Get free answers to your Civil Rights legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I was recorded saying the n-word without my consent, and the video was posted on Instagram. Despite reporting it to Instagram, I am facing ongoing verbal harassment online, and it's impacting my life. I haven't contacted the person who posted the recording, but I know who shared and... View More 
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answered on Apr 7, 2025
If you are facing harassment after the video was posted without your consent, you have several legal options. First, document all instances of harassment and save any communications that show the ongoing verbal abuse. This evidence will be crucial in case you need to take legal action.
You... View More
I went to a person's house with a police officer to retrieve a few tools (a hammer, texture sprayer, trowel, and other items). The officer asked if he should lock the keys inside after we left, and I agreed. Later, the same officer was there with the homeowner and other officers to search the... View More
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answered on Apr 7, 2025
It sounds like you’ve been through a very stressful and confusing situation. From what you’ve described, the police officer’s failure to properly communicate with both you and the homeowner about the key left room for misunderstandings. When the officer mentioned locking the keys inside,... View More
I called 911 because someone threatened my life via text and then showed up at my home, causing damage to my windows and doors. The police issued him a trespassing warning, but I believe it wasn't served correctly. Should I be informed about what he told the police when they arrived, and what... View More
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answered on Apr 1, 2025
When a trespassing warning is improperly served, you may have grounds to question its validity and enforcement. The service requirements vary by jurisdiction, but generally involve direct notification to the individual with proper documentation of the warning. You have the right to inquire with the... View More
I was ordered by a judge in Lee County, Iowa to register as a sex offender without any charges or valid reasons, stemming from a case involving a child in need of assistance based on false allegations and poor counseling. Is it legal for a judge to make such an order under these circumstances, and... View More
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answered on Apr 1, 2025
Generally, courts must follow due process procedures before imposing sex offender registration requirements, which typically stem from criminal convictions rather than civil proceedings like Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) cases. In Iowa, as in most states, registration as a sex offender usually... View More
My son has been in jail for 123 days after being arrested outside my home while in a state of full psychosis. This happened after a nurse informed his probation officer that he needed to go to the ER for treatment. Instead, he was arrested, tased, denied a phone call, and the public defender... View More
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answered on Mar 26, 2025
I'm truly sorry about the distressing situation with your son. Your commitment to protecting him is clear, and his suffering must feel overwhelming for you both.
You have several pathways to pursue immediately. Contact the supervisor at the public defender's office to report your... View More
I was falsely charged with distribution of methamphetamine, though the charges were dismissed in the interest of justice, and all costs were taxed to the state. I believe these charges were fabricated as part of election tampering by the now-elected sheriff and his newly appointed Chief Deputy, who... View More
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answered on Mar 24, 2025
You've been through an incredibly difficult experience with these fabricated charges and subsequent assault. Given the serious nature of your situation, you might consider filing a complaint with your state's Attorney General's Office or the Department of Justice's Civil Rights... View More
In Iowa, is it legal for my husband to record me during arguments after provoking me and then share those videos without my consent to a group of people he mentioned he has shared with previously? I have expressed not wanting to be recorded, and this makes me feel vulnerable and belittled.
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answered on Mar 24, 2025
Iowa is a one-party consent state, which means your husband can legally record your arguments without your permission as long as he's participating in the conversation. Under Iowa law, it's legal to record a conversation if you are a contributor or with prior consent from one of the... View More
My mom and her boyfriend assaulted me, and when I called the cops, she had me committed to St. Luke's in retaliation. I was evaluated and found to be fine. This happened multiple times, and I was sent to places like 4 Oaks, setting me back 12 credits in school. I am now 20 and in my second... View More
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answered on Mar 24, 2025
I'm sorry to hear about your difficult experience. You might have grounds for legal action based on what you've described, as your situation potentially involves various legal issues including assault, improper institutionalization, and educational harm. In Iowa, there are statutes of... View More
I work as a security officer for a private university in Iowa. I issued a parking ticket to a student following university regulations. However, the director of security threatened my employment over it, disregarded the grievance process, and voided the ticket. Previously, I faced retaliation for... View More
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answered on Mar 24, 2025
Your situation describes a concerning pattern of potential workplace retaliation that deserves attention. Documentation through emails and incident reports was a smart move, as this creates a paper trail of the events that occurred between you and the director of security. Employment law often... View More
Is the phrase "eat s*** and die," when used in an email directed at a U.S. Senate member, considered a death threat under Iowa law?
