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1 Answer | Asked in Medical Malpractice for Illinois on
Q: How can I find out if my lawyer cheated me out of my settlement money?

I sued Cook County-Stroger Hospital for an unnecessary operation.

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Mar 5, 2023

Ask the attorney for a detailed disbursal statement.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Illinois on
Q: Does a real estate lawyer have to review the offer to send to the seller?
Erik K Jacobs
Erik K Jacobs
answered on Mar 4, 2023

Not necessarily. I often have clients, particularly those without Realtors, that have me review an offer prior to submission to the seller. However, most standard contracts have attorney approval clauses which allow for attorney review once the contract is complete. Depending on where you live,... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Legal Malpractice for Illinois on
Q: A magistrate denied me counsel after going through 5 public defenders which 3 withdrew because they had represented the

Other party for a charge of violation of a no contact order which in IA is automatic 7 days jail..cannot be suspended. He can't deny me counsel.so new one gave me lawyer that had to withdraw from other party to represent me HELP

James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Mar 4, 2023

If a magistrate has denied you counsel, you may want to consider seeking legal assistance from other sources. For example, you can try contacting legal aid organizations or private attorneys who may be willing to represent you. You can also request a court-appointed attorney or file a motion with... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes and Libel & Slander for Illinois on
Q: is it true that one can be convicted of a crime if 3 people or informants claim the same story against you.
James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Mar 4, 2023

No, the mere fact that three people or informants claim the same story against you does not guarantee a criminal conviction. In order to be convicted of a crime, the prosecution must prove all the elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. This means that the prosecution must present... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Criminal Law, Employment Law and Tax Law for Illinois on
Q: Hi. My previous employer used my SSN for another guy with almost the same Name as mine and I came to know about it when

I received tax document in my mail box. Can I file a law suit & if yes who.

James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Mar 4, 2023

Yes, you may be able to file a lawsuit for identity theft or fraud against your previous employer for using your Social Security number for another person. You should consult with an attorney who specializes in identity theft and employment law to evaluate your options and help you pursue any legal... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law for Illinois on
Q: If my delinquent taxes were sold and I pay my new upcoming taxes, what happens next? Will I get more time to catch up?
James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Mar 4, 2023

If your delinquent taxes were sold and you pay your upcoming taxes, it is possible that you may still owe the delinquent taxes plus any additional fees and interest that may have accrued. In this case, you should contact the entity that purchased the delinquent taxes to find out what the remaining... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Illinois on
Q: How does my driving record as a minor differ from my record as an adult.

When I was a minor I was pulled over for speeding and given a written warning as the officer understood my situation. Now 2 years later as an adult I received another written warning for speeding because of emotional distress. How do these differ on my driving record if they are at all and how do... Read more »

Theodore J. Harvatin
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Theodore J. Harvatin PRO label
answered on Mar 4, 2023

Warnings are not part of your record.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Illinois on
Q: My former employer signed a written agreement not to continue giving me a bad reference. Is this agreement legal?

I had a lawyer for a reference checking company handle the situation. The lawyer sent the employer a Cease and Desist letter. The company agreed to only provide date of hire, departure, and title of position. The employer sent the lawyer a signed agreement - to avoid getting sued for giving... Read more »

Cynthia Pietrucha
Cynthia Pietrucha
answered on Mar 2, 2023

Based on the information provided, it appears you have a breach of contract case. If the relevant deadlines for acting on such a claim have not passed, you can sue the employer for breach of contract.

However, it does not appear you'd have a separate action for the cease and...
Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Civil Litigation and Contracts for Illinois on
Q: Can I say I’m going in to bankruptcy during a judgement
James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Mar 2, 2023

Yes, you can declare bankruptcy during a judgement. Filing for bankruptcy can stop or delay the enforcement of a judgment against you, as well as discharge or reduce certain debts. However, it is important to note that there are different types of bankruptcy, and not all debts can be discharged or... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Banking, Business Formation and Business Law for Illinois on
Q: Is there anything you can do if the lender applies the payment to the principal but does not bring down the balance?
James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Mar 2, 2023

If you believe that your lender has incorrectly applied a payment to the principal without properly bringing down the balance, you should contact your lender directly to discuss the issue and request an explanation. It is possible that there may have been a mistake or a misunderstanding that can be... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Banking for Illinois on
Q: Can a subpoena be issued for my spouse's credit report? Divorce proceedings are underway.
James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Mar 2, 2023

Yes, a subpoena can be issued for your spouse's credit report during divorce proceedings. However, you will need to have a valid legal reason for requesting the credit report, such as proving financial misconduct or to determine the financial status of your spouse. You should consult with your... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Illinois on
Q: I need a a Law Firm that has the resources to help me with a civil suit against states, counties, departments, individu

