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Q: Are there any laws pertaining to a diver recovering scrap metal that fell from barge in Tennessee River

We are cleaning river bottom where a scrap metal company has missed the barge while loading. The metal is underwater and we are not touching land at any time. Are we breaking any laws.

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answered on Mar 25, 2024

In regards to your question about recovering scrap metal from the Tennessee River, it's essential to understand that various laws may apply. These include federal, state, and local regulations concerning environmental protection, salvage rights, and navigation. For instance, the Clean Water... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes, Gov & Administrative Law and Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: Can I own a firearm legally if I live with a felon if its for work?

I just moved to Michigan and currently live with a felon, I am trying to go to college for Criminal Justice and get my Guard Card to become an armed security guard. Is there a way for me to legally own a firearm for work if I live with a felon or do I need to move for that to happen?

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answered on Mar 25, 2024

In Michigan, living with a felon does not automatically prohibit you from owning a firearm, especially if it is for work-related purposes such as becoming an armed security guard. However, strict precautions must be taken to ensure that the felon does not have access to the firearm, as this could... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security, Tax Law and Gov & Administrative Law for New Jersey on
Q: Can I keep my maiden name on W-2 if my name on passport and SSA has changed

I have 2 last names as I recently added my husband’s last name to mine . So now my last name is composed of 2 last nabes without hyphen. Can I continue to use my maiden name first last name at work and hence on W-2? What’s the way to retain maiden name professionally?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 25, 2024

If your name has legally changed and is updated on your passport and with the Social Security Administration (SSA), it is generally recommended to update your name at work to ensure consistency across all official documents and systems. This includes having your new name reflected on your W-2 form,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Immigration Law, Federal Crimes and Gov & Administrative Law for Georgia on
Q: I request your help in my query if I am eligible or not for the U visa and if yes what is the best way to proceed.

One of the lawyer here answered my question and asked to check U-Visa for my case i did some research but couldn’t find any good lawyer for my scenario-

I have a typical case with USCIS, They made a mistake on my document which caused me to struggle out of the country for more than a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 25, 2024

To determine your eligibility for the U visa, you need to understand that it's typically granted to victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity. The... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Gov & Administrative Law, Government Contracts and Military Law for New York on
Q: Hello, I was wondering if I could open a case against the DOD or the US Navy? I was honorably discharged from the navy.

I was honorably discharged from the navy after 3 and a half years for refusing to get the covid 19 vaccine. And recently the secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth has issued a memorandum that rescinds all policies associated with the DOD COVID-19 vaccination mandate.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 24, 2024

You might have grounds to open a case if your discharge was directly related to policies that have since been rescinded. It's important to understand that legal challenges against the Department of Defense or any military branch require specific grounds such as wrongful discharge or violations... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law for California on
Q: Can I sell a vehicle after getting pulled over in it for expired registration & unlicensed driver, but before court?

Is it legal to sell a vehicle I was pulled over in for expired registration & unlicensed driver, before I'm scheduled for court?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 24, 2024

In California, being cited for expired registration or driving without a valid license does not automatically restrict your ability to sell the vehicle. The vehicle itself is not implicated in the legal issues of your driving status or its registration at the time you were pulled over. Therefore,... View More

Q: WI firearm purchase background check questions:

I've been contemplating the idea of purchasing a firearm for home protection. (Milwaukee, WI)

However, I've had a "battery" misdemeanor in the past. As well as a TRO (expired).

I'm interested in having a knowledgeable resource (lawyer) help me better... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 22, 2024

In Wisconsin, the background check for firearm purchases will review your criminal record, mental health history, and any past restraining orders. If you've had a misdemeanor for battery, it generally doesn't automatically disqualify you from owning a firearm unless it was classified as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Federal Crimes, Employment Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Florida on
Q: the TSA is investigating a violation of the TSR title 49 CFR 1540.105 a violation of regs for civil penalty for 14,950

Test was given at my post which I failed on purpose to inevitibly quit my position at FLL now they what to file civil penalties against me. when anyone whose has failed before is just given a slap on the wrist. I would like to what actions i should take in protecting myself and if it is legal to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 22, 2024

If you are facing an investigation or civil penalties from the TSA, particularly regarding a situation at your workplace like the one described, it's critical to seek legal advice from an attorney familiar with employment and administrative law, especially those who have experience with TSA... View More

Q: Can I sue Caltrans as a subcontractor who submitted a bid to General Contractors who provided bids to Caltrans

I am a specialty subcontractor certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise based on my Hispanic heritage and that my personal net worth is less than 1.32 million. Caltrans and other agencies are not correctly holding the General Contractors to the Good Faith Efforts rules of 49 CFR Part 26 and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 22, 2024

