hawaiian) because it was "not from my culture" and that I had to remove it immediatly or not walk at all. I am very upset at this, as there is no... View More

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answered on Jun 21, 2024

It sounds like your school may have acted unfairly by making you remove the flower lei, especially since there was no clear rule against it. The First Amendment protects freedom of expression, but schools have some authority to regulate certain types of speech and attire, especially during official... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Employment Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: My job told us that if they felt we were abusing pst they wouldn't guarantee us our guaranteed hrs. Is that allowed?

We get 25hrs/wk guaranteed as per our contract. Although we get as much sick time as we need (as in we don't earn pst over time its just paid out to us as we use it). Our workplace has made us sign a contract stating that we could only have 6 occurrence a year of using pst before facing... View More

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answered on Jun 15, 2024

Your job's policy regarding paid sick time (PST) and guaranteed hours can be complex. The terms in your contract about guaranteed hours and the use of PST are crucial. If your contract guarantees 25 hours per week, your employer generally must honor this unless there are specific conditions in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: Is it legal to be watched during a pre-employment drug screening?

I was just hired to do payroll at a company & they required a drug test. During the test they actually stood less than a foot away & watched me pee in the cup. I felt completely violated & disgusted when I left. Is this legal?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 15, 2024

I understand how uncomfortable that experience must have been for you. The legality of being watched during a drug test depends on the state and the specific circumstances of the testing. In some situations, such as for safety-sensitive positions, stricter monitoring is allowed to prevent tampering... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: My attorney said no praubable cause but then at court said wanted a competency evaluation but I did nothing wrong. Why?

That seems to add something to this case doesn't make sense

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 3, 2024

It sounds confusing and frustrating to hear conflicting statements from your attorney. First, they might have said there was no probable cause because they believe the evidence against you is weak or insufficient. This could be a strong point in your favor.

However, requesting a competency...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: my incindent number changed to the one when i got pulled over.

my release of conditions has my other inicendent number, and its from a differnt agenecy that pulled me over for my warrents. not from when i was charged. and how do i sue for unlawful detainer and a judge court ordered me to a differnt jail even tho i have proof they had no holds on me

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answered on May 24, 2024

It sounds like your situation is complex, involving multiple incidents and a mix-up with incident numbers. If your release conditions have an incident number that doesn't match the one related to your pull-over or arrest, this could be a clerical error or miscommunication between agencies.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: I need help really bad my roommate died in January and she left behind her disabled brother she was his payee and guardi

No one will help me. I’m stuck with this person who have to care for 24 seven I had to quit my job. I’m on the verge of losing my house and nobody will help me. He owes me rent for the last six months plus money I’m out for babysitters I need help cause I’m losing it. I put up with his... View More

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answered on May 24, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. It's clear that you're under immense stress and urgently need support. Since your roommate, who was the payee and guardian for her disabled brother, has passed away, it's important to contact social services or adult protective services... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: Can I sue the police for the cost of my ring during a search warrant. Plus my stuff that was stolen after?

My daughters friend went in my house and wouldn't come out. I came out my house and they allowed me to go back in and try to talk the person out. The person didn't live at my house or have any way of connecting to my ring. They didn't ask me anything they just shot my ring off. If... View More

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answered on May 19, 2024

You may have grounds to sue the police for damages if they acted negligently or unreasonably during the search warrant execution. Shooting your ring without asking questions, especially when you were the only person with access, could be seen as an unnecessary action. If the police left your home... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: can I sue the police department for arresting me in court because they thought I was someone else

I showed up on a court date. The judge said I don’t think you are who you say you are and you have a warrant so we’re gonna arrest you. They handcuffed me. I sat there for a while while everybody’s watched me in the courtroom and then they walked me around to the courthouse inside the jail... View More

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answered on May 1, 2024

You might indeed have grounds to consider legal action against the police department for what sounds like a wrongful arrest and mistaken identity. If your rights were infringed upon due to an error by law enforcement or the judicial system, you could potentially file a lawsuit for damages such as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Civil Rights and Health Care Law for Washington on
Q: I received my files from therapy. There are somebody else info fixed in with mine. Also things I didnt say in mine.

