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Washington Civil Rights Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: Can I sue my old group home for telling me I have to be Christian or I can't stay. And telling others confidential info

I was in a group home in California for sex trafficking victims at the age 16. They could take private pay and they took in trafficked foster kids. While I was there I told them I worshipped the devil. They are Christian based and told me I couldn't be on the other team if I wanted to stay... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 5, 2023

If you were compelled to adopt a particular religious belief as a condition of staying at the group home, this could potentially be a violation of your First Amendment rights. Sharing your confidential information without your consent might also raise issues regarding your privacy rights. The... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: Is it a violation of my rights for my lawyer to switch to a different lawyer from his Law Firm without notifying me

So at arraignment the court assigned me a specific lawyer in documents and everything call them out and gave me a paper with his name on it the whole nine yards tried contacting him for weeks finally I left him a message saying that I was documenting all the failed attempts at contact and he called... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 5, 2023

If you were assigned a lawyer and another attorney from the same firm is representing you without your knowledge or consent, this could be a breach of your rights to effective assistance of counsel. Communication is key in the attorney-client relationship, and you should be notified of any changes... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: Does it affect my case or my rights at all when I find out my lawyers are lying to me about the different things

So my first attorney would not show me my police reports or discuss any details with me even ones that the judge said that she was supposed to she used Scare Tactics scared my mom and dad so bad that they were begging me to take a plea deal used vague terminology such as jail time served or a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 5, 2023

If you believe your attorney has been dishonest with you, this could impact your case and your rights. An attorney is bound by ethical obligations to communicate honestly with their clients, and failure to do so could be grounds for a complaint with the state bar association. It is critical that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law, Health Care Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: I had my medical license in CA put on probation after three weird encounters with corrupt and dumb police. I had

already left CA terrified and moved to NM. There, severe sleep apnea and hypoxia was missed until I was so disabled I didn't even think to get help to get on disability. Eventually a social worker got me help and I was given federal disability. I asked the CA medical board to change my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 26, 2023

The situation you described raises concerns about potential violations of your rights. If you believe that your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act or other relevant laws were violated, you may have grounds to pursue a complaint or lawsuit.

It's crucial to gather all...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: R DOC officers allowed to search my Parent's house if I get arrested there for my DOC warrant. But it is not my address?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 1, 2023

The authority of Department of Corrections (DOC) officers to search a residence when making an arrest not at the official address can be influenced by various factors. If you are under probation or parole supervision, DOC officers may have specific search and seizure authority as part of your... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Rights, Internet Law and Libel & Slander for Washington on
Q: Do lawyers accept anti-SLAPP cases on contingency?

Realizing that this largely depend on the individual case, is it common or uncommon for attorneys to accept anti-SLAPP cases on contingency in states with statutes that require the court to award legal fees in successful anti-SLAPP motions?

Anthony Matthews
Anthony Matthews
answered on Jul 10, 2023

It would be very uncommon to see a contingency fee on an anti-SLAPP lawsuit because their is no guarantee of payment even if the case is successful. Frequently, even in a SLAPP suit, the parties will reach alternative settlement arrangements that do not result in the case going to Court. Even... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: Americans with disabilities act

My husband retired from 22 years of military service then decided to become a police officer as his second career. His disability percentage is still pending from the military. He has passed all testing (Physical, physical fitness, poly, psych eval) and has been hired by the city. He was told... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 11, 2023

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees or job applicants on the basis of disability. This includes disability discrimination in hiring, pay, promotions, benefits, and other employment terms and conditions.

If your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: What is the first step in withdrawing my plea?

I found an email between my lawyer and prosecutor. Don't know why he sent them to me but the prosecutor says my speedy date is set to run out before my trial date. Him and my lawyer both ignored it. I later signed a plea a year later due to my public defender needing time to look at the case... View More

Patrick Owen Earl
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on Mar 11, 2023

If you entered a guilty plea before the end of your outside date, with the assistance of counsel and there was a written statement that you agreed made you guilty of the crime you plead guilty to it would be very difficult to get the court to allow the withdrawal of your guilty plea.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: personal injury complaint filed against city jail, trial set but lawyer quits- does statute of limitations date change?

