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Rhode Island Civil Rights Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Libel & Slander for Rhode Island on
Q: Can you legally come after someone for sharing personal messages, pictures, and videos stolen from your phone?

My wife and I had an open relationship. She went through my phone and took personal things of myself and another women. She has been sharing them and showing them to everyone.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 31, 2024

In Rhode Island, if someone shares personal messages, pictures, and videos taken from your phone without your consent, you may have legal recourse. Unauthorized access to your phone and the dissemination of private materials could be considered a violation of privacy laws.

Rhode Island has...
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1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law and Civil Rights for Rhode Island on
Q: can RI hospital psych ward hold a patient who called SuicideHotline on themself After patient request leave after 3 days

Patient had a minor past suicide attempt over 2 years ago and seeked help. Since has made Major improvement and no issues since. Patient called suicide hotline due to depression and anxiety, and is now being held for 3 days and wishes to leave to seek therapy and feels they do not need inpatient... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 13, 2024

In Rhode Island, mental health facilities have the authority to hold a patient for evaluation and treatment if they believe the patient poses a risk to themselves or others due to a mental health condition. This can occur even if the patient voluntarily sought help initially.

If a patient...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Who do I contact to Investigate police misconduct and forgery?

I am being charged, but was never arrested, Questioned, or read any Maranda rights. And they forged my initials on the only documents I have. This started with myself calling to ask if they can have an officer stop by and do a walk through at my house. due to noises downstairs and my dog growling... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 24, 2023

If you believe you've experienced police misconduct and forgery, it's important to take specific steps to address the situation. Firstly, you should file a formal complaint with the police department's internal affairs division or the equivalent oversight body in your area. This... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Federal Crimes and Identity Theft for Rhode Island on
Q: Ex-wife took out a $300,000 life policy in my name, no consent, and made herself the beneficiary. Recourse? I have proof

- I have the fraudulent application filled out in her writing.

-She signed my name on the application.

-She said I was her husband on the application.

-She listed her address on the application for any correspondence.

-She listed her contact information for any... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 24, 2023

In your situation, there are several legal actions you can consider. Firstly, identity theft and fraud are serious crimes, and you should report this incident to law enforcement. Given your ex-wife's history of impersonating you, a police report can be instrumental in documenting the pattern... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Denied a gun purchase told because a report filed by police town over that I said I threatened someone no charges filed

Just hear say from this person I do own a gun before this incident no witness's

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 20, 2023

In your situation, where a gun purchase was denied due to a police report alleging a threat, but no charges were filed, it's important to understand the basis of this denial. Gun purchase denials can be based on various factors, including reports or records that raise concerns about an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Rhode Island on
Q: The HOA has made rule that we are not allowed any type of mass communication. to other owners without their approval

They removed all owner contact information from our website

Is that legal

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 5, 2023

In addressing the legality of a Homeowners' Association (HOA) rule restricting mass communication among owners, it's necessary to review the governing documents of the association, such as the bylaws and covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs), as well as state law. HOAs do... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Civil Rights for Rhode Island on
Q: If i move out of my mothers house with a passed record of anxiety an depression can the state get involved an will dcyf

I dont wanna keep living in my mothers house for the rest of my life

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Nov 7, 2022

Once you have graduated high school and attain 18 years of age, and are not disabled nor dependent, you are free to make your own life choices. There is no legal requirement for parent or child to spend their entire lives living together.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Rhode Island on
Q: a lawyer said in the state of Rhode Island U can’t determine how much money U want when suing the police, true or false?
Albin Moser
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answered on Jun 9, 2022

Yes, it is true that in Rhode Island the plaintiff's initial complaint that is filed in court should not request a specific dollar amount for personal injuries. But, the plaintiff can ask the defendant or the insurance company for a specific dollar amount in out of court settlement... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Rhode Island on
Q: During a traffic stop, is the passenger in a car legally COMPELLED to give their ID to an officer if asked?

I'm under the impression that the only time one is required to give ID during a traffic stop is if you're the driver, OR if the police officer has a reasonable, articulable suspicion that you've committed a crime, or are in the process of committing a crime.

Thomas Briody
Thomas Briody
answered on Feb 19, 2022

In general you are correct. But an officer doesn’t have to furnish you with a reason when he/she/they ask for your ID. Whether the officer has an articulable suspicion is usually evaluated after the fact by a judge or jury. Nothing prevents you from asking why the officer wants ID. But use... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Civil Rights, Elder Law and Identity Theft for Rhode Island on
Q: Foreclosure,check fraud,SNAP fraud,credit cards open.Family member took advantage of grandmother. She's out 25,000+HELP

Family member was caregiver for grandmother was supposed to pay mortgage,bills.. Never paid mortgage. grandmother will lose house foreclosure, she's out $20,000. Family member left grandmother bank account $0. Grandmother's social security check went into bank account&stimulus checks... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 20, 2022

https://riag.ri.gov/elder-abuse is a good place for you to start to seek help for your elderly relative. Good luck to both of you.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Rhode Island on
Q: I have Put a restraining order on my ex who I have Had previously had domestic cases with in 2019 he has

been creating accounts to contact me and threatening me and I have Never gone through this I have Court on the 13th and I am Scared I dont Want them to drop the case i don't know what i am supposed to do if I need To get an attorney and if so how I go About that and the costs

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Mar 31, 2021

Contact an attorney to answer these questions privately. Document all of the violations from the invented accounts to have ready for your hearing.