I won't give much in details on this on this website as I don't trust the law. I don't trust anyone right now because of what I have been through. wrongful imprisonment, defamation, slander, time lost with children, social issues now, maliciously prosecuted. almost 2 years jailed,... Read more »

James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Mar 2, 2023

Look for firms that have experience with cases similar to yours and have successfully represented clients against government entities, law enforcement agencies, and individuals. You may also want to reach out to local bar associations or legal aid organizations for referrals or resources. It's... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Constitutional Law and Legal Malpractice for Illinois on
Q: im out on bond from another state. they recently revoked my bond. I have proof i am being maliciously prosecuted. advice

The state prosecutor, my attorney through his law firm as well as the superior court judge in Georgia are scheming to place me back in jail by revoking my bond. I am in Illinois. I have filed complaints with the bar assoc of georgia and Judges committee. I am terrified to go back to georgia because... Read more »

James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Mar 2, 2023

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. It's important that you have legal representation to fight against the revocation of your bond and the allegations against you. You may want to consider finding a new attorney to represent you in Georgia, someone who you trust and who has experience... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Business Law and Constitutional Law for Illinois on
Q: I'm a condominium owner in Chicago, IL. I want to publish an association newsletter; am I entitled to association list?

I have published newsletters previously, The previous management company's provided the mailing list. The current management company will not. Am I entitled as a owner, to the home-owner mailing list for that particular purpose?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Mar 2, 2023

The answer to this question will depend on the specific rules and regulations of your condominium association. Typically, condominium associations are governed by bylaws and regulations that outline how the association operates, including how information is shared and distributed to unit owners.... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Illinois on
Q: Questions about criminal charges in the US naturalization form N400

I received a noise violation citation for playing loud music at my BD party. I pled guilty and paid the fine of $250. How should I answer the following "yes/no" questions in the US naturalization N400 form:

1- Have you EVER committed, assisted in committing, or attempted to... Read more »

James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Mar 2, 2023

If you were not arrested, you can answer "No" to the first question.

Since you were issued a citation for the noise violation, you should answer "Yes" to the second question.

Since you pled guilty and paid the fine for the noise violation, you should answer...
Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for Illinois on
Q: I was terminated from my job and my employer discussed my termination with my coworkers, is this legal?
Cynthia Pietrucha
Cynthia Pietrucha
answered on Mar 1, 2023

I'm sorry about your job termination. It's not necessarily illegal for an employer to discuss your termination with coworkers. However, it depends on what was said and who discussed the termination. How do you know your termination was discussed with co-workers? Did the discussion... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Collections for Illinois on
Q: can a creditor contact other people about your debt

i owe a debt for a team for uniforms and the business has stated they contacted some players about the debt. Can the business disclose this information?

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Feb 28, 2023

Yes, in some circumstances, a creditor can contact others about a debt or judgment.

3 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation for Illinois on
Q: If I was in a work incident and I happened to be the victim could I sue the company for not taking any action?

I had a coworker who threw several boxes product (card sleeves) at me . Three hit my head and the rest hit my body. Anyways my manager told me he had a zero tolerance to that type of stuff and the co worker constantly outrages in the work environment. Yet he still working here so I just want to... Read more »

Jeremy Wang
Jeremy Wang
answered on Feb 28, 2023

Projectile objects being thrown at your head create an unsafe work environment and also have the potential to cause serious blindness and bodily injury. Report the incident to your manager. If your manager fails to correct the conduct, then report the matter to Human Resources.

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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Illinois on
Q: Move from an H1B to an EAD while my GC process is underway, will doing so affect my GC process?

I am writing to inquire about the impact of switching from an H1B visa to an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) on my green card process. My green card process is currently at the Prevailing Wage Determination stage and is being sponsored by my employer. However, I also have a pending asylum... Read more »

James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Feb 25, 2023

Generally, switching from an H1B visa to an EAD while your green card process is underway should not have a negative impact on your green card application. However, it is always advisable to consult with an experienced immigration attorney who can evaluate your specific situation and provide... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and International Law for Illinois on
Q: How do you resolve a wrongful copyright claim for a cover song when you obtained a license properly?

I have obtained a legal mechanical license for each cover song in my album. However, my album was taken down for copyright infringement on ONE song. I tried contacting the company via their website but the contact form doesn't work and shows an error. I found their email and have sent them 5... Read more »

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Feb 25, 2023

If you have obtained a legal mechanical license for the cover song in question, you have a valid defense against any copyright infringement claim related to that song. You can try contacting the company or person who made the claim and provide them with a copy of the mechanical license. If you have... Read more »

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