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
In a New Jersey township auction with a sealed bidding process between two individuals, a sliding bid started at $5,000, indicating willingness to pay up to $11,500. This allowed them to win the property despite not having the highest single bid. Is it legal and ethical for such a sliding bid to be... View More
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answered on May 15, 2025
In New Jersey, township auctions typically follow a strict bidding process, and the highest bid is often the deciding factor in awarding property. However, a sliding bid approach—where a bidder indicates a willingness to pay a range rather than a single price—may raise concerns about fairness... View More
I have been verbally notified that my contract as a facility administrator with a public school district in New Jersey, where I've worked for three years, will not be renewed. Each year, my contract was previously renewed. My current contract specifies a 60-day termination clause to be... View More
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answered on May 15, 2025
Since your current contract specifies a 60-day termination clause that requires formal notification, the verbal notification you received may not fulfill the contractual requirement for written notice. In this case, the first step is to request formal written notification of the non-renewal from... View More
I am seeking forms to file for the expungement of a voluntary civil commitment from 33 years ago. I can only find forms for involuntary commitment and was informed there is a difference in paperwork. How can I obtain the correct forms for my situation?
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answered on May 15, 2025
To check if there is an arrest warrant under your name in Tennessee, you can begin by contacting the local sheriff’s department or the police department in the county where you live or where you believe the warrant may have been issued. They can provide you with information regarding any... View More
I was convicted by plea under section 24-4(a)(2), the non-sexual section, in New Jersey. I completed all the requirements related to this conviction in 2015 and have no other crimes on my record. I'm considering expungement to clear my record for admission to an over-55 community to buy a... View More
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answered on May 15, 2025
In New Jersey, you may be eligible to expunge a conviction under N.J.S.A. 24:4-4(a)(2) after 10 years if you have completed all the requirements of your sentence and have no other criminal convictions. The waiting period for expungement of a non-sexual conviction is typically 10 years from the date... View More
I want to know if a license is required to hold bingo games at a private campground in Lower Township, Cape May, NJ. The games are only open to residents and private owners of the park. Participants need to purchase bingo cards, but there is no additional fee to play. The camp owners are concerned... View More
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answered on May 15, 2025
In New Jersey, bingo games are generally regulated under specific state laws, particularly if they involve any type of prize or monetary exchange. Since participants are required to purchase bingo cards, even though there’s no additional fee to play, this could still fall under the category of... View More
I used a racial slur while under duress during a phone call with a medical doctor who, in my opinion, was implying they wouldn't treat my condition for an additional two weeks unless I had an appointment, even though I had one and labs done two days prior. The phone calls might be recorded.... View More
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answered on May 15, 2025
It’s understandable that you were upset and overwhelmed during a moment where you felt dismissed or unheard, especially when it involves your health. That kind of stress can lead to reactions you may not have intended or fully thought through. However, using a racial slur, even under duress, can... View More
I own a solid waste hauling business in New Jersey, operating exclusively within the state with a fleet of six trucks, each weighing over 80,000 lbs. I've been paying taxes on commercial truck repairs but was informed that they might be exempt due to the fleet size and truck weight. I... View More
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answered on May 15, 2025
Yes, commercial truck repairs may be tax-exempt in New Jersey under certain conditions, especially when the trucks are part of a qualified solid waste or commercial motor vehicle fleet. According to New Jersey tax regulations, repairs and replacement parts for certain motor vehicles—such as those... View More
I have been contacted by child protection services regarding a domestic dispute involving my girlfriend and her ex-partner. Although I have not received a formal written request, the caseworker set up an appointment for me to complete a drug screen, which I did not attend. I consider my... View More
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answered on May 15, 2025
What you're facing is stressful, especially since you weren’t involved in the original incident. In New Jersey, child protection services can ask individuals closely connected to a case—especially those living with or regularly around the child—to take a drug screen as part of their... View More
My fiancé passed away on October 27, 2024, sitting on the stairs leading to the westbound platform at Newark Broad Street Station on NJ Transit property. Six months later, we have not received the toxicology report or cause of death, and we suspect there may be information being withheld. Despite... View More
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answered on May 14, 2025
What you’re going through is heartbreaking, and not having answers only adds to the pain and confusion. After six months with no toxicology report or clear cause of death, your concern is entirely valid. When a death happens on public property, especially under unusual circumstances, authorities... View More
I am concerned about neglect and living conditions at the Avenel Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Avenel, New Jersey. Inmates have reported issues like "blanket wars," where some have not received clean blankets for about two months. Additionally, the facility's temperature... View More
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answered on May 14, 2025
You and your fellow inmates don’t have to endure unsanitary or dangerous conditions without recourse—start by using the facility’s internal grievance process to document each issue (missing blankets, extreme heat, denial of basic hygiene) and push for a written response.
If the... View More
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