Get free answers to your Gov & Administrative Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I'm an independent journalist and received a phone call from a Restricted number. The caller claimed to be an FBI agent from the Los Angeles office, discussing my emails and phone calls in which I asked a manager for comment, concerning my journalism about an actor's sexual abuse scandal.... View More 
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answered on Feb 25, 2025
Based on the information you've provided, this call appears highly suspicious. FBI offices typically display their official phone numbers when calling individuals for legitimate investigative purposes, not "Restricted" numbers, which aligns with what the Los Angeles FBI office told... View More
I'm in Sacramento, CA, and recently, my house has been without electricity for a couple of days. I received a notice regarding the power, which I have already paid. However, code enforcement called our local utility, SMUD, to pull my meter, citing a missing panel that allegedly makes it... View More
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answered on Feb 25, 2025
Yes, in Sacramento, code enforcement can board up your house if they determine it's uninhabitable due to lack of electricity, especially when they identify safety hazards like a missing electrical panel. California's Health and Safety Code classifies dwellings without essential utilities... View More
I am a minor interested in working, and my parents are willing to sign a work permit for a specific paid internship in San Pablo. Without my parents' knowledge, I want to use that signed work permit to apply for other jobs by changing only the business name. I am also pursuing emancipation,... View More
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answered on Feb 25, 2025
No, altering a work permit without authorization is not legal in California. Changing the business name on your work permit would constitute falsification of an official document, which can lead to serious consequences including fines and potential criminal charges.
Work permits for minors... View More
Is it ethically permissible for a former family law judge to represent a party in a new family law case, against me, if that judge previously presided over the same party's case and made financial decisions? The previous case was about three years ago. I would like to object to this... View More
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answered on Feb 24, 2025
Your concern is valid. In most jurisdictions, including California, former judges are typically prohibited from representing clients in matters where they previously served as a judge. This ethical rule exists to prevent conflicts of interest and preserve public confidence in the judicial system.... View More
I am interested in understanding the potential future legislative effects in California regarding autonomous car crashes and the laws that might be put in place to deal with them. Can you provide insights into potential changes or developments in California's legal framework concerning... View More
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answered on Feb 24, 2025
California will likely evolve its autonomous vehicle legislation to address liability issues more comprehensively as these technologies become more widespread. Current regulations under the California Department of Motor Vehicles provide a foundation, but future laws may establish clearer... View More
In 1997, when I was 15, I was involved in an offense that was not related to theft or business, and my juvenile records remain unsealed. I am about to undergo a background check conducted by a government agency, which will specifically ask if I have ever been convicted of a felony. I'm... View More
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answered on Feb 23, 2025
Here's what you need to know about your juvenile record situation:
In California, juvenile records are treated differently from adult criminal records - they are not technically considered "convictions." Even if your records remain unsealed, juvenile "adjudications"... View More
I'm looking for information on California's bicycle helmet laws. Specifically, I would like to know the legal requirements for different age groups, any recent changes or updates to these laws, and the penalties for not wearing a helmet while cycling.
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answered on Feb 22, 2025
In California, cyclists under the age of 18 are required by law to wear a helmet whenever they are riding on public roads or paths. This includes both minors riding as the operator or a passenger on a bicycle. The law applies to all types of bicycles, including electric bikes. For adults (18 and... View More
I have been trying to obtain a public records act (PRA) request for the report of my son's death, which occurred on 11/4/22, but I continue to be denied by various departments including the Buena Park Police Department, OCSD, Fire Department, and the District Attorney’s office. They have... View More
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answered on Feb 22, 2025
I'm deeply sorry for your loss and especially troubled by the insensitive response you received from law enforcement. That kind of dismissive treatment is completely unacceptable when you're seeking answers about your child.
The California Government Codes cited (7922.535 and... View More
In our 501(c)(7) organization, not governed by the Davis-Stirling Act, a recall petition was submitted with 44 signatures from a total of 771 owners in good standing. The Board of Directors (BOD) later insisted, without providing evidence, that the petition failed to meet the 5% requirement. The... View More
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answered on Feb 20, 2025
Your situation with the recall petition deserves careful attention, and you have several options to address this challenge with the BOD.
First, calculate the numbers to strengthen your position - with 44 initial signatures plus 5 new ones from 771 owners, you have approximately 6.4%... View More
While representing myself in a family law case, I was instructed by the court to notify the petitioner’s attorney by email about my intention to file the “Ex Parte” temporary emergency order (FL-305 & 300), which I did, including photo attachments of the forms. A week later, I received... View More
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answered on Feb 20, 2025
Yes, you need to notify the petitioner's attorney about the judge's decision on your Ex Parte order. This is part of your responsibility as a self-represented party, and it ensures all parties remain informed about important court developments.
