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District of Columbia Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for District of Columbia on
Q: Can I make my landlord help me pay my water bill?

I contacted my landlord Jan. 18 and ask if she could have maintenance come look at my toilet because it keeps running she then tells me oh I was meaning to call you because D.C. Water called me and said it was an increase in the water usage I was upset but I didn't saying anything at the time... View More

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Feb 14, 2017

How did your landlord cause this problem? That's not clear. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for District of Columbia on
Q: A vendor in a grocery store intentionally kicked a plastic step ladder my direction. It hit my cart can I file charges?

A coca cola vendor in a crowded grocery store violently kicked a plastic step ladder in my direction after I politely asked him if I could pass by him. After ignoring me for about a minute he rolled his eyes then kicked the ladder so hard it hit into my cart! It could've been me but luckily My... View More

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Feb 8, 2017

This may be considered assault, and you can report it to the police. You can also report it to the store manager. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me, my credentials,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Military Law for District of Columbia on
Q: 1. would a military officer be in violation of military clearance laws should they have contact/paid by foreign govt.

In regards to breeches of military security clearance laws (which laws apply) and what immediate actions should be taken. If an officer has/is having extensive contact with and been paid money by a hostile foreign government and their agents:

1. should that officer/official immediately... View More

Patrick Korody
Patrick Korody
answered on Feb 3, 2017

This would certainly trigger a suspension of a security clearance and investigation by military authorities. There are numerous federal laws and UCMJ articles that can be applied to espionage cases.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Constitutional Law and Juvenile Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Who won the District of Columbia v. Heller case?

It is a case that focuses on the 2nd amendment. (I just need to know who won that case)

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Feb 1, 2017

See: https://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/07-290.ZS.html

The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/ publications on my law practice website. I practice law in CA, NY, MA,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Can my employer with hold my paycheck for service already provided

I had work and turnin my Paystub on time but my employer had refused to pay me saying that since the campaign no longer wants to work with me I have to sign a a ducment stating that am been terminated for neglect or they will not pay me for services already provided.Can they do that?

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Jan 18, 2017

They have to pay you for services performed. They cannot withhold your payment to pressure you to sign an unrelated document. You can file a wage claim.

See: https://does.dc.gov/page/how-file-claim

The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support for District of Columbia on
Q: If u have arrears but child is 21 and not getting the arrear payments how do u stop the order
Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Jan 17, 2017

If there's a valid existing court order for child support payments, that must be obeyed until a new order takes its place ending the child support. It's key to read the court orders. As for arrears, those are due if court ordered, even if the child is 21+. The best first step is an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for District of Columbia on
Q: Me and my child dad have share joint custody now in DC but he wants to reopen the case and get full custody but if I was

To move to another state like md or va and go file for full custody once I move will I get it or do I have to wait until we go to court in DC once he reopen the case

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Jan 14, 2017

Jurisdiction of the case may remain in DC unless you move and establish new residency elsewhere under the UCCJEA or similar law. The dad might rightly oppose a move-away if it conflicts with his time with the child. Kids need both parents, say developmental psychologists; and the law uses equal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Can I fly into any airport in the US or does it have to be the airport, which is the nearest to my US home address?

I stayed abroad for five months and I am planning on going back to the US. I am a green card holder since 2013 and I received my green card through marriage.

Kyndra L Mulder
Kyndra L Mulder
answered on Jan 10, 2017

You may fly into any airport.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for District of Columbia on
Q: Hello, I live in Washington, DC and my lease expires at the end of January. Can I prorate for if I stay past 1/31/17?

My new place will not let me move in until February 1. Can I prorate a few days rent. My landlord is trying to may me pay for the full month of February. Is this legal?

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Jan 9, 2017

It depends on the terms of your lease. Some leases require 30 days notice and require that any move-out date occur on the first of the month. You can try negotiating through counsel with your landlord re: pro-ration. An attorney should review your lease. The best first step is an Initial... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Anyone familiar with L2 visa?

I am considering coming to the US on a L1 visa now, my company agreed to sponsor me. My son is almost 20, is there enough time for him to come over on a L2? He is currently on a F visa studying at University in Pennsylvania. So what I mean is does he have to be 21 at the time of filing for L visa,... View More

Kyndra L Mulder
Kyndra L Mulder
answered on Jan 9, 2017

You have multiple questions regarding your situation. I suggest you consult one-on-one with an experienced immigration attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for District of Columbia on
Q: I was denied b2 visa. Now I am working on a L visa.

