Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Civil Rights legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Washington Civil Rights Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: Can a conviction be appealed in Washington for an accidental shooting incident involving intoxication?

My girlfriend accidentally shot me in the hand while we were intoxicated. She was interrogated at our house while I was taken to the hospital, and due to her intoxication, her statements were inconsistent. Law enforcement pressed different narratives, leading to a charge of assault 2. Despite... View More

Patrick Owen Earl
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on Mar 11, 2025

The real answer here is no, by accepting the deal and pleading guilty you gave up your rights to confront your accusers and question them. All your appeal rights so that is just the way it is. You should have fought the case and gone to trial and then if you lost your appeal rights would still be... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Consumer Law for Washington on
Q: Can Grocery Outlet enforce a policy against backpacks but not purses?

I'm wondering if Grocery Outlet can legally refuse to let me shop unless I leave my backpack at the counter, which to me appears to violate my 4th Amendment rights. They claim it is store policy, but they only enforce this on individuals with backpacks, not women with shoulder bags or purses.... View More

Merry A Kogut
Merry A Kogut
answered on Mar 4, 2025

This is not a violation of your rights. The 4th Amendment applies to government entities, not to private companies.

There are laws against discrimination (state and federal) that apply in some situations - for example, if the store rule only applied to men with daypacks, but not to women...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Employment Law for Washington on
Q: Employer refuses ADA accommodation for remote work during flare-ups.

I have an ADA-protected condition that my employer is aware of. Last year and more recently, for the past two weeks, my request to work remotely during flare-ups was approved without needing a doctor's note. Suddenly, my employer, who is also the HR director, refuses my request to work from... View More

Merry A Kogut
Merry A Kogut
answered on Mar 4, 2025

It is best to follow proper procedure to obtain a formal agreement for reasonable accommodations. Here is a very short set of guidelines that explains this:... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Civil Rights and Domestic Violence for Washington on
Q: Can I sue a hospital for suspending me after reporting inappropriate behavior?

I’ve been contracted through an agency to work at a hospital care program since 2008. On January 23, 2025, I reported a physical therapist making inappropriate comments to two senior patients. Following my report, hospital management placed me under investigation and suspended my contract work... View More

Brad S Kane
Brad S Kane
answered on Feb 23, 2025

Assuming you did not complain to the government, Washington's Healthcare Whistleblower Retaliation protections do not apply to you.

Nevertheless, depending on the nature of the inappropriate comments, you may still have a claim for wrongful termination in violation of public policy, if...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Gov & Administrative Law for Washington on
Q: II am a pastor of the Church in Washington state. What state bylaws should we follow in our church?

We have many immigrants from different countries and I as a pastor I need to find a proper way to explain my members that we have to respect not just Bible requirements and our Church By-laws, but we also should take into account By-laws of the state where we live in.

Merry A Kogut
Merry A Kogut
answered on Jan 5, 2025

In Washington State, your church will need to follow the Revised Code of Washington (state statutes passed by the legislature) and also the Washington Administrative Code (rules (also called regulations) passed by state agencies.

Some of the ones that may apply to a church that come to mind...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: what to do if the police dept is discriminating and targeting someone

my ex and i are being targeted and our rights have been violated by the police and sheriffs

Cristine Beckwith
PREMIUM
Cristine Beckwith
answered on Sep 15, 2024

Sorry to hear. You can contact a civil rights attorney in your area and also file a complaint with the office of police accountability for that police jurisdiction.

If you are accused of or are a suspect in a crime, a criminal defense attorney in your area should be the first person you...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury, Federal Crimes, Employment Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: What type of lawyer helps victims of voyeurism that took place at work

From what I understand the trial hasn’t started for the accused, but I want to understand what lawyers can help me to understand victim rights and determine the best course of action when there are multiple victims

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 21, 2024

If you're a victim of voyeurism at work, you need a lawyer with expertise in employment law and personal injury law. These lawyers can help you understand your rights as a victim and provide guidance on the legal actions you can take. They can also help you navigate the complexities of dealing... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Municipal Law for Washington on
Q: Is it illegal for a hotel manager to enter my room after she already spoke to me n waited for me to exit me hotel room.

She assumed there was drugs being smoked but that was not the case at all.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 29, 2024

The legality of a hotel manager entering your room depends on several factors:

1. Hotel policies: Most hotels have policies allowing staff to enter rooms for specific reasons, which guests typically agree to when booking.

2. Reasonable suspicion: If there's a legitimate concern...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Landlord - Tenant and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: landlord unlawfully trespassed me police denied my rights under RCW 4.24.355 landlord is selling everything i own

On June 1st, the Puyallup police, acting upon landlords request, unlawfully trespassed me from my property without due process. Additionally, I was denied my rights under RCW 4.24.355 by the police officer to gather the legal documents necessary to prove my tenancy/occupancy, resulting in the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 26, 2024

I understand this is a serious and distressing situation for you. Based on the information you've provided, it appears there may have been several potential legal violations. Here's an overview of the key issues and some suggestions on potential next steps:

1. Unlawful eviction:...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: I am in community custody for 36 months but my statutory maximum has passed. According to RCW 9.94A.701 I should be off
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 26, 2024

