I am questioning if I have a case as I feel my rights have been taken from me. I am disabled and unemployable. My sole income is from disability income from the VA and Social Security. I was found in contempt of court by a Florida county judge. The judge threatened to have my income garnished, and threatened me with incarceration. I have physical and mental disabilities. I suffer from PTSD. I live in Texas, and for the court hearing, my ex-wife and I conferenced in by phone. I have a lawyer representing me in the courtroom in Florida. I do not feel I was ever in contempt as I did not have the ability to pay the alimony.
I petitioned to modify my alimony, and the judge stopped it. His reasoning was because of the amount of income I made in 1996 compared to what I receive now, which is double in amount. I believe he erred in judgment. My ex-wife lied on her financial affidavit, but the judge ignored it. The judge has been very prejudiced towards me.
Last week, the judge did not allow me to participate in the court hearing, due to my being in contempt. I had been ordered to pay the alimony, or show up and turn myself into the county jail. Because of my disability I could not travel from Texas to Florida, and I also did not have the money to travel. So, I was not able to speak for myself during the hearing.
During the hearing, the judge said something that I feel was very discriminating. He said that "you wake up every morning to free money." I find this to be a very derogatory remark. It is very demeaning. The judge knew that I am not on welfare and not on food stamps.
I retired from the Navy. Served in Vietnam and Desert Storm. The Veterans Administration rated me for my service connected injuries. The money I receive from Social Security disability is determined by what I paid into FICA taxes my entire working life.
At the end of the court hearing the judge asked me a question, which caught me off guard. I did not understand what he asked, so I politely asked him to repeat the question. He was very disrespectful, by saying he would not repeat the question. He said he already knew my answer.
There was a court reporter so everything that was said and occurred is on record.
Do I have a civil rights case? The judge, my ex-wife and her lawyer have caused me much emotional stress and suffering. I have to question whether taking money from someone that is disabled is legal? Have disability rights laws been broken?
I need a lawyer that can take my case.
I petitioned to modify my alimony, and the judge stopped it. His reasoning was because of the amount of income I made in 1996 compared to what I receive now, which is double in amount. I believe he erred in judgment. My ex-wife lied on her financial affidavit, but the judge ignored it. The judge has been very prejudiced towards me.
Last week, the judge did not allow me to participate in the court hearing, due to my being in contempt. I had been ordered to pay the alimony, or show up and turn myself into the county jail. Because of my disability I could not travel from Texas to Florida, and I also did not have the money to travel. So, I was not able to speak for myself during the hearing.
During the hearing, the judge said something that I feel was very discriminating. He said that "you wake up every morning to free money." I find this to be a very derogatory remark. It is very demeaning. The judge knew that I am not on welfare and not on food stamps.
I retired from the Navy. Served in Vietnam and Desert Storm. The Veterans Administration rated me for my service connected injuries. The money I receive from Social Security disability is determined by what I paid into FICA taxes my entire working life.
At the end of the court hearing the judge asked me a question, which caught me off guard. I did not understand what he asked, so I politely asked him to repeat the question. He was very disrespectful, by saying he would not repeat the question. He said he already knew my answer.
There was a court reporter so everything that was said and occurred is on record.
Do I have a civil rights case? The judge, my ex-wife and her lawyer have caused me much emotional stress and suffering. I have to question whether taking money from someone that is disabled is legal? Have disability rights laws been broken?
I need a lawyer that can take my case.