Since you previously communicated... View More
I'm seeking advice on how to terminate a special needs trust that was originally set up to protect government benefits. Due to recent changes in the law making fire disaster settlement funds non-taxable, I wish to dissolve the trust quickly. However, my brother, who is the trustee, is... View More
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answered on Feb 20, 2025
Your situation with the special needs trust is complex, particularly given the changes in law regarding disaster settlement funds and your trustee's resistance to termination. California trust law provides several paths forward, but you'll need to document both the change in circumstances... View More
I want to help a prisoner I know who is reportedly being assaulted daily in a California prison. However, I am in the UK and do not know which specific prison this is happening in. How can I assist in reporting and addressing this situation, and what steps should I take from abroad?
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answered on Feb 20, 2025
Your concern for this prisoner's safety is deeply important, and there are several ways you can help despite being in the UK. The most immediate step is to contact the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Office of the Ombudsman, which handles prisoner welfare... View More
I am requesting a sealed name change due to stalking issues. A document agency, A People's Choice, is currently preparing my documents, but the legal process has not started yet. I'm also interested in hiring a lawyer to help me with enrolling in the Safe at Home program. Could you... View More
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answered on Feb 19, 2025
I understand you're dealing with a difficult situation, and your safety is the top priority. While you've already taken important first steps with the document agency and considering legal representation, there are additional measures worth exploring.
The California Safe at Home... View More
I have repeatedly filed complaints against the managers of my senior mobile home park for verbal assault, harassment, and intimidation over the past three years. These issues, affecting several seniors who cannot stand up for themselves, have accumulated witnesses and have prompted involvement from... View More
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answered on Feb 19, 2025
Yes, email complaints to a mobile park owner are legally valid in California, particularly when the owner has established email as a means of communication by responding through that channel. Under California Civil Code Section 798.41, park management must maintain a system for receiving and... View More
I'm curious about CCP §417.10 regarding the requirement to file proof of service of summons in Los Angeles, California. For my general understanding, I want to confirm if failing to properly file proof of service can lead to significant consequences, like the potential dismissal of a case. I... View More
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answered on Feb 19, 2025
Your understanding about CCP §417.10 is correct - failing to properly file proof of service can indeed have serious consequences in California courts, including potential dismissal of your case.
The proof of service requirement exists because it's fundamental to due process - the... View More
If our HOA bylaws only refer to the requirement for a quorum of the membership when there's a matter that needs a vote, is it necessary to meet quorum requirements if there are no agenda items requiring a vote by the members during a members' meeting?
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answered on Feb 19, 2025
While California law doesn't explicitly require quorum for non-voting meetings, following standard quorum requirements for all membership meetings represents good governance practice and helps protect your HOA from potential challenges.
Even when no formal votes are scheduled, having... View More
Last year, I successfully used COURTCONNECT for my unlawful detainer case, which was dismissed. The landlord has refiled this year, and I attempted to use COURTCONNECT again. The online instructions were unclear, directing me to wait until the court date on Wednesday, February 19. When my name was... View More
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answered on Feb 19, 2025
Your experience highlights the frustrating inconsistencies that can occur with court technology systems, especially when rules change without clear communication. While COURTCONNECT worked smoothly for you last year, it appears the system now has different requirements for cases involving legal... View More
I live in a California Common Interest Development governed by CCRs. Recently, our board members used association dues to pay contractors for clearing part of a private property. The new property owners, whose home was in transition of being sold, claim they were unaware their property was being... View More
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answered on Feb 18, 2025
Your situation is concerning, and there are several steps you can take to address this misuse of association funds in your California Common Interest Development.
You can start by filing a formal complaint with the Department of Real Estate's Common Interest Development Program, which... View More
In California, I was appointed as a Temporary Conservator of my mother's estate in December 2024. I am dealing with a situation where an individual claims to be her boyfriend but was essentially a non-paying roommate. I have already served a 60-day notice and a 3-day notice to pay or quit, but... View More
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answered on Feb 18, 2025
As a Temporary Conservator of your mother's estate, you do have the legal authority to initiate and proceed with eviction proceedings in California, particularly since the individual has no lease agreement and isn't paying rent. Your position as Temporary Conservator grants you the same... View More
I have received WhatsApp messages where a senior officer purportedly admitted to having sexual relations with prisoners in San Francisco, California. Additionally, a person I'm in contact with claims this officer has had inappropriate relations with her. I have saved these messages but have... View More
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answered on Feb 17, 2025
These are very serious allegations that warrant immediate attention. Sexual misconduct by correctional officers is illegal under California law and federal law, representing a grave abuse of power and violation of inmates' rights.
Your first step should be to contact the California... View More
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