Get free answers to your Civil Litigation legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I am involved in a civil DMCA-related case in Virginia, where I have been notified via email. I am not American and intend not to appear, resulting in a default judgment. The other party lacks any physical address or identification details for me. Given this situation, how long should I be... View More 
answered on Mar 24, 2025
It would be useful to know a bit more about the case. For now, let me assume that you are accused of reproducing copyright material, and that the DMCA judgment will order you to take it down. As you mentioned, if they lack identification details or an address for you, enforcing the judgment may be... View More
I am tracing a judgment from 2008 that appeared on a title search related to Chase Bank, filed in Augusta County, Virginia. We want to know the particulars of this judgment. The JDL number is 080001170. The lawyers who handled the case have gone out of business. I haven't checked public... View More
answered on Mar 24, 2025
You may be able to get the information directly from the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Augusta County, but you will probably have to go there directly or have a title examiner in that area research it for you. If the judgement was docketed in the Circuit Court it will attach to any real property... View More
I am tracing a judgment from 2008 that appeared on a title search related to Chase Bank, filed in Augusta County, Virginia. We want to know the particulars of this judgment. The JDL number is 080001170. The lawyers who handled the case have gone out of business. I haven't checked public... View More
answered on Mar 24, 2025
You know who holds the lien -- Chase Bank. So, contact them. You might want a lawyer to do that, because, if it is an old lien, it might be invalid or arguably so, and you might be able to negotiate it down using a lawyer, especially with all the interest and penalties that likely apply.
I'm trying to find out if my name is included in legal documents related to a conviction. How can I verify this, and what steps should I take if I find out I am listed in these documents?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 12, 2025
If you were a defendant, your name would be listed in the charging documents. If you were a victim, your name might also be listed in the warrant's or indictment's charge description. You could start with a state-wide search for criminal records (https://www.vacourts.gov/caseinfo/home)... View More
My cousin was driving his car when the engine suddenly malfunctioned and exploded, causing him to hit a man who was drinking nearby. Although the man was severely injured, he is now recovering. My cousin has been sentenced to six months in jail for being 'careless.' There were cameras at... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 1, 2025
Regarding the jail sentence: there are very specific timelines associated with appealing criminal convictions. Your cousin should speak to a criminal defense attorney about what options are available in his specific situation.
Regarding the civil demand for money: if your cousin had... View More
I live in Virginia, and this past November, the owner of the property behind my house hired a man to cut some trees. I suspect the man was acting as a handyman rather than a business owner. One of the sections of a tree, about 12 feet long, rolled down the hill and hit my shed, causing $2,500 in... View More
answered on Feb 17, 2025
You can sue both, but you lack privity with the contractor, and while privity should not be required in a tort suit, it might be successfully asserted as a defense. Your clearer claim is against your neighbor for negligence and trespass, but he may seek to defend by joining or confusing the issue... View More
I live in Virginia, and this past November, the owner of the property behind my house hired a man to cut some trees. I suspect the man was acting as a handyman rather than a business owner. One of the sections of a tree, about 12 feet long, rolled down the hill and hit my shed, causing $2,500 in... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 17, 2025
Your insurance company has likely assigned your claim to a subrogation adjuster or attorney to try to collect their costs & your deductible from the responsible party. The first thing I would do is reach out to your carrier to find out the status of the subrogation process as it can take many... View More
Augusta County, VA- I stopped for the bus unloading kids going the opposite direction as me on a county 2-lane road (double yellow lines). It started moving as did the cars behind it (I was going opposite direction), so we got closer in distance then realized it was stopping AGAIN only a couple... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 6, 2025
Under the circumstances, your response to the bus going back into motion was perfectly reasonable. Regardless, you stopped for the school bus as required as soon as you realized it had stopped for a second time. I see no violation.
It was a Medical Malpractice case. They did not respond in time.
answered on Aug 9, 2024
Now that you have a judgement entered against the medical entity or person, you are considered a judgment creditor. You may wish to contact an attorney that handles creditor rights/collection. There are several ways that you can try and collect on your judgment depending on who your judgment is... View More
It was a Medical Malpractice case. They did not respond in time.
answered on Aug 30, 2024
If the judgment is final, you can proceed with collection actions - interrogatories, garnishments, attachments, liens, etc.
