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Domestic Violence Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Domestic Violence, Federal Crimes and Sexual Harassment for Arkansas on
Q: can i turn myself in if i’ve committed a sexual assault crime without involving the witness?

i could come up with excuses or try to justify my situation but i feel ive sexually assaulted my ex (who lives in Arizona) while we were together, can i turn myself in?

edit: i meant the victim im sorry

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 4, 2024

I know this is a very difficult situation, but I strongly encourage you to do the right thing - take full accountability for your actions, turn yourself in, and comply with the legal process. Consider consulting with a criminal defense attorney who can advise you on the legal implications and your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Internet Law and Sexual Harassment for Arizona on
Q: What are my options if I’m being sextorted and threatened? How can I suppress an embarrassing video from being released

2 years ago I went on the app Seeking Arrangements and wound up getting scammed, sexually assaulted, and sextorted by a man. He threatened to send an explicit video of me to my dad, but thankfully the information he found on my dad was outdated. However, he did end up sending it to some random... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 3, 2024

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this incredibly stressful and violating situation. What you're experiencing is a serious crime and you have options to protect yourself. Here are some steps I would recommend taking:

1. Contact law enforcement and file a police report....
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Personal Injury, Child Support and Domestic Violence for New Jersey on
Q: My daughter is mentally agonized and in trauma due to violent behavior of her father's girlfriend who came to our home

It happened in 2022 and since then a series of events happened including domestic violence on me (the mother by the father). I need to know what actions can I take against the father and his girl friend. My daughter is in High School and she is always traumatized that the woman may harm her

Leonard R. Boyer
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answered on Mar 31, 2024

You need to retain an experienced matrimonial attorney who has extensive domestic violence trial experience. The attorney will help you to obtain a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against both the father and his girlfriend. Criminal charges against both may also be possible, but that will require... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Ohio on
Q: If the Petitioner reaches out and talks to the Respondent on the phone, can the Petitioner get in trouble?

Is it souly on the Rspondent to advoid these calls or can both be charged and arrested ?

Sathappan Muthu Krishnan
Sathappan Muthu Krishnan
answered on Mar 31, 2024

Note automatically .The petitioner's Communications to the respondent can be used as evidence against the petitioner, However, if there is a protective order in force and the court has not specifically allowed communication under the specific circumstances you should not respond to the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Ohio on
Q: If the Petitioner reaches out and talks to the Respondent on the phone, can the Petitioner get in trouble?

Is it souly on the Rspondent to advoid these calls or can both be charged and arrested ?

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Mar 31, 2024

Protection orders restrain the respondent, rather than the petitioner. I agree with my colleague, while the petitioner will not get in any kind of legal trouble, it will undermine their ability to maintain the order or in the event that it's only a temporary order and there's an upcoming... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Landlord - Tenant for Connecticut on
Q: What can be done when a landlord violates the rights of a victim of domestic violence?

I vacated a property before lease end due to domestic violence under CT general statute and notified the landlord per CT laws. The landlord violated my rights as a victim of domestic violence by harassing me for 3 months after I vacated by emailing me up to 5 times per month demanding rent. What... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 30, 2024

If you find yourself in a situation where your landlord is violating your rights as a victim of domestic violence, it's important to understand the steps you can take to protect yourself and seek recourse. Under Connecticut law, victims of domestic violence have specific protections, including... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Washington on
Q: Is it Possible to get a DV 4th degree expunged from your record?

My fiancé was charged with a DV 4th degree years ago because of an argument and we are wondering if we can get this expunged from his record.

Sathappan Muthu Krishnan
Sathappan Muthu Krishnan
answered on Mar 31, 2024

If the charge was dismissed, then there is little that can be done about any remaining court records, if it wasn't dismissed .then you can vacate the others as the others mention there is at least possibly the option of sealing the court record, but out state has very strong open records laws... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Immigration Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can my child file forms i-485 & i-765 if she is a derivative on a VAWA petition that I am about to file.

I am desirous of including my child (18 years old, he lives in the United States) as a derivative of my VAWA petition due to abuse from my USC spouse. I will be filing concurrently forms i-765 and i-485 along with the form i-360. Can my child also file forms i-765 and i-485 concurrently as well,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 28, 2024

Yes, your child can indeed file forms I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) and I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) as a derivative beneficiary of your Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) petition. When you file your Form I-360 (Petition for Amerasian,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: Can I terminate parental rights of my ex-husband who has not paid child support and over a year?

I have sole legal custody and physical custody of my children. my ex-husband is not allowed to contact us and I have a restraining order. Can I terminate parental rights? he also has not paid child support and over a year due to being incarcerated on domestic violence charges against me. What can I... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Mar 26, 2024

Well it sounds like your ex-husband was abusive to you and a terrible spouse, I am not seeing why a court would at this point terminate his parental rights. By your own account he's not permitted to contact you. Does this extend your child? What rights can he presently exercise while he is in... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: Can I terminate parental rights of my ex-husband who has not paid child support and over a year?

I have sole legal custody and physical custody of my children. my ex-husband is not allowed to contact us and I have a restraining order. Can I terminate parental rights? he also has not paid child support and over a year due to being incarcerated on domestic violence charges against me. What can I... View More

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Mar 26, 2024

The first step is to go to a local family lawyer you have good chemistry with, as this process is going to be intimate.

There are lots of good reasons to terminate parental rights, and you need to explore all of those with a trusted professional as well as the downsides to that move. The...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Domestic Violence and Federal Crimes for Kansas on
Q: I reported to police that I was sexually assaulted. The DA decided to dismiss. How can I have the case reopened?

