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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI and Constitutional Law for Texas on
Q: Can an officer force me to take a blood test during a Texas DWI stop without a warrant?

During a DWI stop in Texas, I was informed of my rights and did not refuse any tests, even offering to take a breathalyzer. However, the officer insisted on a blood test without showing a warrant or explaining why a blood test was necessary. He stated that he didn't need to show me a warrant.... View More

John Cucci Jr.
John Cucci Jr.
answered on Mar 27, 2025

NO!

The only way that officer is correct is if you had a car wreck and someone was hurt.

Even then, he needs a warrant.

If they took your blood and are prosecuting you for DUI, you must object and have your attorney know what you have asked here.

If it was my case,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law and Constitutional Law for Illinois on
Q: Will a 2012 civil ordinance violation affect my naturalization process?

I was arrested in 2012 and received a civil ordinance ticket for drug paraphernalia as a green card holder in Illinois. I want to apply for naturalization but am concerned about whether this civil ordinance violation will affect my application. I never faced a court date, jail time, or entered a... View More

Symantha Rhodes
Symantha Rhodes
answered on Mar 27, 2025

A 2012 civil ordinance violation for drug paraphernalia, while seemingly minor, could potentially impact your naturalization process. USCIS considers your moral character over the statutory period, typically the five years preceding your application. While a single, isolated incident without a... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law, Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Georgia on
Q: Is it a constitutional rights violation if police forcefully obtained a cell phone password from my son?

My son is being accused of a crime committed when he was a teenager. Recently, at age 19, he was brought in by police for questioning. He informed the detective that he would not speak without his lawyer present, and his lawyer was already in contact with the office. Regardless, the officer claimed... View More

Glenn T. Stern
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answered on Mar 25, 2025

It very well could be. If the questioning and the demanding of the cell phone password occurred after your son invoked his right to counsel, then it's potentially a violation of his 5th and 6th Amendment rights. However, an experienced attorney would need to review the evidence before drawing... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law, Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for Texas on
Q: Does Texas Tort Act violate due process in body parts' sale case?

In Texas, the Tort Claims Act states that a government entity does not need to disclose details or the extent of its insurance coverage. I believe this violates my constitutional right to due process according to both the U.S. Constitution and the Texas Constitution. The University of Texas Medical... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 24, 2025

There is no constitutional right that requires a government entity or other party to disclose the extent of its insurance coverage. In cases like your, the existence or non-existence of insurance coverage will almost always be inadmissible as evidence. This is particularly true if, as the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Federal Crimes for Tennessee on
Q: Can I carry a gun in TN after rights restored?

I am a felon whose citizenship rights have been restored pursuant to T.C.A. § 40-29-101 and T.C.A. § 40-29-107, including the right to vote, serve on a jury, and eligibility to possess a firearm under T.C.A. § 39-17-1307(b)(1), effective as of March 7, 2025. My charges included 2 counts of... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Mar 23, 2025

It is possible that your firearm disability in TN is removed. But since the conviction is not expunged, anytime you are accosted by LEOs, with a firearm, you will be at least detained if not arrested. There are also age requirements involved, and possibly some other incident in your life may... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Communications Law, Internet Law and Constitutional Law on
Q: Is it legal to use AI to flag illegal content and store it for review on a US-based free-speech platform?

I own a free-speech, privacy-first platform where users can upload various files, including images. The website uses Artificial Intelligence to detect and flag potentially illegal content, such as CSAM, to prevent uploads or flag for manual review. The flagged content is stored for 24 hours for the... View More

Jeremy Malcolm
Jeremy Malcolm
answered on Mar 21, 2025

Great question! Flagging the content for 24 hours for review is not going to trigger liability for you, because at that point the legal status of the content is still pending verification, and you haven't obtained actual notice of anything illegal. But once you do verify it and find that it is... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Virginia on
Q: Is it illegal search and seizure if evidence was found without a warrant or arrest?