Default judgments are difficult to appeal, so you are also in an excellent position to negotiate. The debtor may wish to set up a payment plan or lump sum payoff at a... View More
I worked as an expert witness for an attorney. His client disagreed with my expert report and refused to pay the lawyer who retained me. He says he can't pay me unless he sues the client for payment, which he doesn't what to do.
Can I complain to the Virginia Bar? Or is a civil... View More
answered on Apr 10, 2024
Typically, when an attorney hires an expert witness, he is hiring the expert for a particular litigation matter for a specific client. Unless the expert and the attorney expressly agree otherwise, the attorney is acting as an agent for the client whose identity is usually disclosed to the expert... View More
Would it be best to hire an Attorney to fight a tort issue with a Fortune 500 Company?
answered on Apr 9, 2024
Attorney of all levels of skill and experience volunteer time to work at legal clinics and other agencies--both public and private--on a pro bono basis. If you meet the agency's criteria for indigency and are provided access to an attorney for pro bono legal representation, it's fairly... View More
I received papers on March 18 saying I have to be in court in another state on the March 28. Am I expected to get there with 10 days notice ?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 22, 2024
The amount of notice required when being summoned to court from another state can vary based on the type of case and the specific laws of the state where the court is located. Generally, courts are supposed to provide reasonable notice for individuals to prepare and travel for the appearance. Ten... View More
Fee is unreasonable for such service. Are fees regulated anywhere?Also includes brush pickup 1 t week. City many times fails to do? Can I subtract from my bill?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 4, 2024
The fees for garbage and brush pickup services, as well as the policies regarding who can opt out, are typically determined by local government regulations. The ability for businesses to opt out of such services while individuals cannot may be based on different service needs or contracts between... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 23, 2024
Abingdon Regional Jail may have policies and procedures in place regarding the administration of medications, including controlled substances like Suboxone. However, abruptly discontinuing Suboxone without proper medical supervision and a gradual tapering schedule can pose significant health risks... View More
I received a warrant in detinue from a past tenant for belongings that wasn't left on the property
answered on Feb 7, 2024
A Warrant in Detinue is a pleading used in a Virginia General District Court or small claims court to recover specific personal property, or the value thereof. The Plaintiff has the burden of proving title and that such specific property in the possession or control of the Defendant, or was... View More
I received a warrant in detinue from a past tenant for belongings that wasn't left on the property
answered on Feb 26, 2024
I agree with the previous two answers. You are going to have to dispute the factual allegations made against you or a default judgment could be entered. Depending on how the tenancy ended could help in your defense. For example, did the tenant abandon the property, were they evicted and, if so,... View More
I have one to two people that keeps letting my poultry out and feeding them dog food knowing it will kill my goats and other animals I've told them numerous times to stop and they continue to do so what do I need to do
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 24, 2024
If someone is repeatedly entering your property, letting out your poultry, and potentially endangering your animals by feeding them harmful substances, you have several legal options to consider. Firstly, it's important to document these incidents meticulously. Keep a record of each... View More
My father (ex husband) and his new wife keep sending my mother harassing messages to bring down her self esteem saying she is being monitored and they will cut off her alimony as well as going as far as my mothers church Facebook group to write negative things about my mother. Is this grounds for... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 23, 2023
In Virginia, the situation your mother is facing with her ex-husband and his new wife sending harassing messages and posting negative comments about her could potentially be grounds for a civil lawsuit. Harassment and defamation (if the statements made are false and damaging to her reputation) are... View More
I borrowed a friend 9k with a promise that they would repay the full 9k and 20% interest. It’s now over a year and they keep giving me the run around. At this point I do not care about the 20% interest, I just want my money back. I have multiple texts messages about the money and their promises... View More
answered on Dec 15, 2023
Yes, you should be able to make a viable claim based on the text message exchange for the $9k and interest, but no attorney's fees unless that was also included in your messages. If the agreemenet was made while everyone was in Virginia, you should be able to sue in Virginia. If you decide to... View More
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