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Is it excessive force if the police cause me to get stitches
Thomas Briody
Thomas Briody
answered on Oct 27, 2020

It might be. But it’s the details that matter. You need to speak to a lawyer. Call one.

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights, Small Claims and Products Liability for Rhode Island on
Q: Hi, I moved in with a close friend like 5 months ago to rent out a room in her house. No verbal agreement was signed, be

sides that i would pay half. now shes trying to "evict" me. What do i do ????

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 2, 2020

This is something a Rhode Island landlord-tenant attorney should advise on. But your post remains open for four weeks. The other categories aren't really relevant. But as a practical matter at this point, if the dynamic in such close confines is uncomfortable, whatever the state of affairs... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Rhode Island on
Q: I’m an 18 year living in Rhode Island. Is it legal for my parents to track me?
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Apr 15, 2020

Are they tracking you with a phone they gave you? Easy, give it back. Problem solved.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets, Civil Rights and Gov & Administrative Law for Rhode Island on
Q: I'm a resident of r.i. with out of state plates on my vehicle...how can I keep my plates in r.i.

Summons: 20001504065

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Apr 15, 2020

It's difficult to discern what you are asking exactly. As a RI resident, you should be able to register your vehicle in RI(and are generally required to do so). If you are going to court, bring proof of your RI registration and residence. see... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Rhode Island on
Q: I have been denied a gun purchase in the state of Rhode Island

I have nothing on my record that I know of that would prevent me from getting a handgun. Only thing I can think of is I have my medical marijuana card issued to me by the state.

**sorry I don’t know how to reply to your message. I haven’t been able to get a hold of Pawtucket BCI yet but... View More

Thomas Briody
Thomas Briody
answered on Mar 28, 2020

Well, there must be a reason for the denial. Did you ask? Have you had a BCI check run with the Department of Attorney General or a police department? I believe the governor has extended the waiting period for gun purchases. I suggest that you directly inquire why your request was denied. If... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander, Civil Rights and Domestic Violence for Rhode Island on
Q: Can a person say whatever they would like to someone? I had a situation today where I asked the parties to stop.

They did not as such I was scared and called the police. I wanted them to leave me alone and they refused then continued to verbally threaten me, harass and get in my face when I was near the female. To me this is 100% illegal. Situation was in Cranston, Rhode Island.

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Feb 2, 2020

"Near the female" situations can be challenging both for humans and their companions. If the situation stops when you are not near the female, avoid being near the female. Free speech does have some limits. Contact your attorney if you are interested in bringing a lawsuit for the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Landlord - Tenant and Criminal Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Can I put my boyfriend on the lease for low income housing if we have a NCO? Will the landlord for low income find out?

So the police put a NCO on him because he hit me and now he has a felony. Now we are getting along and he is helping out with my kids. I got accepted into housing and want to add him on my lease so I don’t get in trouble when he’s there all the time. The landlord for low income housing needs... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 22, 2020

You may want to go to the court to explain to the judge that you wish to have the NCO dropped to enable you to enjoy cohabitation and co-parent. If you just really need help with the kids and you are, in fact still in fear of imminent harm that supports a NCO, then you should probably seek the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law and Civil Rights for Rhode Island on
Q: Is it okay for my 14 yr old to be walking around at 10pm in Cranston ri
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Sep 16, 2019

Assuming you are the parent, and you have given your child permission to walk (to unknown destination? Friends house - ? Food Hut? Dunkin? ), then it should be OK. If you have not given your child permission and they are Walking (running away), call the police. Some parts of Cranston are more... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Rhode Island on
Q: What US Statutes would I cite for 14th Amendment Due Process Violations, & which do I cite for Tort Claims - negligence

Filling out the Federal Civil Cover sheet on my own. It says to cite US Statutes for my claims. I am suing for violation of Due Process under 14th Amendment. My dog was taken and killed. I know 1983 for violation of rights but I also need to cite the 14th amendment clause for deprivation of... View More

Gary Kollin
Gary Kollin
answered on Sep 2, 2019

I would suggest you re evaluate your decision to go pro se.

From your question it appears you do not have a total grasp on the fundamentals.

to

There is no statute for negligence and malicious prosecution. They are torts of common law.

When you sue for a violation...
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