Keith Mack
If you have a legal question, there are several options for who to call. You can call the non-emergency police line for questions about things like parking tickets or where to leave your garbage bin. If you are a victim of a hate crime or human trafficking, you should call 911 or the local police. You can also call the FBI to report election fraud or law enforcement misconduct. For civil legal questions, you can submit your query online through the ABA Free Legal Answers website, which provides free legal advice from volunteer lawyers. Additionally, you can find free or low-cost lawyers through organizations like Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and LawHelp.org.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of query | Civil law, criminal law, civil rights, property-related, etc. |
| Who to call | City office, non-emergency police line, civil rights division of the Department of Justice, FBI, local legal aid offices, lawyers, ABA Free Legal Answers, LawHelp.org, Law Help Interactive, pro bono lawyers, etc. |
| Other contact methods | Online forms, emails, in-person visits |
| Cost | Free, low-cost, expensive |
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What You'll Learn
Civil law: property damage, personal injury, contract breaches
If you have questions about civil law, you can contact Civil Legal Advice (CLA) for assistance. They can be reached by phone, textphone, or text message. Additionally, they provide free interpreting services for those who need them.
Civil law encompasses property damage, personal injury, and contract breaches. Here is an overview of each of these areas, along with guidance on who to call for legal advice:
Property Damage
Property damage refers to harm or destruction caused to real or personal property due to accidents, natural disasters, or intentional acts. Real property includes land and any permanent structures on it, such as buildings. Personal property, on the other hand, refers to movable items not affixed to land, such as cars, furniture, electronics, and jewelry. When property damage occurs, it is essential to review your insurance policy to determine what is covered. If disputes arise with your insurance company, a property damage lawyer can help. These lawyers specialize in negotiating claims and handling disputes related to damaged properties. They can advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Personal Injury
Personal injury law involves providing legal representation to individuals who have suffered personal injuries and property damage as a result of accidents. This area of law often overlaps with property damage when accidents cause both personal injuries and damage to one's property. A personal injury lawyer will work to secure compensation for the injured party, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They can guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected.
Contract Breaches
A contract breach occurs when one or more parties fail to fulfill their obligations as outlined in a valid contract. Contracts can be written, verbal, or implied, and they must not be for illegal purposes. In the event of a breach, the non-breaching party can sue for damages. The specific legal recourse will depend on the nature of the contract and the jurisdiction. For example, in California, written contracts generally have a four-year deadline for filing a lawsuit, while verbal contracts have a two-year deadline. If you are unsure about your legal options, it is advisable to consult a lawyer who can provide guidance based on your specific circumstances.
To find legal aid and advice, you can explore various programs and organizations that offer free or low-cost services, such as the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and LawHelp.org. These resources can connect you with attorneys who can provide guidance and representation in civil law matters, including property damage, personal injury, and contract breaches.
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Housing law: tenant disputes, eviction, foreclosure
Housing law is a complex area of legislation, and tenants and landlords should understand their rights and obligations through their lease agreement. In the case of a dispute, the lease agreement is the starting point for resolving the issue.
Tenant Disputes
Disputes can arise from a variety of issues, including upkeep and repair, non-payment of rent, security deposits, and potential eviction. In the case of non-payment of rent, tenants can apply to state or local organisations for federal money to cover rent, utilities, and other housing costs. Local housing counselors, legal aid, and social services organisations can help tenants understand their rights and how to take advantage of federal and state help.
Eviction
Eviction is a legal process that involves removing a tenant from a rental unit. Before eviction, the landlord must give the tenant written notice explaining the breach that needs correcting. If the tenant does not respond in a reasonable amount of time, the landlord may pursue formal court eviction proceedings. If the landlord wins, the tenant will have a few days to vacate the property. In some cases, the landlord may attempt to forcibly remove the tenant by changing the locks or turning off utilities, which is illegal in many places.
Foreclosure
In the case of foreclosure, tenants should receive a Notice to Residential Tenants of Rights During Foreclosure. This notice protects tenants from discrimination and ensures they cannot be denied housing based on gender identity, race, or other biases. It also allows tenants to have emotional support animals in their rental homes.
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Employment law: wrongful termination, discrimination, wage disputes
If you have questions about employment law in the United States, you can contact the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor. They can answer questions about wage disputes, and you can file a complaint with them if you believe you have not been paid the federal minimum wage or required overtime pay. They also enforce laws without regard to an employee's immigration status, so undocumented workers can still receive the minimum wage. The Wage and Hour Division also provides multilingual support in over 200 languages.
For issues of wrongful termination, you can learn about your state's wrongful discharge laws. Federal laws also require employers to act fairly and protect the health of employees. If you feel that your health or safety has been compromised, you can learn about workers' compensation and file a claim.