While camping on a river, a game warden approached me and suspected us of trespassing. During our conversation, I was getting a cigarette from my pack when he demanded to see it and subsequently found an illegal substance. He searched without a warrant and based on his suspicion that we were... View More

David G. Parker
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answered on Mar 22, 2025

You have a lawyer, so explain the circumstances of the encounter to your lawyer. They'll be able to review the officer's account of the interaction and compare it with your own recollection. If they determine that there was a possible 4th Amendment violation they can file a motion to suppress.

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2 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law and Appeals / Appellate Law for Florida on
Q: Recent rulings in Marcus Mays PRR case by Florida Supreme Court?

I am looking for recent rulings in the Marcus Mays case by the Florida Supreme Court concerning the unconstitutionality of the PRR, which might make his sentence illegal. This is important to me because I am facing a similar situation.

Jeffrey H. Garland
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Jeffrey H. Garland
answered on Mar 19, 2025

I looked at the Marcus Maye decision in the district court and listened to the recent oral argument before the Fla S Ct. The DCA opinion reviewed the denial of relief filed by a person whose case is from 2003. The DCA said PRR sentence was good. Fla S Ct oral arguments dealt with issues such as... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Appeals / Appellate Law and Civil Litigation for Texas on
Q: Seeking options for pro se Fair Housing Act case vs. City of McLendon Chisholm.

I am Rhonda K Davis, representing myself pro se in a case against the City of McLendon Chisholm and multiple defendants, filed under case number 3:2023cv01994 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. My complaint involves issues under the Fair Housing Act, including fake... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 19, 2025

It is highly unlikely you will receive pro se assistance on an FHA case against a City or any government employees. The City itself, and any employees of the City sued in their official capacity or for actions taken in their official capacity, are most likely immune from a suit under the FHA.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Family Law and Immigration Law for Oklahoma on
Q: Can I pursue bigamy charges if my son's father married someone else while living with me in Oklahoma, a common-law marriage state?

I live in Oklahoma, and my son's father recently married another woman, seemingly committing immigration fraud. We have been living together for several years, sharing a home and finances, and Oklahoma recognizes common-law marriage. I have evidence of our cohabitation, like shared bank... View More

Charles Watts
Charles Watts
answered on Mar 17, 2025

Oklahoma is & is not a common law state -- There are still requirements to be met for the 'non-ceremonial' marriage (which is the closest thing to common-law) - Based on the limited facts you stated, it would be hard to meet the burden of proof to actually depict such. Having a child... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Constitutional Law and Municipal Law for Oklahoma on
Q: Are sheriff’s deputies required to give their name and badge number upon request?

The Fairview Police Department was called for a disturbance within city limits, the sheriff’s office was never dispatched or notified for assistance, yet they interjected themselves anyways. They refused to identify themselves while body cams were being used and only once a third party recorded,... View More

Charles Watts
Charles Watts
answered on Mar 13, 2025

I assume you are speaking of Major County sheriff deputies as you mentioned Fairview. A common misconception is the only law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction within city limits is the city themselves. However, this is incorrect. The City of Fairview is located inside Major County;... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for New York on
Q: How much time do I have to file a civil rights case after a Fourth Amendment violation?

I believe my Fourth Amendment rights were violated on October 4, 2024, when public safety officers beat me, refused to give me water, and scarred my face. I'm currently involved in a criminal case related to dumpster diving, which is being handled by a public defender. I haven't taken any... View More

Stephen Bilkis
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answered on Mar 12, 2025

I'm sorry to hear about the mistreatment you experienced, and I can understand how distressing it must be to feel that your rights were violated in such a serious way. In New York, the legal timeframe for filing a civil rights lawsuit related to a Fourth Amendment violation, such as excessive... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for Indiana on
Q: Can a non-violent felon own a gun after 9th Circuit ruling?

I have a non-violent felony conviction from over ten years ago and have not pursued any legal proceedings since. I'm inquiring about the impact of the United States v. Duarte ruling by the 9th Circuit on my ability to own a gun. Can I now legally own a firearm?

Andrew L. Bennett
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Andrew L. Bennett
answered on Mar 11, 2025

It is uncertain how a 9th circuit case would impact someone living in the 7th circuit or any other circuit, until the S. Ct. hands down a ruling. Regardless, you may want to consider expunging your felony conviction and then going through the process of restoring your rights under IN law. This... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law, Child Support and Traffic Tickets for Tennessee on
Q: Is driver's license suspension for unpaid child support legal in Tennessee?

