Legal Q&A

Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law

Browse published legal information questions related to Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law.

MD - Maryland

What are my rights if a blogger falsely claimed I was arrested for domestic violence?

If a blogger falsely claimed that you were arrested for domestic violence, you may have several possible legal concerns under Maryland law, depending on exactly what was published, whether it was false, and whether it ca...

MN - Minnesota

How do I handle a Minnesota damage to property charge for spray painting a garage door?

If you are facing a Minnesota damage to property charge involving spray painting a garage door, the most important first step is to treat it as a criminal matter and avoid guessing about the facts or the law. In general,...

NY - New York

Do I have to provide my Social Security number to the insurance adjuster handling my injury claim?

In general, you do not automatically have to give an insurance adjuster your Social Security number just because you are making an injury claim in New York. An adjuster may ask for it as part of the claim process, but an...

CA - California

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...

NM - New Mexico

How do I handle a claim if my injury symptoms got worse two days after the accident?

If your injury symptoms got worse two days after an accident, that does not automatically mean the claim is invalid. In many personal injury situations, symptoms can appear later or become more noticeable after the shock...

MT - Montana

Do I have to pay for repairs if the other driver’s insurer accepts fault but says their policy limit is too low?

In general, if another driver caused the crash and their insurer accepts fault, that does not necessarily mean the insurer will pay all of your repair costs. The insurer usually owes only up to the policy limit available...

RI - Rhode Island

Do I have to get a model release if AI creates a realistic image of a person who looks real?

In general, maybe. A model release is most commonly discussed when you use a real person’s likeness, but AI-generated images can raise similar issues if the image is realistic enough that people could think it depicts an...

MS - Mississippi

What happens if a finance company reports incorrect late payments?

If a finance company reports late payments that are wrong, the information may hurt your credit report and credit score, even if you did not actually pay late. In general, inaccurate late-payment reporting can affect loa...

MN - Minnesota

What are my rights if I am accused of slashing tires but there is no video evidence?

If you are accused of slashing tires in Minnesota and there is no video evidence, you still have important rights. In general, an accusation alone does not prove guilt. The government usually still has to gather and pres...

MT - Montana

Do I have to disclose AI-generated material when filing a copyright infringement lawsuit?

In general, if AI-generated material is part of the material you plan to rely on in a copyright infringement lawsuit, it may need to be disclosed through the normal litigation process. That can include pleadings, discove...

AL - Alabama

Is it legal for police in Alabama to search my car during a traffic stop without consent?

In Alabama, police may sometimes search a car during a traffic stop without your consent, but not in every situation. In general, the U.S. Constitution limits searches and seizures, and police usually need either your co...

WY - Wyoming

Can I sue for emotional distress after my dog was injured in the car accident?

In general, you might be able to bring a claim for emotional distress after a car accident that injures your dog, but the answer usually depends on the facts and the law in your state. In Wyoming, as in many states, the...

CA - California

How do I know whether a public sidewalk conversation is private enough for Penal Code 632?

In California, the answer usually depends on whether the conversation was carried on in a way that a reasonable person would expect it to be confidential. A public sidewalk is a public place, so that setting often makes...

CO - Colorado

What happens if I was partly at fault because I was looking at my phone when I fell?

If you were looking at your phone when you fell, that fact may affect a claim for injuries, but it does not automatically end the claim. In Colorado, fault is often compared between the injured person and other responsib...

AK - Alaska

What happens if I settled my property damage claim but later found more damage?

If you already settled a property damage claim and later discover additional damage, the settlement may still control the situation. In general, a settlement is meant to resolve the claim based on the facts known at the...

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