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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Rights and Municipal Law for Washington on
Q: Do enhance shelters need locks or night latches on individuals dwelling units when they accommodate both men and women?

If shelters accommodate both men and women and aren't subjected to background checks do they need locks or night lashes on the doors of our individual units? If there's no guards no security cameras and men can walk up into any room that they want even though that there are rules stating... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 25, 2023

In Washington State, the specific legal requirements for shelters, especially regarding safety features like locks or night latches, can vary based on local regulations and the nature of the shelter. Generally, shelters are expected to provide a safe environment for all residents, and this could... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Washington on
Q: Would I be breaking any copyright laws by naming an item in a board game "Pumped up Kicks?"

I'm creating a board game that will only be for personal use right now but might make commercially available in the future. if I were to make a card for the game that depicts a pair of inflatable shoes called "Pumped Up Kicks" in reference to the song, maybe adding a description with... View More

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answered on Dec 24, 2023

Using the phrase "Pumped Up Kicks" in your board game, especially in a way that references the song, could potentially raise copyright issues. The title of a song can be protected under copyright law, particularly if it's distinctive and closely associated with the copyrighted work,... View More

Q: How far does Immunity go?

Does a state official have any immunity when he or she commits fraud, lies to a claimant on a recorded phone call and deceives the federal government, especially when it involves federal funds...?...

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answered on Dec 21, 2023

In the context of state officials and immunity, it's important to understand that while certain immunities exist, they are not absolute. Generally, state officials enjoy what is known as "qualified immunity" when performing their official duties. This immunity protects them from... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Contracts for Washington on
Q: I loaned a friend money for his taxes. He passed away do I have any recourse to get my money back.

He was to pay me back when he sold the property but since he passed what can i do. i have a hand written loan agreement is it legal and who do i give it to he was in the process of selling the property when he passed away.

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answered on Dec 21, 2023

In Washington, a handwritten loan agreement is legally valid if it clearly outlines the loan amount, and repayment terms, and bears the signatures of both parties. It's crucial to gather supporting evidence such as receipts, bank transfers, or relevant emails. If your friend passed away before... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Civil Litigation for Washington on
Q: My catalytic converter was stolen from my car at my workplace parking, will not let me park in safer area, can I sue?

Security at work (a mall) started harassing me parking in a "customer only" area which is more accessed controlled and safer to park in than the employee parking area. The converter was stolen a couple of months after they forced me to move my vehicle (was parking for years without issues... View More

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answered on Dec 17, 2023

In your case, the first aspect to consider is whether your employer or the mall has any legal obligation to provide secure parking. Generally, employers are not required to ensure the safety of employees' vehicles in the parking lot. However, if there's an agreement or policy that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Washington on
Q: As my H4 EAD is valid for another two years , I would Like to file COS to H4 status while I am in USA

As my H4 EAD is valid for another two years , I would Like to file COS to H4 status while I am in USA , will my will h1b to H4 cos be effective immediately and I Can continue to work using my H4 EAD card , when I have a Valid H4 I797 A with Valid I94 provided by USCIS before my H1b COS petition... View More

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answered on Dec 8, 2023

If you are currently on an H1B visa and wish to change your status to H4 while remaining in the United States, you can file a Change of Status (COS) petition. It's important to understand that the COS from H1B to H4 does not become effective immediately upon filing. The change in status will... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Washington on
Q: I have H4 EAD valid till nov-25 i797A for h4 Got selected in H1B and got i797a approval,want to continue in H4 EAD help
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answered on Dec 7, 2023

If you currently hold an H-4 EAD and have also received an I-797A approval for H-1B, you have the option to choose which status you wish to maintain. Your H-4 EAD remains valid until its expiration in November 2025, as long as your spouse maintains their H-1B status and you don't violate the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Is it still possible to sue pharmaceutical companies for Ropinirole induced gambling addiction?

I have been taking Ropinirole for about 20 years, I currently take 4 mg a day to control Restless Leg Syndrome. I have developed a bad gambling addiction that has led me to almost end my life. I checked myself into the hospital yesterday and learned about the side effects of Ropinirole.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Dec 12, 2023

I'm sorry for your ordeal in this matter. A starting point could be reach out to product liability law firms that handle prescription drug litigation. Also research whether others have been placed into your predicament. Law firms that handle such cases will often represent a class of... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Is it still possible to sue pharmaceutical companies for Ropinirole induced gambling addiction?

I have been taking Ropinirole for about 20 years, I currently take 4 mg a day to control Restless Leg Syndrome. I have developed a bad gambling addiction that has led me to almost end my life. I checked myself into the hospital yesterday and learned about the side effects of Ropinirole.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 6, 2023

I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you've faced due to your medication. The possibility of suing a pharmaceutical company for side effects such as gambling addiction associated with Ropinirole depends on several factors, including the specifics of your case and the current legal... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Washington on
Q: I have a bit of a back story for my question so please bare with me.

