Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law
Browse published legal information questions related to Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law.
What are my rights if the insurance company wants me to use a specific repair shop?
In general, an insurance company may recommend or prefer a particular repair shop after a claim, but that does not always mean you are required to use it. In Maryland, as in many states, the details usually depend on you...
Can I record a phone call with my landlord if I tell them at the beginning and they keep talking?
In California, the answer is usually no unless the legal recording rules are satisfied. California is generally considered a two-party consent state, which means you often need the other person’s consent before recording...
I canceled a cleaning service but they showed up anyway and billed me. Do I owe it?
In Virginia, the answer usually depends on the facts of the cancellation, the service agreement, and what notice the company received. If you properly canceled before the scheduled visit and the company still came anyway...
What happens if a credit card company raises my interest rate to 29% without warning?
If a credit card company raises your interest rate to 29% without warning, the first question is whether the increase was allowed under the card agreement and applicable law. In general, credit card issuers can change in...
How do I file a personal injury claim against a city for a dangerous sidewalk?
In Iowa, a personal injury claim against a city for a dangerous sidewalk usually involves more than simply reporting the injury and asking for payment. Claims against a city often involve special notice rules, shorter de...
How do I modify an antiharassment order to add my new address after I moved?
In Washington, if you moved and need your new address reflected in an antiharassment order, the usual starting point is to review the order and any related court paperwork to see how the court handled address confidentia...
Is it legal for police to arrest me without saying Miranda warnings first?
Yes, in general, police can arrest you without first reading Miranda warnings. Miranda warnings are not usually required before an arrest itself. They are generally required only before a person is subjected to custodial...
Do I have to know the harasser personally to file under RCW 7.105?
In Washington, you generally do not have to know the other person personally to ask for protection under RCW 7.105. The key question is usually not whether you had a prior relationship, but whether the facts fit the lega...
Is it legal for a car dealer to run my credit multiple times without my consent?
In Texas, a car dealer may be able to access your credit more than once in connection with a vehicle purchase or financing process, but whether that is lawful depends on the facts, the disclosures you received, and the p...
How do I handle student loans if I became permanently disabled and cannot work?
If you became permanently disabled and can no longer work, there may be relief options for your student loans, but the right path depends on what kind of loans you have, who services them, and whether the loans are feder...
What Should I Do if I Identified the Neighbor Who Stole My Package?
If you identified a neighbor who may have stolen your package, the safest first step is usually to avoid confronting the person directly. A heated confrontation can escalate the situation, create safety concerns, or make...
Can I challenge a will in Alabama if my sibling pressured my mother to change it?
In Alabama, a will may sometimes be challenged if someone believes the testator was pressured into changing it, but the legal issue is usually framed as undue influence rather than ordinary family conflict. Pressure, per...
I bought a puppy from a breeder and the vet found major health issues. What rights do I have?
If you bought a puppy from a breeder in New York and a veterinarian later found major health problems, you may have several possible consumer and contract-related rights depending on the facts. In general, the key questi...
How do I handle a credit card company reopening a dispute after I thought the chargeback was final?
If a credit card company reopens a dispute after you believed the chargeback was final, the first step is usually to read every notice carefully and confirm what changed. In general, a payment dispute can be reopened if...
What are my rights if my parked car was damaged by a snowplow?
If your parked car was damaged by a snowplow in Idaho, you may have rights to seek compensation, but the available options usually depend on who operated the snowplow, where the damage happened, and what kind of insuranc...