In California, as a subcontractor and certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, you have rights and can potentially take legal action if you believe that Caltrans or other agencies have failed to enforce the Good Faith Efforts rules as outlined in 49 CFR Part 26. These rules are designed to... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for New Hampshire on
Q: How much time does NH DCYF have to produce case records once requested in writing by a valid authorized person?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 21, 2024

If you're seeking access to case records from the New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), it's important to know the process and time frames involved. The rules around this are set to protect the privacy and welfare of the children involved, while also providing... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law on
Q: Can we drive vehicle immediately after driving test but without physical licence
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 21, 2024

Yes, typically, you can drive a vehicle immediately after passing your driving test, even if you don't yet have your physical license. Once you pass your test, the examining officer usually provides a temporary paper license or a pass certificate. This document serves as proof of your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for Texas on
Q: My two dogs escaped their gate and un-alived chickens/roosters but I need information about my situation

My 2 dogs escaped and went into my neighbor's house which I didn't know had chickens but they also had more than 4 chickens (which in the law of Laredo you aren't allowed to have more than 4 chickens in you house you would need to be yards away of houses like a type of farm and you... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 21, 2024

Laredo city ordinance provides "It shall be unlawful for any person owning, keeping or having in his possession or control any dog to allow such dog to run at large upon the streets, sidewalks or public grounds of the city, or to allow any dog to run at large upon or about the residence, lot... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Minnesota on
Q: GM 5th deg-possession of drug, first timer, and I was wondering if I’m serving jail time or how much would I have to pay

It’s 3 Percocet pill that I’ve been caught with and it’s my first time and it’s gross misdemeanor charges GM 5th deg-possession of drug, first timer, and I was wondering if I’m serving jail time or how much would I have to pay

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Mar 21, 2024

I think that it is unlikely that you would be facing jail time for a first time GM drug possession case. The best thing that you can do for yourself to avoid having to serve jail would be to get a Chemical Use Assessment and start following the recommendations. That is something that you are... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Minnesota on
Q: GM 5th deg-possession of drug, first timer, and I was wondering if I’m serving jail time or how much would I have to pay

It’s 3 Percocet pill that I’ve been caught with and it’s my first time and it’s gross misdemeanor charges GM 5th deg-possession of drug, first timer, and I was wondering if I’m serving jail time or how much would I have to pay

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Mar 21, 2024

You might consider an effort to avoid a criminal "conviction." That would be valuable, in the future. It may be a possible to resolve the case in a way to avoid conviction, usually involving a period of compliance with agreed and ordered conditions. You can discuss this with your lawyer.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes and Gov & Administrative Law for Nevada on
Q: Under the federal guide line how much time is received for obliterated serial numbers on firearm

And will the feds pick up the case

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 21, 2024

Under federal law, possessing, receiving, or dealing in firearms with obliterated serial numbers is a serious offense. The law aims to prevent the circulation of untraceable firearms. If convicted, an individual could face up to five years in prison. The specifics can vary based on the case details... View More

Q: What is the legal procedure for an Illinois School district to purchase Real Property (Real Estate)?

I understand they can meet in closed session to discuss the purchase but can they pay over appraisal and take action without having it discussed in a public meeting or on an agenda?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 20, 2024

In Illinois, school districts are allowed to meet in closed sessions to discuss matters related to the purchase of real estate to ensure privacy during the negotiation process. However, any decision to purchase real estate, including the agreement on price, must be made in an open session during a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for California on
Q: If you could prove a past executive branch politician enacted financial sanctions on your person years back, who to call
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 20, 2024

If you believe a past executive branch politician improperly enacted financial sanctions against you, the first step is to document all relevant information, including the nature of the sanctions, how you discovered them, and any related communications or documents. This evidence is crucial for any... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Gov & Administrative Law for California on
Q: Is it safe to have mental health patients cooking food for residents in a drug treatment facility
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 20, 2024

Under California law, the safety and welfare of both patients and residents in a drug treatment facility are of utmost importance. The law requires that such facilities maintain a safe and healthy environment. Whether mental health patients can cook for residents depends on their individual... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law for Florida on
Q: How do I interpret a specific statue? What type of attorney would I need to file against a county department?

815.062 Offenses against governmental entities.—

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Mar 20, 2024

You cite Fla. Statute Sec. 815.062, a statute that's pretty clear on its face and criminalizes certain acts committed against governmental entities. It's unclear why you mention that statute in conjunction with suing a county entity, as that statute is only about charging someone with a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law for Arkansas on
Q: Is it illegal to stop on the side of the highway or interstate if there is not an emergency or disabled vehicle in AR?

Such as to use a cellphone, get out and stretch, take a nap, etc.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 20, 2024

In Arkansas, stopping on the side of the highway or interstate is generally reserved for emergencies or situations where the vehicle is disabled. This is primarily for safety reasons, as highways and interstates are high-speed roads where stopping can be dangerous both for the driver and for other... View More

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