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INFORMATION
EXPERTS Public Records = Public Access IT'S THE LAW
THE BAD NEWS -- Many people believe that if a record exists, that buzz word phrase from the sixties and seventies, the FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, will make the entity holding the record cough it up. Were it so!
If the custodian of the record is a private entity, its records are likely to be beyond the power of the FOIA (with certain exceptions). If the custodian of the record is a state or local government, the FOIA does not apply. The FOIA applies ONLY to records administered by the Federal Government.
THE GOOD NEWS -- All Federal, State and Local government records, with certain exceptions, MUST BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Despite statutory and case law to this effect, it is simply the nature of government bureaucrats, clerks and other Minions of officialdom to hoard records and prevent their disclosure to "outsiders", you the public.
The PROBLEMS ARE: Where are the records? How do you request them? How much does it cost? What do I do if they say NOOOOOO! Will I get in trouble if I ask? Will they open a file on me if there is not already one open?
We are well experienced with breaking up the log jam.
Private Records = Private Access
In many cases, our clients and their circumstances warrant special standing in the eyes of information custodians. If you are legally entitled to know, we can help you find out. Call us. We can help.
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