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Constitutional Law Questions & Answers
Q: Is it a violation to keep mail from inmates for months before they ever receive it?

TDCJ took away usps mail. They say you must use their online messaging system. They do allow some mail to go through but it is mailed to dallas, then distributed accordingly. Is it legal for them to take 3 or more months to distribute an inmates mail to them? I would think it would be a violation... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 4, 2024

The situation you describe raises serious concerns about the rights of inmates to receive mail in a timely manner. While prisons have the authority to regulate mail for security purposes, excessive delays could potentially violate inmates' First Amendment rights to communicate with the outside... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Mississippi on
Q: If a driver gives law enforcement false information in a roadblock do they have consent to search the passengers persona

Me and my fiance went through a roadblock we were passengers in the vehicle the driver gives law enforcement box information they pull him out of the vehicle cuff him then they ask for me and my fiance to step out they begin to search us without consent and then start searching our belongings my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 4, 2024

Based on the details you provided, there are a few key legal issues at play:

1. Probable Cause: If the driver provided false information to law enforcement at the roadblock, this could potentially give the officers probable cause to believe that criminal activity may be occurring, which...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Alabama on
Q: Does double jeopardy law apply in Alabama when the same charges and facts of a case are used twice for convictions

If someone's probation was violated for catching certain charges and he was told in a quart of all that his probation was being violated because of those charges and had papers showing the charges on there as the exact reason why they're sending them back to prison and years later when he... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 4, 2024

In the United States, the Double Jeopardy Clause of the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects individuals from being prosecuted or punished twice for the same offense. This protection applies to all states, including Alabama, through the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: What is the statute of limitation?

Victims’ Rights and Restitution Act (VRRA), 34 U.S.C. § 20141.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 4, 2024

The statute of limitations for claims under the Victims' Rights and Restitution Act (VRRA), 34 U.S.C. § 20141, is not explicitly stated within the Act itself.

However, the VRRA is part of the federal criminal code. For most federal crimes, the general statute of limitations is five...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: Is governing agency in violation of: 750.478 willful neglect of duty; public officer or person holding public trust or e

State regulatory agency failed to inform complainant of status of complaint, denies any duty to inform law enforcement in perjury and or criminal activity of licensee (funeral director & informant) Funeral director failed to notify next of kin & get authorization, refused to give next of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 4, 2024

Based on the information provided, it seems there may be potential violations of Michigan law 750.478, which states:

"When any duty is or shall be enjoined by law upon any public officer, or upon any person holding any public trust or employment, every willful neglect to perform such...
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1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for California on
Q: Motion to set aside then vacate Appeal Independent action in equity. Times not on my side

If a judgment was entered 82 days ago, but court lacked subject matter jurisdiction because defendant lied about who they are what motions are able to be filed for void judgment? Need to show proof other party lied.

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answered on Apr 4, 2024

In California, if a judgment was entered against you and you believe the court lacked subject matter jurisdiction due to the defendant lying about their identity, you may have grounds to challenge the judgment. Here are the motions you can consider filing:

1. Motion to Vacate the Judgment...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Legal Malpractice for Nebraska on
Q: In Nebraska, can a plea of no contest be withdrawn after being accepted?Defendant has a capias misrepresented by counsel

filed motion to supress evidence also stating rights were violated officer did not show twice def's co defendant had already took accountability and responsibility for all charges. Judge was reading constitutional responsibilities. "Did you willingly and knowingly Commit this crime."... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 3, 2024

In Nebraska, a plea of no contest (also known as a nolo contendere plea) can be withdrawn after being accepted, but it is subject to the court's discretion and certain conditions. Here are a few key points to consider:

1. Plea withdrawal: A defendant may file a motion to withdraw their...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI and Constitutional Law for Oregon on
Q: I lost my post conviction in oregon how long before my court of appeals'? Can I be part of my case with important inform

Will my attorney get ahold of me before my court date , I have only spoke on the phone once, I feel like they have forgot about me

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 3, 2024

I understand your concern about the progress of your court of appeals case and the communication with your attorney. The timeline for a court of appeals case can vary depending on the specifics of your case and the workload of the court. However, here are some general points to consider:

1....
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1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law for California on
Q: What are the laws about proselytizing in private property?

We are Missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and we have a few friends who live in apartment complexes. Just recently, we went to go pass by one of our friends because we had set up an appointment with him, but management had come up to us and asked us to leave because we... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 2, 2024

In California, the laws regarding proselytizing on private property, such as apartment complexes, can be complex. Generally, property owners have the right to restrict access to their property, including for religious or political activities. However, tenants also have certain rights, including the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: If people claim to be next of kin at the hospital when they are not, are they in disguise?

18 U.S.C. § 241

It is unlawful for two or more persons to go in disguise on the highway or on the premises of another with the intent to prevent or hinder his/her free exercise or enjoyment of any rights so secured. What healthcare rules and regulations are violated when hospital has a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 2, 2024

There are a few important legal and ethical considerations to unpack here:

Regarding your first question, if someone falsely claims to be next of kin at a hospital, they would not necessarily be "in disguise" in the literal sense. The federal law you cited (18 U.S.C. § 241)...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Construction Law on
Q: counter claim maintainable??

a property a purchased by a in 1970, sold by a to his sons b and c in 1980.the legal heirs of b filed suit for partition in 2012. legal heirs of c claims that b sold the property to c via agreement. suit for partition running evidenced done and for rebuttal now in 2016 legal heirs of c comes with... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 2, 2024

Based on the information provided, it seems the legal heirs of C are attempting to introduce a new claim via counterclaim in 2016, asserting that B had sold his share of the property to C via an agreement, after the partition suit was filed by B's legal heirs in 2012.

