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Virginia Civil Rights Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Virginia on
Q: If I am to challenge the lawfulness of an arrest in Virginia, is this done during the jury trial or before trial?

My PD claimed we are not to raise motion to suppress/strike/dismiss to challenge an unlawful arrest before trial, but let the jury decide during trial. I quoted §19.2-266.2. Defense objections to be raised before trial; hearing; bill of particulars, yet he still rejected and denied. If I am to... Read more »

Brian M. Latuga
PREMIUM
Brian M. Latuga
answered on Mar 20, 2023

If it is a challenge to reasonable suspicion, probable cause, or other constitutional challenge then that is a pretrial motion under the statute you cited.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: Property seller violates multiple laws, purchaser has hard evidence, judge ignores. What happened?

Edit:

55.1-1204 Section C says Mr Sternberg is incorrect in his answer. He also says perjury and discrimination against protected classes is "irrelevant". I need someone who cares about those things and the law to answer.

Some points (this box isn't enough for all... Read more »

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Oct 4, 2022

Most of the facts in your question are irrelevant. A contract for land must be in writing or it is void. Depending on where you are, a writing can sometimes be lots of things short of a Purchase and Sale Agreement on the local Board of Realtors form. I think there is one DC case in which a check... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Family Law and Health Care Law for Virginia on
Q: Is my past mental health evaluation protected by HIPAA PRIVACY RULE or civil rights ; taken without permission and used

After being in relationship 7 years with a registered nurse relationship ended with a 1 year old child . EXTREMELY OBVIOUS that she took my personal mental health evaluation (without my permission) preformed 20 years ago . without shadow of doubt secretly used against me in a 5 year horrific... Read more »

James H. Wilson Jr.
PREMIUM
James H. Wilson Jr.
answered on Sep 20, 2022

It is not clear that the evaluation was used against you. You could always check the court's file at the clerk's office. A court ordered evaluation could be admissible without an expert witness. Anything else would be hearsay, and the evaluator would likely be required to appear and... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Civil Rights for Virginia on
Q: Can my husband marry a second wife overseas? We are married in Islam as well which he’s allowed to marry 4 wives

But at the same time we are legally married in the us

James H. Wilson Jr.
PREMIUM
James H. Wilson Jr.
answered on Aug 11, 2022

The U.S. Constitution requires each of the 50 states to give full faith and credit to the valid acts of its sister states. There is no such requirement for the actions of other countries, in the absence of a treaty. Instead, the concept of comity controls. Comity allows a state to recognize the... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Virginia on
Q: If the police tryna make me testify for a jury trial In I don’t want to what can I do

I dont wanna be label a snitch I don’t wanna go to court

Thomas H. Roberts Esq
Thomas H. Roberts Esq
answered on Aug 6, 2022

1st - If your testimony may incriminate you, you have a right to plead the 5th Amendment.

2nd - Living in a society that values trials rather than summary convictions and executions puts a shared responsibility upon citizens to participate in this process. If you have relevant information...
Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Virginia on
Q: Is every attorney very rude and disrespectful? If so, why. If not, why so?

Why do people in this profession think they can treat a client any way they wish?

They can't act all high and mighty cause even attorneys have made accidents too.

Nobody's perfect. Why are attorneys unprofessional?

Thomas H. Roberts Esq
Thomas H. Roberts Esq
answered on Aug 6, 2022

You may be confusing a straight, direct or blunt answer with rudeness. You state "a client" - if you are actually a client of the attorney, and the working relationship has deteriorated, you may wish to find another attorney. If the problem continues, you may find your answer in the mirror.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Virginia on
Q: Can a Mexican hire a USA lawyer to file a civil judgment against a United States citizen in the usa
Thomas H. Roberts Esq
Thomas H. Roberts Esq
answered on Aug 6, 2022

Sure. The suit would have to be filed in a US court having both subject matter jurisdiction and jurisdiction over the defendant. Additionally, the suit should be filed in the proper venue.

The response above is a general statement of law and is NOT intended to be legal advice to you nor...
Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Rights, Construction Law and Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: How should I proceed to ensure I am not being put out empty handed or because of a lie?

Hello, I'm a single mother of three beautiful small children and, in 04/2020 I began renting a small home 2 bedroom with a agreement that if remained current on my rent payments & on time every month and fixed this uninhabitable home(mold,structural damage,plumbing and electrical repairs... Read more »

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Dec 25, 2021

This is something that an experienced Viriginia landlord-tenant attorney should advise on. But your post remains open for three weeks and describes a heartbreaking situation. Until you are able to go over this with a Virginia attorney knowledgeable on these issues, here are a few resources that... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Appeals / Appellate Law and Civil Rights for Virginia on
Q: I pled guilty to a charge under duress now I'm a felon. How can I have my case reexamined?

In 2017 I was brutally assaulted by 6 police officer during a mental health crisis. After I called an officer out for kicking me in the head he charged me with assaulting a police officer. I weighed 115lbs at the time. I was covered in bruises and my wrists were so swollen I couldn't be... Read more »

Aaron Pomeranz
PREMIUM
Aaron Pomeranz
answered on Oct 15, 2021

Unfortunately, you do not have any appeal avenues regarding the criminal matter available because of the passage of time beyond the deadlines.

If you want to seek possible civil rights claims against the police officers, you need to speak to an attorney that is an expert in those matters to...
Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Virginia on
Q: I was a victim of police violence, denied my constitutional rights, falsely arrested for and convicted of a crime

Five officers dragged my face along a parking lot then covered it up by claiming I had a "Nose Bleed". I submitted hard evidence to prove my injuries were NOT from blunt force, but from dragging. Both the Civilian Board, Police Auditor or Internal Affairs did not consider ANY OF MY... Read more »

Ashley Robinson Winn
Ashley Robinson Winn
answered on Oct 14, 2021

You can file a citizen complaint under Virginia code section 9.1-600. Your attorney should approach the Commonwealth’s attorney about the withholding of exculpatory evidence to see if he or she might reopen the case. This is serious misconduct. Talk with IAD again.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: Can I change the locks of my property after my tenants contract expires?

