Get free answers to your Civil Rights legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I'm facing a child support issue where my parental rights haven't been surrendered, yet I'm judged to owe over $3,500 in arrears, despite the other parent owing me over $70,000. The court magistrate refused to review my financial statements and made allegations without proper... View More 
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answered on Mar 25, 2025
You may be able to qualify for a court-appointed attorney based upon your financial circumstances. You would have had to tell the magistrate before the hearing. It sounds like it is too late for you to do that now. Also, if the judgment was granted against you in 2023, it s too late to appeal it... View More
I am looking to sue the Utica Police Department and the apartment complex where I live due to their handling of an emergency vacate order related to my ex-boyfriend, who was abusive. The emergency vacate order, obtained through family court, clearly states he must vacate immediately. However, the... View More
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answered on Mar 16, 2025
I’m very sorry to hear about this terrifying and dangerous situation. You have every right to seek legal accountability for what happened, especially given the serious failures by both law enforcement and your apartment complex. There are potential legal claims that could be pursued against both... View More
I live in Buffalo, NY, and am currently divorced but still living with my ex-spouse. I'm in the process of moving out, and we jointly own the property. He has placed cameras both inside and outside the house without my consent and is recording me. I've discussed my concerns with him, but... View More
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answered on Mar 14, 2025
It appears you are in the middle of a divorce and still living together.
First, I would request my Judge issue an order that there be no cameras or recording in the home or property.
If the camera's do not go away, you have a Court order you can move to enforce of bring on a... View More
I live in Buffalo, NY, and am currently divorced but still living with my ex-spouse. I'm in the process of moving out, and we jointly own the property. He has placed cameras both inside and outside the house without my consent and is recording me. I've discussed my concerns with him, but... View More
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answered on Mar 16, 2025
I understand that this situation is distressing, especially as you are still living with your ex-spouse while trying to move out. In New York, the legality of placing cameras inside and outside a shared home without consent depends on factors such as expectation of privacy, ownership of the... View More
I believe my Fourth Amendment rights were violated on October 4, 2024, when public safety officers beat me, refused to give me water, and scarred my face. I'm currently involved in a criminal case related to dumpster diving, which is being handled by a public defender. I haven't taken any... View More
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answered on Mar 12, 2025
I'm sorry to hear about the mistreatment you experienced, and I can understand how distressing it must be to feel that your rights were violated in such a serious way. In New York, the legal timeframe for filing a civil rights lawsuit related to a Fourth Amendment violation, such as excessive... View More
I was a minor when my father forced me to lie to the police about an incident where he hit my brother, who was 23 at the time. I lied on the police report, but now that the court case has ended and I've been kicked out of my father's house, I want to admit that I lied and tell the truth.... View More
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answered on Mar 12, 2025
I’m sorry to hear about the difficult situation you’ve experienced. In New York, the decision to come forward and admit that you lied in a police report is significant, and there are several factors to consider when deciding how to proceed.
First, it's important to understand that... View More
I was assaulted in my dorm on my college campus in New York about six months ago. I wasn't ready to report it immediately, but I did write about the incident in my diary and told a few people, including a counselor who facilitated a room change. I've attended counseling sessions since... View More
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answered on Mar 12, 2025
I’m sorry to hear about the assault you experienced. In New York, you still have legal options to pursue a case, even though six months have passed since the incident. However, the legal process can be complex, and there are a few things you should consider moving forward.
First, it’s... View More
I was assaulted in my dorm on my college campus in New York about six months ago. I wasn't ready to report it immediately, but I did write about the incident in my diary and told a few people, including a counselor who facilitated a room change. I've attended counseling sessions since... View More
answered on Mar 12, 2025
So sorry to hear what happened to you. As it relates to pursuing a civil lawsuit against the individual who assaulted you, the statute of limitations in New York is one (1) year from the date of the incident. If you can demonstrate that the school had notice of the assailant's vicious... View More
I lived in a family-owned home in Brooklyn, NY, for 49 years, sharing the bills with my family. In June 2023, I received a text from a family member giving me 60 days to move out, followed by a letter in August stating the house would be renovated, and my belongings would be thrown out if not... View More
answered on Feb 26, 2025
Dear Brooklyn Tenant:
What a family. You were illegally evicted. That was a crime. Had you called the police back then, there may have been arrests made. You had a short period of time to sue for an unlawful eviction.