In terms of discrimination, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission outlines prohibited employment policies and practices. Employers are prohibited from discriminating based on race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. This includes making hiring decisions, disciplinary action, or termination based on these factors. Additionally, employers cannot make pre-offer inquiries about disability, and should avoid any questions that may indicate an applicant's race, sex, national origin, disability status, age, religion, colour, or ancestry. It is also illegal to harass someone who has complained about discrimination or participated in an investigation.
If you have questions or concerns about any of these issues, you can call the U.S. Department of Labor at 1-866-487-9243, or visit dol.gov/agencies/whd for more information.
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Consumer law: bankruptcy, debt, property repossession
If you are facing consumer law issues related to bankruptcy, debt, or property repossession, there are several avenues you can explore to seek help and information. Here are some steps you can take:
Contact a Consumer Service or Advisory Organisation
In many places, there are consumer advisory services that can provide guidance and support on a range of consumer issues, including those related to bankruptcy, debt, and property repossession. For example, in the UK, you can contact Citizens Advice, a consumer service that offers assistance with various consumer problems, including faulty goods, energy issues, and postal problems. They provide both online and phone support, and their advisers can help you understand your rights and options. Similarly, in Australia, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) provides information to consumers dealing with complaints and fair trading problems. They can guide you on your rights and options and may even assist in negotiating a resolution between you and a business.
Reach Out to Local or State Agencies
Depending on your location, you can contact local or state government agencies that deal with consumer protection and financial matters. These agencies can provide specific information about your rights and legal options related to bankruptcy, debt, and property repossession. For instance, in the US, you can refer to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which handles complaints and reports of financial exploitation, fraud, and scams. They will forward your complaint to the company in question and facilitate communication between you and the relevant agencies to resolve the issue.
Seek Legal Advice
If you require more specific guidance or representation, consider seeking independent legal advice from lawyers or legal aid providers in your area. They can provide tailored assistance based on your unique circumstances and help you understand your legal options, especially in cases of bankruptcy, debt management, or property repossession. Additionally, your local state or territory may have a small claims court or tribunal that handles consumer issues, providing an avenue for legal recourse.
Engage with Regulatory Bodies
Depending on the nature of your issue, you may need to contact specific regulatory bodies. For instance, in Australia, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) enforces consumer credit laws and consumer protection laws related to financial products and services. They can provide information about your rights and next steps, even though they do not resolve individual disputes. Similarly, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority handles disputes related to credit, finance, insurance, banking, and other financial matters.
Contact the Company Directly
Before taking your complaint to external parties, consider reaching out to the company or service provider directly. Many companies have customer support channels that can address your concerns and answer questions unique to your situation. They may be able to resolve the issue without the need for further escalation.
Remember, depending on your specific circumstances and location, the relevant organisations and agencies may vary. Always ensure you are well-informed about your rights and seek help as early as possible to make informed decisions.
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Civil rights: discrimination, hate crimes, human trafficking
If you believe that you or someone else has experienced discrimination, civil rights laws may be able to protect you. The Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice can help with unlawful discrimination, harassment, or abuse in settings like housing, the workplace, school, voting, business, healthcare, and public spaces. You can submit a report using their online form, or call 911 or the local police if the situation is dangerous.
If you believe you have experienced a hate crime, you should contact the FBI, either by calling 1-800-225-5324 or reaching out to your local FBI field office. You can also report a hate crime to the Civil Rights Division.
If you believe you have information about a human trafficking situation, you can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Advocates are available 24/7 to take reports of potential human trafficking. You can also text the hotline at 233733, or submit a tip online through an anonymous reporting form. If the situation is urgent, it is recommended to call or text. You can also report missing children or child pornography to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few options for finding out information about laws. You can call the non-emergency police line for questions about minor issues, such as parking tickets or garbage bin rules. For more serious matters, you can call the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice to report civil rights violations, hate crimes, or human trafficking. You can also contact your local legal aid office or a lawyer in your area for advice, although this may be expensive. Alternatively, there are some free online services that can provide legal advice, such as Justia Ask A Lawyer and ABA Free Legal Answers.
There are a few options for obtaining free legal advice. You can try calling the New York Library, which has a number that you can call to ask any question, or you can try an online service such as ABA Free Legal Answers, which provides free legal advice to low-income individuals. Additionally, you can search for local pro bono programs, such as law school clinics, that may be able to provide free or low-cost legal assistance.
Yes, if you or someone else is in immediate danger, you can call 911 or the local police. You can also call the FBI to report election fraud or misconduct by law enforcement.
Yes, there are programs that offer free legal advice and assistance specifically for military personnel and veterans, such as the Veterans Legal Services Clinic. You can search for these programs online or contact your local legal aid office for more information.
