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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Civil Litigation for Washington on
Q: Can I sue a title company and realtor for negligence and/or violation of code of ethics/conduct?

I purchased a home thru a Sheriff's Sale-judicial foreclosure. The previous owner had it listed on MLS. I contacted the realtor and title company and informed them of my ownership and auction. Both told me no I hadn't and were told it's a lien.(by prev owner). During the process of... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Jan 12, 2024

You will have to hire a WA attorney to file for Ejectment and Quiet Title. Did you search the title prior your bid? You may have bought nothing, or your sale terminates all liens and claims and you own it free and clear. Time is of the essence as there may be bona fide purchasers involved... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Washington on
Q: a will assigns property to heirs directly. Can the executor create a trust to hold the property for the heirs instead?

the will makes no provision for a trust. If the executor wants to put assigned property in a trust for benefit of heirs, wouldn't that require the approval of the heirs first? He/she couldn't do that just because he or she thinks it is the best for the heirs, could he/she?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 10, 2024

In addressing your question about the powers of an executor in relation to the creation of a trust, it's important to understand that an executor's primary role is to implement the wishes of the deceased as expressed in the will. If the will does not specifically authorize the creation of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Personal Injury and Legal Malpractice for Washington on
Q: Who can help recover my NEEDING unlawful financial loss after my civil & disability rights violated in superior court?

Under the WA C.I.R. Equitable Property Div rules I should have won my case, with all of my supporting evidence ALONE, but most was ommited in court. My disability medication(Humira forRA) unknowingly exasperated rare side effects the extreme ongoing 2yr stress-nuero/cognitive decline & peaked... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 10, 2024

In your situation, where you believe your civil and disability rights were violated in a Washington Superior Court, and you're facing an unlawful financial loss, the first step would be to consider an appeal. This process involves reviewing the trial's proceedings to determine if there... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: I was a 17 yo driver in accident with 3 passengers. Two were 17 and one was 22. All 3 were taken away by ambulance.

The 22 year old passenger in the passenger rear seat did not want to put his belt on, and caused damage to the front passenger, and me the driver, upon collision. I am now being sent invoices from two of the passengers insurance companies that I am to pay for the ambulance fees, in the amount of... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jan 10, 2024

I agree with attorney Selik. If there was a policy of automobile insurance covering the vehicle at the time of the accident, then report it to them if you have not already do so. Additionally, provide them /forward them a copy of the invoices, etc. you are being sent. If there was no insurance... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: I was a 17 yo driver in accident with 3 passengers. Two were 17 and one was 22. All 3 were taken away by ambulance.

The 22 year old passenger in the passenger rear seat did not want to put his belt on, and caused damage to the front passenger, and me the driver, upon collision. I am now being sent invoices from two of the passengers insurance companies that I am to pay for the ambulance fees, in the amount of... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Jan 9, 2024

Hopefully you had insurance. Turn this over to your insurance. You may also want to hire your own attorney to oversee that the insurance company is protecting your interests.

If you had no insurance, hire your own attorney right away.

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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: Is it legal for an offixer to give driving citations on public property? Ie grocery store parking lot. (WA. State)

Was in a fender bender I didn't cause. Officer was supposed to do a transfer of information and instead gave me a ticket that I should not have received.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 8, 2024

In Washington State, law enforcement officers can issue traffic citations on private property, including a grocery store parking lot, in certain circumstances. This usually includes incidents where traffic laws are violated, such as reckless driving or DUI, and in some cases, accidents that may... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: How can I improve my chances of getting a response from a Civil Rights attorney for a consultation?

I've been trying to contact attorneys from various online directories and have yet to find anyone who will call me back. I have some details of my case and questions I'd like to ask that I only feel comfortable divulging person-to-person. I've even offered to pay for an hour of their... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 6, 2024

To improve your chances of getting a response from a civil rights attorney, consider refining your initial contact method. When reaching out, provide a concise but clear summary of your case in your voicemail or email. This summary should highlight why your case is unique or compelling, without... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: Is it a 4th Amendment violation for police to peak for police to peak around my closed blinds into my bedroom?

?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 5, 2024

The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, and this includes a reasonable expectation of privacy in one's own home. If police officers peek through your closed blinds into your bedroom without a warrant or exigent circumstances, this could potentially be seen as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: Is it legal to use a personal stolen item as evidence against the person it was taken from?

My vehicle was parked at my ex- girlfriends house and she got into my vehicle and took my cell phone. She accessed information from my cell phone and then turned my cell phone in to the sheriff's department so they could access info from my cell phone to use as evidence. Is this legal for them... View More

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Jan 5, 2024

Sorry to hear this happened. The Constitution protects against the government doing illegal search and seizures...however, this protection does not apply to private citizens who are turning over information or items to law enforcement.

However, if the government (law enforcement) is asking...
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1 Answer | Asked in Cannabis & Marijuana Law for Washington on
Q: So in Washington State, Spokane, Marijuana is legal, can cops still arrest you for having it? Even if your not driving?