A friend of my now x-boyfriend forceably and physically sexually assaulted me at a karaoke bar while the boyfriend stood not more three feet away laughing. The DA dismissed the case. The karaoke bar has cameras but when asked by an investigator the bar told him they didn’t have it knowing a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 25, 2024

If you feel that your case was unjustly dismissed, you can start by contacting the prosecutor's office to express your concerns and request a review of the decision. You can ask for a meeting to discuss the evidence and the reasons for the dismissal. It's also helpful to bring any new... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Criminal Law for California on
Q: How can I get a lawyer for a domestic violence case pro Bono

My bf is fighting a domestic violence restraining order case in downtown LA next week and is in need of a lawyer but can't afford it.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 22, 2024

In California, individuals facing legal challenges, such as fighting a domestic violence restraining order, can seek pro bono legal assistance through various avenues. Local legal aid organizations, such as the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA), often provide free legal services to those... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Domestic Violence and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Involved in two conflicting court cases and attempting to find out what I should file and if they affect one another?

I’m currently being evicted from my home but not named in the case and did not participate in it. All occupants is the name on the paperwork. I was served a notice to vacate and the date is set for before he has court. At same time, I’m currently involved as the victim with my partner, who also... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 20, 2024

In your situation, where you're involved in both eviction proceedings and a criminal case, it's crucial to approach each case properly. For the eviction, if you are not named in the lawsuit but are an occupant, you still have rights. In California, all occupants have the right to be heard... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: what would be your strategy for a RO where the man is emotionally abusive and the wife text him to be heard?

I am sick in the head but text was the only way to communicate to this emotionally verbally and financially abusive husband. I feel like text are so one dimensional but I have recording. It is so difficult to claim emotional abuse as it is so personal. A word means nothing to you but but to us it... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 20, 2024

Under California law, emotional abuse is taken seriously, especially within the context of domestic violence. Text messages and recordings can serve as crucial evidence in obtaining a restraining order (RO) against an emotionally abusive partner. While it's true that emotional abuse can be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Washington on
Q: Is it legal for the state to assign a nco on my husband when there was no apparent harm risk or danger to me from him?

My husband and I where in a strictly verbal altercation when the police where called and they arrested him for an assault in the 4th degree with dv enhancement when I answer no to every question I was asked by law enforcement and there was a no contact order put into effect. However he has NEVER... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 19, 2024

In instances involving domestic disputes, law enforcement may have policies or legal obligations to act cautiously, which can include issuing a no-contact order (NCO), even if no physical harm occurred. This is often a precautionary measure intended to ensure safety and prevent any potential harm... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Family Law for California on
Q: Can I get a new restraining order in N. California based on years past acts of abuse?

I would like to get a new restraining order, but there has been no contact with he perpetrator for two years because there was an active restraining order, but that expired last year.

Can I use past expired restraining orders and those past act of abuses stated in the expired restraining... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 16, 2024

In California, you may request a new restraining order even if your previous order has expired and there has been no recent contact with the perpetrator. The court will consider your application based on the history of abuse, including acts detailed in previously granted restraining orders.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Domestic Violence for Washington on
Q: I am a victim and survivor of child trafficking and recent and last few years .I'm being criminalized Washington state

I was forced to plead guilty for assault dv 4 degree .my abuser has been arrested twice since after mine .my lawyers when I had one cuz I went without lawyer for long while due process violations founded but ignored n charged told me they couldn't do anything about it didn't believe me... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 16, 2024

I understand how difficult and overwhelming your situation must be. It's important to remember that you are not alone and there are resources available to help support victims and survivors of trafficking. It may be beneficial to reach out to local support groups, advocacy organizations, or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Family Law for California on
Q: Do you have to respond to a restraining order hearing if you were never served in person and u r outside California ?

Court Claimed I Was evading service which is not true so he allowed service by mail. I did not attend the first hearing and that's why. As I was never served in person and I am located in another state. Got papers to a mail po box, is that a legitimate service ? I did not sign to anything, a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 16, 2024

In California, courts can permit service by alternative means (such as publication) under certain conditions, especially if they believe you are evading personal service. This kind of service typically requires the court to be convinced that reasonable efforts were made to serve you in person... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Domestic Violence and Family Law for California on
Q: My husband kicked me out of the house and then changed the locks and then left town with all my stuff still inside?

My husband was abusive and this included financial abuse. He started a fight to kick me out of the house. The cops came and he left for 3-4 days they said. He came back to get me. He has changed the locks and the code to the garage. I am homeless and pennyless yet my house with all my stuff sits... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 15, 2024

If you have been unjustly removed from your home, especially in cases involving domestic violence or abusive situations, you have rights that need to be addressed promptly. The law offers protections to ensure that individuals in such circumstances are not left without shelter or access to their... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: How can I try to get someone facing felony DV charges into substance abuse treatment instead of jail time as the victim?

We are both addicts. His violence has increased alongside his paranoia and hallucinations. I do not believe he is irredeemable he is sick and research consistently shows that jail time can be criminogenic and would almost certainly make him worse and do nothing to address the underlying issues.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 15, 2024

In California, advocating for substance abuse treatment over jail time in cases involving felony domestic violence (DV) charges requires a comprehensive approach. As the victim, your perspective is crucial, and expressing your desire for the accused to receive treatment rather than incarceration... View More

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