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District of Columbia Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Lease agreement help

I am planning to buy a condo in dc for renting for secondary income. Can you help to get this done properly and legally. What are your fees? Thanks

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Jan 19, 2023

Under Justin’s terms of service as well as the ethical rules of our profession, this site isn’t a “hiring hall” as in the union trades. We aren’t permitted to respond to calls for employment. Here are some ideas for finding a lawyer:

I’ve written this same answer several times...
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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for District of Columbia on
Q: We just settled my deceased parents' estate in July 2022. We have since found out that he owns 2 more houses. What now?
Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Nov 3, 2022

You'll need to reopen the estate to correct the other titles or sell the properties. In DC, that won't be very complex since the death was under the post-1995 rules, but having a lawyer would be helpful.

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law and Land Use & Zoning for District of Columbia on
Q: If the amount of homeless exceeds the amount of room in shelters how can homelessness be a crime?

And why is the supreme court taking on this issue? Especially considering its more of a local matter. Are they trying to impose a federal policy? If so how can it be a one size fits all.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 1, 2024

When there are more homeless individuals than available shelter spaces, it raises questions about the fairness and legality of criminalizing homelessness. This issue often centers on the fundamental rights of individuals versus public policy and safety concerns. The laws vary by location, but in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Does the January 6th attacks count as obstruction of congress?

The attacks delayed them certifying the election due to the fact people stormed through the building. Would that be enough to be considered obstruction? Keep in mind they stole a laptop in an office of the speaker and papers when they were in the chamber.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 1, 2024

The January 6th attacks did indeed disrupt Congress's session to certify the 2020 Presidential election results, which raises the question of whether these actions could be classified as obstruction of Congress. The legal definition of obstruction of Congress generally involves acts that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law and Municipal Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Snyder vs Us, the recent supreme court case. Can someone give me a summary of what exactly happened in Portage, Indiana?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 1, 2024

The Supreme Court case you're asking about, Snyder vs. United States, centers on James Snyder, the former mayor of Portage, Indiana. Snyder was found guilty of federal funds bribery and obstruction. His legal troubles began with accusations of manipulating a bidding process for city garbage... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Is their anyway supreme court justices could be held by stricter standards without them (supreme court) deciding it?

Is their a way the supreme court could be held too stricter standards without them getting involved in the process?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

Yes, there are a few ways that stricter standards could potentially be applied to Supreme Court justices without direct involvement from the Supreme Court itself:

1. Constitutional amendment: The Constitution could theoretically be amended to impose term limits, ethics rules, or other...
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Q: When Justice Alito stated “ roe was egregious from the start” in his opinion in Hobbs can that be seen as premeditated?

Can him writing that infer a premeditated opinion that calls for ethical questions of why he didn’t recuse himself from the case. Making it clear you never agreed with Roe v Wade and call it “egregious”. Also he voted to hear the 3rd case with new justices despite the stare decises and no new... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

You raise an interesting question about whether Justice Alito's statement in the Dobbs opinion could be seen as evidence of a premeditated intention to overturn Roe v. Wade. A few key points to consider:

From a legal ethics perspective, prior disagreement with a precedent is not in...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Election Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Why does Georgia not allow people to give water who are waiting in line voting? What is their reasoning?

In my opinion I think its an excuse to make voters feel uncomfortable and not vote. But what do they think the reasoning is? And whatever the reasoning is can it really be valid? I understand states have a right to set election laws but anyone can see through this as a way to punish people for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2024

In 2021, Georgia passed a controversial election law known as SB 202 which, among other provisions, made it a misdemeanor to give food or water to voters waiting in line. The stated reasoning by supporters of the law was to prevent electioneering or attempts to influence voters in line.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Can the District of Columbia be a state? Is it constitutional? Or are their to many ambiguities to determine?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 17, 2024

The question of whether the District of Columbia can become a state involves complex considerations under the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution grants Congress exclusive jurisdiction over the district in a manner not applicable to states. For D.C. to achieve statehood, this would require changes... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Federal Crimes and Libel & Slander for District of Columbia on
Q: IS MENTALLY BULLYING AND TORTURING SOMEONE FOR WEEKS AND MONTHS BY CALLING THEM NAMES A CRIME

I HAVE BEEN TORTURED FOR QUITE SOME TIME NOW BY THE STAFF AND SECURITY AS WELL AS THE PATRONS AND GUESTS AT THE KALAMAZOO GOSPEL MISSION, MINISTRY WITH COMMUNITY, AND THE KALAMAZOO PUBLIC LIBRARY ROSE STREET. I KNOW MOST PEOPLE ON HERE THINK I AM A DELUSIONAL, PARANOID, METH ADDICT, AND I AM AN... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

