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Rhode Island Civil Rights Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Libel & Slander for Rhode Island on
Q: Can you legally come after someone for sharing personal messages, pictures, and videos stolen from your phone?

My wife and I had an open relationship. She went through my phone and took personal things of myself and another women. She has been sharing them and showing them to everyone.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 31, 2024

In Rhode Island, if someone shares personal messages, pictures, and videos taken from your phone without your consent, you may have legal recourse. Unauthorized access to your phone and the dissemination of private materials could be considered a violation of privacy laws.

Rhode Island has...
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1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law and Civil Rights for Rhode Island on
Q: can RI hospital psych ward hold a patient who called SuicideHotline on themself After patient request leave after 3 days

Patient had a minor past suicide attempt over 2 years ago and seeked help. Since has made Major improvement and no issues since. Patient called suicide hotline due to depression and anxiety, and is now being held for 3 days and wishes to leave to seek therapy and feels they do not need inpatient... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 13, 2024

In Rhode Island, mental health facilities have the authority to hold a patient for evaluation and treatment if they believe the patient poses a risk to themselves or others due to a mental health condition. This can occur even if the patient voluntarily sought help initially.

If a patient...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Who do I contact to Investigate police misconduct and forgery?

I am being charged, but was never arrested, Questioned, or read any Maranda rights. And they forged my initials on the only documents I have. This started with myself calling to ask if they can have an officer stop by and do a walk through at my house. due to noises downstairs and my dog growling... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 24, 2023

If you believe you've experienced police misconduct and forgery, it's important to take specific steps to address the situation. Firstly, you should file a formal complaint with the police department's internal affairs division or the equivalent oversight body in your area. This... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Federal Crimes and Identity Theft for Rhode Island on
Q: Ex-wife took out a $300,000 life policy in my name, no consent, and made herself the beneficiary. Recourse? I have proof

- I have the fraudulent application filled out in her writing.

-She signed my name on the application.

-She said I was her husband on the application.

-She listed her address on the application for any correspondence.

-She listed her contact information for any... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 24, 2023

In your situation, there are several legal actions you can consider. Firstly, identity theft and fraud are serious crimes, and you should report this incident to law enforcement. Given your ex-wife's history of impersonating you, a police report can be instrumental in documenting the pattern... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Denied a gun purchase told because a report filed by police town over that I said I threatened someone no charges filed

Just hear say from this person I do own a gun before this incident no witness's

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 20, 2023

In your situation, where a gun purchase was denied due to a police report alleging a threat, but no charges were filed, it's important to understand the basis of this denial. Gun purchase denials can be based on various factors, including reports or records that raise concerns about an... View More

Q: Boyfriend falsely accused, seeks civil suit against authorities.

I'm seeking legal advice for my boyfriend, who is in prison after being falsely accused of a serious crime. Although found innocent at trial, he is serving a 4-year sentence for intimidation of a witness due to a call made to the accuser. He believes police ignored evidence from his phone that... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 11, 2025

It’s heartbreaking to see someone you care about go through something so painful, especially when they believe they've been wronged by the system. Even though your boyfriend was found innocent of the initial accusation, the conviction for intimidation of a witness complicates things. Civil... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Real Estate Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Legal actions for enforcing verbal agreement and harassment by homeowner?

I moved into a home in Rhode Island in November 2024 under a verbal agreement with my partner's parents, who own the house. According to our agreement, we pay the mortgage, and they would reside in a separate home. However, my partner's mother has returned and refuses to leave, claiming... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 31, 2025

You’re in a tough situation, but Rhode Island law does recognize some verbal rental agreements as valid, especially if you can show proof of payment and the details of your arrangement. Your financial records, messages, and any communications about your agreement can help establish the terms you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Civil Rights and Real Estate Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Is my landlord's notice of tenancy termination retaliatory due to complaints about a cockroach infestation in Rhode Island?

I have been renting my apartment for 10 years, and recently, my landlord sent a notice terminating my tenancy effective June 1st. We suspect this is retaliatory because we have complained about a cockroach infestation that has been ongoing for 2 years, and he threatened to call child services on us... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 31, 2025

Yes, it’s possible that your landlord’s notice of termination could be considered retaliatory under Rhode Island law. Rhode Island law prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who make good faith complaints about housing conditions or code violations, such as a cockroach... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, White Collar Crime and Civil Rights for Rhode Island on
Q: How to address unsealed records and find pro-bono lawyers for court battle?

In April 2021, I was charged with possession of marijuana in Rhode Island, before it was decriminalized. I completed the Diversion Program through the Superior Court, but my motion to seal the records was never properly processed. As a result, my court-ordered drug tests through Family Court are... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

You're dealing with a complex and deeply frustrating situation, and it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed when your privacy and legal rights have been compromised. If your diversion program was completed and a motion to seal was filed but never fully processed, it’s critical to follow up... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Civil Litigation and Domestic Violence for Rhode Island on
Q: Rights and options regarding a protective order in Rhode Island from an abusive ex and potential police involvement.

