Legal Hotline

FAC's Free Legal Hotline

The Legal Hotline provides information about access to public records and the right to attend government meetings in California; access to court documents and proceedings in California and federal courts; and First Amendment protections for freedom of speech and freedom of the press. The hotline does not cover questions outside these areas of law.

In responding to hotline questions, FAC may provide general background about relevant laws, but it does not provide legal advice or opinions about specific cases, such as how to file a lawsuit or whether any given lawsuit is a good or bad idea. A hotline response does not by itself form an attorney-client relationship or make any promises, although FAC treats hotline questions as confidential communications and may provide referrals to other counsel.

For reporters on deadline with an interview request, please email us.

FAC responds to hotline questions as soon as it can and prioritizes responding to reporters on deadline, who are encouraged to note their deadline in the request.

It’s possible the Hotline has already addressed a similar question. Please feel free to visit our Asked & Answered page and search the database of past hotline questions and answers, or search our Explainers section to see answers to commonly asked questions. But please do not feel obligated to do so before submitting your question.

FAC provides this Hotline service for free, thanks to support from people like you. Help keep FAC’s programs free and consider making a contribution of any size.

General Information

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Hotline Inquiry

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We prioritize urgent requests. Is your request time-sensitive? For instance, are you a reporter on deadline or a journalist facing a subpoena?(Required)

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Other Information

FAC offers specialized trainings and resources to meet the needs of journalists, lawyers, and those who engage in activism of all kinds. To help us reach you with relevant information, please select all that apply to you:

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Hotline User

Please Note:

A Hotline attorney will get back to you by phone or email (most likely by email) within a matter of days. Reporters on deadline should note that in the subject of the request and expect a rapid response.

It’s possible the Hotline lawyers have already answered a similar question. Visit our Asked & Answered page and search the database of past hotline questions and answers. Or search our Explainers section to see answers to commonly asked questions.

The hotline is not for legal questions outside these areas of law. And it does not provide legal services or legal representation, like preparing documents or appearing in court.

FAC makes this service free, thanks to support from people like you. Help keep FAC’s programs free and consider making a contribution of any size. All of FAC’s supporters and members are given priority in access to Hotline attorneys.