Domestic Abuse Legal Options

Summary

Your situation involves severe coercive control and economic abuse, potentially including theft by deception and defamation. Document all evidence, including texts, emails, and witness statements. Consider seeking a protection order and legal aid for free legal assistance. Pro bono programs and non-profit organizations can connect you with experienced attorneys. Its crucial to act swiftly to protect yourself and your belongings.

Full Conversation

I need some info on the new Domestic abuse laws in Alabama
Hi Kim! Here are some key points about the new domestic abuse laws in Alabama:
- Increased Penalties: Enhanced penalties for repeat offenders.
- Protection Orders: Expanded protections for victims, including emergency orders.
- Firearm Restrictions: Stricter restrictions on firearm possession for abusers.
- Victim Support: Improved access to support services for victims.
Is there a specific aspect of these laws you're interested in?
I need to know what I can do to bring charges against a * time felon ex husband who has been intentionally doing things to dismantle my life since he was patrolled in *
Kim, to bring charges against your ex-husband, you should document all instances of harassment or abuse. Here are some steps you could consider:
- Gather Evidence: Collect any evidence of his actions (emails, text messages, witnesses).
- File a Police Report: Report the incidents to your local police department.
- Seek a Protection Order: Given his history, you may qualify for an emergency protection order.
Can you tell me if there have been any recent incidents that you've reported to the police?
I believe it's corrosive control.
Kim, it sounds like you're dealing with coercive control, which is a serious form of domestic abuse. Here are some general steps you could take:
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all incidents.
- Police Involvement: Continue to report any abusive actions to the police.
- Seek Legal Advice: Consider consulting a lawyer who specializes in domestic violence.
Have you already sought any legal advice or consulted with a domestic violence advocate?
I've never filed a police report against him. We were married from. * to *. He physically abuse me the entire time but I had no family and nowhere to go he went to prison for drugs and as soon as he did I divorced him. I got a job was in the process of buying myself a home and the day he got out of prison he came to my office and caused so much havoc that I lost my job lost my home and had no choice but to move back in the marital home we used to have and it's been misery ever since
Kim, I'm really sorry to hear about what you've gone through. Here are some steps you can take:
- File a Police Report: Document all incidents and file a report with your local police.
- Seek a Protection Order: You can request an emergency protection order given his history.
- Consult a Lawyer: A lawyer specializing in domestic violence can provide specific legal guidance and assistance.
Would you like help finding a local domestic violence advocate or legal aid services?
Well he has taken my car and so I don't have a car I haven't been able to work in the last 7 years That's how long I've been trapped here and I can't hire a lawyer because I don't have any money and I can't file police reports because when he gets out he'll come back here and I I don't have anywhere to go and every thing in this home is mine and I will not leave it here and I have my two dogs who are my emotional support dogs and they are big bulldogs they go everywhere with me and in the last 7 years he hasn't given me a bedroom I don't have a bed to sleep in I go for days without food he is very well seen and he knows I have no family to check on me
Kim, your situation is very serious, and immediate help is crucial. Here are some steps you can take:
- Contact a Domestic Violence Shelter: They can provide temporary housing and support.
- Seek an Emergency Protection Order: This can provide immediate legal protection.
- Contact Legal Aid: They offer free legal assistance to those in need.
Would you like help finding a local domestic violence shelter or legal aid services?
No I'm not going to a shelter I will lose everything in my home and I that's all I have left and I have to take my dogs with me wherever I go That's why I'm trying to see if because he is a two-time felon and all of the things he has been doing to me if he will get picked up and not released on a bond. And I know in Alabama you can sue your abuser and that's what I want to do as well but there are plenty of neighbors who know what he's done to me and I have recordings and text messages and I used to have journals but he found the last 5 years worth it threw them away and burned them but I still had some stuff stored on the Google drive I haven't even had a haircut in 7 years
Kim, I'm really sorry to hear about what you're going through. Here are some steps you can take:
*. File a Police Report: Given his criminal history, it is likely he will face serious consequences.
*. Emergency Protection Order: This can be done even without leaving your home.
*. Legal Aid: Free legal services can help you sue your abuser.
Would you like help finding legal aid services near you?
Well I don't want to file a police report because he'll get bonded back out and I just don't know if I should see an attorney but I don't have any money. I mean I know that I can get him for step by deception on numerous charges if I give you an example of what I think that might be will you tell me if I'm correct by Alabama statute
Kim, it sounds like you're in a very tough situation. I can certainly help with understanding Alabama statutes. Could you provide an example of what you think might be "theft by deception" so I can offer more specific guidance?