I was receiving ssd benefits that were terminated due to incarceration. I was released in early 2018 and I took a lot but to re apply for my benefits. I was denied so I got a law firm to help me with my case. They were very unprofessional during the process and' took over two years to get my... View More

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answered on Dec 6, 2023

It sounds like you are facing a challenging situation with the handling of your Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits and back pay. The issues you've described with your legal representation and the irregularities in your SSD payments are concerning.

Firstly, it's important...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Education Law for Washington on
Q: If I am actively trying to file a complaint with my school for violating my ADA should I continue to sign documents

I am mot sure what documents I am signing that my school is sending me while I am actively in the process of finding a lawyer to help with a violation of my ADA. Can I hold off on any further signing and would I be dropped from school for this

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answered on Dec 5, 2023

If you're in the process of filing a complaint against your school for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are unsure about the documents your school is asking you to sign, it's generally advisable to refrain from signing until you fully understand their content and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: Can landlord take tenants’ personal belongings’ photos without consent Can I keep removable alterations while on lease

Landlord came to house for toilet problems the. Started take photos everywhere even we told her we do not consent and asked to stop. She pointed out removable alterations we made. Pictures on the walls with removable hooks on them. We felt very violated. We have asked her to delete our personal... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Dec 4, 2023

It sounds like your landlord may have crossed the line by taking photos of your personal belongings without your consent. In Washington, tenants have a right to privacy in their homes, and this includes the right to control who takes photos of their personal belongings. If your landlord has refused... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Washington on
Q: I was wondering what my legal obligations are as a co-owner to a home.

I was kicked out of my home and she had her family move in and is threatening to take legal action if I don’t pay my half of the mortgage. I’m willing to pay my half but I would like her family to move out. I was wondering how much legal power I have here and what would happen if I stopped... View More

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answered on Dec 4, 2023

As a co-owner of a home, you have the right to occupy the property and use it for residential purposes. You also have the right to receive any rental income that is generated from the property. However, you also have the obligation to pay your share of the mortgage payment, property taxes, and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Washington on
Q: Should a magistrate judge recognize another state's judgement on the same issues and law referenced is a federal one?
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answered on Dec 2, 2023

In addressing your question, it's important to consider the principles of Full Faith and Credit Clause under the U.S. Constitution. This clause generally requires that federal and state courts must recognize and respect the judgments rendered by courts in other states, provided those judgments... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Washington on
Q: Washington state citizens would do what to reinstate the Grand Jury as in the US Constitution?

The Washington State Constitution currently states:

Section 26 Grand Jury: No grand jury shall be drawn or summoned in any county, except the superior judge thereof shall so order.

The Office of the Code Reviser apparently revises the constitution upon request, which has been... View More

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answered on Dec 1, 2023

To reinstate the Grand Jury system in Washington State as outlined in the U.S. Constitution, a significant legal and legislative process would need to be followed. This would involve amending the Washington State Constitution, which is a complex procedure.

The process begins with proposing...
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1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Washington on
Q: I have a registered trademark, I am using the trademark request form and instagram keeps denying me.
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answered on Nov 26, 2023

If Instagram is denying your trademark request, it's crucial to review the submission. Ensure that all the documentation you're providing is accurate and complete. This includes proof of your registered trademark and any evidence of its use in commerce.

Sometimes, the issue could...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Washington on
Q: Can I show a vehicle with a manufacturers emblem in a commercial or do I need to remove the logo?

I am making a commercial for our company that does paint restoration on vehicles. In the advertisement we show a multitude of vehicles from a distance. Including a Range Rover, Infiniti, GMC, Dodge etc. We make no mention of partnerships or claims of poor quality, just show some before and after... View More

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answered on Nov 24, 2023

In Washington, as in most states, the use of manufacturer emblems in advertising can be a complex issue, primarily governed by trademark laws. The key consideration here is whether the use of these emblems could potentially cause confusion or imply an endorsement or affiliation with the vehicle... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: If someone was running from the police and the officer release the dog without any warning to the individual tells the

Get him and the dog bites the individual for under a minute damage to leg would that be considered excessive force????

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answered on Nov 24, 2023

Determining whether the use of a police dog in this scenario constitutes excessive force depends on several factors, including the nature of the incident, the level of threat posed by the individual, and the adherence to police protocols.

The use of police dogs is generally governed by...
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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: Landlord says previous owners responsible for security deposit return

My current landlord of a commercial property said that I have to ask the previous bankrupt owners for the security deposit as I am leaving after the lease expires. I don't have their details and also is it really the previous owners responsiblity? Can someone just change ownership of a... View More

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answered on Nov 27, 2023

In Seattle, WA, when a commercial property changes ownership, the responsibility for returning a tenant's security deposit can depend on the terms of the sale and the lease agreement. Generally, the new owner assumes the obligations of the previous owner, including the responsibility for... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for Washington on
Q: I am going prro se on an aggravated dul ?Is that a good idea ?
Jahnis John Abelite
Jahnis John Abelite
answered on Nov 19, 2023

Going pro se on any serious criminal traffic case is never a good idea because the consequences from a bad outcome can be very serious and can have adverse effects on your life for many years. What is an "aggravated DUI" in your case? You don't provide enough information for a proper... View More

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