Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law
Browse published legal information questions related to Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law.
Can police keep questioning me if I say maybe I should talk to an attorney?
In general, police may continue asking questions if your statement about a lawyer is not clear enough to count as a request for counsel. Saying “maybe I should talk to an attorney” can sometimes be treated as ambiguous,...
Do I have to sue the dog owner personally or can I deal with their insurance?
In Rhode Island, a dog bite or dog attack claim is often handled through an insurance claim first if the dog owner has homeowners, renters, or another liability policy that may apply. In many situations, people try to re...
Can my landlord give me a 3-day eviction notice for being $450 behind on rent?
In California, a landlord can often give a 3-day notice to pay rent or quit if rent is unpaid, even if the amount owed is $450. The key issue is usually not the size of the balance by itself, but whether the notice is le...
Can a hospital refund check become unclaimed property if I moved and never received it?
Yes, a hospital refund check can sometimes become unclaimed property if it was issued to you but never cashed, deposited, or otherwise claimed, including situations where you moved and did not receive it. In general, unc...
Do I have to consent to being recorded during a telehealth appointment in California?
In California, the answer is often yes if someone wants to record a telehealth appointment that includes your voice or confidential medical conversation. California is generally considered a two-party consent state for r...
How do I prove my old employer was a qualifying nonprofit if it no longer exists?
If an old employer no longer exists, proving that it was a qualifying nonprofit usually means reconstructing the organization’s status from records that still exist in government databases, tax filings, corporate filings...
Is it legal for my tax refund to be taken because of defaulted student loans?
In general, yes. A tax refund may be taken, or offset, to collect certain past-due debts, including defaulted federal student loans, depending on the facts and the type of debt involved. This is a common collection tool...
How do I get a subpoena for records from a social media platform?
In general, getting records from a social media platform usually involves a subpoena, but the exact process depends on the type of records you want, the platform’s policies, and the court rules that apply in your New Mex...
What are my rights if police say the damage is over $1,000 but the shop estimate is only $650?
In Minnesota, the difference between a police statement that damage is over $1,000 and a shop estimate of $650 may matter a lot, but it does not automatically decide the legal issue. In general, police reports, witness s...
Can I get divorced if my spouse is in the military and deployed overseas?
Yes, in general, you may still be able to file for divorce in Wyoming even if your spouse is in the military and deployed overseas. A deployment does not automatically stop a divorce, but it can affect how the case moves...
What are my rights if I was questioned at home and not read Miranda warnings?
If you were questioned at home and not read Miranda warnings, that does not automatically mean the police did something unlawful, and it does not automatically get the questioning thrown out. In general, Miranda warnings...
How do I cancel a monthly tutoring service that keeps billing after my child stopped attending?
If a tutoring company keeps charging you after your child stopped attending, the first step is usually to review the contract or membership terms you agreed to when you signed up. In many consumer service arrangements, t...
Can I Press Charges for Fake Evidence and Reputation Damage in Georgia?
In Georgia, the answer usually depends on what happened, who made the fake evidence, and how it was used. In general, a private person does not personally “press charges.” Criminal charges are usually handled by law enfo...
Do I have to pay taxes on student loans that are forgiven through PSLF?
In general, federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is designed so that forgiven federal student loan debt is not treated the same way as regular taxable income. For many borrowers, the forgiven amount under PSLF...
What happens if my boss secretly recorded our closed-door meeting without telling me?
In California, secretly recording a private or “confidential” conversation can raise serious legal issues. Whether your boss broke the law usually depends on the setting, who was present, whether everyone knew the conver...