About Oni Harton, Esq.
Oni Harton is an experienced estate planning and litigation attorney. She has been writing and researching for more than two decades and enjoys contributing to efforts that connect people with critical legal services. Oni contributes to Super Lawyers by creating content and verifying the legal accuracy of articles. Oni is an Indiana University School of Law graduate. She is licensed in Indiana.
Articles written by Oni Harton, Esq.
What Are the Legal Penalties for Mail Theft?
Getting charged with mail theft is serious. Under federal law, mail theft is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. If you or a loved one has been charged with mail theft, the best step to take is to consult a local criminal defense attorney. Read on to learn details about mail theft, how it's prosecuted, and what penalties you can face. What Is Mail Theft? Mail theft is a federal offense. As the United States Postal Service (USPS) says, mail belongs to the sender or recipient until …
What To Do if Your Mail Is Stolen: Reporting to USPIS, Police, and Legal Action
Every day, the U.S. Postal Service delivers millions of checks, money orders, credit cards, and other valuable items to addresses all across the United States. Unfortunately, these same items make tempting targets for thieves. If your mail goes missing, acting fast can protect your finances and your identity. If you have been a victim of mail theft or need to know how to prevent it or report it to the right agencies, read on. To get legal assistance with mail theft that has caused ongoing …
Does Buying Property Abroad Give You Residency? Real Estate and Visa Rules
Many people dream of buying property abroad as a first step toward living overseas, whether as an expat, a part-time resident, or a long-term investor. But buying real estate in a foreign country does not automatically grant you any particular immigration status. That said, countries do offer property owners the chance to use an overseas property as a pathway to a residence permit through residency-by-investment programs, often called "Golden Visas." Eligibility requirements for obtaining …
What Is a Bivens Action? Suing Federal Officers for Civil Rights Violations
A Bivens action is a type of legal claim named for a 1971 U.S. Supreme Court case that allows people to hold federal officials accountable for constitutional violations. Congress did not enact a law creating a Bivens action; it's based on common law. Bivens actions are narrow in scope, but represent an important legal remedy. Understanding their scope and limits is essential for anyone considering a Bivens action. If you are considering filing a Bivens action, it is advisable to consult an …
When Can You Sue the Federal Government? Understanding the FTCA
The government generally cannot be sued without its consent, but Congress has created a limited waiver of federal sovereign immunity through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This federal law allows private individuals to seek monetary damages for certain negligent or wrongful acts by a federal employee acting within the scope of their employment that caused injury or property damage. The process for filing a claim is strictly defined. The U.S. government does not make it easy to sue, and you …
The Future of Birthright Citizenship: Trump v. Barbara and the 14th Amendment
For over a century, a simple principle determined who counts as a U.S. citizen: If you were born on U.S. soil, you are an American (subject to a very narrow set of exceptions). This is known as birthright citizenship, and it touches millions of families. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship against legal challenges in its June 2026 ruling in Trump v. Barbara. The case struck down a 2025 executive order that sought to bypass the long-settled rule on birthright citizenship by …
Constitutional Rights of Noncitizens: Alienage and Equal Protection in US Law
Certain constitutional rights belong to everyone in the United States, including American citizens, visitors, and immigrants, whether documented or not. The fundamental rights guaranteed by the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the U.S. Constitution, as well as the Bill of Rights, apply to every person, regardless of immigration status. Knowing your rights under the law is critical. It's the first line of defense to ensure your rights remain protected. To learn more about the …
Legal Representation: What the Right to an Attorney Means in Practice
Having legal protection in a criminal proceeding is a fundamental right guaranteed by the United States Constitution. If a defendant faces the possible loss of liberty, the government must provide legal counsel to those who cannot afford an attorney. If it does not, the defendant has grounds for an appeal or even a reversal of the conviction. While defendants may have a right to an attorney in criminal cases, exercising that right can be challenging in practice. Read on to learn more about the …
Buying a Home Abroad? Here Are the US Tax Rules You Need To Know
If you are buying a home in another country, whether as a personal residence, vacation property, or rental investment, it’s important to understand the potential U.S tax and reporting consequences. U.S. citizens and many lawful permanent residents generally must report worldwide income on their U.S. tax returns, even if they live abroad. Tax rules can follow you no matter where you live. Given that tax law can be complex and mistakes costly, it’s important to understand how the law applies …
Can You Sue Your HOA? Legal Options for Handling an HOA Dispute
Clashing with a homeowners association (HOA) over property rules, fines, or maintenance issues is never pleasant. While HOAs are designed to maintain community standards, disagreements are incredibly common. In most cases, you do not need to rush to file a lawsuit. Understanding common disputes, internal processes, and alternative dispute resolution processes can go a long way. Whether you can sue your HOA depends on HOA rules and state laws, which vary widely. Consulting with an experienced …
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