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answered on Mar 24, 2025
Your question touches on the intersection of free speech and communication with elected officials. While expressing strong disappointment to representatives is generally protected by the First Amendment, the specific phrasing you used walks a fine line.
The phrase "eat s*** and... View More
I sent an email to an Iowa representative including the statement 'eat s*** and die' as a response to a prior email. The email didn't contain any additional threats, although it did express my disappointment. Is this statement considered illegal?
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answered on Mar 24, 2025
Your question touches on the intersection of free speech and communication with elected officials. While expressing strong disappointment to representatives is generally protected by the First Amendment, the specific phrasing you used walks a fine line.
The phrase "eat s*** and... View More
I was assaulted by my sister's husband in Washington, Iowa, on December 4, 2024, while trying to retrieve a BMW I inherited from my brother's estate, for which my sister is the administrator. The assault resulted in a broken nose and a dislocated jaw. Although I reported the incident and... View More
answered on Mar 5, 2025
No, your due process rights have not been violated. Keep calling the police and requesting information about the investigation and ask why nothing has progressed.
So landlord I feel has violated my disabilyty rights notes daily for past 2 yrs ..come to
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answered on Jan 13, 2025
I'm really sorry to hear about what you're going through. It's important to know that you have rights protecting you from discrimination based on disability. Start by documenting each instance where you believe your landlord has violated these rights, including dates, times, and... View More
Injected with unknown substances. I'm being stalked and harassed by my ex-boyfriend's mother and possibly my ex-boyfriend they know everything I'm doing all the time and somehow have access to my Gmail and while I lived with them they were giving me drugs
that I didn't... View More
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answered on Jan 9, 2025
I'm so deeply sorry you're experiencing this severe trauma and abuse - your fear and distress are completely valid, and you deserve to be safe and protected. What you're describing includes serious crimes, and you need immediate support and protection.
Consider reaching out... View More
A friend of mine passed away suddenly and while they were taking the body out of his home the cops took his cell phone too. How do we get it back?
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answered on Oct 10, 2024
I'm sorry to hear about your friend's passing and understand how difficult this situation must be for you.
In certain situations, law enforcement can seize personal property without a warrant, especially if they believe it contains evidence related to an investigation or if there... View More
So about 5-6 months ago I got suspended from my college. Now, there were two arrests that caused this but something didn't seem right about one of them? At the time I lived in the dorms and my roommate and I came back from the gym. Police were down the hall and eventually they knocked on the... View More
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answered on Sep 27, 2024
It sounds like a frustrating situation, and it's understandable that you're questioning the legality of the search. Generally, dorm rooms are considered your living space, so the Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches. However, universities often have policies allowing... View More
I have all supporting documents to prove my case.
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answered on Aug 31, 2024
You have every right to be concerned and frustrated by the situation. When a city deems dogs as dangerous without any proof or incidents, it's important to take immediate action to protect your pets and your rights. Gather all your supporting documents, including any vet records, training... View More
The city where I reside has deemed my dogs as dangerous with no proof, citations, or incidents.
answered on Aug 27, 2024
What is the name of your hometown? In what state is it in? What is the exact wording of the statute or ordinance being applied? What is the dog’s breed? Where do you keep the dog? Are you keeping it in a chain link enclosure with a gate that can latch? Do you have homeowners insurance that covers... View More
A women went to the police department to file a complaint about an individual threatening her online. She has severe anxiety and agoraphobia, and after she told the officer about it, he refused to take a complaint from her. She had substantial proof of the allegations, including dozens of witness... View More
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answered on Jul 28, 2024
You have the right to be treated with respect and to have your complaint taken seriously, regardless of your anxiety or any other mental health condition. If a police officer refuses to take your complaint, you can ask to speak to a supervisor or file a formal complaint against the officer with the... View More
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answered on Jun 21, 2024
If you're facing a situation where the chief of police is refusing to return your cell phone and claims to have a warrant, here are some steps you should consider:
1. Request to see the warrant: You have the right to ask to see the warrant. If they have one, it should specify what... View More
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