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Florida Civil Litigation Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: Where do I find the form for filing a motion for new trial in Martin county Florida

I need to file a motion for a new trial based on the based on the fact that the plaintiff attorney went off the rails and closing arguments and called me a con man

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Nov 8, 2024

The Court is unlikely to have a template form for that - but to be certain, ask the Clerk's Office and/or search for all online forms provided by the Clerk of Courts for the 19th Judicial Circuit of Florida. I'd be surprised if they have a motion for new trial form. Your best bet is to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: Can employer be liable for damages to a parked employee's car in the parking lot caused by their abuse shelter resident?

Daughter works for an abuse shelter. Her car was backed into and damaged while parked in company parking lot as she was working on the clock. An abuse shelter resident reported hitting the car. Shelter resident says they just recently got driver license back, but has no auto insurance. Suggested... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Nov 4, 2024

In that scenario, the company running the shelter would not be liable for the vehicle damage unless it was somehow foreseeable to the company staff that allowing the resident to drive in the parking lot would create a risk of damage - for example, if the resident had a bad traffic record that... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for Florida on
Q: Can I be evicted from a motel where I have maintained permanent residency at for almost 1 full calendar year ?

I moved in here December 2023 was offered weekly rates and told we could discuss monthly rates at a later date. After living here almost a year there have been a list of issues and safety concerns brought to the attention of hotel owner/manager and staff, minimal action was taken to address this... View More

Erik A. Perez
Erik A. Perez
answered on Oct 21, 2024

Yes, you can be evicted. However, it must be for a legal reason such as nonpayment of rent, failure to cure a maintenance issue, etc. Based on the information you have provided it, it is possible the landlord has failed to comply with the notice requirements for an increase in rent and/ or has... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for Florida on
Q: Can Trustee of family trust act as pro-se in law suit against tenant for unpaid rent/damages, without lawyer?

I filed eviction of tenant, as trustee of the family living trust. I was told I could do the simple eviction as a trustee of the family living trust, but I am not allowed, as pro se, to file for an additional complaint demanding unpaid back rent and damages. It said I need a lawyer to do the... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Oct 18, 2024

Apparently you have already filed for possession and went to Court. The Judge is not going to let you sue for monies. Right or wrong, you are already in the middle of it. Get a Judgment for Possession at the next Court date, and get that occupant out of the Trust's property. I doubt... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Insurance Bad Faith and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: I pay for insurance monthly it is a limited liability waiver included in my lease. Now that I need help with damages

Due to the hurricane The landlord is saying it doesn’t cover anything

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Oct 14, 2024

Regardless of insurance coverage or lack thereof, the landlord is responsible for storm damage to the premises itself (but not the contents) - unless your lease states otherwise. For damage to contents, the insurance policy should state clearly in black and white what's covered and... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Florida on
Q: Does the fact that I couldn’t afford therapy strengthen my emotional distress claim?

I plan to visit the dealership again to secretly record conversations regarding the $3,000 down payment, terms of financing, and other details for my case.

As Florida is a two-party consent state, I am concerned about whether it is legal to record these conversations inside the... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Oct 8, 2024

You first posed a question about the affect of not affording therapy on an emotional distress claim, and you then stated a concern about recording a conversation, which I take to mean a question asking if you can record in the setting you described without asking permission. You did not connect... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation and Employment Law for Florida on
Q: I was held at knifepoint at my last job. Is there anything I can do to be compensated for me having to leave my job?

I had to leave because the guy who held me at knifepoint was the favorite employee and kept his job. I did file a complaint to HR which they finally fired him after I left, however in between that time I was continually scheduled with my attacker and forced to work with him. For about a week I was... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Sep 9, 2024

Though you resigned, it might be considered to be a "constructive discharge" due to you having no choice but to leave. If you are eligible for reemployment assistance (unemployment comp) based on how long you worked there, see if you can apply for such assistance based on constructive... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: Can you be arrested for throwing a cigarette on the ground

I was pulled over for no seat belt. I was asked to step out of the car. As I did so I threw my cigarette on the ground to be polite. I was arrested for littering. Is this legal.

Leonard Louis Cagan
Leonard Louis Cagan
answered on Sep 3, 2024

I find it hard to believe that an arrest would be warranted for throwing a single cigarette to the ground. I would recommend taking a look at the arrest paperwork to see what statute or ordinance was alleged to have been violated. That is a good place to start. Look up that law and read it. Then... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: I'm trying to figure out how to file a motion to Oppose/Object a Motion for Summary judgement.

I am the Plaintiff in a slip and fall lawsuit against a grocery store. I had to end up defending myself pro se. On 6/18/24 I was granted the motion to receive a copy of the surveillance footage of the incident before deposition. The defendant sent 9 files that were difficult to access, so I was... View More

Cesar Mejia Duenas
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answered on Sep 2, 2024

In Florida, to oppose the Motion for Summary Judgment, you should file a written response detailing the new evidence you discovered from the surveillance footage. Explain that the video now shows how the spill occurred and how long it was on the floor, which creates a genuine issue of material... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: I'm trying to figure out how to file a motion to Oppose/Object a Motion for Summary judgement.