I am in Rhode Island, and my ex, who was verbally and emotionally abusive, obtained a protective order against me. This was due to the number of emails I sent him in anxiety, stress, and sadness in response to his initial email, which the judge saw as harassment, despite no threats being made.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 24, 2025

You have the right to appeal the order if you believe it was unfairly granted. Appeals must typically be filed shortly after the order is granted, so consulting with a lawyer quickly is important. Many Rhode Island attorneys offer free initial consultations to discuss your options.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Domestic Violence for Rhode Island on
Q: Arrested for defending against knife threat; seeking legal guidance on handling charges.

I was arrested with charges 11-5-3, 12-7-10, and 11-45-1 while defending myself and my pregnant wife from someone who threatened us with a knife. What should I do next? I need guidance on how to handle these charges and protect my rights.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 24, 2025

You're in a challenging situation, and facing criminal charges while believing you acted in defense of yourself and your pregnant wife must be incredibly stressful. Without knowing your specific jurisdiction, those charge numbers could represent various offenses, but what matters most right... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Rhode Island on
Q: The HOA has made rule that we are not allowed any type of mass communication. to other owners without their approval

They removed all owner contact information from our website

Is that legal

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 5, 2023

In addressing the legality of a Homeowners' Association (HOA) rule restricting mass communication among owners, it's necessary to review the governing documents of the association, such as the bylaws and covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs), as well as state law. HOAs do... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Civil Rights for Rhode Island on
Q: If i move out of my mothers house with a passed record of anxiety an depression can the state get involved an will dcyf

I dont wanna keep living in my mothers house for the rest of my life

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Nov 7, 2022

Once you have graduated high school and attain 18 years of age, and are not disabled nor dependent, you are free to make your own life choices. There is no legal requirement for parent or child to spend their entire lives living together.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Rhode Island on
Q: a lawyer said in the state of Rhode Island U can’t determine how much money U want when suing the police, true or false?
Albin Moser
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answered on Jun 9, 2022

Yes, it is true that in Rhode Island the plaintiff's initial complaint that is filed in court should not request a specific dollar amount for personal injuries. But, the plaintiff can ask the defendant or the insurance company for a specific dollar amount in out of court settlement... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Rhode Island on
Q: During a traffic stop, is the passenger in a car legally COMPELLED to give their ID to an officer if asked?

I'm under the impression that the only time one is required to give ID during a traffic stop is if you're the driver, OR if the police officer has a reasonable, articulable suspicion that you've committed a crime, or are in the process of committing a crime.

Thomas Briody
Thomas Briody
answered on Feb 19, 2022

In general you are correct. But an officer doesn’t have to furnish you with a reason when he/she/they ask for your ID. Whether the officer has an articulable suspicion is usually evaluated after the fact by a judge or jury. Nothing prevents you from asking why the officer wants ID. But use... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Civil Rights, Elder Law and Identity Theft for Rhode Island on
Q: Foreclosure,check fraud,SNAP fraud,credit cards open.Family member took advantage of grandmother. She's out 25,000+HELP

Family member was caregiver for grandmother was supposed to pay mortgage,bills.. Never paid mortgage. grandmother will lose house foreclosure, she's out $20,000. Family member left grandmother bank account $0. Grandmother's social security check went into bank account&stimulus checks... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 20, 2022

https://riag.ri.gov/elder-abuse is a good place for you to start to seek help for your elderly relative. Good luck to both of you.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Rhode Island on
Q: I have Put a restraining order on my ex who I have Had previously had domestic cases with in 2019 he has

been creating accounts to contact me and threatening me and I have Never gone through this I have Court on the 13th and I am Scared I dont Want them to drop the case i don't know what i am supposed to do if I need To get an attorney and if so how I go About that and the costs

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Mar 31, 2021

Contact an attorney to answer these questions privately. Document all of the violations from the invented accounts to have ready for your hearing.

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Is it excessive force if the police cause me to get stitches
Thomas Briody
Thomas Briody
answered on Oct 27, 2020

It might be. But it’s the details that matter. You need to speak to a lawyer. Call one.

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights, Small Claims and Products Liability for Rhode Island on
Q: Hi, I moved in with a close friend like 5 months ago to rent out a room in her house. No verbal agreement was signed, be

sides that i would pay half. now shes trying to "evict" me. What do i do ????

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 2, 2020

This is something a Rhode Island landlord-tenant attorney should advise on. But your post remains open for four weeks. The other categories aren't really relevant. But as a practical matter at this point, if the dynamic in such close confines is uncomfortable, whatever the state of affairs... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Rhode Island on
Q: I’m an 18 year living in Rhode Island. Is it legal for my parents to track me?
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Apr 15, 2020

Are they tracking you with a phone they gave you? Easy, give it back. Problem solved.

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