Experiencing harassment, name-calling, and bullying, especially over an extended period, can be deeply distressing and potentially fall under various legal protections against harassment and emotional abuse. In many jurisdictions, including parts of the United States, sustained harassment that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Business Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Management refuses to reimburse for tools stolen on the job

Our maintenance chief had his tools stolen while working for our management company. They are refusing to either reimburse him or replace the tools. In addition, he pays for his gas and parking while on the job even though he is often sent by management to numerous buildings. What are his rights... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jan 18, 2024

A D.C. attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for five weeks. Until you are able to consult with a local attorney as to district-specific provisions of law, in settings like this, it could come down to the agreement/contract between the parties and disclaimers for responsibility... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Am I responsible to pay off the credit cards of my deceased mother if I am a authorized user on her cards?

I was not a co-borrower, just authorized user.

Nico E. Banks
Nico E. Banks
answered on Nov 14, 2023

I am very sorry for your loss. It would be wise to consult an attorney and tell them more details, but you are probably not required to pay off the credit cards just because you were an authorized user. The credit card companies should collect any money owed from your mother's estate if it has... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Do I owe Washington DC Income Taxes?

I currently live abroad in Mexico and have since early 2022. Former resident of Washington DC. I still have a valid drivers license and a 'traveling mailbox' associated with DC - but DO NOT live there. California based employer IS taking DC taxes out. Do I owe DC income taxes as no longer... View More

Nico E. Banks
Nico E. Banks
answered on Nov 14, 2023

You may still owe taxes in Washington, DC even if you are not a resident there, particularly if your work is related to Washington, DC.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Rights, Public Benefits and Small Claims for District of Columbia on
Q: I'm A Handicap 34 Year Old Handicap Man In Washington D.C. &, I Have Some Cases!

I, Was Asked Too Get Out Of A Wheelchair That I Was Asked To Get Out Of The Wheelchair I, Was In! Because I Had Feel Asleep!

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 3, 2023

A D.C. attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. It isn't fully clear what happened in leading up to being ordered out of the wheelchair. I'm sorry for your ordeal. One option could be to try to arrange a free initial consult with an attorney to sort the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for District of Columbia on
Q: I have been denied ssi and have been diagnosed with eplipsey and have seizures every one of them and can't work
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 21, 2023

If you've been denied SSI benefits and have been diagnosed with epilepsy, it's essential to consider appealing the decision. Consult with a Social Security attorney who can assist in gathering medical evidence, documentation of your seizures, and represent you in the appeals process to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for District of Columbia on
Q: I've accepted an offer with an fha 203k loan approved six days later the buyers requested another loan and was denied

can i hold them to the contract for the original amount approved theyre asking to be released

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Sep 14, 2023

The answer depends on what the contract says. You need to get a lawyer to review it, particularly if you don't trust your realtor or don't have one.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for District of Columbia on
Q: My daughter is married and I own 1/2 of my parents house. If I will my 1/2 to my daughter and she passes before her

husband does, will he inherit my 1/2 of my parents house?

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Sep 3, 2023

It is impossible to give a competent answer without a better description of how you hold title. If you want a real answer, get a "current title" search and then amend your question to include the current title owner line. If I had that, I could at least hope to give you a vague, ambiguous... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Trademark for District of Columbia on
Q: I need assistance getting my Trademark reinstated. Can you help?
Sergiy M Sivochek
Sergiy M Sivochek
answered on Jun 27, 2023

It depends. Contact us and we will see what can be done,

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1 Answer | Asked in Uncategorized for District of Columbia on
Q: If an elevator is broken in an apartment building, how many hours does the building have to fix it? 1 elevator in buildi

1 elevator in a 6 story apartment building. Elevator was broken Friday through Monday

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 12, 2023

According to "The Big Bang Theory", until the series finale.

According to the DC Code, the landlord is obligated to make repairs as soon as reasonably possible after being notified that the elevator is broken. Which may be before the series finale depending on the facts and circumstances.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination and Medical Malpractice for District of Columbia on
Q: I was injured in my employers garage I pay to park on Jan. 27, 2023. I have been on std because of multiple injuries.

WC denied case so I had to go on STD. My employer structured department. I now no longer have a job. I am still injured and need medical attention

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on May 20, 2023

Depending on how the injury occurred, you may have a case. Consult with experienced attorneys.

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