Asked & Answered

Q: I have requested a copy of the police report about a family member’s death in New Jersey They won’t let me have a copy. A: New Jersey’s Open Public Records Act provides that “government records shall be readily accessible for inspection, copying, or examination by the citizens of this State, with certain exceptions, for the protection of the public interest, and any limitations on the right of access … shall be construed in favor

Q: I requested that two statements be read on the public record at a County Board of Supervisors meeting. This board met in spite of the fact that the meeting was closed to the public due to Coronavirus pandemic, and they stipulated that emailed statements would be read and failed to do so. What is my recourse, if any? A: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Newsom issued executive orders N-25-20 and N-29-20, which temporarily suspend any Brown Act requirements “expressly or impliedly

Q: If someone filed a complaint with the county zoning office about my property can I obtain a copy of the complaint to determine who filed this complaint? A: Yes – the document is public record subject to the California Public Records Act (the “CPRA”).  In addition, the CPRA applies to all local agencies, including school districts and any board or commission of a city, county or other political subdivision.  See Gov’t Code section 6252(b).  We typically

Q: I was arrested for DUI three months ago. Since then the DMV has dropped the case against me because I had 0.00 BAC.The officer believed me to be under the influence. I adamantly denied his accusations but none the less he arrested me.Now the probable cause is what concerns me. I am being told numerous different reasons why I was originally pulled over.I believe that obtaining the body camera footage (as well as the

Q: I was terminated earlier this year from a job on a social media team at an entity that was publicly funded. Despite never sending a Direct Message, or a Tweet to or about the organization, I was blocked from those apps at a time when important COVID-19 information was being released to the general public. Because of the block placed on my Twitter account, I was unable to see this vital information. A public