Legal Q&A

Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law

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

MI - Michigan

What happens if I was rear-ended while driving a company vehicle?

If you were rear-ended while driving a company vehicle in Michigan, several different legal and insurance issues may come up at the same time. In general, the fact that the vehicle belongs to your employer does not preve...

MA - Massachusetts

My Neighbor Keeps Blocking My Shared Driveway — What Are My Options?

If you live in Massachusetts and a neighbor keeps blocking a shared driveway, the first issue is usually whether you have a legal right to use that driveway and how that right is defined. Shared driveways are often gover...

CA - California

Can a Gym Charge Me After I Tried to Cancel My Membership?

In general, a gym in California may still charge you after you tried to cancel if the cancellation was not completed in the way the membership contract requires, if the gym had a lawful right to bill for a notice period...

AL - Alabama

What happens if I missed court for a misdemeanor charge in Alabama?

If you missed court for a misdemeanor charge in Alabama, the court may treat it as a serious problem. In many situations, failing to appear can lead to a warrant for your arrest, forfeiture of bond, and the case moving f...

RI - Rhode Island

Is it legal for a landlord to charge an application fee and deny me without explanation in Rhode Island?

In general, yes, a landlord in Rhode Island may be allowed to charge an application fee and may also be allowed to deny an application without giving a detailed explanation. That is often true in ordinary rental screenin...

IL - Illinois

I ordered a custom dress and it looks nothing like the sample. Can I refuse it?

In general, maybe. If a custom dress is materially different from the sample, the finished item may be treated as nonconforming to the agreement, which can give the buyer a basis to complain, refuse acceptance, or seek a...

GA - Georgia

Neighbor’s dog keeps getting loose and scratched my car. Can animal control help with property damage?

In Georgia, animal control may be able to help if a neighbor’s dog is repeatedly running loose, creating a nuisance, or violating local animal control rules. Whether animal control can do anything about the car damage it...

MN - Minnesota

How do I report a hidden camera found in a tanning salon room?

If you find what appears to be a hidden camera in a tanning salon room, the safest general approach is to treat it as a possible privacy and criminal issue and report it promptly. In Minnesota, as in many states, the exa...

CA - California

How do I prove someone intentionally recorded me without permission under Penal Code 632?

In California, Penal Code 632 is part of the state’s wiretapping and privacy rules. In general, it addresses the intentional recording or eavesdropping on a confidential communication without the consent of all parties....

CA - California

Dog sitter lost my dog during a weekend trip. What can I realistically recover?

If a dog sitter lost your dog during a weekend trip, you may be able to recover some of your financial losses, but the amount and type of recovery usually depend on the facts, the contract, and California law. In general...

MT - Montana

Do I Have a Small Claims Case if My Boss Destroyed My Personal Property at Work?

If your boss destroyed your personal property at work, you may have a small claims issue in Montana, but the answer usually depends on the facts. In general, a small claims case is about trying to recover the value of pr...

MA - Massachusetts

Can a company record my support call if I stayed on the line after hearing the recording notice?

In Massachusetts, the answer may depend on what notice you received, what the recording said, and whether the call was being recorded in a way allowed by law. If a company clearly told you the call might be recorded and...

CA - California

Can I record a call with an insurance adjuster if I tell them at the beginning?

In California, the answer is usually no if the other person does not agree. California is generally treated as an “all-party consent” state for recording confidential communications, which means telling the insurance adj...

FL - Florida

Can a car dealer cancel my purchase because they found a better buyer?

In general, a car dealer in Florida cannot simply cancel a completed purchase just because another buyer is offering more money. Whether a dealer may back out usually depends on what exactly was signed, whether financing...

NY - New York

How do I stop a debt collector from adding interest to an already disputed debt?

In general, a debt collector may not simply add interest whenever it wants, but whether interest can continue to grow depends on the original agreement, the type of debt, the creditor’s rights, and the applicable law. If...

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