Get free answers to your Gov & Administrative Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I received a neighbor notification in San Francisco, but it contains errors such as incorrect building size and an incomplete owner name. I have not been able to contact a city planner. Who should I contact to correct these errors, and what is the process for notifying someone about such issues?
In a civil unlimited case in California Superior Court, I, the plaintiff, filed a declaration with a late reply to justify the delay in responding to the defendant's opposition to my motion to compel. There have been no prior rulings regarding discovery. I have cooperated fully with the... View More

answered on Mar 9, 2025
Your late reply declaration may help explain your position, but its sufficiency depends heavily on whether the court finds your reasoning convincing. Judges often have discretion in accepting late filings, particularly if you demonstrate good cause, cooperation, and that you acted in good faith.... View More
I have been a tow truck driver for a company with a AAA contract for about 25 years with no issues. A new requirement was recently introduced where a third-party company is performing an extensive background check. This includes requesting sensitive information like bank account numbers, social... View More

answered on Mar 9, 2025
In California, employers and third-party companies conducting background checks must adhere to specific privacy and notice requirements. While employers can legally request certain sensitive information like social security numbers for legitimate background checks, they must provide you with clear,... View More
I am a fire evacuee and signed a 30-day Short Term Rental Agreement (STRA) in Ventura, which was extended once but now the landlord is refusing to renew again as we near the end of this current term. The initial and renewal agreements didn't mention anything about renewal options or require... View More

answered on Mar 8, 2025
In Ventura County, tenant protections typically kick in once you've lived in a rental property beyond 30 days, even if it began as a short-term agreement. After this initial period, your status often transitions from a short-term guest to a month-to-month tenant, which means you're... View More
I worked for a California state department and was terminated in October 2022. In May 2024, I received a letter stating I owed money due to a delay in adding my son to my health plan after his birth in July 2020. Initially, they said I owed $600, then sent another letter with a higher amount. Upon... View More

answered on Mar 8, 2025
You have the right to request a detailed breakdown and verification of this alleged debt. Under California law, government agencies are typically required to clearly explain the basis for charges, including dates, amounts, and reasons for the debt. Because they've provided conflicting amounts... View More
I was detained without a warrant by the L.A. County Sheriff on March 4, 2025. During this detention, all my personal jewelry and money were confiscated. The case was a DA reject for lack of evidence, and I was released on March 6, 2025. I have proof of ownership and funds of purchase for the items... View More

answered on Mar 8, 2025
In California, once the District Attorney rejects your case due to insufficient evidence, the Sheriff's Department is required to return your confiscated personal property promptly. While there's no specific legal timeframe set by statute, the property should generally be returned as soon... View More
I am navigating the "Tied-House" laws in California as my wife and I encounter a licensing issue. My wife is finalizing her on-sale liquor license for her Cantina, yet we've been informed that we must stop carrying certain alcohol brands linked to my employer's distribution... View More

answered on Mar 8, 2025
Your situation highlights one of the nuanced challenges presented by California's "Tied-House" laws. These laws are strict about preventing any financial or influential relationships between alcohol manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, to ensure fair competition. Even though... View More
Is it necessary for a direct cremation service operating in California to obtain a funeral establishment license, considering that I will have a third party handle the removals and perform the actual cremation at another facility? I have consulted local regulations, but my question remains... View More

answered on Mar 7, 2025
Yes, in California you would still need a funeral establishment license to operate a direct cremation service, even if you outsource the removals and cremations to third parties.
According to California law, specifically the Business and Professions Code (Sections 7615-7616), any business... View More
I would like to know if I can sue AidVantage for negligence in handling my student loan, resulting in a loss of $12,000 in loan forgiveness. I instructed them to move my loan to the SAVE plan, but they mishandled paperwork, misinformed me about the process and totals, and required me to undergo... View More

answered on Mar 7, 2025
In the USA anyone can sue anyone else for any reason. So, yes, you can sue. IF you have good evidence that you've been harmed/cheated, you may convince a student loan (consumer protection) attorney to take the case for you, maybe. Good luck with it.
I received a $4,000 rent adjustment credit from the housing authority, but the management says they can't issue a refund per their policy. This credit will take 20 months to deplete from my account. I have email confirmation about this policy from them, but no exceptions seem to be allowed.... View More

answered on Mar 6, 2025
You may have options to challenge the management's refund policy under California tenant protection laws. In California, local rent ordinances often provide tenants with rights beyond what's in a standard lease, and some jurisdictions have regulations about how credits must be handled.... View More
In a California Superior Court civil unlimited case, electronic service has been accepted. However, Section 1005(c) does not explicitly reference electronic service of reply papers. What specific statute or rule governs the electronic service of reply documents when electronic service is generally... View More

