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Virginia Constitutional Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Virginia on
Q: Arlington Treasurer seized my car under va code 58.1-3919 but NO NOTICE was served nor given. 1. Is that a violation of

Arlington Virginia Treasurer seized my car under va code 58.1-3919 but NO NOTICE was served nor given. 1. Is that a violation of the code? 2. Is a seizure and distress unconstitutional due to the fact that i can not be deprived of life liberty or my private property without due process and a jury... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 31, 2024

If your car was seized without any notice under VA Code 58.1-3919, this could potentially be a violation of due process, which is a fundamental right protected by the U.S. Constitution. Due process generally requires that you receive notice and an opportunity to be heard before your property is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Virginia on
Q: How can a drug court program make my girlfriend move out and break up with me when I'm not a felon
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 5, 2024

Drug court programs are designed to help individuals struggling with substance abuse, often involving strict guidelines and requirements for participants. If your girlfriend is involved in such a program, her participation might require her to make significant lifestyle changes, including... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law for Virginia on
Q: In West Virginia are police supposed to read Miranda rights before questioning

Is it true that Miranda rights are only required when the police are questioning you in the context of a criminal investigation and hope to or desire to use your statements as evidence against you in West Virginia

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 27, 2024

In West Virginia, police officers are required to read you your Miranda rights before questioning you if you are in custody and they intend to use your statements as evidence against you in a criminal investigation. This means that if you are not free to leave and the police are asking questions... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Virginia on
Q: Who are the West Virginia attorneys answering questions on this here forum?
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Feb 29, 2024

It's more or less random - whichever attorney picks up a question and answers it. Good luck

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Q: One parents right get terminated the other gets full custody can the one parent allow the other to see kids

When the parent that's has custody never lets the one that don't see them unsupervised

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 5, 2023

If one parent's rights have been terminated, legally they would not have any inherent rights to visitation or custody of the children. The parent with full custody has the discretion to allow the other parent to see the children, but this is a personal choice and not a legal obligation. Should... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Constitutional Law and Family Law for Virginia on
Q: I made an offer of custody with 5 major points can the responder only act on one? Without accepting all other points
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 5, 2023

In custody negotiations, if you propose an agreement with multiple points, the other party is not obligated to accept all terms as presented. They may choose to agree to some points while rejecting or wishing to negotiate others. Each point can be independently considered and negotiated. It's... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for Virginia on
Q: I have filed a VA state civil case. I am being stonewalled! At this point...I would like to file it; in federal court.
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Oct 23, 2023

If you're facing challenges with a civil case in Virginia and are considering moving it to federal court, it's essential to determine whether your case qualifies for federal jurisdiction. To do this, you'll need to file a removal petition, outlining the reasons for the transfer and... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Virginia on
Q: Passenger of car pulled over but no charges pressed can they search passengers and arrest for drug possession?

I was a passenger in a car that was pulled for theft but not reported stolen, owner was reported missing by his father, can the police legally search and/or detain thepassengers or occupants of vehicle and charge the passengers or honestly, could be said to be abducted occupants who were forcefully... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 15, 2023

In general, if the police have probable cause to believe there is evidence of a crime in a vehicle, they can search the vehicle without a warrant. This can include searching areas accessible to passengers. However, simply being a passenger in a vehicle doesn't automatically give police the... View More

Q: Can a Federal agency hire a vendor to do something the agency isn't allowed to do?

If a Federal agency feels it is in the best interest of the government to take an action, but it is not authorized to take such action, is it legal for the agency to hire a contractor to perform that action? If the agency feels it would be in the best interest of the nation, but the action would be... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 15, 2023

In the United States, federal agencies operate within the bounds of statutory authority and regulations. They cannot take actions that are not authorized by law or regulation, even if they believe it may be in the best interest of the government or the nation. If an agency wishes to undertake an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for Virginia on
Q: If I get arrest and in jail and the police are searching my house with a warrant. Should I give them the code to a safe?

Or would giving them the code show that I’m aware of what’s in the safe and be used against me? Also should police even be asking me for the code since I’m already in jail and haven’t read me my rights?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 15, 2023

While the police may ask for the code to the safe during a lawful search, you have the right to remain silent and consult with an attorney. It's crucial to seek legal counsel to make informed decisions that protect your rights and interests.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Virginia on
Q: The police knowingly questioned a heavily sedated patient and used it against them in court. Hospital/police at fault?

On pure suspicion, an employee suspected drugs were brought into hospital, even tho patient was on fentanyl IV every 6 hrs. The employee physically attacked patient and grabbed paper thinking it was drugs and ran away. Before any discussion, the person thought to have brought it was searched and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 15, 2023

From the information provided, there are potential issues with the actions of both the hospital and the police. First, questioning a heavily sedated patient could be a violation of the patient's Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures, especially if the patient was... View More

Q: I need to talk to someone about a case where an inmate's constitutional rights and due process are being violated. Pleas
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jul 7, 2023

I'm sorry to hear about the situation. If you believe that an inmate's constitutional rights and due process are being violated, it is important to seek legal assistance from an attorney who specializes in civil rights or criminal defense. They can provide guidance and advice based on the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI and Constitutional Law for Virginia on
Q: I want to ask a judge to change a court order made in a plea agreement years ago; can I use the Motion to Amend/Review?

It was a plea agreement from DUI to "wet reckless" with one of the conditions being to take ASAP before getting my license back. I am unable to take ASAP for financial reasons, can't secure employment, and this is holding me back from life progression.

Stephen Patrick Pfeiffer
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Stephen Patrick Pfeiffer
answered on May 3, 2023

You will most likely have no success in doing that because it was plea between you and the Commonwealth which is basically a contract. Additionally, you are well beyond the time to appeal or reopen your case.

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... View More

Brian M. Latuga
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 Constitutional Law for Virginia on
Q: if i film someone on public property can I be arrested if I am under 18
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 11, 2023

The answer may depend on the specific laws of your state or country, but generally speaking, it is legal to film someone in a public place as long as they have no reasonable expectation of privacy. However, if you are under 18, there may be additional legal considerations related to consent,... View 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
Thomas H. Roberts
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...
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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
Thomas H. Roberts
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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Virginia on
Q: 8 years ago, released from Tennessee without home plan or transfer of custody. Has been non-extraditable. Arrested now

Was in an atv accident with my daughter and a virginia state police charged me with reckless endangerment of a minor (no) and persuaded tennessee to extradite. I have not had my court date for the infraction to plead not guilty to this charge.

Susan Fremit
Susan Fremit
answered on Jun 9, 2022

It appears that Tennessee issued a warrant of extradition for a misdemeanor which is usually non-etraditable and the VA State police were simply following up that. You may want to ask your former Tennessee attorney for advice on what is going on there. Also advise that attorney that you want to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Virginia on
Q: I got arrested and they didn't read me My Rights told my attorney and she said they didn't have to
Susan Fremit
Susan Fremit
answered on Feb 9, 2022

If after arrest you were not asked any questions about the offense, the arresting officer was not required to read you your Miranda rights.

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... View More

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

I do not handle employment law matters. Sorry.

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