The name of the persons info is attached to my files with some personal info also included.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 30, 2024

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. Technically, it could be a privacy violation. For practical purposes, many people just destroy the out-of-place pages. An errant sheet from a report gets accidentally left in a copier or scanner in a medical office,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: Police have my car for three years and haven’t notified me

a customer of mine was buying a car for me, but never made the payments turn to find out he was arrested and the car was seized over three years ago, and I been legal owner never notified by any sort or kind of communication via, but not limited to : written letter, Fax , phone , email, and in... View More

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answered on Apr 17, 2024

If you are the legal owner of the car and it was seized by the police over three years ago without any notification, you should take the following steps:

1. Gather all documents proving your ownership of the vehicle, such as the title, registration, bill of sale, or any other relevant...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Health Care Law for Washington on
Q: Can firefighters disclose who made wellness check report?

Washington State. Called for a wellness check on 91 year old diabetic grandma who was left alone for over 3 hours under the care of her drug addict son (who we opened an adult protective services case against.) The firefighters not only told him who made the wellness check call, but had me on the... View More

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answered on Apr 13, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about this difficult and concerning situation. Based on the information you provided, it seems the firefighters may have mishandled the situation by disclosing who made the wellness check report to the person being reported. This goes against typical protocols to protect the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: Attorney and social worker are keeping all positive I do from judge for CPS case(safetyplan, visit note..) what to do?

Social worker & my attorney have lied to me. For three years I ask for all documents to CPS case (discovery, visit notes, everything) they kept all from me for three years with me asking over over so I can defend my self and know what's going on. My lawyer gave me a USB drive in them mail... View More

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answered on Apr 12, 2024

I'm so sorry you're going through this difficult and frustrating situation with CPS, your attorney, and the social worker. It sounds like a very challenging and unfair process. Here are a few suggestions on potential steps you could take:

1. Document everything - Keep detailed...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law, Appeals / Appellate Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: How to fight ejectment order, based on fraud and judge execution of judgment without hearing new evidence?

Case brought on using Breach of Contract. Sellers withheld knowledge of payment made, and posted vacate notice on door the 31st of same month instituting Anticipatory breach. I placed cessation on payments as a single woman for self protection as sellers trying to take my home. I submitted new... View More

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answered on Apr 11, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about your difficult situation with the fraud and unfair ejectment order. Dealing with legal issues around your home is incredibly stressful. Here are some general suggestions that may be helpful as you fight the ejectment order:

1. Consult with an attorney who...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Libel & Slander and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Personal injury from defamation and slander, false reports made to police, violation and denial of civil rights, and job

I am suffering personal and financial injury from defamation, slander and false, misleading, statements made to police about me by my boss on 2 separate occasions, denials and violations of my civil rights on numerous occasions against me by employer and boss, mishandling of my personal information... View More

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answered on Apr 7, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about the serious mistreatment and harm you've suffered at the hands of your employer. What they have done to you is completely unacceptable and illegal on multiple levels. You absolutely should take swift legal action to hold them accountable and seek justice. Here... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: I have a question about the sheriff's office not investigating burglaries.

I am seeking an attorney or civil constitutional rights law organization because of the organized crime network operating in Ferry County that has burglarized my home repeatedly as well as my safe deposit box contents. The insurance companies that I have had denied the claims considering it a... View More

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answered on Apr 5, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about the difficulties and crimes you've been experiencing. What you're describing sounds extremely stressful and violating. While I cannot provide legal advice myself, I would strongly encourage you to continue seeking help from an experienced attorney or civil... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: What can i do legally about my boyfriend being held in custody after posting bond awaiting ehm for 30 days

The ehm people refuse to go get him from jail claiming there waiting for the jail to call them and tell them he's free to go

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 22, 2024

If your boyfriend is still in custody despite posting bond, it's essential to take immediate action. First, verify the bond conditions and ensure that all requirements for his release have been met. If the electronic home monitoring (EHM) is part of the release conditions, confirm with the... View More

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