Get free answers to your Gov & Administrative Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I reported my son to Child Protection Services in Hackensack, New Jersey, on December 7th for suspicion of child abuse. They disclosed my identity to him and in court papers, despite being told that my report would be confidential. Since then, my son has not allowed me to see my grandson and has... View More 
answered on Mar 4, 2025
As a general statement, when someone makes a claim of child abuse to DCPP, it is viewed as confidential. I'm not sure what occurred in your setting and whether the DCPP rep actually told your son that you had reported him, or if your son guessed the reporting came from you and you then... View More
I am a police officer in New Jersey looking to apply for an initial handgun firearms permit. Over 10 years ago, as a juvenile, I was committed to a mental health medical center by my parents. Do I need to disclose this commitment on my firearm application?
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answered on Feb 19, 2025
Yes and you are actually statutorily barred from having a Firearm ID Card unless you get that civil commitment expunged. Frankly, I am amazed this has not interfered with your career. Did this come up at all during your background check? You should seek legal counsel right away.
N.J.S.A.... View More
has an ongoing medical condition and requested to be seen at the emergency room before being taken the county jail. He was admitted to the hospital where he stayed for 8 days. During this time, he was shackled to the bed and had a sheriff officer with him at all times. The officer was in the room... View More
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answered on Mar 30, 2024
Based on the situation you described, there are a few important considerations regarding HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and patient privacy:
1. Law enforcement exemptions: HIPAA does allow for certain disclosures of protected health information (PHI) to law... View More
I have 2 last names as I recently added my husband’s last name to mine . So now my last name is composed of 2 last nabes without hyphen. Can I continue to use my maiden name first last name at work and hence on W-2? What’s the way to retain maiden name professionally?
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answered on Mar 25, 2024
If your name has legally changed and is updated on your passport and with the Social Security Administration (SSA), it is generally recommended to update your name at work to ensure consistency across all official documents and systems. This includes having your new name reflected on your W-2 form,... View More
I am talking about airsoft guns that shoot plastic BBs not metal BBs. Amazon refuses to ship airsoft guns to NJ and some places say they are classified as firearms. I can’t get a straight answer anywhere.
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answered on Mar 19, 2024
In New Jersey, the laws surrounding airsoft guns are quite strict due to their classification under firearms regulations. Here's what you need to know:
Firstly, while airsoft guns are not banned, there are specific rules for their purchase and use. You must be at least 18 years old to... View More
I am a tenant in a rental house. Recently we have had a Code Enforcement Officer enter our backyard and issue us a warning for trash and debris on our property. We did not allow anyone to enter our backyard from the Borough nor did our Landlord permit them as his Agent and notify us. Is this... View More
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answered on Mar 4, 2024
The question of whether Code Enforcement can enter your backyard without permission largely depends on local laws and regulations. Typically, code enforcement officers are allowed to inspect properties for violations of local ordinances, which can include issues visible from public spaces. However,... View More
Owed me a duty, broke into my locked room with body-worn cameras when I had no medical condition.
Just called dispatcher for noise complaint
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answered on Mar 2, 2024
In New Jersey, to file a notice of tort claim against a law enforcement officer, you will need to use a specific form that complies with the New Jersey Tort Claims Act. This form serves as a preliminary step to formally notify the relevant government entity of your intention to sue. The Notice of... View More
The 1099c was sent to an old Address from 13 years ago and in my maiden name. How can I be penalized for information I never recieved?
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answered on Feb 28, 2024
When you receive a letter from the IRS stating that you didn't report income from a 1099-C, it's important to address the issue promptly, even if the information was sent to an outdated address and in a name you no longer use. The IRS assesses taxes based on income information reported to... View More
I am just looking to obtain the phone call recordings between myself and 4 other individuals that occurred between Nov 29th of 2023 to Dec 4th of 2023 on a specific date and time..I can attach the screenshot of the dates and times
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answered on Jan 21, 2024
In New Jersey, as a private citizen, you do have the right to request recordings of your phone calls with law enforcement personnel. This request can typically be made under the state's Open Public Records Act (OPRA). OPRA allows for the public to access government records, which can include... View More
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answered on Dec 15, 2023
In New Jersey, the legality of making and owning a low-voltage railgun, particularly as a minor, is a complex issue. While railguns are not traditional firearms, they could potentially be classified under weapons laws depending on their capabilities and the intent for use.