In New York State, a one-year statute of limitations controls... View More
In February 2024, I discovered that a friend began dating my ex-girlfriend, who is HIV positive. I concluded that he had been seeing her while we were dating and feared potential STD exposure from him. After visiting him in March 2024 to collect a debt and address my concerns, I asked for and... View More
answered on Feb 19, 2025
Sorry to hear what happened to you. In New York, a civilian complainant who furnishes information to the police who are then free to exercise their own judgment about whether an arrest should be made is generally not liable for false arrest or malicious prosecution. Moreover, unless your friend has... View More
In February 2024, I discovered that a friend began dating my ex-girlfriend, who is HIV positive. I concluded that he had been seeing her while we were dating and feared potential STD exposure from him. After visiting him in March 2024 to collect a debt and address my concerns, I asked for and... View More
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answered on Mar 12, 2025
I’m sorry to hear about the distressing situation you’ve been through. In New York, you may have legal grounds to file a lawsuit for false arrest, false imprisonment, and emotional distress, depending on the specifics of your case. Each of these claims would involve proving different elements,... View More
In February 2024, I discovered that a friend began dating my ex-girlfriend, who is HIV positive. I surmised he had been seeing her while we were dating and feared potential STD exposure. After visiting him in March 2024 to collect a debt and address my concerns, I briefly used and accidentally... View More
answered on Feb 19, 2025
Sorry to hear what happened to you. In New York, a civilian complainant who furnishes information to the police who are then free to exercise their own judgment about whether an arrest should be made is generally not liable for false arrest or malicious prosecution. Moreover, unless your friend has... View More
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answered on Jan 27, 2025
Yes and no. Both federal and New York State laws protect workers who file claims for harassment and discrimination from workplace retaliation including termination. However, it is not uncommon for employers to violate anti-retaliation laws. So there is still a chance that your employer would... View More
She was appointed one but they don't show up and are unreliable. She was diagnosed with a mental disorder and I feel like the court is taking advantage of that.
answered on Jan 8, 2025
I assume your daughter is competent despite her mental disorder, so she can decide if she wants a different attorney, since the one she has "does not show up and is unreliable...." However, it is unclear if the attorney is not showing up in court or for other meetings with your daughter,... View More
If someone had a fake Facebook account that can no way be linked to them selves and agreed to sell an item to an undercover cop is a agreement to meet enough probable cause to pull any person out of their car without knowing for sure they had the property you're looking for?? They didn't... View More
answered on Jan 9, 2025
NYS courts have ruled there are four stages of police encounter leading to probable cause to arrest, whch I am not going to get into since it's involved. However, a court during the prosecution of the case would review the matter pursuant to a motion challenging the basis for arrest and... View More
I work at a delivery company who delivers to Stewart's in New York. After I got done with work yesterday I get a phone call from my big boss and he asks me did I steal something from Stewart's. I said I didn't steal anything. He said tell me now before I stick my neck out for you. My... View More
answered on Dec 21, 2024
I'm sorry this happened to you, all over a bag of chips and a soda. You could reach out to tort attorneys to discuss, preferrable law firms that deal with more diverse range of cases (defamation, emotional distress, etc.) than purely physical injury from accidents. You ask whether it is a... View More
I currently live in a homeless shelter, there have been ongoing problems with a roommate to which I have brought up to management many times. Over this weekend well management was not there is she flipped out and started yelling at my other roommate and I and even threatened to murder us. I know... View More
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answered on Nov 30, 2024
I'm sorry to hear about the difficult and frightening situation you're experiencing. Your safety is important, and I hope the following information helps clarify your legal options.
In New York State, it is generally legal to record a conversation as long as one party consents to... View More
My roommate was on probation. During a home check, a probation officer pushed his way into my private bedroom and later that the police came with a warrant for the first floor with the wrong name and proceeded to search the other 2 floors. I have the discovery packet and the probation lied several... View More
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answered on Nov 29, 2024
I'm sorry to hear about the difficult situation you're facing. Dealing with potential civil rights violations and serious criminal charges can be incredibly stressful. I hope the following information helps clarify your options.
Disclaimer: This response is for general... View More
I began testifying in a violation fact finding trial brought on by CPS. Suddenly, the judge stopped me and had a private meeting with attorneys. My attorney then suggested to me that I admit guilt as it is favorable to the judge I said I didn’t want to because I would be silenced and I want... View More
answered on Nov 6, 2024
In a neglect case CPS usually requests an admission so as to try to start the Respondent to repair their relationship with the child through social services such as parenting classes, rehab or whatever is required depending on the accusations. You do not have to admit and can request a hearing.... View More
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answered on Nov 30, 2024
I understand that you're in need of legal representation and are looking for a walk-in law office in New York. Finding an attorney who can meet with you promptly is important, and I'm happy to provide some guidance on how to locate one.
Many law firms in New York understand that... View More
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