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,...
Is it legal for an insurance company to deny my claim because I waited three days to report the crash?
In Arkansas, an insurance company may try to deny or reduce a claim if the accident was not reported right away, but a delay of three days does not automatically mean the insurer can legally deny the claim. In general, t...
What happens if a payday lender threatens to sue me over a $400 loan?
If a payday lender threatens to sue you over a $400 loan, it usually means the lender or a debt collector is trying to get payment and may be using the threat of litigation as leverage. That does not automatically mean a...
Can a Neighbor Be Liable for Water Runoff Flooding My Yard?
In Oklahoma, a neighbor may sometimes be liable if water runoff from their property is causing flooding in your yard, but the answer usually depends on the facts. The key issues are often where the water is coming from,...
What happens if a customer leaves a Google review falsely saying my restaurant gave them food poisoning?
If a customer posts a Google review falsely claiming your Texas restaurant caused food poisoning, the review may create serious business and reputational harm. In general, a false statement of fact published to others ca...
Do I have to pay a personal loan if the lender violated the terms of the agreement?
In general, a borrower does not automatically stop owing a personal loan just because the lender may have violated the agreement. Under ordinary contract principles, each side’s duties depend on the loan terms, the natur...
How do I know whether I was in custody for Miranda purposes?
In general, Miranda warnings are required only when a person is both in custody and being interrogated by law enforcement. That means the key question is not just whether police were talking to you, but whether the situa...
My Car Was Damaged by a Pothole — Can the City Be Liable?
In Pennsylvania, a city or other government entity may sometimes be liable for pothole-related vehicle damage, but these claims are usually limited and fact-specific. Whether a public entity can be responsible often depe...
What Should I Do If a Contractor Damaged My Driveway During a Project?
If a contractor damaged your driveway during a project, the first step is usually to document the damage as carefully as possible. Take clear photos and videos, keep copies of the contract, and write down what happened,...
How do I apply for student loan forgiveness after teaching at a low income school for five years?
If you have taught at a low-income school for five years, you may be asking about federal teacher loan forgiveness or another federal student loan relief program. In general, these programs are separate from each other,...
What happens if I signed a waiver before getting hurt at a trampoline park?
In Alaska, signing a waiver before going to a trampoline park does not automatically end every possible claim if you are injured there. In general, a waiver is meant to limit the business’s liability, but its effect can...
Do I have to sign a medical release for the insurance company after a car accident?
In general, you do not automatically have to sign whatever medical release an insurance company sends after a car accident. In Rhode Island, as in many states, an insurer may ask for records or authorizations so it can e...
Can I apply for forgiveness if my federal loans are in default right now?
In general, being in default on federal student loans does not automatically mean you can never pursue forgiveness, but it can make the process more complicated. Whether forgiveness is available usually depends on the sp...
What happens if my ex posted false accusations about me during our custody dispute?
If an ex posts false accusations about you during a custody dispute, the consequences can vary a lot depending on what was said, where it was posted, and whether the statements can be shown to be false. In Colorado, publ...
How do I handle a car accident claim when the police report has the wrong street listed?
If a police report lists the wrong street after a car accident, that mistake does not always control how an insurance claim is handled. In Georgia, as in many states, a crash report is usually one piece of evidence, not...