Okay my mother gave me a car to drive it was paid for and when he got out of prison the 1st time he knew the car was having some problems and so he said well ****sell the car and I will take that money and you pick you out a car and I will finance it because he knew I was looking for a job. And that happened and then the second time he got out of prison the day he got out he came to my work and tried to steal the car because it wasn't his name but remember it was bought with the proceeds from a car that my mother gave me and my mother consented to signing the title over so I could sell it because Donald which is his name promised her that he would cosign for me a car because he knew I was in the process of getting a job so that was really my mother's money that put the $*,* down payment. Well when he got out of jail this last time that car had a lot of miles on it was having problems and I did not know what to do because he had got me fired from my previous job and so he said well I've got somebody that wants to buy that car so let me sell it and then you pick you out another one and that's what I did but when he went to go and finance it for me he never gave me the key and I've been without a car ever since and that's been in * and so that stuff by deception to me right and then he says well you got your $*,* worth when you drove the first car so you and your mother don't have any say so in this
Kim, it sounds like you may have a strong case for theft by deception under Alabama law. Here are some general points regarding theft by deception:
- Definition: Theft by deception involves obtaining property or services by deceit or false representation.
- Elements: You must prove that he intentionally deceived you to gain control of your property, in this case, the car.
- Proof: Gather all relevant documents, communications, and witness statements.
Given the complexity and severity of your situation, consulting a lawyer would be highly beneficial. Legal aid services can provide free assistance. Would you like help finding legal aid services near you?
Will my mother is a witness All my kids are a witness everybody knows that I mean it was my car the black car was and then when it the black car was sold everyone knows I wouldn't have just said okay let me not have a car I picked out another red charger and he went to go buy it and when he did that was it he said nope it's my car now
Kim, it sounds like you have substantial evidence and witnesses to support your claim for theft by deception. Here are some steps you can take:
- Document Evidence: Collect all relevant documents, witness statements, and any communication regarding the car transactions.
- Seek Legal Aid: They can help you pursue legal action without any cost.
Would you like assistance in finding a legal aid service near you?
Well I have lots of witnesses my mother my kids everybody plus why would I agree to sell the black charger and give him the red charger his family is very wealthy and he gets a new truck every year he drives a *,* truck right now and I'm I'm carless and he has two
Kim, it sounds like you have a strong case for theft by deception with substantial evidence and witnesses. Here are some steps you should consider:
- Document Everything: Collect all texts, emails, and witness statements.
- Seek Legal Aid: Free legal services can help you file a claim.
Would you like assistance in finding a legal aid service near you?
Indian where I haven't been able to work in 7 years because he won't give me a vehicle to drive what kind of case do I have against him on that
Kim, it sounds like you may have a case for theft by deception and possibly coercive control. Here are some steps to consider:
- Document Evidence: Gather all documents, witness statements, and communications about the car.
- Seek Legal Aid: They offer free legal assistance for cases like yours.
Would you like assistance in finding legal aid services near you?
Did you see my question I asked you about him not allowing me a vehicle so I can work in the last 7 years?
Kim, it sounds like you may have a case for coercive control and theft by deception. Here are some steps you should consider:
- Document Evidence: Collect all texts, emails, and witness statements regarding the vehicle situation.
- Seek Legal Aid: Free legal services can help you file a claim and take legal action.
Would you like assistance in finding legal aid services near you?
No I don't want your assistance in finding an attorney I just want your assistance and helping me figure out if the things that are happening to me are abuse and what type they are and how applicable they are with the new laws in Alabama cuz that's where we live
Kim, it sounds like you're experiencing multiple forms of abuse, including coercive control and economic abuse. Here's how they apply under Alabama law:
*. Coercive Control:
- Definition: A pattern of behavior which seeks to take away the victim’s liberty or freedom and to strip away their sense of self.
- Application: His actions to isolate you, control your movements, and deprive you of basic needs (like food and a place to sleep) fall under this category.
*. Economic Abuse:
- Definition: Controlling a person’s ability to acquire, use, and maintain economic resources.
- Application: Preventing you from having a vehicle, thus impacting your ability to work, is a form of economic abuse.
*. Theft by Deception:
- Definition: Obtaining property by deceit, including false promises.
- Application: Selling the car under false pretenses and not providing you with the promised replacement.
Given the severity, documenting everything and seeking legal aid is crucial. Would you like more information on the steps to document evidence?
