Have legal questions? Justia Ask A Lawyer lets you get free answers to your legal questions from experienced attorneys. Whether you need guidance on family law, criminal defense, personal injury, immigration, employment law, real estate, or another legal matter, you can ask your questions anonymously and get the answers you need.
Justia Ask A Lawyer
Free Answers From Lawyers to Your Legal Questions!
View Questions by Practice Area
View Questions by State
Lawyers, Answer Questions & Get Points
Log In
Recent Questions & Answers
Q: What are the sentences for 2nd-degree murder in NM involving firearms and self-defense?
I am seeking information on the minimum and maximum sentences for second-degree murder in New Mexico, especially in cases involving trial lands. The case involves the discharge of a firearm and raises self-defense claims as well as considerations related to religious traditions. Can you provide... View More 
Maxwell Pines
answered on Sep 1, 2026
answered on Sep 1, 2026
In New Mexico, second-degree murder is a second-degree felony resulting in the death of a human being. For offenses committed on or after May 15, 2024, the basic sentence is 18 years imprisonment. NMSA 1978, §§ 30-2-1(B), 31-18-15(A). If the jury also makes the required finding that a firearm was... View More
Q: I was injured at work as a CNA and developed a life-threatening hernia. Do I have a workers' comp case?
I am a Certified Nursing Assistant working on a rehabilitation floor in Massachusetts, where we often handle very heavy patients with inadequate assistance. In May, I was injured on the job when a heavy man fell on me, resulting in a 3-day leave after visiting urgent care. In July, after returning... View More
PREMIUM
Michael Levin
answered on Sep 1, 2026
answered on Sep 1, 2026
You may certainly have a case, but it will come down to whether you have medical information connecting the proverbial dots between your hernia and your work injury when the patient fell on you. Our Workers' Comp. Board requires more than just a temporal relationship. There has to be... View More
Q: Can I volunteer remotely for a US non-profit on an H4 visa?
I am currently residing in Texas on an H4 visa and am interested in volunteering remotely for a non-profit organization based in St. Louis. The organization provides adaptive equipment for children and does not offer any stipends or compensation. I would like to volunteer by managing their social... View More
Kyle M Kinzy
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 1, 2026
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 1, 2026
Hello, my name is Kyle Kinzy and I have been practicing immigration law for more than 25 years. Generally yes, it is possible to volunteer without violating H-4 immigration status, but the answer depends on the character of the role rather than on the absence of a paycheck, and social media work is... View More
Q: What visa options are available for an H4 holder pursuing residency in the US?
My wife is currently in the U.S. on an H4 dependent visa, as my employer is processing my green card with her included as a dependent. She has passed the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK exams, cleared her OET English proficiency test, and is planning to apply for ECFMG certification. She aims to enter... View More
Kyle M Kinzy
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 1, 2026
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 1, 2026
Hello, my name is Kyle Kinzy and I have been practicing immigration law for more than 25 years. There are three realistic paths, and the choice matters more than most applicants realize.
The first is an H-4 employment authorization document, which would let her train at any program without... View More
Q: What are my chances of F-2 visa approval and should I risk the interview or return to H-1B?
I have been in the U.S. since 2014. I started on an F-1 visa, worked on an H-1B visa, and then changed my status to an F-2 dependent inside the U.S. in November 2023 after losing my job. I have never applied for an I-140 and have no U.S. citizen children. My spouse is currently working on STEM OPT,... View More
Kyle M Kinzy
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 1, 2026
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 1, 2026
Hello, my name is Kyle Kinzy and I have been practicing immigration law for more than 25 years. Please allow me to help you relate to the types of answers that you may be getting if you are speaking with attorneys. Some lawyers think, "No responsible lawyer will give you a percentage,... 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.