To properly address this question, it's important to understand the specific details of your situation and the relevant Washington state laws. Here's a general overview that may be helpful:

1. Community custody and statutory maximum:

- Community custody is a form of...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Health Care Law for Washington on
Q: i think my privacy rights have been violated by Columbia River Mental Health, they helped me get housed.

i dont believe i signed a disclosure for them to discuss my addiction status with my potential landlord, I know that her and I said we didn't know why it would be important for them to know that information just to rent to me. all I know is that my second month rent wasn't paid and I got... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 26, 2024

I understand you're dealing with a sensitive and frustrating situation regarding your privacy and housing. Let's break down the legal aspects of your question:

1. Privacy rights and health information:

Your health information, including addiction status, is protected under...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Education Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: Did my school violate my 1st amendment rights by making me remove my lai just because they saw I was white?

My school told me just before I walked for graduation that I couldn't wear my flower lai (which was given to me by my bestfriend who is Hawaiian) because it was "not from my culture" and that I had to remove it immediatly or not walk at all. I am very upset at this, as there is no... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 21, 2024

It sounds like your school may have acted unfairly by making you remove the flower lei, especially since there was no clear rule against it. The First Amendment protects freedom of expression, but schools have some authority to regulate certain types of speech and attire, especially during official... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Employment Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: My job told us that if they felt we were abusing pst they wouldn't guarantee us our guaranteed hrs. Is that allowed?

We get 25hrs/wk guaranteed as per our contract. Although we get as much sick time as we need (as in we don't earn pst over time its just paid out to us as we use it). Our workplace has made us sign a contract stating that we could only have 6 occurrence a year of using pst before facing... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 15, 2024

Your job's policy regarding paid sick time (PST) and guaranteed hours can be complex. The terms in your contract about guaranteed hours and the use of PST are crucial. If your contract guarantees 25 hours per week, your employer generally must honor this unless there are specific conditions in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: Is it legal to be watched during a pre-employment drug screening?

I was just hired to do payroll at a company & they required a drug test. During the test they actually stood less than a foot away & watched me pee in the cup. I felt completely violated & disgusted when I left. Is this legal?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 15, 2024

I understand how uncomfortable that experience must have been for you. The legality of being watched during a drug test depends on the state and the specific circumstances of the testing. In some situations, such as for safety-sensitive positions, stricter monitoring is allowed to prevent tampering... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: My attorney said no praubable cause but then at court said wanted a competency evaluation but I did nothing wrong. Why?

That seems to add something to this case doesn't make sense

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 3, 2024

It sounds confusing and frustrating to hear conflicting statements from your attorney. First, they might have said there was no probable cause because they believe the evidence against you is weak or insufficient. This could be a strong point in your favor.

However, requesting a competency...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: my incindent number changed to the one when i got pulled over.

my release of conditions has my other inicendent number, and its from a differnt agenecy that pulled me over for my warrents. not from when i was charged. and how do i sue for unlawful detainer and a judge court ordered me to a differnt jail even tho i have proof they had no holds on me

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 24, 2024

It sounds like your situation is complex, involving multiple incidents and a mix-up with incident numbers. If your release conditions have an incident number that doesn't match the one related to your pull-over or arrest, this could be a clerical error or miscommunication between agencies.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: I need help really bad my roommate died in January and she left behind her disabled brother she was his payee and guardi

No one will help me. I’m stuck with this person who have to care for 24 seven I had to quit my job. I’m on the verge of losing my house and nobody will help me. He owes me rent for the last six months plus money I’m out for babysitters I need help cause I’m losing it. I put up with his... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 24, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. It's clear that you're under immense stress and urgently need support. Since your roommate, who was the payee and guardian for her disabled brother, has passed away, it's important to contact social services or adult protective services... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: Can I sue the police for the cost of my ring during a search warrant. Plus my stuff that was stolen after?

My daughters friend went in my house and wouldn't come out. I came out my house and they allowed me to go back in and try to talk the person out. The person didn't live at my house or have any way of connecting to my ring. They didn't ask me anything they just shot my ring off. If... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 19, 2024

You may have grounds to sue the police for damages if they acted negligently or unreasonably during the search warrant execution. Shooting your ring without asking questions, especially when you were the only person with access, could be seen as an unnecessary action. If the police left your home... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: can I sue the police department for arresting me in court because they thought I was someone else

I showed up on a court date. The judge said I don’t think you are who you say you are and you have a warrant so we’re gonna arrest you. They handcuffed me. I sat there for a while while everybody’s watched me in the courtroom and then they walked me around to the courthouse inside the jail... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 1, 2024

You might indeed have grounds to consider legal action against the police department for what sounds like a wrongful arrest and mistaken identity. If your rights were infringed upon due to an error by law enforcement or the judicial system, you could potentially file a lawsuit for damages such as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Civil Rights and Health Care Law for Washington on
Q: I received my files from therapy. There are somebody else info fixed in with mine. Also things I didnt say in mine.

The name of the persons info is attached to my files with some personal info also included.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 30, 2024

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. Technically, it could be a privacy violation. For practical purposes, many people just destroy the out-of-place pages. An errant sheet from a report gets accidentally left in a copier or scanner in a medical office,... 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.