My cosmetic surgeon is in jail and all the medical records have been seized. I need mine ASAP. How do I proceed to obtain them

Prosecutor would be one step, another might be medical board of CA.

Do I have a personal injury case (living in CA)?

No.

Is there a residency requirement to file a civil claim (defamation) in California?

You can do it. The question is if you should. That answer is probably no.

You need a WC lawyer. It's a big mistake to navigate that area without one.

Hit by a person who crossed 2 red lights because she had not brakes, but my insurance had expired 24 hr before, who's liable?

You need a good insurance coverage lawyer. If I representing you, I'd want to see the police report as well.

Doesn't sound like a great case.

2 dogs came into my yard and attacked my roomate and my yorkie and killed my yorkie

You need the dogs' owner to have insurance. I'd contact animal control and make a claim against him.

COURT DATE TOMORROW: I'm 17, and drove with out having a license, in an uninsured non-oped vehicle and dented another car.

Your best bet is a traffic lawyer.

COURT DATE TOMORROW: I'm 17, and drove with out having a license, in an uninsured non-oped vehicle and dented another car.

See other answer.

I was wondering if I could reopen a case that I had in 2000. If coerced to sign and not emotionally stable

It'll be very difficult, if not impossible.