Can Law Enforcement Officers arrest you for possession of Marijuana in a legalized state in a vehicle? Also implies if it's legally bought from a store or not.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 2, 2024

In Washington State, where marijuana is legal for recreational use, law enforcement officers generally cannot arrest individuals solely for the possession of marijuana within the legal limits. However, there are still regulations and restrictions in place. Possession limits, typically one ounce of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Washington on
Q: If someone serves papers to your grandma that are for you, have you been served?

You’re in a custody battle and a person serves your grandma your custody paperwork but you’re not there, does that still count as being served?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 31, 2023

In Washington State, the rules for serving legal papers can vary depending on the specifics of the case and the type of documents being served. Generally, for service to be considered valid, it must be made directly to the person named in the documents or to someone who is legally authorized to... View More

Q: If a lawyer resigns, can the attorney still be court appointed attorney?

Just looking at attorneys who resigned and still practice in the Department of Assigned Counsel. This would mean that the Judge hires DAC to provide an attorney. Judges who are not aware of a resigned attorney are not aware of the illegal actions and these cases must be dismissed.

There... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 30, 2023

If an attorney resigns from the bar, they are no longer authorized to practice law, including serving as a court-appointed attorney. It's essential for judges and legal institutions to be aware of an attorney's current status to ensure legal representation is valid and compliant with the... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: Do non moving violations in Washington( which don't appear on ur record) make a deferall agreement void?
Jahnis John Abelite
Jahnis John Abelite
answered on Dec 29, 2023

It depends upon what the judge ordered when the previous deferral was granted. Some judges state that there can be no committed traffic infraction violations of any type, moving or nonmoving, for a certain period of time, e.g., six or twelve months, from the date when the deferral was granted.... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: Do non moving violations in Washington( which don't appear on ur record) make a deferall agreement void?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Dec 29, 2023

In Washington, a deferred finding or deferral agreement is typically available for certain traffic infractions, allowing individuals to keep the violation off their driving record by meeting specific conditions set by the court. Non-moving violations that do not appear on your driving record are... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: Do non moving violations in Washington( which don't appear on ur record) make a deferall agreement void?
Antone Alfred Weber
Antone Alfred Weber
answered on Dec 29, 2023

Typically no, if the violation deferred was a moving violation. You have a deferral available for both a moving and a separate non-moving violation. However, individual courts may have their own standard for what constitutes a violation, so it is best to check with the court involved.

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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Washington on
Q: If a B2 visa of immediate family member is stuck in Admin processing 221(g) for almost 22 months, can a lawyer help?

My brother appeared for his B2 interview in Jeddah,Saudi Arabia (where he is settled and working for last 12 years). He was given a 221(g) slip and was asked to submit additional information (travel history) which he did in the next 1 week. It is almost 22 months since the case is stuck in... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 29, 2023

1. Hiring a lawyer might be beneficial in your brother's situation. An attorney with experience in immigration law can provide guidance on the specific issues related to administrative processing and potentially help expedite the process. The lawyer can communicate with the U.S. consulate or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law and Immigration Law for Washington on
Q: I’ll be in Washington state for 6 mnths on a visitor visa. Can I sign up for health care coverage via the state exchan
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Dec 28, 2023

As a visitor to Washington state on a temporary visa, you may not be eligible to enroll in health care coverage through the state exchange. Typically, eligibility for health care coverage through state exchanges is determined by factors such as residency and citizenship status.

If...
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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Workers' Compensation and Environmental for Washington on
Q: Do I have a case against County Courthouse for toxic mold in my workplace?

After I started work at the Courthouse, I became ill. I was diagnosed with mold biotoxin illness due to water damage from a building, which the courthouse has had lots. While out on medical leave I started getting better, when I went back for one hour, my symptoms came back. My medical team and I... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Dec 27, 2023

Given your diagnosis of mold biotoxin illness and the apparent presence of toxic mold in your workplace at the County Courthouse, you may have grounds to pursue a case. The visible signs of water damage, coupled with your health deterioration upon returning to work, provide substantial evidence.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Washington on
Q: Single mother trying to get sole custody

I’m a single mother to a 4 year old boy, I’ve been his primary caregiver since he was born, I take care of everything, his dad does pay child support but has subsistence abuse issues. He has 2 DUIs and has jail time coming up, his mom also has substance abuse issues and I’m concerned for the... View More

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answered on Dec 27, 2023

In Washington, as a single mother seeking sole custody, you have valid concerns about the safety of your 4-year-old son due to the father's substance abuse issues, two DUIs, and upcoming jail time, along with the grandmother's similar issues. To strengthen your case for sole custody,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: Can I go to treatment instead of jail on a probation violation
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 25, 2023

If you're facing a probation violation in Washington, you may have the option to pursue treatment as an alternative to jail time, but it ultimately depends on several factors. To explore this possibility:

Consult Your Attorney: Reach out to your attorney immediately to discuss your...
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