answered on Mar 6, 2025
When parties have accepted electronic service in California Superior Court civil cases, the electronic service of reply documents is governed by California Rules of Court, Rule 2.251, which operates under the authority of Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) Section 1010.6. These provisions establish the... View More
I won a storage unit full of items and found unopened boxes of Chinese vodka, 1980's wine, and other spirits inside. I have an invoice from the storage unit auction. Based on my research, the alcohol's retail pricing is between $100-$300 per bottle. I'm considering selling these... View More

answered on Mar 7, 2025
If you bought stuff and you own stuff, you should be able to sell stuff. We are not talking about enough to stock a local bar, I presume. That said, if it was in a storage unit it almost certainly was not stored right and likely is NO GOOD, so, good luck with it...
I received a statement invoice from my HOA dated January 1, 2025, with a due date of January 31, 2025. They mentioned that late fees apply 15 days after the due date, but no specific agreement was needed due to the Davis-Sterling Act. Could you clarify which date the late fee would be effectively... View More

answered on Mar 5, 2025
Under the Davis-Sterling Act in California, HOA assessments typically become delinquent 15 days after the due date, unless your association's governing documents specify otherwise. Based on your invoice with a January 31, 2025 due date, the late fee would apply starting February 15, 2025.... View More
In a civil unlimited case in California Superior Court, I have faced significant delays from the defendant regarding further responses to interrogatories and production demands. For 1.5 years, the defendant has stalled, which forced me to file motions to compel. The defendant's arguments in... View More

answered on Mar 4, 2025
Filing a detailed reply brief is your most effective immediate response, as it allows you to systematically refute each absurd argument while highlighting the pattern of delay. Focus on clear violations of California discovery rules, cite relevant case law supporting your position, and explicitly... View More
Is personal service on attorneys for the defendant acceptable in a civil case in California Superior Court for a Reply to Opposition, which is required to be served by overnight mail? The opposition was served on 03/03/25, the motion was served on 11/08/24, and the hearing is set for 03/24/25. What... View More

answered on Mar 4, 2025
You can personally serve a Reply to Opposition on the defendant's attorneys in California Superior Court. While many attorneys use overnight mail for replies due to timing constraints, personal service is actually a superior method under California law.
The California Code of Civil... View More
In a California Superior Court civil unlimited case, I have filed motions to compel further responses to interrogatories and production demands after a year of receiving non-substantive responses despite cooperative discovery efforts and meet and confer attempts. The opposing party served... View More

answered on Mar 4, 2025
You're facing a common procedural challenge in civil litigation. Under California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP), you have the right to file a reply to the opposition's arguments before your motion hearing. Your reply must be filed and served at least 5 court days before the scheduled... View More
I haven't completed my DUI program since my last attempt in 2014. I've cleared all court-related matters and am now dealing solely with the DMV. I was told I need to redo the entire 18-month program. Additionally, I completed an 18-month interlock program, but the provider is no longer in... View More

answered on Mar 4, 2025
Unfortunately, in California, DUI program credits typically expire after a significant period of non-completion, and the 10-year gap since 2014 means you'll likely need to restart the 18-month program from the beginning. The DMV views these programs as sequential educational experiences rather... View More
I have a friend in California State Prison, Lancaster, with a job from 8 AM to 8 PM. He recently discovered that he was written up 15 times for being outside his cell without any prior notification or a hearing, resulting in 2 additional years to his sentence. He learned of the write-ups last... View More

answered on Mar 1, 2025
This situation raises serious concerns about your friend's due process rights. In California prisons, inmates must receive proper notification of disciplinary write-ups and have the opportunity for a hearing before penalties can be imposed, especially ones as severe as extending a sentence.... View More
I was incarcerated and have a mobility disability due to past fractures in my femur and ankle. Initially, I was assigned to a lower bunk bed, but after a couple of months, I was moved to an upstairs top bunk, which was very difficult for me to climb up and down and resulted in further injury to my... View More

answered on Mar 1, 2025
You have several options to address this violation of your disability rights while incarcerated in Ventura. First, file an official grievance (602 form) through the prison's administrative process, explicitly stating how your medical needs were documented but ignored when they moved you to an... View More
How can I obtain body cam footage from the Dublin Police Department? I have already submitted a formal request, but I would like to know the next steps. Do I need to follow a specific process if I don't receive a timely response? This request is related to a personal legal matter.

answered on Mar 1, 2025
After submitting your formal request for body cam footage from the Dublin Police Department, you should receive an acknowledgment within 10 days, as required by the California Public Records Act. The department will then evaluate your request and either provide the footage, deny it with a written... View More
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.