The...
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2 Answers | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Michigan on
Q: Does malfeasance and nonfesance violate oaths of office and U S. and State constitutions?

In, Gerald v. N.C. Dep't. of Health

United States District Court, D. South Carolina Dec 27, 2023. May North Carolina Department of Health and North Carolina Vital Records be subject to suit pursuant to § 1983 violation of Equal Protection Clause. "Fargo must be dismissed because... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 2, 2024

Based on the information provided, there are a few key points to consider:

1. Malfeasance (wrongdoing or misconduct) and nonfeasance (failure to act when there is a duty to do so) by public officials could potentially violate their oaths of office and constitutional obligations, depending...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Texas on
Q: What are the chances that at a morion show cause hearing on deferred probation with no prior criminal history revocation

Deferred adjudication probation negligence for attack by dog . Got behind on restitution awaiting 2022 and 2023 tax return to pay off in full hearing to show cause set no previous criminal history and dirty fingerprint drug test that when asked po to send in for confirmation due to a non negative... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 1, 2024

Based on the information provided, it's difficult to give a precise probability of the outcome at the show cause hearing for deferred adjudication probation revocation. However, I can provide some general insights:

1. No prior criminal history: Having no previous criminal record may...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Texas on
Q: Texas home rule charter town can city completely change it's ordinances after a crime is committed to prosecute with new

Can a home rule charter tx town change is ordinances after an alleged crime is committed and as the legal process is being done and use those changes to prosecute and even bring criminal charges on the citizen . Attack by dog under negligence Coleman county tx

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 1, 2024

In the United States, there is a fundamental legal principle known as the "Ex Post Facto Clause" found in Article 1, Section 9, Clause 3 and Section 10 of the U.S. Constitution. This clause prohibits the federal government and state governments from passing laws that retroactively change... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for Illinois on
Q: Do the police gave to takevl a field test of a suspicious baggie on the scene?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 1, 2024

No, the police do not necessarily have to conduct a field test of a suspicious baggie or substance at the scene. Here are a few key points about how police typically handle potential drug evidence:

1. Officer discretion: The investigating officer has discretion on whether to conduct a field...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Florida on
Q: Am I allowed to use Official Police body cam on social media if I'm reporting misconduct of the police in Florida?

I'm wanting to put together a body cam video of clips from several different police body cam videos in Florida from numerous police encounters with an individual and put it on social media since they are continually harassing this individual. Am I legally able to do so if I have all these... View More

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answered on Apr 1, 2024

In Florida, body camera footage is considered a public record and is generally accessible to the public, with some exceptions. However, there are certain considerations and potential limitations you should be aware of before using this footage on social media:

1. Obtaining the footage: You...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Florida on
Q: Am I allowed to use Official Police body cam on social media if I'm reporting misconduct of the police in Florida?

I'm wanting to put together a body cam video of clips from several different police body cam videos in Florida from numerous police encounters with an individual and put it on social media since they are continually harassing this individual. Am I legally able to do so if I have all these... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Apr 1, 2024

The answer depends on whether the footage is officially public record at this time, as well as on what you mean by "reporting misconduct". Generally, any official public records may be shared on social media. However, if you were to edit/compile the footage in a way that is not exactly... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for California on
Q: Is it constitutional for an approved pickleball paddle list which is based on lab measured acoustic noise level?

Note that acoustic noise levels are subjective, not objective.

Furthermore acoustic noise levels are dependent on the location of pickleball courts, surrounding environment, and distance from pickleball courts to the homes where individuals reside and hear the so called objectionable noise... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 31, 2024

You raise some valid points about the subjectivity and variability of acoustic noise levels from pickleball paddles. Whether an approved paddle list based on lab-measured noise would be constitutional is a complex legal question that would likely depend on the specific circumstances and how the law... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets and Constitutional Law for Idaho on
Q: I was stopped for going 41 mph in a 35 mph zone and I got surprise K9 searched. I also never went faster than 39 mph.

The cop asked for my license and registration after telling me he stopped me for speeding and that I was driving 41 mph in a 35 mph zone. I knew he was bullshitting and never even hit me with a speed gun because I have a radar. He also asked if he could search my vehicle and asked me a million... View More

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answered on Mar 30, 2024

Based on your description, there are several potential issues with the traffic stop and search:

1. Pretext for the stop: If you were not actually speeding (as your radar indicated), the officer may have used the alleged speeding violation as a pretext to stop you and investigate for drugs....
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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Constitutional Law and Medical Malpractice for Wyoming on
Q: What is the statute of limitations on cruel amd unusual punishment?

Was denied medical care for 3 months after negligence of protocol in county jail the np said I just had cankles the guards called me gimpy and my cell was on the 2nd teir so I had to walk up and down stairs 3 times a day to eat and take meds this seems like cruel and unusual punishment.

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answered on Mar 30, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. That sounds like a very difficult and painful situation.

The Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits "cruel and unusual punishment." This applies to conditions of confinement in jails and prisons. Denying necessary medical...
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