About John Devendorf, Esq.
John Devendorf is a graduate of UCLA and holds a J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law, where he was a Distinguished Scholar, recipient of the ALI-ABA Scholarship and Leadership Award, and a participant in the Immigrant Workers’ Rights Clinic and special delegation to Haiti.
A licensed attorney for more than a decade, John transitioned to a career as a legal content writer and editor after an externship with the IRS, a judicial clerkship, and practicing at a civil litigation firm in Princeton, New Jersey. John now lives in Portland, Oregon, where he enjoys writing, international travel, and escape rooms.
Articles written by John Devendorf, Esq.
Is It Street Legal? Driving Golf Carts, ATVs, and LSVs on Public Roads
The legality of driving non-traditional vehicles like golf carts, ATVs, or LSVs on public roads depends entirely on federal, state, and local laws, as well as the specific type of vehicle you intend to drive. Golf carts, ATVs, and LSVs can be a fun, efficient way to travel around a community, make a short trip down the road, or enjoy natural spaces. But owners and operators must be aware of and follow the local rules governing the use of non-traditional vehicles on public roadways to stay safe …
Is It Legal To Install Solar Panels in My Backyard?
As residential electricity prices have soared in recent years, more Americans are looking for ways to reduce energy costs. Solar panels, especially small-scale solar units, are quickly growing as a sustainable, renewable energy solution. However, the legality of installing solar panels depends entirely on where you live. State laws, HOA rules, and local ordinances all play a role in determining whether you can install solar panels. If you have questions about your rights related to installing …
Are Psychedelics Legal? Psilocybin Laws, Decriminalization, and Medical Access
Interest in the use of psychedelic drugs for treating conditions such as depressive disorders, substance use disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other conditions has greatly increased in recent years. Despite this momentum, no psychedelic drug has been approved in the United States. The legal landscape for psychedelics law remains a patchwork of state laws and federal regulations. If you need help understanding the legal framework governing psychedelic use in your state or are facing …
Shooting in Self-Defense: Castle Doctrine and Home Defense Laws
Home defense laws and Castle Doctrine statutes determine when a person can legally use force against an intruder inside their home. In many states, the law gives homeowners stronger protections when facing an unlawful entry or violent threat. However, those protections vary widely across the country, and not every use of deadly force will qualify as lawful self-defense. For legal guidance after a self-defense shooting or home defense dispute, use the Super Lawyers criminal defense lawyer …
Citizens Changing State Law: A State Guide to Ballot Initiatives and Referendums
Ballot initiatives and referendums are tools of direct democracy that allow citizens to propose or approve laws and constitutional amendments. However, not all states provide these legal mechanisms. In the states that do have these tools, the rules differ. In some cases, citizens can do this all without a single vote from a legislator. As an informed citizen, it is critical to understand these processes to fully participate. For legal help on starting a ballot initiative, find a local attorney …
Abortion Laws by State: Guide to Abortion Access and Restrictions
For nearly 50 years, Roe v. Wade (1973) established the constitutional right to abortion in the United States. This changed in 2022 following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe, leaving abortion regulation to individual states. With access to abortion varying widely by state in the post-Dobbs era, it’s important to be aware of your rights and the abortion laws in your state. If you have questions about your reproductive …
Pornography Age Verification Laws: State-By-State Regulations After SCOTUS Ruling
Online adult content has become a battleground for state regulation. After years of legal challenges, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2025 that age verification laws are constitutional. Lawmakers are acting quickly, creating a complicated patchwork of rules that can affect anyone from national website operators to local counsel advising clients on compliance. The legal landscape is shifting in real time. Here is what you need to know about current laws and legal trends. Speak with a …
Suing in Small Claims Court: State-By-State Limits, Fees, and Steps
Small claims court is a local court process that allows individuals and businesses to resolve minor financial disputes quickly and easily without necessarily needing a lawyer. If someone owes you money for a loan or personal property damage, or a contractor failed to finish the job you paid them to do, small claims court offers a simple way to go to court to get a resolution to your legal matter. For more complex cases, you may find it helpful to consult a local attorney for legal guidance. If …
Rental Pest Control: Who Pays for Exterminators and Treatments?
Renters may be accustomed to seeing the occasional pest in or around their rental property. Pest infestations, on the other hand, can threaten your health and safety. Landlords generally have a legal responsibility to ensure the premises are safe and fit for human habitation, and this includes addressing pest infestations. But tenants can also be responsible for causing a pet infestation. Liability and pest control responsibilities for landlords and tenants can vary based on state and local …
What Data Privacy Laws Protect Me? A State-By-State Guide
If you live in the United States, your personal data privacy can be protected by a combination of state and federal laws. While there is currently no comprehensive federal data privacy law, an increasing number of states have enacted data privacy legislation. These laws include the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), Colorado Privacy Act (CPA), and Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA). If you have questions about your data privacy rights or feel your rights have been violated, seek …
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