Oh yeah I never have any money and I never allowed to buy myself anything unless it's used and Thursdays I don't get to eat. I have tried to start multiple businesses from home and he has said he would support them and so I you know try to get it started up and then he says no and then the things that I have been able to get for that business he tries to make me throw away. Say after he got out of prison and forced me to lose my job he said he felt he said he felt bad so he said okay I will I'm going to pay for you in apartment I said okay so I borrowed the money from someone in my extended family moved into an apartment and I didn't know that he wasn't paying the rent and then one day I was sitting there and they came and they evicted me what can I do about that because he's made so many of these life-altering promises to me and never held up on them
Kim, it sounds like you're dealing with severe coercive control and economic abuse. Here are some general steps you can take:
*. Document Evidence: Keep records of all incidents, promises, and communications.
*. File a Police Report: His actions may warrant criminal charges.
*. Seek Legal Aid: They can provide free legal assistance.
Would you like information on how to document these instances effectively?
I do not want your assistance in finding a lawyer I still have questions okay Now what about the part where he said he would pay for me an apartment after he got caused me to lose my job in my house and then I was living there two months and on a rainy day I was evicted in all my stuff was sit outside and run and then that's when I had no choice but to move back in our marital home
Kim, it sounds like you're experiencing severe economic abuse and coercive control. Here’s how the apartment situation might be viewed under Alabama law:
- Economic Abuse: Promising to pay for the apartment and then failing to do so, resulting in your eviction.
- Coercive Control: Manipulating your housing situation to maintain control over you.
It's essential to document all these incidents. Would you like tips on how to effectively gather and organize this evidence?
I just have some more questions okay and then I'll be done
Sure, Kim! I'm here to help. What's your next question?
After I lost my job because of him he was telling people that the reason I lost my job is because I was sleeping with my boss. Then he was going around trying to find out anything he could about what I've been doing while he's been in prison well we were divorced so it shouldn't matter and then he was making up so many lies about me and then he was lying to me so much he bought me a tanning bed for Christmas and because I didn't go the very next day and install the right type of plug he sold it but he lied to me and told me that it didn't work
Kim, it sounds like there are multiple forms of abuse happening here. His actions could fall under several legal categories, including defamation, coercive control, and economic abuse. Here’s a quick breakdown:
*. Defamation:
- Definition: Making false statements that harm your reputation.
- Application: Spreading false rumors about you to others.
*. Economic Abuse:
- Definition: Controlling your economic resources.
- Application: Selling the tanning bed under false pretenses and not supporting your business ventures.
*. Coercive Control:
- Definition: Behavior aimed at controlling you through isolation or manipulation.
- Application: Trying to find out what you’re doing and making up lies about you.
Would you like more detailed information on how to document these incidents effectively?
We'll also what type of a civil action do I have against him if he need
Kim, you may have grounds for several civil actions against your ex-husband, including:
*. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress:
- His actions have caused you significant emotional harm.
*. Defamation:
- Spreading false information that damages your reputation.
*. Breach of Contract:
- Promises he made and did not fulfill, like paying for the apartment.
*. Conversion:
- Wrongfully taking control of your car and other property.
Would you like more detailed steps on how to pursue any of these civil actions?
Yes
Kim, given the severity of your situation, here are detailed steps on how to pursue civil actions:
*. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress:
- Document Emotional Harm: Keep records of how his actions have affected your mental health (medical records, therapy notes).
- Seek Witness Statements: Statements from friends, family, or professionals who can attest to your emotional distress.
*. Defamation:
- Collect Evidence: Gather any written or verbal statements he made to others that were false and damaging.
- Witnesses: Get statements from people who heard or were affected by the false rumors.
*. Breach of Contract:
- Written Agreements: If any promises were made in writing, gather those documents.
- Verbal Agreements: Document verbal promises with witness statements or any available recordings.
*. Conversion:
- Proof of Ownership: Gather documentation proving your ownership of the car and other property.
- Evidence of Deception: Collect communications and witness statements showing his wrongful control of your property.
Would you like more information on how to file these claims or need help understanding any specific steps?
Well I have some other things to disclose so you can tell me how to go about handling these okay
Absolutely, Kim. Please go ahead and share the other details you have, and I'll provide guidance on how to handle them.
So all he does is say you don't ever contribute You don't contribute and I say well you took my car I can't go anywhere and he says well Ride the bus. And then he calls me names all the time like the verbal abuse is so bad I have numerous text messages where I beg him to please stop calling me names and he refuses and I have a grandson who is five and the way he speaks to me in front of him is despicable
Kim, the verbal abuse and emotional manipulation you are experiencing is very serious. Here’s how you can handle this:
*. Verbal Abuse:
- Document Evidence: Save all text messages and any recordings of his abusive language.