I am the Plaintiff in a slip and fall lawsuit against a grocery store. I had to end up defending myself pro se. On 6/18/24 I was granted the motion to receive a copy of the surveillance footage of the incident before deposition. The defendant sent 9 files that were difficult to access, so I was... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Sep 2, 2024

You need to file an opposition to the motion for summary judgment. It should be supported by an affidavit (written statement under oath and signed by you and the notary before whom you swore under oath) setting forth the genuine issues of material fact which you believe would be issues to prevent... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: If a woman has a restraing order against a guy & she's contacting the guy can she get in trouble for violating the order
Leonard Louis Cagan
Leonard Louis Cagan
answered on Aug 30, 2024

A restraining order will be governed by the wording of the order. Usually that relates to some restraint on the Respondent or the person who the order was "sought against." As the previous attorney noted. if you are unsure what the order means you should consult an attorney.

You...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: If a woman has a restraing order against a guy & she's contacting the guy can she get in trouble for violating the order
Rod Caruco
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answered on Aug 30, 2024

This can be a dangerous situation for the individual that is governed by the restraining order. Generally, a typical order will likely state the individual is to make no contact and, if contacted, the individual is not to respond. If there is a basis for a reciprocal injunction, that may be sought.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Business Law, Civil Litigation and Communications Law for Florida on
Q: How should I respond to being threatened by another company's VP?

I was threatened by another company's VP for "willfully and wrongfully withholding payment" and he stated that " it will fall on me and word is going to spread in the industry" if I do not pay an invoice that is 5 years old. I started working at the my company 5 months ago... View More

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Sep 14, 2024

I would add that most debts in the State of Florida related to contracts have a 5-year statute of limitations attached to them, it would appear based on what you have reported and if correct, that the ability to collect this debt may have expired (thus the threats), you should review the statute of... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Business Law, Civil Litigation and Communications Law for Florida on
Q: How should I respond to being threatened by another company's VP?

I was threatened by another company's VP for "willfully and wrongfully withholding payment" and he stated that " it will fall on me and word is going to spread in the industry" if I do not pay an invoice that is 5 years old. I started working at the my company 5 months ago... View More

Cesar Mejia Duenas
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answered on Aug 22, 2024

The situation you describe involves potential legal claims related to defamation and coercion. Here’s how you might approach this:

(i) Slander and Defamation: Slander refers to a false spoken statement that damages a person's reputation. If the VP's statement that you are...
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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Copyright and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: How do I request a dismissed from this action with prejudice from the FL case 1:23-cv-21976 zuru lawsuit?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 26, 2024

To request a dismissal with prejudice from the FL case 1:23-cv-21976 Zuru lawsuit, you need to file a motion with the court. Begin by drafting a motion to dismiss, clearly stating your reasons for seeking dismissal with prejudice. Make sure to reference any relevant legal grounds and case law that... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Copyright and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: How do I request a dismissed from this action with prejudice from the FL case 1:23-cv-21976 zuru lawsuit?
Bao Tran
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Bao Tran
answered on Jul 25, 2024

Based on your query about requesting dismissal with prejudice from a Florida case, here are the key steps and considerations:

Understand "Dismissal with Prejudice":

This means the case is dismissed permanently and cannot be refiled.

It's a final judgment on...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Constitutional Law and Legal Malpractice for Florida on
Q: If my PD made a negligent error on my sentencing sheet that costed me 6 months past my max date in PA DOC do I have case

The Senior Public Defender of Lehigh County PA made a negligent error on my sentencing sheet that costed me 6 months past my max date in PA DOC. My charges were supposed to be concurrent not consecutive. Was supposed to be out 08/27/18 not 01 09 19. I have a letter from my PD stating that she made... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 20, 2024

You may have grounds for a legal malpractice claim against your Public Defender if their error resulted in you serving an additional six months in prison. The key aspect is proving that the mistake was due to negligence and directly caused the additional time served. Having a letter from your... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: In my civil case the attorney didn’t show up in the Plaintiffs behalf and the judge ruled a dismissal without prejudice

I have received court papers stating that. Can I stop making good faith payments?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 27, 2024

If your attorney did not show up, leading to a dismissal without prejudice, it means the case can be refiled in the future. You should consider the possibility that the opposing party might refile the case, which means your obligation might not be completely over.

Stopping good faith...
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3 Answers | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: In my civil case the attorney didn’t show up in the Plaintiffs behalf and the judge ruled a dismissal without prejudice

I have received court papers stating that. Can I stop making good faith payments?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 25, 2024

In a dismissal w/o prejudice, the attorney may file the case again, or the plaintiff could retain a new attorney. At worst, it's possible that discontinuing payments might violate your original obligations, or at best, could make you look bad before the court at a subsequent hearing if the... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: In my civil case the attorney didn’t show up in the Plaintiffs behalf and the judge ruled a dismissal without prejudice

I have received court papers stating that. Can I stop making good faith payments?

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jul 20, 2024

You don't HAVE to make payments at all. But since the dismissal was without prejudice, the plaintiff may, if it chooses, re-file the case and get a judgment. If so, it could attempt to collect by garnishment and by other means.

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