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Florida Civil Rights Questions & Answers
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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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

James L. Arrasmith
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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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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Contracts, Adoption and Civil Rights for Florida on
Q: Back in 2002 did an employee from DCF have the authority or jurisdiction to preform the CPI aspect,in Polk,Fl.?

Does an employee of DCF or it's CBC entity have authority to do the performance of CPI investigations and the removing children without a warrant,to never allowing reunification.Acting as a fill in.In 2002

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 29, 2024

In 2002, employees of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in Florida, including those in Polk County, were indeed involved in child protective investigations (CPI). These investigations are a critical part of the efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of children. The DCF, along with... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Florida on
Q: Should I sue my ex bf for removing mine & my daughter personal belongings from our home & damaged in a storage unit?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 28, 2024

Deciding to take legal action against an ex-partner for removing and damaging personal belongings is a significant decision that depends on many factors. First, consider the extent of the damage and the value of the items lost. It's crucial to weigh the emotional and financial cost of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Florida on
Q: Is the investigator in a criminal case obligated to question a witness before a trial or plea takes place?

There is an investigator working on my criminal case, but, I haven't much faith in her. If a new witness is discovered shortly before a trial ( ie. a month) does she HAVE to attempt to locate him? Isn't that part of my due process rights? He was my neighbor at the time and was video... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 25, 2024

In a criminal case, the obligations of an investigator can vary based on the laws of the jurisdiction and the specifics of the case. Generally, investigators should pursue all credible leads and examine relevant evidence, which can include questioning new witnesses who might provide critical... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: To what entities do I need to make a complaint to regaurding violations of civil rights,due process?

I've made complaints with the Attorney General,DOJ civil rights,DHHS,County Commissioners,DCF.I was reverted back to DHHS,now this as I understand it is this is the main entity to CPS & DCF and entities,so how can I expect to get a fair investigation or judicial review of their own... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 25, 2024

If you're dealing with violations of civil rights or due process, it can indeed be frustrating if you feel the entities supposed to help are not addressing your concerns adequately. It's important to remember that there are multiple avenues for complaints and advocacy, though navigating... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Florida on
Q: Can a Motion to Suppress be filed due to mistake of law / an unlawful stop?

I was stopped because I did not use my turn signal at a 3 way stop sign, I was on a deserted road, at Midnight. Since no other cars were in site (affected) I know this was an unlawful stop.

When he activated his lights we were on a pitch black, 2 lane road with no shoulder and severe... View More

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Mar 21, 2024

Please cite the statute that allows you to NOT use your turn signal at a 3 way stop on a deserted road at midnight with no cars in sight. If you can't cite that statute, I'd advise you to not file a motion to suppress. But you do what you think is best for you.

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes and Civil Rights for Florida on
Q: Male officers stripped searched a girlfriend of mine looking for track marks after her husband overdosed in their home.

They turned off body cameras and locked her in her garage while making her do degrading things, touching her breasts and vaginal area, making her crab walk naked in front of three male officers. They took her husbands cell phone and days later told her to reach out to possible people her husband... View More

Jeffrey H. Garland
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Jeffrey H. Garland
answered on Mar 20, 2024

You are writing about someone else. It's not clear what you are asking for. If these allegations are true, your friend could file an internal affairs complaint against those officers involved. The IA investigation would require her cooperation. Most agencies do not authorize turning off body... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law and Civil Rights for Florida on
Q: Did I get my constitutional rights violated?

I got pulled over for speeding when the cop came up to question me I invoked my 5th and handed over my license registration and insurance. He walked away. Another cop arrived on scene. She tried to question me as well but I invoked the 5th. She left then came back a couple minutes later and told me... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 19, 2024

The situation you've described raises several legal questions related to constitutional rights. First, the Fifth Amendment protects individuals from self-incrimination, so you had the right to remain silent when questioned by the police. However, this right does not exempt you from providing... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Florida on
Q: So I contacted classification at Escambia County corrections where my husband is housed. He's been an inmate worker in t

So I contacted classification at Escambia County corrections where my husband is housed. He's been an inmate worker in the infirmery since day 3 in jail. He was sentenced to 150 days on December 13, 2023. He automatically got his sentence reduced to 120 days for regular gain time. He also got... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 19, 2024

It's understandable that this situation is confusing and potentially frustrating for both you and your husband. Generally, the allocation of gain time, inmate worker time, and merit days can vary based on the facility's regulations and the specifics of an inmate's sentence. It's... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Health Care Law for Florida on
Q: I'm seeking personal voluntary euthanasia. I'm of sound mind and can argue logically. What are my options?