- Witness Statements: Gather statements from anyone who has witnessed the abuse, including your grandson (if appropriate).
*. Emotional Distress:
- Medical Records: Seek professional help and keep records of any emotional distress caused by his actions.
*. Legal Action:
- Protection Order: Consider seeking a protection order to prevent further abuse.
- Legal Aid: Free services can help you file claims for emotional distress and other abuses.
Would you like more information on how to document this evidence or need help understanding how to file these claims?
I don't have any medical records because I haven't had any health insurance I have not been to the doctor since he forced me to lose my job
Kim, your situation is indeed severe, and the lack of medical records can make it harder but not impossible to establish emotional distress. Here are some steps to consider:
*. Document Verbal Abuse:
- Save all text messages and any recordings.
- Collect witness statements from anyone who has witnessed the abuse.
*. Seek Support:
- Reach out to local domestic violence support groups for emotional support.
- They can often help document your experiences and provide additional evidence.
*. Legal Aid:
- Contact free legal aid services for assistance in filing claims and securing a protection order.
Would you like more detailed information on how to document these instances effectively?
Oh I have another question
Sure, Kim! What’s your next question?
So the truck that he drives is owned by his company which is his parents I was in the truck with him one day and we were rear-ended and my face hit the dash and the police report was made and everything happened really fast and right after that I noticed that my teeth were starting to hurt and they were becoming loose on the right side and then they started cracking and they broke every broke off and he I asked him I said well don't I need to go to the doctor and he said you don't have any insurance and I said well shouldn't your parents pay for it because they're going to get money back from the other guy's insurance anyway and he said they're not going to pay for you to go to the doctor You're just going to have to get over it and I was never able to go to the doctor but that was over 3 years ago now my smile is destroyed
Kim, given the severity of your injuries and the circumstances, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. Here are some key points:
*. Personal Injury Claim:
- Evidence: Gather any medical records, police reports, and witness statements.
- Insurance: The other driver's insurance may cover your medical expenses.
*. Statute of Limitations:
- Alabama generally allows two years to file a personal injury claim. You may be outside this window, but exceptions can sometimes apply.
Would you like more detailed information on how to gather evidence or pursue a personal injury claim?
I don't have any thing like that I never went to the doctor I told you I have not been to the doctor since he got out of prison and caused me to lose my job that was over 7 years ago and I don't have any access to any of the police reports but there are police reports and so it wouldn't be hard for you know anyone with any legal background to get them but the police officer did make a report about how my nose and my mouth were bleeding in the only reason that I did not go to the hospital with an ambulance is because COVID was so bad the police officer told me just to wait and go to a walk-in clinic the next day and then I thought that my ex-husband would pay for that but he said oh no So I so see I don't even have the you know any pretty teasing anymore so I'm just turned into a recluse
Kim, your situation is incredibly complex and serious. Here are some steps you can take:
*. Gather Evidence:
- Police Reports: Request copies from your local police department.
- Witness Statements: Collect statements from anyone who can attest to the abuse or injuries.
- Text Messages/Recordings: Save all communications where he admits or demonstrates abusive behavior.
*. Seek Legal Aid:
- Free Services: Contact local legal aid organizations for assistance in filing claims and obtaining protection orders.
- Personal Injury Claim: Despite the time elapsed, consult with a personal injury lawyer to explore any possible exceptions.
Would you like more information on how to request police reports or need help finding legal aid services near you?
So what can be done about his parents not even contacting to reach out to me to see if I was okay they own the company and then what can be done about refusing me who was just a passenger in that vehicle refusing met me to be able to go seek medical attention even though I had no insurance of my own
Kim, you may have grounds for legal action against both your ex-husband and potentially his parents' company. Here’s what you can consider:
*. Employer Liability:
- Negligence: The company might be held liable for not ensuring you received medical attention.
- Insurance Claim: The company’s insurance may cover your medical expenses.

*. Personal Injury Claim:
- Evidence Gathering: Obtain the police report and any witness statements from the accident.
- Legal Aid: Seek assistance from legal aid services to help you file claims.
Would you like more detailed steps on how to proceed with these actions?