New Jersey has... View More
My friend, a green card holder in the U.S. for 17 years, inadvertently voted in a federal election after receiving a voter ballot, mistakenly believing he was eligible. He has not been contacted by immigration authorities and has cast a vote. Following advice from a paralegal, he is sending a form... View More
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answered on Apr 17, 2025
You should immediately send your cancellation form to your local election office and request written confirmation of deregistration. Keep copies of your letter, proof of mailing, and any written responses to document your corrective action.
Reach out to an immigration attorney to review... View More
While riding my bike for exercise at 3:40 AM in New Jersey, a car stopped me, and the driver demanded my ID. I didn't have it while riding a bike, and the situation escalated to the use of force, resulting in an administrative obstructing charge against me. Later, a traffic ticket was issued... View More
answered on Apr 14, 2025
No its not typical, but then neither is riding your bike at 3AM. That being said if you committed a traffic infraction it is typical to be stopped by a police officer at any time of day to warrant a stop and ticketing. I suggest hiring a lawyer.
I had a commercial unit impounded by a police department in a township in Essex County, NJ, on January 4, 2025, due to a mistake where they ran the wrong plate but issued violations with the correct plate. The violations were dropped in court. Despite this, the tow yard charged nearly $2000 to... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
You have the option to file a claim in New Jersey's small claims court for the wrongful impound of your commercial unit and the related charges. Small claims court is designed to allow individuals to resolve disputes involving smaller amounts of money, typically up to $5,000 in New Jersey, but... View More
I am a U.S. citizen born in New Jersey but currently living abroad. I plan to visit New Jersey to change my surname and apply for a name change petition at the court. What documents do I need for the application, considering my current residency abroad? I have my birth certificate and legal ties to... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
To apply for a surname change in New Jersey, you will need to submit a petition to the court, even if you are living abroad. Since you are a U.S. citizen born in New Jersey, your birth certificate will be a key document to include. It serves as proof of your identity and residency ties to the... View More
I am a U.S. citizen residing abroad and wish to change my name for personal reasons. My last U.S. residency was in New Jersey. I do not currently have legal representation and have not yet checked specific requirements for name changes in New Jersey. I am also residing in a country that requires me... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
To apply for a name change in New Jersey while living abroad, you first need to file a petition with the New Jersey Superior Court. This petition will include your current name, the name you wish to change to, and the reasons for the change. You'll need to complete the appropriate forms, which... View More
I am a citizen living abroad, and I want to change my name through the court in New Jersey. My current citizenship is valid, and the change involves my family name. I have a U.S. passport, Social Security card, and birth certificate. What documents do I need to submit to the court for a name change?
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
To request a name change in New Jersey while living abroad, you’ll need to file a petition with the court. Along with the petition, you will typically need to submit a copy of your U.S. passport, Social Security card, and birth certificate as proof of your identity and citizenship. You may also... View More
I am a U.S. citizen living abroad and wish to change my surname in New Jersey, the state where I was born. This is my first name change. I plan to file the petition remotely after I turn 18 in November. I have my birth certificate but need legal assistance to proceed. What documents are required to... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
To change your surname remotely in New Jersey, you’ll need to file a name change petition with the Superior Court in the county where you were born. The primary documents you’ll need include your birth certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a completed petition form, which you can obtain... View More
I applied for a Social Security Number in New Jersey in 2001 and submitted all the required documents to the Social Security Administration office. However, I never received the card by mail. When I contacted the Social Security Administration, I was informed that they can't provide... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
You’ve been waiting a long time for clarity, and it’s completely reasonable to want answers—especially since you followed all the steps back in 2001. The Social Security Administration (SSA) usually requires in-person verification for issues like this, especially if you never received your... View More
As an armed security officer working under a federal contract, we've been told by an inspector that we're required to stand when a Federal Police officer enters a room. On March 26th, the officer implied that standing is expected, but there's no post order detailing this requirement.... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
It sounds like you're in a challenging situation where there's a lack of clarity and written guidelines regarding expectations from Federal Police officers. Without clear post orders or official documentation, it’s difficult to know what is actually required of you. The first step is to... View More
I work for the State of New Jersey and have been a union member for 7 years. Recently, a person who reported to me was promoted, and this resulted in my ejection from the union. I spoke with my union representative, but I haven't received an explanation as to why I was ejected. There have been... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
First, it’s good that you’ve already scheduled a meeting with HR. During this meeting, make sure to clearly ask for an explanation of why you were removed from the union, especially if your job title and responsibilities haven’t changed. It's possible that the union has a specific policy... View More
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