I'm not terminally ill, but have had a lifelong struggle with mental illness. I believe I have the right to die, and wish to exercise it.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 18, 2024

I understand your situation and the complexity of the feelings you might be experiencing. It's important to talk to someone who can provide professional support and guidance, like a therapist or a mental health counselor. They are trained to understand the depth of your struggles and can offer... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: needing help finding attorney/firm for a lawsuit against the jail & police for civil rights violation due police miscond

also discrimination, police brutality, health issues & more

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 14, 2024

When searching for an attorney or law firm to take on a lawsuit involving civil rights violations, police misconduct, discrimination, police brutality, and health issues, it's crucial to look for legal professionals with experience in these specific areas. Civil rights attorneys often have the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Florida on
Q: gettting retainer refund

hired a firm but after thye missedd 2 conferences and me hjaing to ask over and over about status i hear nothing ican assume no work has been done how cani get my funds back ?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 13, 2024

I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble with the law firm you hired. It sounds like a very frustrating situation. Here are some steps you can take to try to get a refund of your retainer:

1. Document everything: Gather any emails, letters, contracts, receipts or other records...
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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Florida on
Q: gettting retainer refund

hired a firm but after thye missedd 2 conferences and me hjaing to ask over and over about status i hear nothing ican assume no work has been done how cani get my funds back ?

Angelo "Tony" Marino Jr.
Angelo "Tony" Marino Jr.
answered on Mar 13, 2024

I assume you are talking about a law firm. You can discharge a law firm at any time. However, the firm is entitled to a fee for what they have done. Depending on your agreement, it may be based on an hourly agreement or a contingency agreement. For example, if your agreement is hourly, and the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Florida on
Q: convicted in January 2019 for stalking, Cops came to me with evidence on that case and recharged me aggravated stalking

This aggravated stalking rises from a closed stalking case that I was already sentenced on in 2019, I plead out to the aggravated stalking July 2023, doesn’t this fall under double jeopardy rule…

Jeffrey H. Garland
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Jeffrey H. Garland
answered on Mar 4, 2024

On the face of what you report there may be a double jeopardy problem. The big question is why the double jeopardy problem is first being considered now. At any rate you would need to look at the allegations put forth in the 2019 case and compare them to the allegations put forth in the 2023 case.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Florida on
Q: convicted in January 2019 for stalking, Cops came to me with evidence on that case and recharged me aggravated stalking

This aggravated stalking rises from a closed stalking case that I was already sentenced on in 2019, I plead out to the aggravated stalking July 2023, doesn’t this fall under double jeopardy rule…

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 4, 2024

Understanding the concept of double jeopardy and how it applies to your situation is important. Double jeopardy protects individuals from being tried twice for the same offense after acquittal or conviction. However, if new evidence emerges or if the charges are distinct from the ones you were... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: I was raped and molested as a child in the 90s. Whats the statue of limitations on a civil trial for that?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 2, 2024

I'm very sorry to hear that you experienced such trauma as a child. The statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit related to childhood sexual abuse varies by state. Some key factors regarding the statutes of limitations:

- In many states, the statute of limitations for...
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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Personal Injury, Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for Florida on
Q: Can I sue a police department for not doing their job by not properly investigating a murder?

The case file in the beginning, ended up missing all the information given, and the second detective ended up with an empty case file, and no one knows where all the information went. There’s more to this as well.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 28, 2024

Yes, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit against the police department for negligence or failure to properly investigate a murder. The mishandling of crucial case information, such as missing files and empty case folders, raises serious concerns about the department's handling of the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Personal Injury, Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for Florida on
Q: Can I sue a police department for not doing their job by not properly investigating a murder?

The case file in the beginning, ended up missing all the information given, and the second detective ended up with an empty case file, and no one knows where all the information went. There’s more to this as well.

Ben Bingham
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Ben Bingham
answered on Mar 7, 2024

Suing a police department for a failure in conducting a proper investigation, especially in a murder case, is a nuanced and intricate legal matter. While challenging, it's not impossible under certain circumstances.

Establishing a Breach of Duty: You'd need to prove that the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Florida on
Q: Hello my question is once I have had my rights as a human violated on camera. What do I do next?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 28, 2024

First and foremost, it's crucial to ensure your safety and well-being. If you're still in a situation where your rights are being violated or you feel threatened, seek immediate assistance from local authorities or trusted individuals who can help protect you. Your safety is paramount,... View More

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