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.
How To Get Legal Help for a Civil Rights Issue
The U.S. Constitution and its amendments, as well as federal and state laws, guarantee a wide range of civil rights to people in the United States. Unfortunately, civil rights violations happen all the time, perpetrated by government or private entities. When someone violates your civil rights, you need to take action to defend your rights. A civil rights attorney can help protect your rights and seek justice. Your civil rights legal options can depend on where you live. Contact a local civil …
How To Protect Your Digital Privacy Rights
Companies say they want your personal information to provide better service. However, many companies share or sell your data without your knowledge of where the data goes or how it will be used. When you use apps, software, websites, or smart devices, you are giving these companies access to your information. You have to be proactive to limit what information gets shared online. This article provides an overview of digital privacy protections and your right to privacy. For legal help with data …
Understanding Your Rights Under Title IX
Schools are supposed to be places of learning and opportunity for all students. Title IX is a federal civil rights law that furthers this goal by prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs. Title IX applies to most elementary through higher education programs receiving federal financial assistance. The law also also protects students from sexual harassment in education. Schools have strict reporting requirements when they learn about possible Title IX violations. …
What Are My Rights as an LGBTQ+ Individual?
Your rights as an LGBTQ+ individual are protected by federal safeguards, state statutes, and local nondiscrimination laws. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Bostock ruling ensure employment protection against workplace bias. The Obergefell ruling guarantees the right to marriage equality and legal recognition, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. When federal law does not provide equal protection for LGBTQ+ people, state statutes regulate due process protections, …
How To Recognize and Report Hate Crimes
Hate crimes involve criminal acts motivated by hate or bias towards a certain group of people. Hate crimes can involve violence, vandalism, or intimidation. Victims of hate crimes sometimes fail to report the incidents out of fear of retaliation. If you witness suspected hate crimes, it's important to report them to send a clear message to the community that such acts are not tolerated. This article provides an overview of hate crimes and how to recognize and report them. For legal advice on …
Can I Be Fired for My Political Beliefs?
You can be fired for your political beliefs if you have at-will employment with a private employer. However, you may have wrongful termination rights under the First Amendment if you are fired from a job in the public sector or civil service. Some private employers have workplace policies or individual employment contracts that protect political activity. Some state labor laws have statutory protections against retaliatory discharge based on political affiliation or off-duty conduct. Labor laws …
What Speech Is Protected Under the First Amendment?
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects your right to free speech from government restriction. Though the First Amendment’s protections are broad, not all types of speech are covered. Unprotected speech includes obscenity, fighting words, and defamation. This article provides an overview of free speech rights. For more information and legal representation, talk to a civil rights attorney. Overview of First Amendment Rights The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution says that …
Speeding Ticket Cameras: How They Work and What To Do
Many states and cities use speed cameras to issue speeding tickets without a traffic stop. Drivers receive a ticket in the mail days or weeks after the alleged speed violation. Dealing with speeding ticket cameras is different from challenging a ticket issued by the police. Understanding speeding ticket cameras and how they work can help you fight the ticket and keep your driving record clean. Speeding ticket camera laws vary by state. Some states don't allow speed cameras. For more information …
The Impact of Speeding Tickets on Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs)
Speeding tickets can affect a commercial driver's license and their ability to earn a living. CDL holders can have their driving privileges restricted even for excessive speeding in a personal vehicle. The best way to keep your commercial driving privileges is to keep the speeding ticket off your record. Speeding ticket violations can depend on local speed limit laws. Commercial drivers should understand what is at stake after getting a ticket for speeding.Contact a local speeding violation …
Can You Get a Speeding Ticket Without Being Pulled Over?
You can get a speeding ticket without being pulled over by the police. The police can send a traffic ticket in the mail after a speeding incident. The most common use of non-stop speeding tickets is with traffic cameras. You can challenge a speeding ticket in traffic court to avoid a mark on your driving record. Traffic laws vary by state. In some states, speeding and red light cameras are not legal. To find out how to fight a non-stop traffic ticket, speak with a speeding violation lawyer for …
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