I am facing a situation in Tennessee where my driver's license has been suspended due to unpaid child support. Despite my financial hardship and lack of legal representation, the child support organization refuses to reinstate my driving privileges. I believe this action infringes on my rights... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Mar 10, 2025

TNDL suspension is a statutory sanction for non payment of CS. Driving is not a right but a privilege. If you have a job and owe alot of CS, you might talk to a CH 13 Bankruptcy attorney. I have seen this cure the problem in 5 years while the the DL is conditionally reinstated.

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law on
Q: Can the mid-interrogation invocation of my Miranda rights be used against me in court?

For example, if the police asked small talk questions to me and I answer them and then they ask a crime related question like “Were you with [X person] tonight?”, can the fact I invoked after that specific question be used against me? Does this depend on wether I’m in a voluntary discussion... View More

Tillman Clark
Tillman Clark
answered on Mar 7, 2025

Generally, the mere fact that you invoked Miranda rights after a specific question cannot be used against you in court as evidence of guilt.

The analysis definitely depends heavily on whether you were in custody when questioned. Miranda only applies during custodial interrogation, and...
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3 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Texas on
Q: What are my rights and limits when planning a protest at a Target store?

I plan to protest at a Target store tomorrow morning on public property. I've attempted to notify local authorities but haven't received a response yet. I am aware of private property laws and expect to be the only participant. What are my rights and limits in this situation?

John Cucci Jr.
John Cucci Jr.
answered on Mar 5, 2025

If you are going alone, I would bring a video camera.

Your only concern is trespassing. If you protest in the form of "picketing" you can do so all you want. The key is to keep moving. As long as you keep moving, you can protest, carry signs, yell-out your grievances, and ask for...
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3 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Texas on
Q: What are my rights and limits when planning a protest at a Target store?

I plan to protest at a Target store tomorrow morning on public property. I've attempted to notify local authorities but haven't received a response yet. I am aware of private property laws and expect to be the only participant. What are my rights and limits in this situation?

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 6, 2025

Many cities require special permits to protest. "Attempting to notify local authorities" is not usually sufficient. Usually, you must complete a form and submit it in advance of the planned protest and receive the permit. With the appropriate permit, you can protest on a public... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law, Gov & Administrative Law, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: Is the City of Shamrock violating property rights through potential unlawful liens and searches?

I believe the City of Shamrock is using unlawful tactics to obtain my two properties through city liens. Initially, they trespassed on my properties to inspect building conditions. After confronting them about this illegal trespassing, they returned with an Administrative Search Warrant for one... View More

John Cucci Jr.
John Cucci Jr.
answered on Mar 4, 2025

You need to get a lawyer in between your property and the city.

In any event, you can always ask for an extension of time in all of the proceedings that involve your property.

Using a search warrant for two locations sounds illegal. If you have a copy, I would like to see it....
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2 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law, Child Custody and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: Are my parental rights being violated by DEFACS in Georgia?

I am concerned about my 14th Amendment rights after my daughter was taken by DEFACS in December 2023 while I was in the hospital and my separated husband was arrested for drug possession. Although I have no criminal record, I haven't had an adversary hearing. I have been compliant with... View More

Alake Colwell Furlow
Alake Colwell Furlow
answered on Mar 3, 2025

I would get another attorney before it's too late. Prior to your parental rights being terminated you should seek alternative counsel and ask for a continuance if necessary, so your new attorney can familiarize themselves with what is probably a lengthy case. If you do not have faith in your... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: Can Supreme Court justices be sued for creating a law granting presidential immunity?

I would like to know if it's possible to sue the six Supreme Court justices who, in my view, have created a new law granting the president immunity. My concern is that nowhere in the Constitution is such immunity mentioned, and I believe that only Congress has the power to enact such a law,... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Feb 27, 2025

Good question. I've been practicing law for 39 years and, like you, I'm very angry about the recent Supreme Court decision on Presidential immunity. However, the answer to your question is no. The Justices' decisions (by majority vote) on how to interpret the US Constitution and... View More

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