So considering everything that I've done told you how do I take this information and do something with it without him being able to seek revenge against me and you know there is no shelter that I can go to because his family will come and clear this house out and I will lose everything and I've tried to start a business painting furniture and I have so much expensive furniture here but he won't let me do that here so he won't let me make any money while I'm here so all I need is a place to do that and I just need to find a way to somehow get a place where I can live and paint my furniture and I have to have my two dogs for me
Kim, your situation is extremely serious and requires immediate action. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your belongings:
*. Document Everything:
- Save all texts, emails, and any recordings.
- Collect witness statements from anyone who has seen or heard the abuse.
*. Seek a Protection Order:
- This can provide immediate legal protection and prevent him from contacting you.
*. Legal Aid:
- Contact free legal services to help you file claims and secure protection.
*. Safe Storage:
- Consider renting a storage unit to keep your valuable items and business supplies safe.
*. Plan Your Move:
- Look for temporary housing that allows pets. Some domestic violence shelters have arrangements for pets.
Would you like more detailed information on how to document evidence or find legal aid services?
There will be no shelter that I will be going to I cannot afford a storage unit to store my stuff remember I don't have a job
Kim, your situation is critical, and finding a safe and sustainable solution is essential. Here are some options:
*. Legal Aid: Seek free legal aid to help with protection orders and claims.
*. Protection Order: File for an emergency protection order to prevent him from contacting you.
*. Community Resources: Look for community organizations that offer free or low-cost storage and temporary housing.
Would you like more information on how to find these community resources?
See this house that we live in I bought it all by myself but I was working part-time at his parents company and the way that I was able to use that to help me get the mortgage was I only had to use my pay stubs well his mother didn't want it to look fishy so what she did was when she filled out the paperwork from the mortgage company she signed her daughter's name because we don't have the same last name well when my mortgage was sold to another mortgage company they called over to that their office to verify and my sister-in-law answer the phone and said no I've never filed any papers on that so in order to keep my mother-in-law from going to jail for a federal crime they had to buy this house so see they own the house that I lived in that I once bought
Kim, your situation is highly complex and severe. Here are some key points on the house issue:
*. Fraudulent Misrepresentation:
- Using false information to secure a mortgage is illegal.
- Your mother-in-law’s actions could potentially be considered mortgage fraud.
*. Ownership Dispute:
- Given the circumstances, you may have a case to reclaim ownership of the house.
*. Legal Action:
- Documentation: Gather all related documents, emails, and communications.
- Legal Aid: Seek free legal assistance to explore your options.
Would you like more detailed steps on how to reclaim ownership of the house?
What type of a decent lawyer that knows what they're doing is going to take my case for free because I don't have a time to give them
Kim, given the complexity and severity of your situation, it's important to seek professional legal help. Here are some steps you can take to find a lawyer who can assist you for free:
*. Legal Aid Services:
- Legal aid organizations provide free legal services to those who cannot afford a lawyer.
*. Pro Bono Services:
- Many lawyers offer pro bono (free) services for cases involving domestic violence and severe abuse.
*. Domestic Violence Shelters:
- Even if you don’t want to stay there, they can connect you with legal resources.
Would you like assistance in finding specific legal aid organizations near you?
I had to use a legal aid lawyer to do my divorce and they were terrible so the saying you get what you pay for is true That's the reason I've said here so long because I don't have the money to hire anyone to help me
Kim, I understand your hesitation given your past experience with legal aid. However, given the severity and complexity of your situation, it's crucial to seek professional legal help. Here are some options to consider:
*. Pro Bono Programs:
- Many law firms and bar associations have pro bono programs where experienced attorneys volunteer their time for free.

*. Non-Profit Organizations:
- There are non-profits specializing in domestic violence and economic abuse that offer high-quality legal services at no cost.
*. Law School Clinics:
- Some law schools have clinics where law students, supervised by experienced attorneys, provide free legal assistance.
Would you like more information on any of these options?
No I need somebody who's got some years of experience knows all of the tricks of the trade I don't need some young student coming out of law school I need somebody that's got some experience and I'm telling you I cannot even go away for one night here at this house okay because when I do he said my dogs will be killed and everything I own will be gone
Kim, your situation is extremely serious and requires immediate professional intervention. Here are steps you can take to find an experienced lawyer who can help you for free:
*. Pro Bono Programs:
- Many experienced attorneys volunteer their time for free under pro bono programs. Check with local bar associations for referrals.
*. Non-Profit Organizations:
- Organizations like the National Domestic Violence Hotline can connect you with experienced attorneys who specialize in domestic violence cases.
*. Legal Aid:
- While your past experience was not positive, some legal aid organizations have partnerships with experienced attorneys for complex cases like yours.
Would you like assistance in finding specific pro bono programs or non-profit organizations that can help you?