Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
Is it defamation if someone posts a fake warning about me in a local parents’ group?
In general, a fake warning posted about you in a local parents’ group may be defamatory if it makes a false statement of fact about you and harms your reputation. Whether it counts as defamation usually depends on exactl...
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...
Is it legal for police to question me before Miranda if they say it was for public safety?
In general, police may be allowed to ask questions before giving Miranda warnings if they are trying to address an immediate public safety concern. This is often called the “public safety” exception. It is usually discus...
Is it legal for a landlord to charge for overnight guests?
In general, a landlord may be able to charge for overnight guests only if the rental agreement clearly allows it or if the guest’s presence changes the nature of the tenancy in some way the lease addresses. The exact ans...
How do I handle finding a camera disguised as a phone charger in a vacation rental?
Finding a camera disguised as a phone charger in a vacation rental can be alarming, and in Georgia it may raise both privacy and criminal-law concerns depending on the facts. In general, the safest first steps are to avo...
What are my rights if a detective says asking for a lawyer will make me look guilty?
If a detective says that asking for a lawyer will make you look guilty, the safest general rule is that you still have the right to ask for a lawyer. In the United States, a request for counsel is generally a protected c...
Do I have to answer questions from detectives if they say I am not under arrest?
In general, no. In South Carolina, as in the rest of the United States, being told that you are not under arrest usually means the police have not formally taken you into custody. That does not automatically create a dut...
What happens if a finance company repossessed my car even though I was only 12 days late?
In Iowa, a car loan or retail installment contract may allow repossession after a missed payment or default, but the exact right to repossess depends on the contract and the law that applies to the transaction. Being onl...
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...
How do I prove a conversation was private enough for two-party consent rules to apply?
In Washington, whether a conversation was private enough for two-party consent rules to apply usually depends on the facts and the context of the recording. In general, the key question is not just whether the conversati...
Can police use a statement I made voluntarily before they asked any questions?
In New Jersey, a statement you make voluntarily before police start asking questions may sometimes be used by law enforcement. Whether it can be used often depends on the circumstances, including whether the statement wa...
How do I file a claim after hitting debris that fell from a truck on the highway?
If you hit debris that fell from a truck on an Iowa highway, the first step is usually to focus on safety and documentation. Move to a safe location if you can, check for injuries, and call emergency services if anyone i...
Do I have to call the police if I discover a hidden camera in an Airbnb rental?
If you discover a hidden camera in an Airbnb rental in New York, you generally are not legally required in every situation to call the police just because you found it. But in many cases, contacting law enforcement may b...
Can I qualify for forgiveness if I work for a nonprofit but my paycheck comes from a management company?
In general, the answer may depend on who is considered your employer for the forgiveness program, not just on the day-to-day work you do. If you work for a nonprofit but receive your paycheck from a separate management c...
What are my rights if a hidden camera recorded me changing clothes at a gym?
If a hidden camera recorded you changing clothes at a gym in Illinois, you may have serious privacy concerns and possibly several legal options, depending on the facts. In general, recording someone in a changing area is...