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.
Does Admitting You Did Something Mean You Have Pleaded Guilty?
Admitting to a physical act is not the same as admitting criminal liability. Criminal cases involve more than determining guilt. They may also involve reasonable doubt and the defendant's mental state. Affirmative defenses, like self-defense, are justified reasons for doing something without it being a crime. A bifurcated trial can separate issues in a criminal case into distinct legal stages. Admitting to doing something is not the end of a criminal case. To understand the difference between …
Degrees of Murder Explained: First, Second, and Third Degree
Murder is the unlawful killing of another, with varying degrees of murder based on intent and premeditation. Most states use a two-degree system for murder; some use three degrees; others use different ways to classify criminal homicide charges. First-degree murder generally involves an intentional, premeditated killing and carries the most severe penalties, potentially including life imprisonment or the death penalty. Second-degree murder usually involves an intentional killing without advance …
What Is a Reaffirmation Agreement in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
A reaffirmation agreement is a contract you sign after filing for bankruptcy. You agree to continue making payments, keep your home or vehicle, and remain personally liable for the debt. Reaffirmation agreements let you keep the property, but you lose the benefit of having the debt on the secured asset wiped out. It makes sense to sign a reaffirmation agreement for certain types of property under the right circumstances. However, alternatives may let you keep the property without signing a new …
Can a Landlord Evict You for Filing Bankruptcy?
Your landlord can evict you when you file for bankruptcy if they have an eviction judgment before you file. However, if the landlord does not yet have an eviction or unlawful detainer judgment, filing for bankruptcy will pause the eviction proceedings. If you already filed for bankruptcy, the automatic stay generally prevents your landlord from starting or continuing an eviction lawsuit, unless an exception applies or the bankruptcy court grants stay relief. Depending on the case and the …
How Does Bankruptcy Affect Divorce, Alimony, and Child Support?
Bankruptcy affects divorce because it can reduce assets and debts, but it does not discharge family support obligations like alimony and child support. The effect of bankruptcy on divorce depends on whether you file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, whether you file jointly, and whether bankruptcy is filed before, during, or after the divorce. Before filing your bankruptcy petition, make sure you understand how it can impact your divorce and debt relief plan. Contact a local bankruptcy lawyer for legal …
Questions Employers Can't Legally Ask You in a Job Interview
Employers can ask plenty of questions during a job interview, but they cannot ask anything they want. Employment laws restrict questions that may reveal protected information, including your age, religion, disability status, pregnancy, family responsibilities, race, national origin, and other personal details unrelated to your ability to do the job. Many candidates hesitate when faced with an inappropriate interview question because they do not want to jeopardize a job opportunity. However, …
When Do You Need a Notary Public? A Legal Guide
Whether you need a notary public depends on the document you’re signing and the laws that apply. Some legal documents must be notarized to satisfy execution or recording requirements, while others may benefit from notarization even when the law doesn’t require it. Before you put your signature on a document that carries serious legal or financial consequences, contact a civil litigation attorney through the Super Lawyers directory. What Does a Notary Public Actually Do? A notary public …
Can You Sue Parents or Relatives for Childhood Abuse and Trauma?
Legal options are available for those seeking justice for childhood sexual abuse, physical abuse, or severe emotional trauma as an adult. Whether the conduct happened decades ago or criminal charges were filed, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit, with remedies including financial compensation and injunctive relief. If you or a loved one needs to pursue legal action against those who are responsible for childhood abuse and trauma, contact an experienced local personal injury attorney. …
My Child Was Hurt at School or Daycare: Can I Sue?
Liability for a child's injury may rest with a school or daycare, its employees, or other parties, depending on the facts and applicable law. Liability can arise from negligence, such as inadequate supervision, unsafe conditions, or staff-to-child ratios that violate state requirements. Intentional abuse may create separate claims against the abuser and potentially the institution for negligent hiring or supervision. Understanding your legal rights is the first step toward holding the right …
Potholes, Debris, Fallen Utility Lines: Who's Liable for Car Damage?
Cities, counties, and municipalities may be liable for car damage caused by dangerous road conditions when applicable law permits a claim and the required elements are met. Utility companies and government contractors may be liable for other car accidents that do not involve another driver. Many drivers are not sure how to handle an accident involving potholes, road debris, or fallen utility lines. A car accident lawyer can help you navigate the process to get compensation for your vehicle …
Find top lawyers with confidence
The Super Lawyers patented selection process is peer influenced and research driven, selecting the top 5% of attorneys to the Super Lawyers lists each year. We know lawyers and make it easy to connect with them.
Find a lawyer near you