My daughter and I were denied B2 visa last year when we tried to visit my son in the US (who goes to college here). My company is now sponsoring my L visa, would be past B2 visa denial be a problem for me to get my L visa or for my daughter getting her L2 visa? I work for one of the largest... View More

Kyndra L Mulder
Kyndra L Mulder
answered on Jan 9, 2017

It largely depends on what you call a mistake. If it was misrepresentation then you can be denied and will need a waiver

Q: I would like to file a patent for an accessible phone for the elderly. How do I go about it? What would be the cost?

How much time would it take?

Peter D. Mlynek
Peter D. Mlynek
answered on Jan 4, 2017

Welcome to Justia!

How do you go about it? Get in touch with a patent lawyer. He/She will guide you through the process.

What is the cost? To get a patent costs about as much as buying a car. A few thousand to a few tens of thousands of dollars, depending on many things. About...
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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice and Products Liability for District of Columbia on
Q: My daughter suffered a severe stroke after having a lupron injection. Have there been other victims?

She suffered the stroke on 12-3-16

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Dec 30, 2016

Yes. Go to LupronHub.com As to whether there is a case, a lot depends on her underlying clinical condition etc.

For instance there were problems with strokes and certain oral contraceptives, but because people can have strokes at any age it was a question of statistics and other issues...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Employment Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Does my contract of employment preclude me from having another part-time job?

The relevant clause is this: "7. EXCLUSIVITY. During the term of this Agreement, Employee will devote his/her full-time to providing services exclusively as directed by Employer and shall not perform services for others."

The choice-of-law provision puts it in PA (however in case... View More

Glenn B. Manishin
Glenn B. Manishin
answered on Dec 30, 2016

The choice of governing law is not particularly relevant because, to the best of my knowledge, neither PA nor DC/MD/VA have laws overriding exclusive employment agreements. The provision you quote is plain and precludes you from taking on a part-time job. On the other hand, all states follow the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for District of Columbia on
Q: I live in Washington, DC and I am in need of locating a Pro Bono Civil Rights attorney ASAP.
Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Dec 21, 2016

Contact the ACLU or your local legal aid non-profit. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. This answer does not constitute legal advice; make any predictions, guarantees, or warranties; or create any Attorney-Client relationship.

2 Answers | Asked in Wrongful Death for District of Columbia on
Q: Do I have exposure in a whistleblower situation in which the situation costs a loss of life if I do not warn the public?

I am aware of such a situation, and due to recent changes in a specific law, and there being statements by lawmakers stating that those that know about such incidents should be held accountable for not telling authorities, I want to know where I stand.

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Dec 19, 2016

Morally you are responsible. Legally, it depends on your position and the type of company it is. Probably worth getting a confidential consult with an attorney who handles those matters.

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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for District of Columbia on
Q: My nephew got mad called my job and lied they came to my floor and to got me searched my stuff drug tested me

Made me keep drinking water and walk with then til i used rest room i been there 6 years never wrote up and was treated so bad in front of everyone then the boss told other people what was going on thats breaking heppa can they do this and the stuff they was looking for i had none in my system buti... View More

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Dec 15, 2016

You may have a case for defamation against your nephew. As for the way your employer treated you, it doesn't sound like a HIPPA violation. You should have a lawyer review your employment contract and related documents to determine if you've submitted to drug testing as a condition of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for District of Columbia on
Q: What will happen when i go to landlord and tenat court for the first time as a tenant for eviction in Washington dc
Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Dec 15, 2016

I recommend you access self-help books on eviction law at the local law library.

See: http://ota.dc.gov/page/guide-eviction

The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me on my law practice website. This answer does not constitute legal...
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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for District of Columbia on
Q: If a deceased person is sent a rebate check, is it legal for his heir to deposit or cash it?
Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Dec 15, 2016

It depends on the terms of the deceased's estate: what does their will or trust say, and how is the executor or administrator of their estate dealing with such issues? The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me on my law practice website. This... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for District of Columbia on
Q: I got full custody back of my son from CPS but my 3 yr old daughter is still with her grandparents who have temp custody

How can I get custody back of one child but still have to fight for custody of the other one? I have took numerous drug tests an had A&D assessment all which were good an get my daughter 3 days a week supervised how can I be fit to raise one child but have to keep fighting in court for the other one

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Dec 15, 2016

It depends on your history with that child and other related issues. The facts should be reviewed by counsel. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me on my law practice website. This answer does not constitute legal advice; make any predictions,... View More

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