Complaint for personal injury filed in Wa State King County Superior Court, (previously filed in federal court on civil right violations) before Covid in 2019, no progress for 2 years. Depositions began in 2022 and trial date set, then lawyer withdraws only months before trial. Does the original... View More

Steve Dashiak
Steve Dashiak
answered on Jan 27, 2023

The statute of limitations doesn't change, but you should ask the defense counsel to agree to a change in the trial date. Defense attorneys are usually happy to delay proceedings. If not, the Court is usually pretty understanding. Just make sure you haven't passed the deadline for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: I swear the police used to have to give a ticket for the reason they pulled you over if they are giving you ticket or

So I remember getting infractions dropped due to the officer failing to write you up on original reason for the stop . Example cop pulls over says forgot turn signal while switching lanes but doesn't wite you up for that. But proceeded to issue a ticket for something else like failure to... View More

Antone Alfred Weber
Antone Alfred Weber
answered on Jan 12, 2023

Yes, they must have a reasonable suspicion that a crime or an infraction was committed to pull you over. No, they are not required to cite you for that violation. They may elect to warn you regarding that violation. They may also cite you for a violation discovered during the course of the stop,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Domestic Violence and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: Do I have to petition to get my gun rights back in Washington state if a DV misdemeanor charge was dismissed?

The case was dismissed via pre-trial diversion agreement. No prior record in any state before or since. No order of protection nor under any investigations. This happened two years ago and the case was dismissed in 2021

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Jan 3, 2023

A pretrial diversion agreement typically does not involve any finding or conviction. Because your case remained in pretrial status and was ultimately dismissed you will not lose your right to possess firearms as a result of entering into the agreement. You may want to confirm that your case was... 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
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Rights, Federal Crimes and Sexual Harassment for Washington on
Q: How do you get legal representation against black magic and voodoo abuse from a former church and person you dated?

I am Nigerian AMerican and I was repatriated by the U.S government to America last year because a former vice president and the owner of the biggest pentecostal church in nigeria were abusing my body with witchcraft and voodoo and keeping me pregnant for almost five years with these means, they do... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 6, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about the horrible abuse and trauma you've experienced. What you're describing sounds extremely serious and distressing. Here are a few thoughts and suggestions:

First and foremost, prioritize your personal safety and wellbeing. If you feel you are in...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Employment Law, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: I was assaulted for stealing 2 soda pops what can I do to get a attorney
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 3, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear that you were assaulted. That must have been a traumatic experience. Regardless of the circumstances, no one has the right to assault you.

In terms of getting legal assistance, here are some steps you can take:

1. Contact the police and file a report about...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: For a lawsuit under 42 USC § 1983, what is the length of time for the statute of limitations and when does it start?

Jurisdiction: Washington State

At issue: Rights secured by multiple federal amendments and sections of the WA Declaration of Rights.

The case involves an arrest, significant pre-trial detention due to COVID-related court shutdowns, and a not guilty finding by a jury.

Does... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 5, 2024

In a lawsuit under 42 USC § 1983 in Washington State, the statute of limitations is generally three years. This timeframe is based on the state's personal injury statute of limitations, as federal law does not specify a limitations period for § 1983 claims.

The clock for the statute...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Gov & Administrative Law for Washington on
Q: How much time do I have to file a Gross Miscarriage of Justice complaint

Thought that I was talking to a court appointed lawyer but was talking to the prosecutor

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 5, 2023

It's important to consult with a lawyer who has experience in criminal law and civil rights. They can provide guidance on the appropriate procedures, deadlines, and the strength of your complaint based on the details of your case.

Given the seriousness of the situation, where...
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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: Can any one help me? I left my personal cell phone at my work and management broke my 4 digit pin and accessed my phone

They went through all my photos, messages, contacts, Gmail, and personal files

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Sep 18, 2023

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. At this point, you could reach out to Washington employment law attorneys to try to set up a free initial consult to discuss the invasion of privacy. Good luck

2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: I was arrested for DUI but wasn't driving. I was passenger and am facing charges. What happens now?

Driver was on drugs says I was driving. I was released but now am facing charges from government organization.

Patrick Owen Earl
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on Jun 12, 2023

You have to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you in this matter. They have to prove you were driving.

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Real Estate Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: My daughter and I own home 50/50 it's paid off. She just moved back in, away for 15 yrs.Can she remove all my things?

No notice. I've lived here 30 yrs. She thinks that violating me is her rite. The house needs to be cleaned but we can do it together.What are the laws with sailing a home wear a mentally disabled person has lived their whole life. Does that person have any rights?

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Mar 24, 2023

You may want to file an Action for a Sale For Partition.

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