I am currently renting out my property. The contract ends November the 1st of this year. The tenants have already moved but payed for the month of October as well. Can I rekey my doors after the 2nd when the contracts ends?

F. Paul Maloof
F. Paul Maloof
answered on Oct 13, 2021

In Virginia, when the tenant has fully vacated the premises and returned the keys of possession to the landlord, the landlord has complete possession and control of the premises, which gives the landlord the authority to re-key the doors.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Civil Rights and Communications Law for Virginia on
Q: Can my father's living siblings & children successfully fight for the right to properly bury my father who has no will.

My father is born and raised in Danville, VA. He remarried to make his oldest daughter a legal citizen which wasn't completed. His baby mother has refused to allow us to have his body for our funeral & burial. They expect our entire family to drive 8 hours to visit my father, plus they are... Read more »

Benjamin Inman
Benjamin Inman
answered on Sep 21, 2021

Im sorry that you lost your father. Losing a parent at any age can be extremely difficult.

I dont think there is enough information in your question to give you an answer. My best guess from reading between the lines here is that your father died outside of Virginia in a state where he was...
Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Medical Malpractice and Civil Rights for Virginia on
Q: Is it legal to deny medical treatment to someone based on their disability or is it an ADA violation?

I was actively having an asthma attack and I went to urgent care and they denied me treatment because I couldn't put on a mask due to my breathing difficulties. They told me that if I didn't put on a mask, I had to go elsewhere for medical attention. They told me their hospital systems... Read more »

Mrs Lauren Morgan Ellerman
Mrs Lauren Morgan Ellerman
answered on Jun 21, 2021

Dear sir / ma'am:

I am so sorry about the poor care you received. Thankfully, it sounds like you didn't suffer a permanent injury as a result of their misdiagnosis - as you acted quickly to ensure correct care and treatment. As such, you would not likely have a financially viable...
Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Employment Law and Civil Litigation for Virginia on
Q: Am I eligible for compensation for VEC Employment Commission for damages for loosing my car and house

I’ve waited almost three months I had a outstanding error on my account it took me two months to get a hold of someone in the office. Got the account fixed called again to file said my claim couldn’t be processed because of an outstanding error on my account. Now I call and after the lawsuit... Read more »

F. Paul Maloof
F. Paul Maloof
answered on Jun 16, 2021

I do not handle employment law matters. Sorry.

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Virginia on
Q: If I have a claim as explained below, would you be interested in assisting me?

On March 19, 2021, during my incarceration, a civilian doctor refused to give me a CT-Scan and a Myelogram because I had refused to submit to a COVID-19 test administered by his nurse due to my having previously experienced severe nasal pain and nose bleeds caused by previous tests for COVID-19.... Read more »

F. Paul Maloof
F. Paul Maloof
answered on May 21, 2021

I regret that I do not handle medical malpractice matters or criminal law matters. Sorry.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO??

Disabled, w/out an Advocate or ATTY; Fearful of making wrong decision

45 yro, No Evictions, Owned Homes, Gainfully Employed, until:

Displaced by COVID after 4 yrs of caring for a parent, all savings expended.

Moved to Richmond; No SSDI, Unemp, absolutely zero aid or... Read more »

F. Paul Maloof
F. Paul Maloof
answered on May 1, 2021

Based on your financial condition, you should call Northern Virginia Legal Services on Monday for assistance. They are pro bono attorneys and may be able to help you with your current situation.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Virginia on
Q: LANDLORD FILED AN EVICTION AFTER TENANT ASKED FOR COVID RENT RELIEF; RENT WAS STILL TIMELY. WHAT CAN I DO?

LL wont cooperate with Tenant in COVID Rent Relief Pgm (Reqd by Va and CDC Moratorium Rules)

Managed to get Eviction DISMISSED BUT:

How can I force them to cooperate with RRP before resource pool is depleted!

F. Paul Maloof
F. Paul Maloof
answered on May 1, 2021

The likelihood to force anyone to do anything these days is slim to none. You may be able to file a formal complaint against the landlord with the Office of the Virginia Attorney General in Richmond, VA.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Virginia on
Q: My daughter was arrested at court today she had ask to fight her case they are trying to force her into signing a plee

Is that legal to knowingly give a false statement and sign when it's a lie

F. Paul Maloof
F. Paul Maloof
answered on Apr 19, 2021

I regret that I do not handle criminal law matters. Sorry.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: Can I take legal action against my landlord? Can I recover the money?

I’ve been living in an illegal basement for the past 6 months (I didn’t know it was illegal before moving in) I even have a month to month lease agreement.

F. Paul Maloof
F. Paul Maloof
answered on Apr 16, 2021

If you think you have an illegal lease agreement, you are entitled to bring a claim in a court of law against your landlord and seeks damages.

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Products Liability, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Virginia on
Q: Hi, Can you please tell me how the SOL in Virginia is calculated ? Thank you !

Hello, can you kindly please let me know how the SOL is considered in Viriginia. If the problem occured on April 15 but you did not discover the issue until May 15 , is this the date you can use to determine when the SOL ends ? I am having a challenging time finding an attorney due to complex issue... Read more »

F. Paul Maloof
F. Paul Maloof
answered on Apr 11, 2021

I regret that I do not handle personals injury cases in Virginia. Sorry.

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